Advertise on podcast: Big Jim's Garage podcast with Jim O'Brien

Welcome to the our new RPM (Reviews, Performance and Motorsports) podcast: This week we're talking #Toyota 4Runner Trailhunter, #Volkswagen Taos and Tiguan - then we shift (see what I did there?) to interviews with #IndyCar driver Kyffin Simpson and #IMSA legend and #Cadillac driver Jack Aitken. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Welcome to RPM #reviews #performance and #motorsports in Big Jim's Garage - something new for 2026. This episode we talk with #RAM Trucks CEO Tim Kuniskis about their truck program and Tony Stewart driving for them at Daytona. Then our focus turns to three #Stellantis vehicles from 2025 that really made an impression. The RAM 1500 Rebel Crew Cab 4x4 - the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk 4xe and the Alfa Romeo Tonale AWD. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Wrapping up the year in review with everything from the Toyota GR86 Hakone, GR Corolla to Hyundai Santa Cruz and Maserati Grecale See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Welcome to Episode 2 of the year-end in review series — the SUV & Crossover Showdown, where we break down the best luxury SUVs, family haulers, off-road crossovers, and daily drivers from the past 12 months of test drives. If it seats five, seven, or makes you rethink switching to a truck, it’s in here. This episode covers some of the most important and competitive segments in the automotive world, featuring in-depth impressions, performance notes, and real-world takeaways from Big Jim's test-drive log. Vehicles featured include: LUXURY SUVS • 2025 Maserati Grecale Modena — Italian emotional buying at its finest • 2026 Genesis GV70 3.5T Sport Prestige — still the value king of luxury • 2026 Genesis G80 3.5T Sport Prestige (sedan comparison piece) • 2025 Lexus LX 700h Overtrail — luxury meets old-school off-road muscle 3-ROW FAMILY SUVS • 2026 Mazda CX-90 S Premium Plus • 2026 Hyundai Palisade XRT AWD • 2025 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy Night Edition • 2025 Lexus TX 500h F Sport AWD (optional segment placement) MID-SIZE / ADVENTURE CROSSOVERS • 2025 Mazda CX-50 Turbo Meridian Edition • 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Calligraphy • 2025 Toyota Crown Signia Limited COMPACT CROSSOVERS • 2025 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD SUV / TRUCK CROSSOVER • 2025 Toyota Tundra TRD Rally Across the episode, Jim breaks down why some of these SUVs punch above their price point, which ones outperform their reputations, and where luxury brands and mainstream brands are starting to overlap. You’ll hear insights like: “Maserati sells a feeling — this is an emotional buy.”“Genesis keeps punching way above its weight.”“Mazda isn’t ‘budget’ anymore — they’re coming after BMW.”“This is the SUV I’d recommend to 90% of families.”EPISODE STRUCTURE: Segment 1 — Luxury Throwdown Segment 2 — The Family Room on Wheels Segment 3 — Adventure & Everyday Crossovers Segment 4 — Rugged Specials If you’re shopping for a luxury SUV, a family three-row, or something that can get muddy on the weekends, this is the episode to hear before you buy. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jim O’Brien breaks down the biggest EV and electrified vehicles heading into 2025 and 2026 in this year-end RPM roundup. From performance EVs to family hybrids, this episode gives you a clean, fact-based look at what matters — with real specs, real impressions, and the Jim “seat-time” angle for Michigan drivers. Featured EVs: • 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz Pro S Plus 4MOTION — $67,995, dual-motor AWD, 91-kWh pack, ~260 miles of range, first U.S. long-wheelbase Microbus revival. • 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 N — $66,100, 641 hp in boost mode, performance EV with N Sound and “fake shift” tech, 0–60 in the low 3s. • 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 XRT — ~$48K–$52K, rugged adventure trim, new 84-kWh battery, SUV-style cladding for light-off-road families. Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV): • 2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV Premium Plus — $58,500, 323 hp, 26-mile EV range, 17.8-kWh pack, rear-drive architecture, 3,500-lb towing. Hybrids (HEV): • 2025 Lexus TX 500h F SPORT AWD — ~ $69K, 366-hp hybrid, DIRECT4 AWD, three-row performance-leaning luxury. • 2025 Lexus ES 350 F SPORT — $48,900, non-hybrid but included for electrified tech comparison. • 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid Premium Plus — ~$41K–$45K, Toyota-sourced hybrid system, 38–40 mpg, first hybrid CX-50. • 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Calligraphy AWD — ~$47K–$49K, 36 mpg, dramatic redesign with boxy Land Rover-style look. • 2025 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy Night Edition — ~$55K, not a hybrid in the U.S., included for category comparison. • 2025 Toyota Crown Signia Hybrid — ~$44K–$49K, 243-hp hybrid AWD, 39 mpg, first model year and replaces the Venza. Each segment includes: • Verified MSRPs • Powertrain and battery breakdowns • Notable updates for the model year • “Jim Angle” insights on how each vehicle fits Michigan roads, drivers, and daily life If you want a clear, hype-free look at the most important electrified vehicles hitting the road in 2025–26, this episode is your full guide. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

I sat down with Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis to break down their bold new move for the 2026 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series: a Free Agent Driver Program that puts a different racer behind the wheel of the #25 Ram 1500 for every event. Kuniskis explains why Ram is betting big on unpredictability, fan engagement, and cross-discipline talent — and how this rotating seat will open real doors for new and emerging drivers. We also talk Kaulig Racing, the return of Ram to the grid, and what it really feels like to push 170 mph “on a razor’s edge.” A fresh driver revealed before every race. No points chase (although there's some SERIOUS cash from RAM) — just pure performance. This is Ram’s new era. #RAM #NASCAR #Racing #TimKuniskis See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If you've listen to my podcast over the past couple of years - I tend to describe SUV's as a "belly button" (everyone's got one) - but I have to admit, the Mitsubishi Outlander grew on my during my week driving it. Then we discuss a reasonably priced sedan that's cool...doesn't exist? Wrong. The Kia K4 GT-Line has always been a great platform, but this version of it is their best yet. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, we go from the streets of Detroit to the open road of Modena. First, I sit down with racing legend and stunt driver Tanner Foust at Roadkill Nights to talk Mopar memories, EV racing, Top Gear behind-the-scenes stories, Adam Ferrara’s driving skills, and his ultimate dream cars. Then I take you behind the wheel of two Italian masterpieces — the 2024 Maserati GranTurismo and GranCabrio Trofeo. With Ferrari-derived engines, incredible horsepower, and hand-built craftsmanship, these cars prove why Maserati continues to define passion, performance, and timeless design. If you love motorsports, drifting, Detroit car culture, or high-performance machines, this one’s for you See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Absolute honor to talk car culture with one of the biggest influencers on the planet - Dan Pund is the Editor in Chief of Road & Track. Dan is full of insight and genuine love for the auto industry..and it shows in this conversation.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How good can a sound system be in a vehicle? Had my mind blown by the folks at Klipsch - what they've done in the RAM Truck Tungsten edition is amazing...and what does a connected car really mean? I have a theory of what it SHOULD mean after spending a week with the Nissan Z.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After an amazing British Grand Prix, we talk #FormulaOne with Chris Medland (F1TV, Sirius/XM) - plenty to touch on: Is Lando really back in the title hunt? Where is Max Verstappen going next year? Does Nico's podium change how Cadillac looks at it's drivers lineup?  Deep dive into one of the most compelling F1 seasons in recent history.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This is NOT my normal style of podcast. Recorded at 4:30am in the studio here in Detroit (before my morning show) - sipping coffee and thinking about my week with the 2025 Ford F-150 Hybrid. The evolution of the truck to a true daily driver, and the guy who sold me his FX4 back in 2010 because they'd started a family.  I was little bit introspective on this one - but I'm proud of it.  Jim  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Roman De Angelis is one of the best young drivers in the world - in ANY series of racing. We're very fortunate to have him here with #IMSA for the Detroit Grand Prix this weekend (www.detroitgp.com for tickets). Make sure to look for his green #23 Aston Martin Valkyrie prototype this weekend.  We talk racing here in Detroit, the downtown track, his experiences at LeMans and more.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Always cool to hang out with Ricky Taylor and talk Detroit Grand Prix - his pass for the win in the IMSA race last year was the stuff of legend. We grabbed some burgers and talked racing. Also:  Reviewing a couple of Kia's (the 2025 Carnival Mini-van and the new K4 GT Line) What can you do with Monaco? The two stop strategy didn't work (obviously)  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Fun conversation with NASCAR driver Brad Keselowski and Michigan International Speedway President Joe Fowler about the upcoming race at MIS first week of June (mispeedway.com for tickets). Then I give some initial driving impressions of the RAM Rebel X truck (guess what, I love it).  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.