The Road Reflected

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Cars with a side of cookies, coffee, and pie! There are plenty of gearhead reviews out there that rattle off horsepower and torque and sort of sound like someone just grabbed the spec sheet and started reading. I can do that - but it's not all that interesting. I review cars for real people. People who want to know about the little things and big things that make you love or hate your car. Is it comfy? Is there a place for all your stuff? Can you climb into the third row without being a contortionist? Is the infotainment so fiddly it makes you want to take a sledgehammer to the screen? I'll tell you. This is automotive content from the lighter side. Also, I like cookies and coffee so be prepared for some of that, too.

Nicole Wakelin


    • Apr 29, 2024 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekly NEW EPISODES
    • 27m AVG DURATION
    • 55 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from The Road Reflected

    Ep 55: Lynk & Co and Exploring Provence

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2024 26:22


    On this week's podcast, Nicole drives the Lynk & Co 01 that's not even available in the US. She also finds a beautiful road to drive through Provence and discovers a sweet treat called calissons.  

    Ep 54: Fiat 500e and Buick Enclave

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2024 29:50


    On this week's podcast, Nicole drives the new Fiat 500e in Miami and gets a first look at the all-new 2025 Buick Enclave at a special preview in Detroit. She also heads to France where she eats far too many pink pralines.  

    Ep 53: Jeep Wrangler 4xe and Hyundai Santa Fe

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 8, 2024 28:12


    On this week's podcast, Nicole drives the 2024 Jeep Wrangler 4xe which gets a few updates including a styling refresh. She also shares her thoughts on the all-new 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe with its fancy interior and family-friendly design.

    Ep 52: Honda Ridgeline and Jeep

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 2, 2024 26:11


    On this week's podcast, Nicole drives the Honda Ridgeline after spending the early part of the week playing with Jeep Concept cars in Moab, Utah. She also talks about her favorite Easter treats because who doesn't like food shaped like a bunny?  

    Ep 51: Buick Envista and Jeep Concepts

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 25, 2024 26:10


    On this week's podcast, Nicole drives the Buick Envista and gets ready to head out to Easter Jeep Safari to see the latest Jeep concepts. She also has amazing chocolate from Belgium.  

    Ep 50: Hyundai Palisade and Lincoln Nautilus

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 18, 2024 27:51


    On this week's podcast, Nicole drives two very different SUVs, the Hyundai Palisade and the all-new 2024 Lincoln Nautilus. She also heads south to enjoy a little Nashville hot chicken.

    Ep 49: Infiniti QX60 and Pizza

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 11, 2024 23:03


    On this week's podcast, Nicole drives the Infiniti QX60 luxury SUV and goes on a rant about the challenge of air vents that can only be adjusted through the infotainment screen. She also finds the best pepperoni pizza ever.

    Ep 48: Ford Maverick and Ram 1500

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 4, 2024 26:27


    On this week's podcast, it's all trucks all the time as Nicole drives the Ford Maverick and the Ram 1500. And since it's March, she gets into the St. Patrick's Day spirit with some green food.  

    Ep 47: Dodge Hornet and VW ID7

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2024 27:47


    On this week's podcast, Nicole drives the Dodge Hornet and gets a quick spin in the VW ID7 for judging the World Car Awards. She also eats way to many Girl Scout cookies.  

    Ep 46: Honda Passport and Mazda CX-70

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2024 25:38


     On this week's podcast, Nicole drives the Honda Passport and gets a first look at the Mazda CX-70. She also heads to New York City and finds the most amazing bagels.  

    Ep 45: Tesla Cybertruck and Subaru Outback

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 12, 2024 29:51


    On this week's podcast, Nicole drives the Subaru Outback and actually wishes there was some snow. She also gets her first look at the Tesla Cybertruck at the Chicago Auto Show and eats her fill of deep dish pizza.

    Ep 44: Toyota Prius and Waffles

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 5, 2024 26:24


    On this week's podcast, Nicole drives the Toyota Prius on an adventure up to Killington, VT. She also shares her thoughts on the all-new Lexus GX and finds amazing waffles at Subaru WinterFest.

    Ep 43: Mazda 3 and Lexus GX

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 29, 2024 25:12


    On this week's podcast, Nicole drives the Mazda 3 hatchback before heading to Arizona to check out the Lexus GX. She also finds amazing cookies at, of all places, a kiosk in the Minneapolis airport.  

    Ep 42: Mazda CX-50 and Tesla

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 22, 2024 23:56


    This week Nicole drives the Mazda CX-50 as freezing cold weather hits New England and the Midwest, where there was a bit of Tesla chaos on the charging front. She also heads out for some ice cream, because it's never too cold for a frozen treat.  

    Ep 41: Hyundai Tucson and Donuts

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 16, 2024 24:07


    This week Nicole drives the Hyundai Tucson through yet another snowstorm. She also adventures up into the mountains of New Hampshire and finds amazing donuts at a Polish bakery.

    Ep 40: Jeep, Honda, and Winter Driving

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 8, 2024 25:30


    In this episode, Nicole drives through all the snow in both a Jeep Wrangler and a Honda Accord as winter weather finally arrives. She also talks about her winter driving pet peeves and finds amazing French toast at a local diner.  

    Ep 39: Honda Accord Hybrid, Christmas, and Cheese

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 1, 2024 28:08


    In this episode, Nicole spends lots of time with the Honda Accord Hybrid hauling around her family over the Christmas break. She also fits a giant gingerbread house in a Jeep Wrangler and eats way too much cheese.  

    Ep 38: Volvo XC60, Driving in Europe, and Christmas Treats

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 18, 2023 26:57


    In this episode, Nicole drives a rental Volvo XC60 through the twisting roads of Europe and wonders just how some of the two lane roads are supposed to actually fit two cars. She also shares her favorite sweets found in Europe's Christmas markets.

    Ep 37: Ford Bronco Sport, NACTOY, and Christmas

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 11, 2023 31:04


    This week, Nicole drives the Ford Bronco Sport Heritage Edition and discusses the North American Car, Truck, and Utility of the Year finalists. She also dishes on all the amazing food found in Europe's Christmas markets.

    Ep 36: Tesla Cybertruck, Toyota Tacoma, and Scones

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 4, 2023 33:15


    This week, Nicole talks about the Tesla Cybertruck that everyone loves to hate and the Toyota Tacoma that everyone just loves. She also takes a trip to the UK and goes on a quest for scones.  

    Ep 35: Mercedes Benz AMG GLS 63 and Cookies

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 27, 2023 25:40


    This week's podcast has Nicole driving the luxurious Mercedes Benz AMG GLS 63. She also heads to LA for the World Car Awards test drives and then gets home just in time to start baking Christmas cookies.  

    Ep 34: Toyota Camry, Subaru Crosstrek, and Thanksgiving

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 20, 2023 27:33


    On this week's podcast, Nicole heads to LA for the debut of the 2025 Toyota Camry and 2025 Toyota Crown Signia. On the home front, she's driving around in the Subaru Crosstrek and tries to figure out which pies to have for Thanksgiving.  

    Ep 33: Alfa Romeo Tonale PHEV, Mille Miglia Race, and Pizza

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 13, 2023 26:25


    On this week's podcast, Nicole drives the Alfa Romeo Tonale PHEV for this year's Mille Miglia race in Middleburg, Virginia. She also debated whether traditional New York pizza or fancy craft pizza is best.

    Ep 32: Volvo EX30, Volvo V60 Cross Country, and Candy

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 6, 2023 28:34


    On this week's podcast, Nicole talks about the all-new Volvo EX30 electric car that's set to arrive in the US early next year. She also gets behind the wheel of the Volvo V60 Cross Country wagon and eats way too much leftover Halloween candy.

    Ep 31: Ford Maverick, Electric Bike, and Bread

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 30, 2023 25:22


    On this week's podcast, Nicole spends time in the affordable and practical Ford Maverick truck. She also takes to the trails on a Gocycle electric bike for some fall fun and enjoys a basic but delicious bread in Barcelona.  

    Ep 30: Kia Seltos, Chevy Trax, and Donuts

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 23, 2023 25:52


    Desc: This week Nicole drives the Kia Seltos and Chevy Trax, two crossovers that are great for those who don't want a large SUV. She also tries delicious donuts in Spain.  Links: Boldu https://www.boldu.es/  

    Ep 29: BMW M2, Lexus TX, and BBQ

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 16, 2023 27:59


    On the latest podcast, Nicole spends some time driving the BMW M2 coupe and all its sports car fun. She also heasd to Texas for some BBQ and to drive the all-new Lexus TX SUV with three-rows of seating that make it perfect for a family road trip Links: Terry Black's BBQ: https://terryblacksbbq.com/  

    Ep 28: Volvo S60 Hybrid, Kia Electric, and Breakfast

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 9, 2023 27:51


    This episode of the podcast is electrified with the Volvo S60 Recharge plug-in hybrid and the Kia EV9 electric SUV. We also chat about why breakfast is the best meal of the day.  

    Ep 27: Chevy Silverado, Subaru Crosstrek, and Fall Food

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 2, 2023 28:51


    In this episode, Nicole talks about her time behind the wheel of the Chevy Silverado Trail Boss Z71 and how truck guys have serious thoughts about tailgates. She also talks about the Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness and why pumpkin is the best of fall foods even though Dunkin Donuts is messing up their muffins.

    Ep 26: Kia Electric, Polaris Adventures, and Poutine

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 25, 2023 26:44


    This week, Nicole spends some time driving around Walla Walla, Washington driving the full Kia electric range from plug-in hybrids to full EVs. She also goes on an off-road adventure with Polaris that is heavy on the mud and debates the merits of a really good poutine.  

    Ep 25: Jeep News, GMC Sierra Truck, and Southern Food

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 18, 2023 28:52


    On this week's episode, Nicole and Russ talk about the latest Jeep news as the updated Gladiator makes its debut at the Detroit Auto Show along with the cool new Jeep collab with Merrell. They also discuss the GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X AEV with all its off-road goodies and the fun of introducing southern food to friends from Wales.  

    Ep 24: Ford F-150 Truck and BBQ

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 11, 2023 32:01


    Nicole and special guest BBQ pitmaster Danielle Bennett aka Diva Q talk about the Ford truck lineup from the F-150 to the Super Duty to the Raptor and what it's like towing with one across the country and back again for BBQ competitions. Diva Q also shares her thoughts on BBQ and her favorite drink to enjoy while waiting for the meat to be just right.  

    Ep 23: Hyundai Palisade, Volvo EX30, and Sweet Cookies

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 4, 2023 28:38


    This week's show highlights the Hyundai Palisade SUV and its versatility for handling a weekend getaway with friends. We also talk about the upcoming Volvo EX30 and wrap things up with a discussion of whether cookies taste better when they're fun shapes.

    Ep 22: BMW Z4, Mazda CX-30, and Cookies!

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 28, 2023 27:38


    This week, Nicole and Russ had some fun with the BMW Z4 convertible which is perfect for enjoying the last days of summer. They also spent some drive time in the sporty Mazda CX-30 and squeezed in a trip to Florida where they stood in line for cookies at Gideon's Bakehouse and it was so worth the wait.  

    Ep 21: Monterey Car Week, Mille Miglia, and Donuts

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 21, 2023 31:15


    This week I chat with “That Porsche Girl” Lara Newton about the crazy that is Monterey Car Week and the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. We also share our experience running the Mille Miglia, both at the US Warm-Up and in Italy. Finally, we wrap things up with Lara's favorite place for donuts in LA.  

    Ep 20: Toyota Land Cruiser, Mercedes Benz SUV, and Cheesecake

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 14, 2023 29:32


    This week we share our thoughts on the debut of the new Toyota Land Cruiser and whether its style and off-road capability hit the mark. We also chat about driving the Mercedes Benz EQE SUV with its beautiful luxury interior and find an amazing place for cheesecake in Wisconsin.  

    Ep 19: Honda Civic Type R, Lexus RX, and Best Bagels

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2023 30:00


    This week, Nicole and Russ talk about the Honda Civic Type R and the fun, and challenges, of driving a sporty little hatchback. They also talk about the Lexus RX SUV and its road trip potential along with where you can find the best bagels. It's not always in New York City.

    Ep 18: VinFast, What 3 Words, and Best British Snacks

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 31, 2023 29:25


    This week I'm joined by Giles Rhys Jones of What3Words to learn about how driving to a precise location doesn't always require GPS coordinates. We also chat about the new VinFast electric vehicle plant opening in North Carolina and which British snacks are the best.   What3Words Related Links: https://what3words.com/ iOS App - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/what3words/id657878530 Android App -https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.what3words.android&hl=en_GB&gl=US  

    Ep 17: Toyota Sequoia,Two Lexus SUVs, and Italian Ice

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 23, 2023 28:23


    Nicole is joined by Jill Ciminillo to talk about the new Toyota Sequoia SUV and whether its third row and cargo area are an improvement or just different. They also discuss the new Lexus GX and Lexus TX SUVs that recently debuted while Jill shares her favorite place for italian ice in Chicago.  

    Ep 16: Mercedes Benz EQS SUV, New Buick Envista, and Chocolate

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2023 29:18


    Nicole and guest co-host Tanya Gazdik from MediaPost chat about the Mercedes Benz EQS SUV electric vehicle and its massive infotainment screen. They also share their thoughts on the new Buick Envista after their drive together to Hell, and wrap things up with a revisit to a favorite chocolate store.  

    Ep 15: Nissan Z, Jeep Wrangler, and Best Disney Treat

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2023 29:38


    Nicole drives the Nissan Z sports car and decides bright car colors are always better, then heads off-road in the new Jeep Wrangler and has fun with the ridiculous horsepower in the 392. Lastly, a trip to Disney leads to a discussion about which treat is the best and whether being shaped like Mickey Mouse makes things taste better.   Links mentioned: Beignets Expressed https://www.beignetsexpressed.com/ Jason Sasaki (Sasaki Time) https://www.instagram.com/sasakitime  

    Ep 14: New Honda Accord Hybrid, Toyota Grand Highlander, and BonBonBon Chocolate

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 3, 2023 27:46


    Nicole and special guest Kristin Shaw share what they love about the new Honda Accord Hybrid and why it's the perfect road trip car. They also share their thoughts on the new Toyota Grand Highlander SUV and talk about a few favorite treats from chocolate to dough bites.  

    chocolate hybrid toyota honda honda accord honda accord hybrid toyota grand highlander
    Ep 13: Mercedes Benz GLE SUV, Toyota GR Special Edition, and Buffalo Wings

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2023 26:52


    Nicole and special guest Lauren Fix of Car Coach Reports talk about the new Toyota GR Special Editions with all their sports car upgrades. They also chat about the new Mercedes Benz GLE SUV and which restaurant has the best wings in Buffalo, New York. Lauren Fix: https://carcoachreports.com/  

    Ep 12: Dodge Charger, Morocco Adventures, and Dinner in Napa

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2023 26:09


    Nicole and special guest Lyn Woodward from Kelley Blue Book talk about the Last Call for the Dodge Charger and the slow goodbye to muscle cars. Lyn also shares her adventure driving through Morocco in a Jeep that may have seen better days along with an amazing place to stop for dinner in Napa California.   Links; Cyrus Resturant:  https://cyrusrestaurant.com/ Lyn Woodward: Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lyn__woodward Kelley Blue Book https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCj9yUGuMVVdm2DqyvJPUeUQ  

    Ep 11: Lincoln Corsair PHEV, Genesis Electrified G80, and Pancakes

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2023 26:25


    Nicole reviews two electrified luxury vehicles this week starting with the 2023 Lincoln Corsair PHEV and its fancy air filtration system that came in handy thanks to the Canadian wildfires. She also reviews the 2023 Genesis Electrified G80 EV which once again proves Genesis delivers a lot of luxury bang for the buck and then decides a pancake road trip is in order.

    Ep 10: Kia Telluride SUV, VW IDBuzz EV, and Turkish Food

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2023 26:01


    Nicole reviews the 2023 Kia Telluride SUV that's ready for family adventures with three rows of seating and room for cargo. She also gets a look at the new three-row VW IDBuzz EV with its retro styling for family life and stops for some amazon Turkish food on the way to the airport.

    Ep 9: Mercedes AMG G-Wagon and Genesis G90 Reviews, Crumbl Cookies

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2023 25:46


    This week Nicole reviews the Mercedes AMG G-Wagon and Genesis G90. These two luxury vehicles are both pricey, but they take very different approaches to luxury with one over-the-top SUV that demands attention and one elegant sedan that flies under the radar. She also indulges in her absolute favorite place for cookies -Crumbl.  Crumble Cookies Link: https://crumblcookies.com/  

    Ep 8: Rivian R1S, Genesis Electrified GV70, and Donuts

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2023 26:27


    The Rivian R1S SUV is the latest electric car to grace Nicole's driveway with room for seven and a high-tech interior with an infotainment screen that does maybe a little too much. She also spends some time with the Genesis Electrified GV70, which takes a more traditional approach to luxury that might be the winner of the two. A trip to Hawaii was also in the mix, and that means tasty donuts! Manuela Malasadas: https://www.instagram.com/manuelamalasadashawaii/  

    Ep 7: Toyota RAV4, VinFast VF8, and Canadian Pork Pie

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2023 25:58


    On this episode of The Road Reflected Podcast, Nicole drives the Toyota RAV4 to Newport and back again and discovers just how much cargo this small SUV can hold. She also flew out to San Diego to drive the new VinFast VF8 electric crossover with a bunch of Canadians, and then came home to her favorite bakery and Canadian pork pie...

    Ep 6: New GMC Canyon Truck, Subaru Impreza, and Coffee

    Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2023 27:04


    On this episode of The Road Reflected Podcast, Nicole drives the new GMC Canyon midsize truck off-road in Asheville, North Carolina through the mud and muck in the new AT4X trim. She also spends some time in the new Subaru Impreza RS, which has more power than the rest of the lineup and stops for some amazing coffee and cookies.

    Ep 5: Mazda CX-90 PHEV, EV vs. Hybrid, Cinnamon Rolls in North Carolina

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2023 26:20


    On this episode of The Road Reflected Podcast, Nicole spends the week in the all-new Mazda CX-90 plug-in hybrid. This PHEV has three rows of seating with room for the whole family in a spacious and absolutely beautiful interior. She also talks about hybrid vs EVs in the rush toward electrification and heads to Asheville, North Carolina where she enjoys the most indulgent cinnamon rolls.  

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