The Pinkbike Podcast: Episode 80 - The Best Vehicles for Mountain Bikers

 live the microcamper life in a honda hotelment!

 Mine never went anywhere! 260k miles and still going

 Have you seen the Element with aftermarket pop-tops? Neato.

 Love my element. Fits two bikes with just taking off front wheel. Always under cover. Always locked away safe. Plastic/rubber everything so I don’t even think about mud. And it’s 4wd! I will be looking for another element if this one dies.

 @mikelevy: Hiro's Hotrods makes swivel seats for them too!

 The problem is mine never got more than 23 mpg on the highway. If the interior was one foot longer, you could fit bikes in so much easier...

 Yes!!! I recently bought a passport and while it's a great, and very comfortable, car what I really wanted was an updated element.

 Awesome! 540,000 km and mine is still running smooth. Fits all my gear and bikes (on top, out back) and even inside if necessary.

 @TerrapinBen: I lived in my element for a year, it was great!

 @mikelevy: still tempted by an Ursa Minor - my element is _the_ MT BIKE element. PS also a mini nerd

 @TerrapinBen: I was not aware *adds to the list

 I’ve just been amazed to find that the first ever ‘The Straight Pipes’ review was of the Honda Element! No visor test in those days though.

Quite gutted we can’t get the element in the UK.

 @TerrapinBen: I need swivel seats for the front row of my Previa!

 @hamncheez: How did it never go anywhere if it has 260K miles on the clock?

 @DarrellW: got a comedian over here

 @mikelevy

The BEST portable shower, Karcher OC3 mini pressure washer.
Costs little, 4L, rechargeable battery and can buy car charge kit. Boil up some hot water and you’ve got a portable shower, AND you can wash your bike with it too.

Highly recommend to anyone camping

 haha, yeah I've been considering one. They're pricey around here though, especially for AWD. My buddy sold me on the idea when we visited them on Oahu a couple years ago and could fit the two of us, 4 kids, and 3 surfboards INSIDE the van.

 I only hear good things about the Sienna. Sleeper MTB vehicle for sure.

 Whoa - who can? Mini Van Man Can! The other tradeoff (now) is that new Suby's (esp Crosstrek which is just a taller Impreza) have far superior AWD tech than Toyota, hands down, even tho the mpg actually looks just higher on yr mini-van. But - you def have more room in the Sienna and maybe 100 hp higher (which is amazing to still get approx 36mpg (if that's true) hwy & city. Dunno...maybe worth a look & test drive. Having storage space over Suby is obvious though, even the Forester (mom-wagon) and Outback aren't too room. Major down on the Crosstrek is - just small, not a lotta storage. That mini-van look is hard to get over (for me)... the stigma is high. Clearance any good on that thing?

 @chacou: "COVID tax", right? I've been watching them as well and it seems they really hold their value like an old Hilux or 4Runner. Especially given that they have AWD available (and a smattering of available lift kits) while the Odyssey does not.
I'm rallying a RWD Previa and while the new awd/hybrid Sienna is a bit greener at the tailpipe, the green it would deduct from my checking account keeps me in my paid-for eggvan. I too keep my bike in the van. Though I have a 1Up, there are a lot of times I'm doing errands or uh maybe leaving work early and it's ideal to keep the bike safe.

 Hopped on carmax to look at them because I like the idea but holy shit, those mini vans cost as much or more than my tundra. Must be reeeeal nice.

 Meanwhile in the Impreza wagon: i.imgur.com/ikjmhCa.png

 @Mtn-Goat-13: The clearance and approach angles have really changed on the Sienna's over time(for the worse). We are on our second AWD model. They are as reliable s you hear.

As a former outback x 2 owner. The outback is much better off road(not even in the same class) but for the snow i have not noticed that much difference.

 @fabwizard: Word. Well, I just paid off my Crosstrek & w/ a top rack, I can pretty easily get 3 of us in for a roadtrip & all camping gear, beer & bikes so I'm good for now but its still cool seeing what else is out there...even if its a mini-V

 I bought a 2013 Sienna in the last year. Soooooo much room. Chews up highway miles. Kid is happy. Pulls the boat. AWD. Easily sleep in the back. I'm minivan for life.

 @Adamrideshisbike: MiniVanManCan - for life! Hear ya. Ultimately in the end its all just wheels to get us where we want our other wheels to go, and obviously some are better'n others. Can't believe I actually looked the Sienna up online but the soccer mom pics off the bat kinda moved me back a notch...

 @Mtn-Goat-13: The reason the gas mileage is same between the Sienna and the Impreza is that the Impreza was an older 2004 which were notorious for not so great mpg for a compact car, and the 2014 Sienna is front wheel drive. Ground clearance is what I would call, "good enough" as most trailheads I go to have decent enough roads that it's not a concern. I'm not a backcountry driver either, so it works perfect for me.

 Wrong. The best car for mountain biking is, of course, someone elses.

 @hamncheez: way more fuel efficient too!!

 @hamncheez: Patrick McManus taught us this:

“There is nothing better than to be headed into the mountains on a clean fresh day with the sun rising through the trees and good company and good talk and the sense of ease that comes from the knowledge that you are in somebody else's car and it is not your transmission that is going to get torn out on a big rock.”
― Patrick Mcmanus, They Shoot Canoes, Don't They?

 Pick a car and be a dick about it

 @Svinyard: Pat was/still is a national treasure.

 @Svinyard: SHHHH!!! thats where I stole the joke from !

 The fact that the Pontiac aztek wasn't mentioned in this podcast hurt my soul

 True, if you're going the bike rack way just choose any car you like without considering the bikes.

 Transit Connect for the win - seats three riders and fits three bikes. Deadlocks are a must though!

 @ODubhslaine: hard to find a Connect with a back seat.

 @fattybourgeois: theres 3 seats up front with the Trend model. We’re not talking about acres of lateral legroom for the two passengers, but it’ll fit two adult males.

Plus I’m the one driving so cramped legs aren’t a concern of mine

 I drive a 20 y.o., 400.000+ km, beaten like shit Fiat Multipla. I took one of the back seats off, so I can carry my bike, wife and kids, all in 3.99 metres. Alas they discontinued it.

 You've got the caddy life and maxi life too.

 Great idea. We've had Ben on in the past and he was great.

 U+1. Where U is the number of Unimogs you already have.

 Yep, that definitely got a mention. Probably not the best for a daily driver, but they are super cool.

 @bigtim: Funny, there is a guy in Bellingham who has two 'Mogs. One of them pulls a trailer with a jetski on it. I think he's more serious about the apocalypse than anyone else I know.

 All added to the list for the Q&A episode!

 Are bike companies doing anything to help promote responsible disposable of the batteries after they are used up?

 This. I've got concerns as I'm sure a lot of analogue-MTBers have too.

 @freehubfreemind: in short yes. Companies are now aligning themselves with recycling industries to at least process old defunked batteries. I know Pb did an article on Specialized doing it and I think trek and giant are doing it as well?

 Wish I could upvote this more. So many trucks at the trailhead, but shouldn’t we be more concerned about the effect that our transportation has on the nature we love to play in?

 Love the concept of electric but when you dig in is it really better?

To mine 1 ton of lithium it takes 500,000 gallons of water

For 1 tesla battery which is about 1000 pounds, 50,000 yards of earth have to be moved by equipment that uses fossil fuels and it uses 1 million gallons of water

Best way to lower the carbon foot print is to ride your bike to the trails

Also environmental damage is never talked about

Ok, rant over. 2016 outback for the win!! Also just get out and ride!

 @fastlaneflyer: I genuinely don't know, but what's the environmental impact of a gas car?

 @fastlaneflyer: It's been fairly well debunked that a EV is worse for the environment than a normal gas or diesel vehicle. There is an increased production cost in terms of resources but it's way less overall when taking on the longer term and EV's should last longer with less maintenance as well. That includes when charging from the grid, it's way better when a home has solar which is becoming more and more common.

 @heatproofgenie: yes but let’s remember what the grid is powered by! Fossil fuelled power stations still vastly outnumber reusable and nuc’ power plants.

 @heatproofgenie: I think the bigger issue is used EVs are VERY minimal compared to used gas cars. I think of a Tesla the same as an iphone. Theres noone going out to buy an iphone8 when the 12 exists. The newest one is always the one to have. Theyre nothing more than an appliance that gets disposed of when youre done with it

 Not sure that holds up here in the US where vans are less common - every van I see screams 'we're rich and there is lots of expensive shit in here'

 My bike lives inside my Ford Transit van. I never worry about it in there.

 Get stickers like baby on board or Star Wars family stickers and limo tint, it has zero bikes inside

 @MikeyMT: that’s because rich people LOVE to deck their vans out with poseur overlander shit like 32” tires, Maxxtrax(unused), 2 light bars, a bumper mounted rotopax gas can, and a mountains please sticker. Keep it looking like stock and you blend right in.

 @MegaStoke: in UK and Europe the white van is basically invisible, park it anywhere, there’s literally millions of Transit vans on the roads.

It’s why terrorists love them, no one pays them a bit of notice.

 @CustardCountry: Bit off topic, but fair point...

 @Jaib06: don’t even get me started on how much easier it is to move bodies around

 @CustardCountry: Alive. Or not...

 @Jaib06: now that would be telling

 @CustardCountry: once I would have agreed. Now you need a T5. Pimped with 83,247” alloys and a set of Hawaiian flowers on the dash. Perhaps a ‘vanimal’ sticker as well. Preferably the small engine one or ex AA. They are so common now no one notices them. Certainly in my part of the world.

 @CustardCountry: hahaha this is so true, a few years ago when Oktoberfest was still a thing and covid wasn't, I drove the white rental van back from Oktoberfest to the hotel (1 beer only, I swear! Don't drink and drive!). There was a police road block on one of the larger streets and they pulled every single car over for an alcohol test but not ours.

 @MegaStoke: Yeah, man - I love Boise! What part of town do you live in? What color Transit van did you end up getting - I can't decide what color I want.........

 @DizzyNinja: Put: "Caution. Lives snakes in transit." stickers on my Ranger. And then throw in two of those gutter tubes that the snake catchers use in the back with the bike, one with the cap off.

 Transit 15 passenger van easily fits six riders and bikes all inside, or 8 and 8 with a rack. A simple modular bed platform makes it a great stealth camper, too. Even with no lift the stock AWD goes just about anywhere if you’re willing to go slow enough. Just did a 6000+ mile road trip (lots of desert) with zero issues. 85% of the #vanlife stuff is superfluous.

 @ilovedust: haha. So true. The problem with fancy alloy wheels is they’re just not as strong as good old steel wheels, add low profile tyres on big pimping rims and you’re not gonna survive all those bumpy, potholed mountain roads (or most uk roads).

 A Nissan + a Thule rack = complete pile of rust within 5 years where I live. The Xterra is/was a sweet truck if they could have fixed that issue.

 I love my 4Runner for all the same reasons. I wish Nissan still made the Xterra, I always thought they were rad. Nissan pulled the plug on it just before the body-on-frame off road SUV segment took off again too.

 Second Gen Nissan Xterra's are tanks and probably one of the best vehicles Nissan ever made.

 My 09 is still running strong! Even with me doing barely any maintenance. 250K and rolling

 @WalrusRider: 1st gen weren't bad, mostly just under powered unless you got the super charger

 Had an 05 and now a 12… really no stressing anything with an Xterra. got aftermarket leather seats and a bunch of weather tech stuff… cannot be killed by me, my children, dogs or bikes.

 When the current Pathfinder we have dies, I reckon I might switch to something more fuel efficient as well. It's super functional but paying for the fuel sucks. It is a 5 speed, so there's that at least.

 @illili: since they don’t make suvs like that anymore, I’ve been looking at clearly aimed at old people GMC Terrain with the Diesel engine. 28-38mpg, room in the back and awd. Only issue might be clearance.

 Excellent idea. Added to the list.

 For the uneducated, whats an FKM?

 @Jaib06: it was a typo, my bad! I meant fkt (fastest known time). I couldn't see how to edit the post so I posted a correction but that's now lost in the depths of the comments somewhere below. Basically, top notch PB comment skills from me today!

 @everythingscomingupmilhouse: oh right! What trail?

 @Jaib06: across the south island of New Zealand. I think he's done a million feet of climbing in a year as well!

 I never got the hype around vans and stuff for mountain biking anyway. They aren’t easy or fun to drive, and are bad for fuel economy.

 @xxinsert-name-herexx: practicality instagram

 @xxinsert-name-herexx: I think the hype is vs. a truck. When you compare to a truck there are many more positives to go to a van.

 I honestly loved my old Fiesta. Killer had mileage, reliable as a brick (at least with 170,000 miles on it), super easy to wrench on when doing your own maintenance (did a timing belt, water pump,etc at 150k), and actually fun to drive. Wrecked a set of tires at a track day a little while back.

Unfortunately, a texting driver decided to turn it into a Fsitea (smashing the car in half).

The replacement vehicle is way more practical though for my lifestyle.

 Agreed, 1up is the best tray-style rack that I've ever used. Still a little finicky sometimes, but by far the easiest to use and the most reliable.

My old review: www.pinkbike.com/news/1up-usa-quik-rack-review-2017.html

 @mikelevy: I'll read that article now but just curious what the finicky things were? I haven't seen that yet...operates like butter from what I've seen (esp w/ the XL fit and I should've added XXL fits too). Maybe some of the older models are wack?

PSA - 1up USA is in Wisconsin (not FL)

 @Mtn-Goat-13: The release bar on mine was a little sticky sometimes and it was awkward to reach. Not a deal-breaker at all, but worth mentioning since they're relatively expensive. Everyone at 1up is like "FLORDIA?! WE'RE IN WISCO!" haha My bad

 @mikelevy: Ah that - so just push the ratcheting arms (slider) in toward the tire slightly to relieve the pressure (but I'm sure you or anyone knows that). I guess that just becomes normal. Yeah: FL, Wisc...same thing. Hopefully 1up will not be insulted...

 @mikelevy: 1-Up rules. All they need to do is re-jigger the ratcheting/release system

 @Mtn-Goat-13: think he's talking about the bar that lets you move the position of the rack(up, middle, down). they actually have a solution to this now making it easier to reach and use. big fan of mine, and i don't have the attachment to make it easier.

 @jpwvy5: Meaning that black slider underneath? If so then yeah: actually that's slightly tricky as it doesn't evenly slide out of both sides. I oiled mine though and that def helped it out, trick is just remembering to oil it (and other sliding parts every month or two. That really helps w/ everything.

 Not sure about the reliability part. I worked in auto shops 10+ years and they definitely earned the name Scaravan

 I’m with @DizzyNinja - I had one and the transmission blew halfway through a road trip. I’ve been scared off of them ever since.

 A Caravan with the odd transmission rebuild is still a lot cheaper to operate than a sienna. Cheaper is good when covering a vehicle in bike mud, kid vomit, and dog hair. You know, like what’s in a caravan.

 Ram 2500

 NASCARavan. All the soccer dads driving these like they're out on the track! Driving to work doing 100mph & guys flying past like I'm the slow one. I keep my distance from caravan drivers!

 My work vehicle has been caravans for the past 20 years. They have all been garbage. Everything from electrical gremlins to transmission. Mine were all ultra low mileage. However, waaaaaaaaaaay cheaper than the Toyota Sienna.

 I would never voluntarily buy a Dodge product again with reliability in mind.

 I despise the amount of sense you just made.

 40’+ length has some limitations, no?

 Helps if you have a home to park that trailer in. Also the income to buy a truck and trailer. I'm a skilled trademan at a union job, I don't have that kind of income.

 MK7 GTI! So fun.

 Subaru owners fall into two camps: guys who wear Monster Energy hats and have strong opinions on which is the best Fast and Furious movie, and guys who have three bikes, a kayak, and a dog named "Blaze" or "Nugget."

 @mudandgearspdx: Blaze or Nugget are likely some sort of Aussie Sheppard as well haha

 @mudandgearspdx: HaHa Subaru owner here, 4 bikes, SUP, and one of my dogs is named Blaze.
From the PDX also.

 @mikelevy: f*ck, I have two Aussies and drive a Subaru.

 The best car is a loud, fast car

 Username does not suit.

 @mikelevy: can’t believe there haven’t been more responses about fun cars. I love to ride but I also love fast cars. Happy to compromise the packing situation and enjoy my drive to the trailhead too- it’s my precious and hard-earned “me time” for the week and I might as well get to enjoy every moment of it.
Recently picked up a Ford Focus ST225 with a rowdy 5 cylinder turbo. Cheap enough (to purchase at least) that I wont care when it gets a bit muddy inside, practical enough to make it work as a daily and bike hauler and that 5 pot turbo makes all the right rally noises to make me smile wherever I am!

 So you are saying my 7.3 liter diesel is a no go?

Bummer.

 @mikelevy:
What bike rack best suits a Ford GT40 ?

 @Jmac888: That looks like such a fun car!

 @dlford: I would say a strap-on rack but I think it'd need to be bolted down haha

 Same here - currently run 2000 TR4 4X4 E-Locker @ 245K. I love it so much I hate to leave it at trailheads, though. This is the last internal combustion engine'd vehicle I plan to buy and I don't want a hybrid or e-car.

Also in my MTB era I've run:

3 Buick Boat-tail Rivieras (70,70,71) Cursed at all 3
1971 Dodge Tradesman B200 Van - lived in
1970 Cadillac Sedan de Ville - lived on a mattress in the back seat
1977 Jeep Cherokee Chief Sport - camped in
1965 Chrysler New Yorker - slept in
1970 FIAT Sport Spider - passed out in
2007 Honda Odyssey - took kids to school in and traveled to races for a decade.

 I used to obsess over converting an old 7.3 or better yet, 5.9 Cummins. Then I learned that almost all veggie oil from restaurants is already spoken for by big recycling companies, at least in a lot of towns and cities. I did meet a guy from Boston, in Sedona, who'd converted a Jetta wagon to burn veggie oil. He was pulling a small trailer with a 55 gal. drum to collect oil and the trailer also housed all of the filtering equipment necessary. He was getting 55mpg in that setup, so cool.

 @pdxkid: yeah there’s snags, it helps to be in areas where you can hit up independent restaurants. And then there’s the issue of road tripping, collecting, filtering. I’d want it more for local drives. But yeah, I’ve got the 6.0 in an Ex and I’d probably do a Cummins swap first when this motor goes.

 Well there is hope, that 6.0 won't last long. I remember seeing someone trying to swap a 5.9 into an E350 van but gave up,don't remember why.

 @JSTootell: haha, yeah, surprisingly this 6.0 has been pretty good and just under 200k on it, I don't run tunes or pull anything crazy heavy. It's got EGR delete, HPOP and other updates, newer oil cooler, etc, and I stay on top of servicing it. But yeah, it's just a matter of when, not if.

 @chacou: if you're not being silly with the engine, you might be just fine. Most of the horror stories seem to be with people who can't leave well enough alone. Oh, and the EGR.

I've got a stock 7.3. Slow, but it'll never die.

 I have both, a 2012 (T) and a 2007&1985 (T4R), although the creature comfort of my 2012 always wins in the end

 Yep - 3rd Gen for me!

 Dissappointed in the 4Runner for bikes inside. w/ the 60% split seat completely taken out it fits 2 bikes about as good as our old RAV4 (version w/ spare on the back so cargo was pretty good). For the enormous size difference still not sure how that works but might check into that Sienna idea.

 Delica parts are easy to get, and they’re more capable (especially the L300) from the get-go. They’re far more of a neat truck than a van, and the cab-over layout makes it a very different driving experience. Also, I’ll admit that I just want something interesting - that’s a big factor for me. I love driving so it’s more than just getting somewhere

 Holy shit, for real? What a wild car. Is that your daily driver?

 Wtf. An xj220 with a bike on the back!

 @mikelevy: Yep, bought it when it didn't cost more than a house, and I've done 120,000 miles in the 3 years that the engine has been swapped. It's also on bags with an electronic locking diff, scissor doors, and I've got it to 238 MPH on the autobahn. Next time I may have the balls to try 250 MPH. It's stupid but you only live once.

 @xxinsert-name-herexx: Incredible. So cool to hear about that wild car.

 Please tell tell us you have a suction bike rack on that thing!

 @peterknightuk: Yep, part of the rear diffuser is in the way of where a hitch mount would go, but I'm still careful as there's no way I'm finding a new rear window.

 @xxinsert-name-herexx: Yes dude! That's brilliant!

 Sure would be cool to see the Element revived with hybrid power. Give it a lift and the eCamper pop-top, and hit the road. Similarly I wonder if Ford might put a van body on the upcoming Maverick hybrid pickup chassis. THAT would be cool.
But if you’re willing to drive on the left side of the vehicle, look for a Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) Toyota van with a diesel motor. There are many you can import now: TownAce or HiAce, both boxy and reliable. Lots and lots of importers popping up in the US. Or buy one in Canada and bring it down.

 First or second gen? I've been thinking about a 1st gen to replace my '95 single cab long bed f-150 (have family now). I do love my old ford though...

 1st gen Ridgeline all the way. Such a practical truck for nearly everything unless you need to tow heavy equipment. Storage in the bed that doubles as a cooler and is also big enough to put your nasty grill that you bring for a post ride grilling session, or your rotten clothing. Plus, it’s durable as it gets.

 +1. Also discuss if its better to spend $ making current suspension better, vs just getting more travel.

 Had a T5 for a while, loved it, but my other half didn't like it as it was so noisy in the cab and it was starting to corrode a bit. Sold it, got a Golf with a towbar and Atera hitch rack. That's been pretty good, but it's a nuisance that you can't leave the car parked up with the bikes on, really restricts what else you can do on a day that involves biking.

Thinking of switching back to a van again - hoping that electric camper VW have in the works might be big enough to get bikes in (and be cheap on a lease!)

 This

 You can just turn up to any trailhead car park and see at least two or there of them at any given point

 Vans (at least VW) definitely seem to be a British thing. Car parks always full of em.

Rightly so too, I’ll have one once I need more seats than the two in my caddy

 Miss my T5.

 A buddy of mine has the Flex and loves it. So much room inside.

 I have one and I love it so much. Have kids so bikes on the roof but could go inside with both rear rows folded down. Aaaand it has 365 hp for way more fun than a mini van like vehicle should be.

 I had my bike roll off my hitch rack on my Fiesta a couple times. Little cars can pull some g's.

 My Pacifica Hybrid isn't pure electric, but it still gets me to most local trails and back without sipping gas (50-60km on pure battery power) and can comfortably do 6 riders and bikes with two on the roof and four on the hitch. I'd love to go pure electric, but right now there's very little choice for something big enough to haul my whole family for under six figures.

I also have a family member in BC who uses a Tesla Model 3 with a North Shore rack for a fam of 4 and it has served them very well in place of their previous Outback.

 @big-red: I test drove a Pacifica Hybrid and was impressed. Ended up with a Model 3 but the Pacifica Hybrid was a close second. I agree that there is a huge dearth of larger PHEV or EV people movers currently. Quite a few coming though. Good to hear your Pacifica is working well.

 The Rivian is super interesting, too. I'd love to get one in for long-term testing.

 @big-red: How's the reliability of your van? Those look REALLY nice but I am anxious about the long term...

Another option out there that doesn't appear to have been mentioned yet is the about-to-be-released Ford Maverick. Though it's a small pickup it's optionally hybrid-powered and gets 36MPG.

 @mikelevy: Rivian is definitely super interesting. I actually have deposits down on both Cybertruck and Ford Lightning. Would much prefer the Lightning and probably won't get a Cybertruck as a yoke in a truck is nonsensical. I haven't pursued the Rivian as I was worried it'd be vaporware but they have impressed and are said to be starting deliveries in '21. Use your Outside pull and get one for test @mikelevy

 Not 0 emissions, but my 2010 Prius punches way above it's weight. Gonna put the studded snow tires on here shortly. Little thing rallies, cheap to fill up, and we've fit 4 beating hearts and 3 bikes on it for shuttles even (3 humans + dog inside). I've got a 2004 Excursion for our family camper that I'd love to do a VegiStroke conversion to, but it's the 6.0L so it's much more tricky to run wvo on that motor than the 7.3L. If you can find older diesels you can often convert them to run on WVO relatively easily, after all the diesel motor was originally designed to run on veggie oil.

 @heatproofgenie: the Ford Lightning is very intriguing, just need infrastructure to catch up and some standards around chargers, seems all the charging stations I see around CO are for Tesla only.

 @chacou: Yeah Lightning is going to be cool. Unfortunately Ford is only planning on producing like 15,000 for first model year and then ramping slowly (IMO) from there. Electrify America project is bringing lots of non Tesla chargers to the US. Fallout of diesel gate.

 @sngltrkmnd: My 2018 and all the 2017s had a really weird problem with the software of the infotainment system that has since been fixed with updates. The hoods have a near-universal problem with the aluminum oxidizing a bit and causing bubbling of the paint along the leading edge (I'm on a list waiting for a new hood along with everyone else). I've heard mixed things about their reliability otherwise but haven't had any issues. I'm generally warry of Chrysler for the same exact reason, but I know that they went balls-out on the Pacifica design because they wanted to retake the lead on minivans because that was their hallmark for so many years.

Other thoughts: I test-drove all the vans when I bought mine and it was the best. Easy to drive. Comfortable, smooth as silk. Most models come with really slick roof racks where the cross-bars are included and stowed in the rails until you need them. It was going to cost me $1600+ to get rack on any other van, so I loved that. Driving on electric is sooooooo smooth and quiet. I cringe a bit when the (still very quiet) gas engine comes on. It gets between 6 and 8 L/100km when running without charged batteries, so still waaaaay better than the same van with the gas engine only. It runs the gas engine to warm up the cabin and batteries in the winter when it's below 0 degrees C and your gas milage drops to like 10-11 L/100km (still 1-3 L/100km better than gas-only vans). You can't two any weight with it (hitch-mount bike racks are fine though). The batteries in the hybrid model go where the middle-row stow-and-go seats would normally hide when stowed, so you get different middle row seats that are heavy to remove, but are definitely more comfortable. If you have a family of 5 and want to haul stuff (i.e. going camping), be prepared to remove a middle row seat, sit two kids in the 3rd row and one in the middle, then store stuff on the floor beside/in front of them because there's no option to put three kids in the middle row in the Hybrid version.

That's all I can think of. All-in-all, if your round-trip commute is under 60km, you basically have an EV commuter and family road-trip hauler in one vehicle. For us that's perfect because we only own one car. If you're a two-car family, I'd recommend something like the new Toyota hybrid van (towing capacity, still really good on gas) and a used Nissan Leaf or something like that as the commuting-only car.

 @big-red: Interesting - thanks for sharing the nitty-gritty details!
I've had a Previa for a number of years and now an 07 Sienna in my driveway - I tend to lean towards Toyotas but I appreciate the beta on other brands. What a drag about the paint - isn't it odd that those types of defects still occur? I mean, cars have been painted for a hundred years. How do defects persist? Anyhow, that is a discussion for another time. Clever you noticed the value in the roof rack configuration.
It seems it can tow 3,600# (besting the new Sienna by 100#) but I guess that's not much if you're considering a travel trailer. I'd definitely be using the tow hitch for my 1Up rack though I would check the departure angle before committing to it: my friend's '12 Sienna has a really poor departure angle with a Kuat rack installed.
I had a '21 Sienna as a loaner a few mo ago - it was a completely loaded Platinum model. It seems the middle seats are basically un-removable, which is really odd. Rear row tumbles - the batteries must not be there. There's no sunroof which kinda disappoints me, and the overall feel of the middle and back is MUCH more cave-like than previous Toyota vans. I need to measure the rear door opening - I swear it's smaller than either of my vans. That said, it can run on batteries only like your Chrysler (I have an 11mile, 35mph commute), and it has an optional 1500W generator in the back for when the power goes out at my house, which is common in the winter. I also dig the cooler/heated compartment in the front console - my son has Type 1 Diabetes so keeping insulin cool on a roadtrip is a consideration.

 In the UK if you drive 1000 miles you fall into the sea.

 " Any car does the job." Incorrect, one of my closest riding buddies drove an Audi TT for years. Didn't make any sense and I was basically his chauffeur with my van all the time. He has an A4 now which is barely any better, I believe he put his bike inside it twice in the last few years.

 @Mugen: you should have told him to get a bike rack a few years ago.

 @Mugen:

Friend of mine has a TT, doesn’t ride bikes but has roof bars for his surfboards. It’s a pretty cool look haha

 There have been many websites that do car/bike stuff, including us from ages ago:
www.pinkbike.com/news/lauren-greggs-custom-ford-transit-van-2016.html
www.pinkbike.com/news/vehicle-check-ryan-leechs-custom-earthcruiser-and-ram-power-wagon.html

We're also working on some videos

 AMG for your MTB trip.

 @mikelevy: BMW 335 wagon.

 Loved my 12 STi, felt kinda of bad dragging it up some of the dirt roads I did but man was it a blast. Currently waiting on factory ordered diesel colorado zr2 bison as a replacement.

 Tacoma with 1Up rack AND a DaKine pad here. Works great for up to 6 bikes. Of course we don't dare leave them out of sight. Next bike vehice will be a used Chevy Express cargo van. With a large dog inside with the bikes.

 That road is AMAZING.

 The Topher, a YouTube car reviewer had/had a BRZ and also loved how his MTB fit. I asked him how a bike fits in the new one after he reviewed it and he didn't have an answer, so I'm guessing MTB is a lower hobby for him.

 Sure, but I still think it's silly on an e-bike

 @reecewallace wins by far. And no, I'm not going on a flight with you, sorry. Planes are scary

 Got 2.... you ain't wrong.

 Nice to see I'm not the only one, I love my little Connect! Exceptional on gas, handles like a much smaller more agile car, fairly reliable, fits both of my bikes in the back while still having room to fit a small cot, I'm short enough that I can stand up in it to change inside if need be... the list goes on. The only downside... my coworkers do make fun of me for driving the equivalent of our local mail delivery vans hahahaha but i still have my Evo for a fun car.

 Ah, my bad. Thanks!

 @mikelevy: Besides typing Dickeyville is funny in a juvenile way...

 Brings back memories.

 @mikelevy: I'm only 16, I ain't bringing em back, I'm making em!

 why does every old ford ranger have no muffler?

 Pretty sure the previous generation came from the factory like that lol

 @Stoaks: my sons ranger is worse than an open pipe harley.

 TRD and with some type of rooftop tent and big meat. It's not a bad look and is functional, but don't people want something different?

 Really just want a Fiat Panda 4x4 tho…

 If @brianpark has any tattoos I haven't seen them... I'm hoping he has a Canadian flag backpiece that I don't know about.

 No ragrets!

 Pretty much he opposite tbh

 At the top of the comment section you can choose to have them displayed by score (lowest at the bottom) or by the time that they were posted, but timestamped comments would also be killer.

 The Delica is RHD but I sold it many years ago. There are tons of Delicas out there now that everyone knows how amazing they are. The Mini is also RHD just by coincidence.

 Canada has a really loose import rule so there are a lot of Japanese market cars up there. Delicas are cool but only if you are okay with your femur being the crumple zone and are shorter than 6'2" tall.

 @jmhills: I am those things haha

 @jmhills: Canada has a really restricted import policy, i can bring my Renault Megane RS or an Alpine in Canada, I have to wait a few years. But I can easily bring a car from the US to Europe.

Delicas are a bit tricky on corners, I love my RHD Subaru B4 RSK at least it is way better and faster than most of the Subaru in North America.

 @Ba1rog: Please send me a message when your Alpine gets here.

 @Ba1rog: Sorry, my frame of reference are US laws which, by comparison, Canada is far looser.

 @mikelevy: I spent a good amount of time driving a Delica around. They are cool but I would never want to roll in one over a long distance.

Cars are subjective though.

 @jmhills: Oh man, really? I thought they were the best road trip vehicle ever... aside from being quite slow. The captains chairs are so comfortable, and we had a one-person bed in the back so whoever wasn't driving could rest up for their turn behind the wheel. Not good on diesel, but so comfortable!

 @mikelevy: Yeah, horrible time. I am 6'3". The drivers seat itself was cozy but I had no place to put my legs really. It is also quite narrow and slab sided inside so crosswinds were a ton of fun.

 @jmhills: You reminded me how bad that thing was in crosswinds - horrible! As well as the legroom; I'm 5'10" and the seat was pushed all the way back.

 @mikelevy: i hope the person in the bed was wearing their seatbelt ;-)

 @fabwizard: Nope, but the bed was very comfortable.

 @mikelevy: Waaay back in my motorcycle racing days me and my buddies went through a phase of propane powered vehicles. My last one was a converted E350 with a 3 ft extended body. Could fit 6 road race bikes in it. No back seats so passengers sat on folding lawn chairs from Vancouver to Calgary.

It is amazing how quick a person in a lawn chair flies at the front window when you brake suddenly for deer.

 @mikelevy: Yeah, it is one of my most memorable experiences. I felt like a clown bus driver due to the lack of leg room and having the steering wheel between my knees. It was more comfortable than my old Defender but just.

 @jmhills: hahaha no worries, but so much fun to have uncommon cars, in France / Switzerland we have some brand new muscle cars and pick up trucks from the US. In Canada I have a nice and fun Subaru B4 but I miss my Megane 3 RS. So sad german car lobby destroy your market with this law. Anyway the 90s Japanese car IMO were the best one. They were crazy without the electronic, love my B4 even 23 years ago I kick some Teslas asses.

 @mikelevy: I almost bought an original Alpine A110 in Vancouver 6 years for $60.000 but someone was faster than me. I have an R5 alpine at home but the new A110 is nice but I hate the automatic transmission but I know it is feasible to transform into a manual with the 6 speed from the Megane 4 RS.

 @Ba1rog: There are some amazing old ones out there on BAT, but so expensive now. Did you see this red one: bringatrailer.com/listing/1971-alpine-a-110-2 All my wants. You'd make a lot of us jealous if put a stick in the new one...

 @mikelevy: Running your steering wheel on the correct side Mike? You will be running your brake levers the correct way round just like Henry soon!

 @mikelevy: That one is clean, i never saw one in red, I love the A110 it is so light and a drifting machine but so small for me ( 6'1), I drove many expensive Lambos and Porsches but in France everybody love the A110, everybody was waving at us in the A110, the same thing on the R5 alpine that is why I love old cars, it is like riding underbiked in Champery with Queen Elizabeth.

A few weeks ago I saw a Clio V6 and a R5 turbo chasing each other on the sea to sky it was insane. Sadly I was on the wrong side of the highway but it was so amazing. But owning one is a challenge not many places want to work on those cars and parts are hard to find. I can see that with my Subaru B4, I have to go to really specific places to have the work done.

For the mechanical part it is not that bad but for the body you need the network. I spoke with a lucky guy who has a Venturi 400 GT and the struggle is real if something happens, less than 20 road legal in the world but the car is so gorgeous and less than a ton for 400 hp in the nineties!

 @Ba1rog: The S2S is a goldmine for neat cars on those warm summer days. I'm gonna assume the owner of the Venturi doesn't smash out S2S laps every weekend, though haha. I'm stoked to see that a bunch of commenters own some really interesting cars! There's another guy on here with a frick'n Lister XJ220 as well. Wild.

 @peterknightuk: Right now I've got one RHD car and two LHD drive cars, but I'm hoping to add an L300 Delica to the fleet to balance that out

 @mikelevy: Good choice. Probably get more bikes on that than the mini!

 but also the "reliability" of a Merc

 @theDude403: which isn’t that bad if you know what you’re doing and don’t be an idiot with the engine choice.

 Want to see cool.... look up the converted German Fire Trucks.

 There are a few of those around the Sea to Sky area as well. Pretty neat.

 That's what I have. 1995 Powerstroke powered retired ambulance.

It's not the best "mountain bikers vehicle", but suits my wants and needs well.

 Got a steel Ferrum thank you

 Earthroamer sounds like a non-infringing Landcruiser in a video game.

 "The price of an EarthRoamer HD is $1,900,000 plus options."

O.O I had to check and see if this website was satire ... seems legit.

 Kelend Hawks makes them here in Bellingham: www.instagram.com/hawkscustomfab

 The dream

 A Macan is pretty damn fun too.

 I was seriously considering getting a Miata and a hitch. But NA values have skyrocketed.

 He definitely does, but couldn't make this one. I think he'll be on next week's show.

 #S2S