The latest installment of 'The InEVitable' video podcast, episode 130, offers a comprehensive deep dive into two significant automotive topics: the highly anticipated 2026 Rivian R2 and the capabilities of Tesla's Full Self-Driving (Supervised) system, version 14. Co-hosted by Edward Loh, the episode features MotorTrend technical director Frank Markus, who contributes insights gained from his recent experience with both advanced systems. This particular episode marks the debut of a new, recurring podcast series designed to explore semi-autonomous driving systems firsthand, with discussions unfolding while the hosts are actively (or rather, passively) being driven by such technologies.

The entirety of the 1-hour and 19-minute episode was predominantly recorded in a Tesla Model Y, navigating the roads of Orange County using the cutting-edge FSD v14. Frank Markus, hailing from Michigan, was strategically placed behind the wheel due to his relatively limited prior exposure to Tesla FSD, particularly this latest iteration, which recently garnered a MotorTrend 2026 Best Tech Award. Aside from a few initial minutes, Markus spent the duration of the drive observing the system's performance, not actively steering the vehicle, allowing for an authentic, real-time assessment of the technology.

A significant portion of the conversation is dedicated to the 2026 Rivian R2, which Markus had driven the day prior to the podcast recording at Rivian’s Irvine, California, headquarters. The R2 is introduced as Rivian’s much-anticipated follow-up to its larger R1T truck and R1S three-row SUV, positioned as a five-passenger, two-row, all-electric compact luxury SUV. Discussions covered comparisons between the R2 and the Tesla Model Y, the potential implications of its power and torque figures, its off-roading prowess, and a strong collective belief from the hosts that Rivian has a significant market hit on its hands with this new model.

Beyond the Rivian R2, the podcast thoroughly examines the merits of Tesla FSD and its controversial camera-only approach, which foregoes the use of radar and lidar sensors. This deep dive into Tesla's methodology sets the precedent for future episodes in the series. The podcast plans to continue exploring semi-autonomous driving systems from other manufacturers by experiencing and discussing them 'on the road.' Upcoming discussions are slated to cover systems such as Mercedes-Benz’s Drive Assist Pro, Rivian’s new Autonomy Plus setup, and Rivian’s projected Level 3 autonomous system, anticipated for late 2026 at the earliest.

Edward Loh, one of the podcast's co-hosts and a prominent writer, brings a rich personal history and deep-seated passion for automobiles to his role. His formative years were marked by an intense fascination with cars, fueled by experiences like quizzing car salesmen with his father and meticulously poring over product literature, with the Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX booklet being a particularly memorable example. Loh's family background, including his parents' journey from St. Louis to Camarillo, California, and their ownership of iconic vehicles such as a 1973 Super Beetle, 1976 Volvo 240, 1977 Chevrolet Caprice Classic station wagon, and a 1984 VW Vanagon, profoundly shaped his automotive perspective. His father further instilled a love for sports cars, evidenced by a 1981 Mazda RX-7 and an '87 Porsche Turbo.

Loh's personal driving journey commenced at a young age, earning his license behind the wheel of a 1991 Toyota Previa. His subsequent vehicles, including a 1986 Celica GT-S and a 1983 Toyota 4x4 (Hilux), accompanied him through college and his time at USC, where he studied biology with a business minor. After a period as a science teacher, Loh transitioned into freelance photography before rising through the ranks of a tiny tuning magazine to become editor-in-chief, subsequently driving a 1989 Nissan 240SX and a 1985 Toyota Land Cruiser (FJ60). His career progressed to a mainstream car magazine, and then to editor-in-chief of the now-defunct Sport Compact Car, where he worked under Angus MacKenzie. In 2007, MacKenzie invited him to join MotorTrend as a senior editor, a role Loh has enthusiastically embraced ever since, providing him with extensive experience and insight into the automotive industry showcased in his podcast contributions.