Discover shows related to Talking Cars (MP3), based on actual content similarities. Explore podcasts with similar topics, themes, and formats, backed by real data.
2026 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness: Worth the Extra Cost?
Season 13 · Episode 528
Wednesday, October 14, 2026 • Duration 35:30
On this week's episode, we discuss the Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness to find out whether its rugged styling, lifted suspension, all-terrain tires, and added features are worth paying $7,000 more than a base Crosstrek. We examine its off-road capability, on-road compromises, fuel economy, noise, safety features, and whether this soft-roader is actually the right choice. Plus, we answer an audience question about whether a lightly used Volvo EX90 at half its original price is a bargain—or a risky bet.
Join CR at https://CR.org/joinviaYT to access our comprehensive ratings for items you use every day. CR is a mission-driven, independent, nonprofit organization.
Consumer Reports experts: Jon Linkov, Avri Wyshogrod, Maddie McCarty
Yes, You Need Winter Tires: All-Season vs. All-Weather, Top Rated Winter Tires, and More
Season 13 · Episode 527
Wednesday, October 7, 2026 • Duration 42:47
In this episode, Consumer Reports' resident 'tire guys' break down everything you need to know about winter tires. We discuss the differences among every tire category on the market, the conditions best suited to each segment, how to prep your vehicle for winter, and how our test program works. Find out which tires will work best for you and what to avoid when it's time to buy new tires for your car. We also answer a question about the use case for studded snow tires and how tire chains can help drivers in extreme climates.
SHOW NOTES:
0:36 - Intro
1:12 - Winter car prep tips
5:17 - When is it time for new tires?
7:00 - Tire buying tips
9:50 - Winter tire availability & installation
12:17 - Winter tires and road noise
13:09 - Tire categories
18:51 - Tire replacement & rotation
20:25 - Winter traction evaluation
23:48 - Ice testing
35:09 - Audience question: Are studded snow tires worth it?
2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid: More Power, Way Less Drama
Season 13 · Episode 526
Wednesday, September 30, 2026 • Duration 37:29
This week, we share our first impressions of the 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid—the first hybrid version of Kia's popular three-row SUV. We discuss its 329-hp hybrid powertrain, improved fuel economy, quiet and comfortable ride, controls, front-seat comfort, and how it compares with the closely related Hyundai Palisade Hybrid. Plus, we answer an audience question about choosing a luxurious, fuel-efficient three-row SUV for long highway trips.
Join CR at https://CR.org/joinviaYT to access our comprehensive ratings for items you use every day. CR is a mission-driven, independent, nonprofit organization.
SHOW NOTES
-----------------------------------
0:00 - Intro
00:47 - 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid Overview
03:30 - Hybrid Powertrain
08:13 - Telluride Hybrid vs. Hyundai Palisade Hybrid
09:56 - Low-Speed Hybrid Hiccups and Transmission Behavior
12:43 - Fuel Economy: 31 MPG vs. 20 MPG
13:43 - Ride Comfort, Handling, and Wheel Size
15:46 - Interior Storage and Everyday Usability
16:54 - Climate Controls and Infotainment
20:57 - Roomy Cabin, Convenient Features, and Door Handles
23:00 - Front-Seat Comfort and Driving Position
27:32 - Which Hyundai/Kia Three-Row SUV Would We Choose?
30:55 - Audience Question: Best Luxury Three-Row SUV for Long Commutes
Selling Your Car Privately, Fuel Stabilizer in a PHEV, When Is CR Testing a VinFast?
Season 13 · Episode 525
Wednesday, September 23, 2026 • Duration 27:25
In this all-questions episode of Talking Cars, our experts answer questions on selling a used car online, how to get the most life out of directional tires, storing fuel in a plug-in hybrid, how hybrid engines work, and more. Plus, the rear-wiper saga continues, and we explain why most rear wipers are mounted below the glass on vehicle hatches. Have a question for our experts? Send it to TalkingCars@iCloud.com to be featured on a future episode.
SHOW NOTES:
0:00 - Intro
1:16 - Question #1 (video): How to sell your car online
6:39 - Question #2: What's the best strategy to get the most mileage out of directional tires?
8:39 - Question #3: Should you use fuel stabilizer in a PHEV?
11:10 - Question #4 (video): What is the Atkinson cycle and how does it work?
16:54 - Question #5: Will CR ever buy and test a VinFast?
22:17 - Question #6: Why are rear-mounted wipers attached to the bottom of the rear glass?
The 2026 Toyota RAV4 PHEV Is Great—but Is It $50,000 Great?
Season 13 · Episode 524
Wednesday, September 16, 2026 • Duration 50:10
On this week's episode, we share our first impressions of the 2026 Toyota RAV4 PHEV and explore whether the plug-in hybrid is worth its sizable price premium. With up to 54 miles of electric range, 324 horsepower, impressive fuel economy, and no EV range anxiety, it may be the most versatile RAV4 yet—but it still has a few frustrating compromises. Plus, we answer an audience question about whether a reliable, high-mileage vehicle is a smart choice for a teen driver.
Join CR at https://CR.org/joinviaYT to access our comprehensive ratings for items you use every day. CR is a mission-driven, independent, nonprofit organization.
SHOW NOTES
-----------------------------------
0:00 - Intro
0:37 Overview: 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid
1:23 Is the PHEV Worth It?
6:14 Electric Range and Efficiency
9:31 Charging at Home
13:07 Ride and Handling
15:36 Acceleration and Power
19:15 Controls and Technology
27:02 Interior and Comfort
31:59 Reliability
35:45 Final Verdict
42:43 Viewer Question: Are High-Mileage Cars Safe for Teens?
Say It to Me Seltos: First Impressions of the 2027 Kia Seltos
Season 13 · Episode 523
Wednesday, September 9, 2026 • Duration 30:54
On this week's episode, we share our first impressions of the redesigned 2027 Kia Seltos, Kia's least expensive SUV. Its roomy interior, comfortable ride, bold styling, and user-friendly controls make it feel surprisingly mature—but the sluggish 147-hp base engine is a major disappointment. We discuss whether the pricey turbo is worth the upgrade or if buyers should wait for the upcoming hybrid. Plus, we answer an audience question about balancing the financial benefits of keeping an older car with the safety improvements found in newer models.
Consumer Reports experts: Alex Knizek, Jeff Bartlett, John Williams
Join CR at https://CR.org/joinviaYT to access our comprehensive ratings for items you use every day. CR is a mission-driven, independent, nonprofit organization.
SHOW NOTES
-----------------------------------
0:00 - Intro
00:37 Overview: 2027 Kia Seltos
02:12 Mature Subcompact SUV
04:26 Ride Comfort and Handling
07:20 The Engine
08:43 Is the Turbo Worth it?
09:58 Upcoming Hybrid
12:39 Infotainment
14:23 Climate Controls and Interior Design Quirks
18:13 Door Handles
20:27 Interior Space, Cargo Room, and Rear Seats
22:12 Seat Comfort and Head Restraint Problems
25:29 Interior Quality
27:22 Audience Question: When Should You Replace an Older Car?
Is the 2026 Toyota bZ Woodland EV the Golden Child of the Toyota-Subaru Marriage?
Season 13 · Episode 522
Wednesday, September 2, 2026 • Duration 43:29
On this week's episode, we share our first impressions of the 2026 Toyota BZ Woodland, a 375-hp all-wheel-drive EV that promises more space, extra ground clearance, and a little off-road attitude. But is the Woodland really built for the wilderness—or is it better thought of as a quick, practical electric station wagon? We discuss its surprising acceleration, EPA-rated range, cargo area, infotainment and controls, and overly sensitive driver-monitoring system. Plus, we answer an audience question about why cars don't have automatic rain-sensing rear wipers, which turned into a debate over whether cars really need rear windshield wipers at all.
Join CR at https://CR.org/joinviaYT to access our comprehensive ratings for items you use every day. CR is a mission-driven, independent, nonprofit organization.
SHOW NOTES
-----------------------------------
0:00 - Intro
00:36 Overview: 2026 Toyota bZ Woodland
01:18 What Does "Woodland" Actually Mean?
03:35 Toyota and Subaru's Growing EV Family
04:47 Performance
06:05 Interior Quality, Controls, and Usability
09:24 Driving Position and Storage
12:05 Cargo Space
14:13 Is the bZ Woodland an Electric Subaru Outback?
15:53 Toyota's Infotainment
18:20 Instrument Cluster
21:09 Phone Connectivity
24:40 All-Terrain Tires
25:19 Are "Off-Road" Trims Worth It?
I Bought 171 Cars for Consumer Reports. Here's What I Learned.
Season 13 · Episode 521
Wednesday, August 26, 2026 • Duration 52:26
On this week's episode, after 30 years and roughly $6 million spent buying cars for Consumer Reports, Mike Quincy shares his best car-buying advice, worst dealership experiences, and the tricks and fees buyers should watch out for. Plus, a surprise guest drops in to help send him off before he takes one final ride into retirement.
Join CR at https://CR.org/joinviaYT to access our comprehensive ratings for items you use every day. CR is a mission-driven, independent, nonprofit organization.
SHOW NOTES
-----------------------------------
0:00 - Intro
00:41 – Mike Quincy's Last Ride
02:08 – 171 Cars and $6 Million: Mike's Car-Buying Career
04:48 – The Most Memorable Cars Mike Bought
08:27 – How Car Buying Has Changed Over the Years
13:28 – What's Better—and Worse—About Buying a Car Today
16:00 – How to Handle the Finance Office
20:27 – Mike's Worst Dealership Experiences
28:02 – The Best Car-Buying Experiences
33:23 – What Car Will Mike Buy for Retirement?
37:15 – Looking Back on 30 Years at Consumer Reports
37:29 – A Surprise Guest Joins the Podcast
43:56 – What Mike Will Miss Most
46:42 – Buying a New Car Should Be Exciting
51:10 – Mike Quincy's Final Sign-Off
The Ineos Grenadier Might Be the Perfect Backcountry Vehicle
Season 13 · Episode 520
Wednesday, August 19, 2026 • Duration 44:42
This week we drive the 2026 Ineos Grenadier on pavement, dirt roads, and CR's challenging Rock Hill to see whether this purpose-built, BMW-powered SUV is worth nearly $90,000. We discuss the driving experience, its unusual steering, noisy cabin, quirky controls, where it excels, and whether we'd actually buy one. Plus, we answer an audience question about what to do with an older BMW whose necessary repairs cost more than the car is worth.
Join CR at https://CR.org/joinviaYT to access our comprehensive ratings for items you use every day. CR is a mission-driven, independent, nonprofit organization.
SHOW NOTES
-----------------------------------
0:00 - Intro
00:37 Overview: 2026 Ineos Grenadier
02:22 The Story Behind the Grenadier
04:00 Why it SUV Stands Out
07:28 Off-Road Test
10:12 Locking Differentials and Low-Range Gear
12:28 Built to Be Repaired in the Middle of Nowhere
13:40 BMW Power in a Serious Off-Roader
15:33 The Grenadier's Quirky Interior
17:20 Compromises
19:06 The Steering
22:31 Buttons, Switches, and an Airplane-Style Cockpit
27:31 Driving Position and Seat Comfort
30:32 Cabin Noise
32:05 On-Road Handling
33:45 Would We Spend $90,000 on One?
36:22 What It's Really Like to Live With
All-Weather vs. All-Season Tires; Should I Buy My Own Spare?
Season 13 · Episode 519
Wednesday, August 12, 2026 • Duration 31:22
We answer viewer questions this week, including: the best vehicle for a 14-hour road trip, why automakers have eliminated spare tires, debunk a myth about self-driving cars, and explore the pros and cons of all-weather tires. We also discuss the best ways to learn your vehicle's new features, with or without a dealer's help.
Have a question for our experts? Send it to TalkingCars@iCloud.com to be featured on a future episode.
📝 SHOW NOTES:
0:00 - Intro
1:24 - Question #1 - Paul from St.Paul, MN: Which car brands make the best self-driving systems?
8:31 - Question #2 - Paul: Where did all of the spare tires go?
15:25 - Question #3 - Darnley from Yonkers, NY: What's the best car for a 14-hour road trip?
18:30 - Question #4 - Noah from Richmond, VA: Do all-weather tires live up to the hype?
23:57 - Question #5: Steve from TN: What's the best way to learn about the new features on a car, when you don't buy from a dealer?
