Talking Cars (MP3)
Technology
About
Join our experts at the Consumer Reports Test Track as they discuss cars, answer buying questions, and share insights on everything automotive.
Episodes
- 2027 Kia Telluride EX AWD
The 2027 Kia Telluride EX AWD receives a significant redesign. This episode of Talking Cars evaluates its powertrain, styling, comfort, and key competitors, while also addressing listener questions about navigation systems, satellite radio…
- Best Used EVs, Renting with Turo + Sixt, Rivian Reliability + Owner Satisfaction
Consumer Reports experts address questions on CVTs and EVs, the difference between reliability and owner satisfaction using Rivian as an example, car rental alternatives, and advice on purchasing used EVs under $40,000.
- 2026 Jeep Cherokee Laredo
The Talking Cars podcast reviews the 2026 Jeep Cherokee Laredo hybrid, covering its cabin, cargo space, design, safety, refinement, and fuel economy. The episode also compares the Cherokee to competitors and answers a listener question abo…
- 2026 Honda Prelude
The 2026 Honda Prelude is reviewed, highlighting its hybrid powertrain and redesigned styling. The episode debates its positioning, noting it may not be sporty enough for a sports car nor luxurious enough for a grand touring coupe. It also…
- 2026 Subaru Outback Premium & Touring XT
Talking Cars reviews the 2026 Subaru Outback, examining the Premium and Touring XT trims. The discussion covers the vehicle's redesign, engine choices, interior features, and the absence of a hybrid option, along with a question about EV t…
- 2026 Mazda CX-5 Premium Plus
On this episode of Talking Cars, the hosts share their initial impressions of the 2026 Mazda CX-5, focusing on its redesign, new large touchscreen, and absence of physical climate controls. They also discuss the value of top trim models an…
- 2026 New York Auto Show
Talking Cars provides first impressions from the 2026 New York Auto Show, covering vehicles such as the Genesis G90 Wingback, Hyundai Boulder, Subaru Getaway, and Kia EV3, alongside discussions on the rise of softroaders.
- 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander SE
The 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander SE was acquired for testing, offering initial impressions of its updated mild-hybrid turbo engine and interior. The review highlights positive aspects as well as drawbacks like the cramped third row and firm r…
- EV Range Test Results
This episode of Talking Cars details Consumer Reports' EV Range Test findings, explaining their 70-mph highway range test methodology and how it differs from EPA estimates. It covers EV driving range under specific conditions, compares dif…
- Are Portable Jump Starters Worth It, The Most Fuel-Efficient Speed to Drive, Timing Chains vs. Timing Belts
Talking Cars answers audience questions covering driving speed for fuel efficiency, jump starters, timing chains versus belts, regenerative braking in EVs, and selecting used cars for accessibility.
- 2026 Nissan Sentra SV
The Talking Cars episode reviews the 2026 Nissan Sentra SV, detailing its real-world driving performance, engine, cabin quality, and infotainment. It also addresses the absence of a hybrid model and offers advice on safely storing large tu…
- 2026 Audi A6 Premium Plus
The 2026 Audi A6 is reviewed, focusing on its turbo V6 engine performance, transmission, driving characteristics, and infotainment system. The episode also addresses a listener question about replacing the battery in a 2014 Toyota Prius.
- 2026 Nissan Leaf SV+
The 2026 Nissan Leaf SV+ is reviewed, noting its enhanced range, updated SUV aesthetics, new NACS charge port, and inclusion of Pro Pilot Assist. The episode also provides guidance on selecting car insurance and explains how weather can im…
- 2026 Toyota bZ
The 2026 Toyota bZ is reviewed, with experts sharing first impressions and comparing it to the Subaru Solterra. The discussion covers the vehicle's name, electric powertrain, NACS charging port, and interior features like the center consol…
- 2026 Top Picks
Consumer Reports reveals its 2026 Top Picks for cars, SUVs, and trucks, highlighting outstanding vehicles in performance, reliability, owner satisfaction, and safety. The episode discusses winners by vehicle type and mentions brands such a…
- 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid
The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid is reviewed, covering its ride, handling, controls, safety, and new hybrid powertrain. The episode also tackles audience questions about repairing older cars versus buying new, and the risks of first-year r…
- 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid Calligraphy AWD is reviewed, focusing on its new hybrid system, performance, fuel economy, interior luxury, and usability. The episode also addresses questions regarding Nissan "Zero Gravity" seats and tire…
- Best & Worst Cars of 2025
Staffers from Consumer Reports’ Auto Test Center share their selections for the best and worst cars evaluated in 2025. These individuals drive test cars as part of their daily routines, assessing their practicality and usability.
- 2026 Toyota RAV4
This episode reviews the 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid XSE, discussing its power, electric-only range, interior, and practicality. It also addresses audience questions on balancing EV horsepower with range and the effect of wheel size on…
- 2026 Reliability Survey Results
Talking Cars presents Consumer Reports' 2026 reliability survey results, detailing which car brands are most dependable. The episode covers new and used vehicle reliability, compares electric and hybrid models to gas cars, and addresses ow…
- New Car Reliability, Swapping Wheel Sizes, & Is Undercoating Worth It?
In this episode of Talking Cars, hosts Keith, Emily, and Mike address listener questions about new car reliability, the value of undercoating, swapping wheel sizes, and the longevity of older vehicles. They also explain Consumer Reports' m…
- 2026 Lucid Gravity
This episode of Talking Cars reviews the 2026 Lucid Gravity, an all-electric SUV with 828 horsepower and three rows of seating. The hosts share their first impressions, detailing admired features, encountered glitches, and notable omission…
- 2026 Hyundai Palisade
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade is reviewed, highlighting its design and controls, while noting a significant flaw. The episode also addresses audience questions regarding CR's reliability surveys and offers advice on avoiding deceptive car sale…
- Tire Buying Advice, All-Season vs All-Weather, and the Best Time to Buy New Tires
Talking Cars from Consumer Reports discusses tire buying, covering when to replace tires, how to choose them, and if EVs need special tires. The episode details how climate and driving habits influence tire performance and explains the org…
- 2025 Toyota 4Runner
On this episode of Talking Cars, the team shares their impressions of the redesigned 2025 Toyota 4Runner. They discuss the vehicle's body-on-frame construction, off-road focus, seating comfort, and access improvements, as well as areas whe…
- 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan
The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan is reviewed, covering its improvements, positioning in the compact SUV market, and redesigned feel. The episode also addresses listener questions about airbag deployment and family vehicle recommendations.
- 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9
This episode of Talking Cars reviews the 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9, an electric vehicle sharing technology with the Kia EV9. Hosts discuss the Ioniq 9's design, driving experience, and compare it to the EV9. The episode also answers listener qu…
- 2026 Tesla Model Y
This episode reviews the 2026 Tesla Model Y, noting its smoother ride, upgraded interior, and quieter cabin. It also discusses performance, the delivery process, vehicle controls, and the "Full Self-Driving" system, while addressing listen…
- 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid
Talking Cars discusses the 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid, purchased for testing by Consumer Reports. The episode covers first impressions, powertrain performance, real-world fuel efficiency, and comparisons to other hybrid SUVs. It also addr…
- 2025 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe
The 2025 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe is reviewed, focusing on its refreshed engine, dual-clutch transmission, and front-wheel-drive platform. The episode covers first driving impressions, track performance, the updated touchscreen interface, a…
- 2025 Nissan Armada
This episode features experts sharing their first impressions of the redesigned 2025 Nissan Armada SL with Intelligent AWD. They discuss its refined exterior, interior, updated powertrain, and family-friendly space after testing it on a tr…
- 2025 GMC Terrain
This episode covers the 2025 GMC Terrain, detailing its redesigned truck-like styling, new infotainment system, and providing driving impressions. The discussion also includes a comparison between GMC and Chevrolet models, an analysis of G…
- 2025 Audi Q6 e-tron
The 2025 Audi Q6 e-tron, built on the new PPE architecture, is evaluated for its driving dynamics, safety systems, range, and user interface, including its HUD. The discussion also covers hybrid driving efficiency, horsepower calculation i…
- 2025 Buick Enclave
Consumer Reports reviews the 2025 Buick Enclave, a new luxury 3-row SUV positioned below Cadillac. The episode examines its comfort, practicality, value, and compares it to rivals like the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot. Viewer question…
- 2025 Kia K4
Talking Cars reviews the 2025 Kia K4 LXS, purchased for testing at $24,320. The episode examines its features, tech, and performance, comparing it to compact rivals and discussing its value for money. It also addresses viewer questions on…
- 2025 Volkswagen Taos
The 2025 Volkswagen Taos receives a refreshed design and updated technology. This episode details first impressions of its performance, interior, and infotainment, assessing its market competitiveness. Audience questions address the risks…
- 2025 New York Auto Show
Talking Cars reports from the 2025 New York Auto Show, covering trends and new Subaru model debuts. The hosts analyze the market viability of displayed vehicles and share their personal favorites from the event.
- 2025 Nissan Murano
The 2025 Nissan Murano receives a redesign and powertrain update. This episode covers first impressions of its styling, interior, performance, and driving experience. It also addresses audience questions regarding the lifespan and maintena…
- 2025 Toyota Crown Signia
In this episode, Consumer Reports discusses their first impressions of the 2025 Toyota Crown Signia hybrid SUV, covering its design, ride quality, and powertrain. They also answer listener questions about EV battery performance in cold wea…
- 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz
The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz is reviewed, covering its retro styling, electric drivetrain, and driving dynamics. The episode also includes audience questions about using local mechanics for repairs and finding affordable manual transmissio…
- 2025 Top Picks
Consumer Reports experts present their 2025 Top Picks for vehicles, explaining their selection process and addressing audience questions about member surveys, hybrid braking, and cargo space measurements.
- 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid
Consumer Reports reviews the 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid, a collaboration between Mazda and Toyota, discussing its driving characteristics and drivetrain. The episode also addresses listener questions about purchasing Nissan vehicles and Lexus…
- The State of EVs in 2025 - Live!
On this episode of Talking Cars, the discussion focused on the state of the electric vehicle market in 2025. Topics included government policy, charging infrastructure, market demand, and industry competition, with live audience questions…
- 2025 Nissan Kicks
Talking Cars reviews the redesigned 2025 Nissan Kicks, discussing its increased size, enhanced power, and new all-wheel-drive option. The episode covers driving performance, safety features, and design elements, and also addresses listener…
- Best & Worst Cars of 2024
The Consumer Reports auto staff identify the best and worst new cars tested in 2024. Evaluations were conducted by the entire team at CR's Auto Test Center.
- 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV
In this episode of Talking Cars, the hosts share their initial impressions of the 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV. They discuss its driving dynamics, features, and how it compares to other models, while also answering listener questions about br…
- 2025 Reliability Survey Results
The 2025 Reliability Survey results are shared, detailing owner-reported problems with cars, trucks, and SUVs. The episode covers brand rankings, including Toyota, Tesla, Subaru, BMW, Jeep, and Honda, and compares the reliability of electr…
- 2025 Hyundai Sonata
This episode of Talking Cars reviews the 2025 Hyundai Sonata, detailing its new styling, infotainment, safety features, and ride improvements. It also includes audience questions about vehicle towing, usability of unlabeled controls, and r…
- 2025 Jeep Compass
The 2025 Jeep Compass is reviewed, noting its new 200-hp engine and other updates as the next generation is delayed. The hosts also discuss the pros and cons of tire siping and recommend used cars for teen drivers.
- 2025 Mini Cooper
Talking Cars experts offer first impressions of the redesigned 2025 Mini Cooper S, evaluating its performance, styling, and interior. The episode also addresses viewer questions on infotainment touchscreen reliability and engine noise redu…