Talking Cars (MP3)

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 PHEV Is Great—but Is It $50,000 Great?

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

Say It to Me Seltos: First Impressions of the 2027 Kia Seltos

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, a

Is the 2026 Toyota bZ Woodland EV the Golden Child of the Toyota-Subaru Marriage?

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

I Bought 171 Cars for Consumer Reports. Here's What I Learned.

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 expe

The Ineos Grenadier Might Be the Perfect Backcountry Vehicle

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

All-Weather vs. All-Season Tires; Should I Buy My Own Spare?

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 ca

Lexus Finally Gets Electric Right: 2026 Lexus ES 500e

Is the all-new 2026 Lexus ES EV the luxury electric sedan we've been waiting for? On this week's episode we share our first impressions of the Lexus' newest electric seda

Save the Manuals: Driving the New 2026 VW Jetta GLI

Is the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI the last great affordable sports sedan? On this week's episode, we debate whether Volkswagen's final manual-transmission sedan is destine

Will Your Next Car Come With a 'Kill Switch'? | Talking Cars with Consumer Reports #516

In this episode, we separate fact from fiction about viral claims that a government-mandated "kill switch" for cars is coming in 2027. Our experts explain what the law ac

Why Does Every New Car Feel Like a Smartphone?

In this episode of Talking Cars, we discuss why modern vehicles rely so heavily on software, apps, over-the-air updates, and smartphone integration. We compare the pros a

Small Trucks Are the Perfect Size for Nobody: 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz

 In this episode, we take an in-depth look at the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz, which, ironically, was officially discontinued days after we bought one for testing. We talk ab

Everything That's Wrong with the American Auto Industry

This week's episode tackles a long-running debate: are American cars inferior to their Asian and European counterparts? We break down the truth about Ford, GM, Stellantis

The 2026 Subaru Uncharted's Identity Crisis

Is the all-new Subaru Uncharted a rugged Subaru, a rebadged Toyota, or something in between? We share our first impressions of the compact EV's strong performance, comfor

Get a Job As a CR Tester, Rivian vs. Lucid, Unfair Minivan Bias

Consumer Reports experts discuss the financial viability of EV startups like Rivian and Lucid, share EV charging best practices, give advice for hauling large audio equip

2026 Dodge Charger R/T

In this episode, we share our first impressions of the all-new 2026 Dodge Charger. The Charger features new styling and a hatchback design, a twin-turbo inline-six-cylind

How to Survive High Gas Prices

As gas prices fluctuate and drivers look for ways to cut costs, on this week's episode we answer the questions drivers are asking most: Is premium fuel worth the extra co

Are Off-Road Trims for SUVs Worth the Extra Money?

On this episode of Talking Cars, we discuss our recent evaluation of popular rugged SUV trims, sometimes called "soft roader" SUVs—including the Subaru Forester Wildernes

2026 Mazda Miata Is Still the Answer

On this episode we share our impressions of the 2026 Mazda Miata and take a joyride through Miata history. We explain why the 2026 model remains one of the purest sports

2027 Kia Telluride EX AWD

The 2027 Kia Telluride gets a major redesign, but is it enough to keep this three-row SUV among the best in its class? On this week's episode, we discuss the Telluride's

Best Used EVs, Renting with Turo + Sixt, Rivian Reliability + Owner Satisfaction

Consumer Reports experts answer audience questions about CVTs and electric vehicles, including why simulated shifting exists, why the experts at Consumer Reports enjoy it