Talking Cars (Video)

Latest episodes

Showing 20 · updated from the feed

2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid: More Power, Way Less Drama

#42 trending · Automotive

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 powertrai

Sep 30
37 min

Selling Your Car Privately, Fuel Stabilizer in a PHEV, When Is CR Testing a VinFast?

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

Sep 23
27 min

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

Sep 16
50 min

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

Sep 9
30 min

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

Sep 2
43 min

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

Aug 26
52 min

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

Aug 19
44 min

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

Aug 12
31 min

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

Aug 5
37 min

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

Jul 29
44 min

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 a

Jul 22
29 min

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

Jul 15
30 min

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 abo

Jul 8
32 min

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

Jul 1
58 min

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

Jun 24
47 min

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

Jun 17
21 min

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-cylin

Jun 10
48 min

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

Jun 3
41 min

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

May 27
25 min

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

May 20
40 min

Chart trend

Position in the Automotive chart (US), last 90 days.

#1#56#110JulAugSepOct

#19

all-time peak

323

days in the top 50 since Nov 2024

Chart positions

Where Talking Cars (Video) ranks today in each Apple Podcasts chart (US, Oct 3, 2026).

#60 ▼ 15 Automotive US

What listeners say

A curated, balanced selection of Apple Podcasts reviews.

Talking Cars is a neat show, with some neat people! The consumer reports staff is knowledgeable, and they don’t interrupt each other. Once in a while, the show does get a bit boring, so unless you are an absolute gearhead like I am, expect to skip around a tiny bit. The bottom line: If you like seeing how cars measure up to each other, and learning the latest news, this show is for you. If you want to use this as a resource to find your next car, then even more so. If you don’t know much about cars, this show might be a little bit boring.

Hullo08 · Apr 2024

It’s very informative and interesting. It’s helpful that it is in video so you can see the cars in motion. They have various experts an reviewers on to talk about the different aspects of vehicles, everyone is so well-informed and interesting. Thank you for all the EV reviews and the ‘How to buy a car in 2022’ show, that’s just what I need. Thank you for giving everyone good mics and making sure they are all at the same volume level!

Blizzard1s2d · May 2022

I am very new to detailing. I’ve always loved to wash my cars but not detailing them. What I have learned from this podcast about towels, products & tips is invaluable to say the least. Keep up the great work. Seems like a genuine great group of people & an excellent company

Dtattoli · May 2020

Free of commercial bias, CR gives instructive information on vehicles and the auto industry. Although sometimes a little dry the personalities grow on you over time.

AntonitoOtro · Apr 2020

I love the discussions, however, I also annoyed and turned off by the lack of volume control by the speakers. When listening in comfortable sound levels, Constant LOUD laughing by the hosts, close to the mike is unnerving!! This is specially true when listening through earphones. The loud blasts of laughter negates the positives of the program Please instill Better volume control protocols.

123watcher · Jul 2016

We strive to present a balanced view by showing a diverse range of reviews from Apple Podcasts.