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PODCAST

Talking Cars (Video)

Consumer Reports

Join our experts at the Consumer Reports Test Track as they discuss cars, answer buying questions, and share insights on everything automotive.

leisure automotive

All Episodes

37:29

2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid: More Power, Way Less Drama

Talking Cars (Video) ·

2026/09/30

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

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31:22

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

Talking Cars (Video) ·

2026/08/12

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:

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29:51

Will Your Next Car Come With a 'Kill Switch'? |...

Talking Cars (Video) ·

2026/07/22

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 actually says, how alcohol-impairment detection technology is being developed, and what that means for you when you make your next car purchase. We also answer an audience question about whether newer cars are really safer than older models and how advanced safety systems differ from driver convenience features. SHOW NOTES: 0:00 -

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30:07

Why Does Every New Car Feel Like a Smartphone?

Talking Cars (Video) ·

2026/07/15

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 and cons of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, discuss the learning curve of built-in infotainment systems, and explore personal data privacy and how you can best protect your information while using a vehicle. Join CR at https://CR.org/joinviaYT to access our comprehensive ratings for items you use every day. CR is a mission-driven,

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32:40

Small Trucks Are the Perfect Size for Nobody: 2026...

Talking Cars (Video) ·

2026/07/08

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 about the history and future of small trucks, discuss why Hyundai decided to end production of the Santa Cruz, and answer a question from a Santa Cruz owner about why the Santa Cruz returned low scores in our cargo capacity assessment. SHOW NOTES: 0:00 - Introduction & Why We Bought Another Santa Cruz 1:03 - Why Hyundai discontinued

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58:11

Everything That's Wrong with the American Auto Industry

Talking Cars (Video) ·

2026/07/01

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, and Tesla, and how they stack up to Toyota, Honda, and other top automakers, revealing how performance and reliability drive our ratings. Plus: why the American dealership model is still so frustrating, Chinese EV competition, expert tips for negotiating the best price on a new or used car, and how to avoid costly add-ons. We also

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47:20

The 2026 Subaru Uncharted's Identity Crisis

Talking Cars (Video) ·

2026/06/24

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, comfortable ride, confusing ergonomics, and missing EV features. Plus, we answer a viewer's question about the best fun-to-drive car for a college student with a $35,000 budget. 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

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21:37

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

Talking Cars (Video) ·

2026/06/17

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 equipment, the future of the minivan, vehicle-to-vehicle communication. We also discuss what it takes to become a Consumer Reports vehicle tester, and compare the real-world costs of driving EVs vs. hybrids and gas-powered vehicles. Have a question for a future episode? Send us your questions or a 30-second video to

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48:08

2026 Dodge Charger R/T

Talking Cars (Video) ·

2026/06/10

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-cylinder engine, all-wheel drive, and an updated interior that feels small, despite the vehicle's overall size. We also discuss what Dodge got right, where the Charger falls short, and whether we'd recommend it over other enthusiast-focused vehicles. Plus, we answer a question about the differences between racing fuel and premium gas,

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41:05

How to Survive High Gas Prices

Talking Cars (Video) ·

2026/06/03

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 cost? Does ethanol save money? Do Eco modes actually improve fuel economy? And should high fuel prices push you toward a hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or EV? From choosing the right fuel and finding the best prices at the pump to understanding the long-term costs of different vehicle types, we separate fact from fiction and share practical

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25:09

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

Talking Cars (Video) ·

2026/05/27

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 Wilderness, Honda Passport TrailSport, Toyota RAV4 Woodland, Ford Explorer Tremor, and more—to see whether they add real capability or mostly rugged styling. Plus, we answer a viewer's question about whether roof crossbars hurt fuel economy on SUVs like the Toyota RAV4 Prime. Join CR at https://CR.org/joinviaYT to access our comprehensive

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40:41

2026 Mazda Miata Is Still the Answer

Talking Cars (Video) ·

2026/05/20

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 cars you can buy, and weigh its sublime manual transmission, lightweight feel, reliability, and real-world compromises. Plus, we answer an audience question about Tesla Full Self-Driving—and whether human-driven Miatas are really at risk of disappearing. Join CR at https://CR.org/joinviaYT to access our comprehensive ratings for

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49:30

2027 Kia Telluride EX AWD

Talking Cars (Video) ·

2026/05/13

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 powertrain, styling, comfort, and biggest competitor. We also answer audience questions about navigation systems, satellite radio, and why manufacturers are charging for certain telematics software. SHOW NOTES: 0:00 Intro 0:36 What's New on the 2027 Kia Telluride 02:29 What we love about the 2027 Kia Telluride 10:57 What we dislike

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27:52

Best Used EVs, Renting with Turo + Sixt, Rivian...

Talking Cars (Video) ·

2026/05/06

Consumer Reports experts answer audience questions about CVTs and electric vehicles, including why simulated shifting exists, why the experts at Consumer Reports enjoy it, and how it affects performance and efficiency. We also explore the gap between reliability and owner satisfaction, with examples like the Rivian R1T and Rivian R1S, and what that means for car buyers, as well as current owners. We also discuss alternatives to traditional car rental companies, including peer-to-peer services like

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34:00

2026 Jeep Cherokee Laredo

Talking Cars (Video) ·

2026/04/29

We share our first impressions of Jeep's all-new and first-ever hybrid Cherokee, including cabin and cargo space, design, and safety. We discuss its refinement, fuel economy, and how it compares to competitors in a crowded field. We also answer a viewer's question about whether Carvana and other sites are a good option for selling a vehicle. 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

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30:57

2026 Honda Prelude

Talking Cars (Video) ·

2026/04/22

This week, we cover the all-new 2026 Honda Prelude. We reminisce about past Preludes, discuss the 2026 model's hybrid-only powertrain and redesigned styling, and try to figure out who the Prelude is for: it's not sporty enough to be called a sports car, but it falls short on luxury touches to be considered a grand touring coupe. We also answer a question about Consumer Reports' EV Highway Range Test and explore why a buyer might need 300+ miles of driving range. Join CR at https://CR.org/joinviaYT

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32:22

2026 Subaru Outback Premium & Touring XT

Talking Cars (Video) ·

2026/04/15

This week, it's all about the 2026 Subaru Outback. We bought two trims of the Outback: Premium and Touring XT. We discuss its radical redesign from a wagon to an SUV, talk about why we bought two trims and the differences between them, and how Subaru's omission of a hybrid powertrain may be a mistake. Plus, we answer a question about EV replacement tires. Join CR at https://CR.org/joinviaYT to access our comprehensive ratings for items you use every day. CR is a mission-driven, independent,

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44:34

2026 Mazda CX-5 Premium Plus

Talking Cars (Video) ·

2026/04/08

On this episode, we share our first impressions of the 2026 Mazda CX-5. We cover the CX-5's redesign, including its new, large touchscreen infotainment system, mourn its lack of physical climate controls, and discuss how the top trim model we rented doesn't feel that special. We also answer a question about 360 cameras and how to keep the lenses clean in rainy places like Oregon. Join CR at https://CR.org/joinviaYT to access our comprehensive ratings for items you use every day. CR is a

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23:46

2026 New York Auto Show

Talking Cars (Video) ·

2026/04/02

We're live from the floor of the 2026 New York Auto Show, and sharing our first impressions of the vehicles announced at the show, including the Genesis G90 Wingback and Hyundai Boulder concept cars, the Subaru Getaway 3-row EV SUV, Kia Seltos Hybrid, Volkswagen Atlas, Kia EV3 all-electric compact SUV, and the rise of the softroader! 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.

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30:41

2026 Mitsubishi Outlander SE

Talking Cars (Video) ·

2026/03/25

We purchased a 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander SE for our test program and share our first impressions of the updated compact SUV, including its new 48-volt mild-hybrid turbo engine, improved interior controls, and why the tiny third row and rough ride may give shoppers pause. We also discuss whether a hybrid system may harm the gas engine if short trips prevent it from fully warming up? Join CR at https://CR.org/joinviaYT to access our comprehensive ratings for items you use every day. CR is a

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