MotorWeek

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Making Driving Safer for Everyone Goes Beyond Crash Testing with the IIHS Oct 01, 2026

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In Podcast #387, host John Davis and producer Jessica Ray are joined by Joe Young, Director of Media Relations at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Joe joins the podcast to talk about how automotive safety is about far more than just crash testing. The IIHS is currently working toward their 30×30 initiative, which aims to reduce automotive fatalities 30% by 2030. To do that requires thinking outside of the drivers’ seat.

Nissan Reveals 4th-Gen Rogue with New Hybrid Powertrain, Plus Volvo Refreshes the XC40, XC60 & XC90 Sep 21, 2026

Show notes

In Podcast #386, John Davis and the MotorWeek crew look at the latest from Volvo as they work to update their core lineup vehicles in order to stay in the internal combustion game. Then we’ll also have our first impressions of the upcoming Nissan Rogue Hybrid as America finally gets a fuel efficient powertrain the rest of the world has enjoyed for almost a decade. Then a Lightning Round highlights some big shifts at Volkswagen as they slim down their global lineup and look to add a body-on-frame pickup to their U.S. offerings. And a viewer asks us to define some of the terms we constantly use on the show. *This episode released a few days late to meet the Nissan Rogue Hybrid’s embargo.

Season 46 Premiere Preview! Plus Do Automotive Sub-brands Make Sense Anymore? Sep 03, 2026

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In Podcast #385, John Davis and the MotorWeek crew kick off the 46th season of the show! We hit the road running with the latest and greatest in new automotive hardware, starting with the first ever Toyota RAV4 tuned by the engineers at Ga-zoo Racing…the GR Sport. Then we always like to begin the season with a hot performer, and that’s almost an understatement with the Porsche 911 Turbo S. And speaking of speed, we have something special on two-wheels–Italian by way of China–the Moto Morini X-Cape 1200 is on tap for today. Along with our usual topics including a lightning round about the relevance of sub-brands and we’ll try and answer a fan mail about man’s best friend and their cars.

Ford Names New EV Pickup “Fathom”, Plus Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport Reveal & Audi Q3 Review Aug 20, 2026

Show notes

On Podcast #384, on tap today for John Davis and the MotorWeek crew are two updated crossovers, as well as an update on Ford’s upcoming “from scratch” mid-size EV pickup including it’s name which is also new to the brand. Plus our Lightning Round looks ahead for the Blue Oval automaker as word is circulating about what’s next for their more conventional products. And a viewer has a question about MotorWeek merch.

Audi Q3 & Ford Mustang Mach-E Reviews, Plus Our “Must-Have” Car Features Aug 07, 2026

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In Podcast #383, Jessica Ray and the MotorWeek crew talk about two very different small utilities. First up is the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Ford’s first EV that really impressed us when it initially debuted in 2021. For 2026 it gets some updates and we see if it still continues to impress. Then the Audi Q3 enters its third-generation as the brand’s entry-level luxury utility and it looks to make an impression. Of course, in between those two topics we’ll have a Lightning Round that talks about some of the “must-have” features in new cars. Plus a viewer has a question about what kind of vehicle they need to go off-roading.

First Ride in $25K Slate Truck, A Trip on Route 66 & 2027 Kia Seltos First Drive Jul 23, 2026

Show notes

In Podcast #382, John Davis and the MotorWeek crew talk trucks, trips, & a Telluride look-alike! Brian starts things off with a first drive in the 2nd-gen Kia Seltos, which sports a brand new look and powertrain for 2027. Then Greg celebrated 100 years of Route 66 by taking his young family on a 1,500 mile road trip and he regales us about his travels on “The Mother Road”. Finally, Jessica had a recent opportunity to ride in the all-new $25,000 dollar Slate EV Truck. There is also a Lightning Round to discuss an automotive colleague from The Drive and his experience having his press vehicle mistaken as stolen by Flock cameras. Then a viewer has a question about if any low-tech vehicles actually exist?

2027 BMW X5 Reveal, RAM 1500 TRX SRT First Drive, & Dodge Charger R/T Review Jul 09, 2026

Show notes

In Podcast #381, Jessica Ray steps in as host and it’s pure Americana…from muscle cars to pickup trucks…and an American-made German SUV. We’ll start things off with our time behind the wheel of two “performance” models from the Stellantis umbrella that are on very opposite ends of the spectrum…a base Dodge Charger R/T and the return of the powerful prehistoric RAM 1500 TRX. Then BMW unveils the 5th-generation X5 utility with their “Neue Klasse” design language and a whopping 5 different powertrain options. Then it’s a lightning round that ponders the return of the quirky yet beloved Honda Element and a viewer has a question about the press cars we test…

First Drive in Rivian R2, Revealed 777HP RAM 1500 Rumble Bee SRT, & INEOS Grenadier Review Jun 25, 2026

Show notes

In Podcast #380, John Davis and the MotorWeek crew are all about trucks and SUVs today! We start things off with the recently unveiled HEMI-powered RAM 1500 Rumble Bee SRT. Then a vehicle that might not be on your radar, the INEOS Grenadier, which is one man’s modern take on the classic Land Rover Defender 110. Then we finish up with our first drive report on the long-awaited Rivian R2, smaller kin to the familiar R1S. Plus, we have a Lightning Round that analyzes Texas’s increasing overall market share in the country and how it could impact what vehicles we see on sale. Plus a viewer question about whether premium fuel helps with fuel efficiency in any vehicle.

Special Guest: Dave Durso, Head Writer Jun 11, 2026

Show notes

Once again, we are celebrating our 45th season with a guest from the past! Today we are joined by Dave Durso, who was a writer on MotorWeek from 1987 to 2009. He eventually rose to the title of Head Writer and started the segment known as “Two Wheelin'”, in which he would review motorcycles. He and John discuss all of his favorite memories and also how he completely changed lanes to a brand new career when he left!

8th-Gen Lexus ES First Drive, Volvo EX60 is Revealed, & a Federal EV Tax? May 28, 2026

Show notes

In Podcast #378, John Davis and the MotorWeek crew dive into two vehicles that are a big deal for their respective brands. First, we start off with some experience driving the all-new 8th-gen Lexus ES which is available as both a hybrid and all-electric. Then we explore the details of the recently revealed Volvo EX60, which previews some big updates to their EVs. Our Lightning Round takes a look at a potential federal tax on EVs and PHEVs while a viewer has a question about what on earth destination fees are for?

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