Talking Cars (MP3)

Latest Episodes:

Are Off-Road Trims for SUVs Worth the Extra Money? May 27, 2026

Show notes

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 ratings for items you use every day. CR is a mission-driven, independent, nonprofit organization.

SHOW NOTES

-----------------------------------

00:00 Intro

00:16 Soft Roaders Explained

00:47 What Makes an SUV a "Soft Roader"

01:44 Why CR Doesn't Do Formal Off-Road Ratings

03:56 Building and Driving the Off-Road Evaluation Course

04:56 Vehicles Evaluated

06:13 On-Road Compromises

10:26 Off-Road Impressions

12:44 The Big Role Tires Play

16:28 Should You Buy an Off-Road Trim?

20:06 Can You Add All-Terrain Tires Yourself?

21:14 Should CR Fully Test These Off-Road Trims?

21:58 Audience Question: Do Roof Crossbars Hurt Fuel Economy?

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10 Best SUVs You Can Buy Right Now

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/10-best-suvs-you-can-buy-right-now-a8518508556/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Who Makes the Most Reliable New Cars?

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/who-makes-the-most-reliable-cars-a7824554938/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Best SUV and Truck Tires of 2026

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/tires/best-suv-and-truck-tires-a3436694441/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Choose the Right Tires for Your Vehicle

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/tires/buying-guide/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

10 Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Gas Tank

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/fuel-economy-efficiency/10-tips-to-get-the-most-out-of-a-tank-of-gas-a2642110189/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

2026 Mazda Miata Is Still the Answer May 20, 2026

Show notes

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 items you use every day. CR is a mission-driven, independent, nonprofit organization.

SHOW NOTES

-----------------------------------

00:00 Intro00:15 2026 Mazda Miata: Why We're Revisiting It

02:54 History of the Miata

05:29 Why "Miata Is Always the Answer"

08:57 What Makes the Miata So Fun to Drive

17:01 Miata Reliability, Ownership, and Common Issues

19:56 Miata Stays Lightweight

24:49 The Downsides

31:30 Our Favorite Miata Generations

34:38 Audience Question: Self-Driving Cars vs. Human Drivers

----------------------------------

Test Results: Mazda Miata

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/mazda/mx-5-miata/2026/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Who Makes the Most Reliable New Cars?

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/who-makes-the-most-reliable-cars-a7824554938/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Mazda MX-5 Miata Generations

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/mazda/mx-5-miata/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Find the Best Sports Cars & Convertible

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/sports-cars/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

2027 Kia Telluride EX AWD May 13, 2026

Show notes

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 about the Telluride

20:17 Ride Quality, Handling & Driving Dynamics

29:12 Safety Tech & Features Overview

33:20 Competitors, Buying Advice & Final Thoughts

36:06 Audience Question: Navigation, SiriusXM & App Subscriptions

LINKS:

Overview: 2027 Kia Telluride: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/kia/telluride/2027/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Test Results: 2026 Hyundai Palisade: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hyundai/palisade/2026/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

2026 Toyota Highlander: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/toyota/highlander/2026/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

2026 Toyota Grand Highlander: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/toyota/grand-highlander/2026/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Best & Worst Infotainment Systems: https://www.consumerreports.org/infotainment-systems/screen-stars-in-car-infotainment-systems/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Best Used EVs, Renting with Turo + Sixt, Rivian Reliability + Owner Satisfaction May 06, 2026

Show notes

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 Turo and Sixt, and if you can avoid getting a bad car from the vague categories rental places use.

Plus, we share advice on shopping for the best used EV under $40,000, with models like the Ford F-150 Lightning, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Audi Q6 and A6 e-tron, Honda Prologue, and more.

SHOW NOTES:

00:00 - Intro

00:55 - Chad (Wichita, KS): Simulated Upshifts in Hybrids

05:34 - Joe: Rivian Reliability vs Owner Satisfaction

10:04 - Robert: Best Used EV Options (Audi vs Honda + Alternatives)

14:51 - Gordon (Atlanta, GA): Why Are Turn Signals Moving Lower?

18:20 - Daniel (Video Question): Is the Chevy Equinox EV Being Discontinued?

20:54 - Andrew (Video Question): Rental Car Hacks (Turo, Sixt, Categories)

26:44 - Outro & How to Submit Questions

LINKS:

Subaru Forester Hybrid Test Results: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/subaru/forester-hybrid/2026/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

2026 Owner Satisfaction Survey Results: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/most-and-least-liked-car-brands-a1291429338/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Best Used EVs: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/buying-a-used-electric-vehicle-what-to-know-a7139266510/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Chevrolet Equinox EV Test Results: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/chevrolet/equinox-ev/2026/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Best and Worst Rental Car Companies: https://www.consumerreports.org/money/car-travel/best-and-worst-car-rental-companies-a1417885044/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

2026 Jeep Cherokee Laredo Apr 29, 2026

Show notes

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 organization.

SHOW NOTES

-----------------------------------

00:00 Intro

00:32 Overview: 2026 Jeep Cherokee Laredo

01:45 Jeep Brand Appeal

03:02 Space, Size & Family Practicality

04:50 Design, Comfort & Interior Quality

08:00 Safety Features & Standard Equipment

09:11 Hybrid Performance & Driving Experience

11:44 Key Drawbacks

14:03 Door Safety & Usability Concerns

17:11 Should You Buy It?

19:09 Ride, Handling & Trim Strategy

21:46 Infotainment & Tech Usability

25:13 Small Wins & Practical Features

27:15 Question: Is using Carvana or similar online services a good option for selling a vehicle?

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Test Results: 2026 Jeep Cherokee Laredo

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/jeep/cherokee/2026/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Who Makes the Most Reliable New Cars?

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/who-makes-the-most-reliable-cars-a7824554938/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Which Brands Make the Best Cars?

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/cars-driving/which-car-brands-make-the-best-vehicles-a6159221985/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

10 Best SUVs You Can Buy Right Now

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/10-best-suvs-you-can-buy-right-now-a8518508556/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Where to Shop for Used Cars

https://www.consumerreports.org/used-cars/where-to-shop-for-your-next-used-car-a1016305271/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Selling Your Car to Online Retailers

https://www.consumerreports.org/money/selling-a-car/how-to-sell-your-car-to-an-online-retailer-a2790904993/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

2026 Honda Prelude Apr 22, 2026

Show notes

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 to access our comprehensive ratings for items you use every day. CR is a mission-driven, independent, nonprofit organization.

SHOW NOTES:

00:00 Intro & Why We Bought the Honda Prelude

00:57 What the New Prelude Is (and Isn't)

03:35 Design, Features & First Impressions

06:00 Driving Experience & Everyday Usability

08:21 How It Compares to Other Cars (Civic, Prius, Z)

10:50 The Identity Problem & Who It's For

12:58 Styling, Practicality & Value Debate

16:03 Final Thoughts on the Prelude

19:38 Audience Question: EV Range vs Real Driving Needs

22:12 Why EV Range Testing Still Matters

LINKS:

2026 Honda Prelude: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/honda/prelude/2026/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

First Drive: Who is the Honda Prelude For?: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/2026-honda-prelude-review-a7655687395/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

2025 Honda Civic Adds Hybrid, Hatchback, Google, and More Power: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/small-cars/2025-honda-civic-hybrid-review-a1056711696/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Consumer Reports' Real-World Electric Car Range Comparison: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/real-world-ev-range-tests-models-that-beat-epa-estimates-a1103288135/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

2026 Subaru Outback Premium & Touring XT Apr 15, 2026

Show notes

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, nonprofit organization.

SHOW NOTES

-----------------------------------

00:00 - Introduction

00:15 - Overview: 2026 Subaru Crosstrek

01:10 - 180hp Non-Turbo vs 260hp Turbo engine

08:19 - Premium vs Touring XT Seats

11:25 - Fit and Finish Differences

13:50 - Wheels and Tires

14:59 - Cabin Noise

17:56 - Controls

19:58 - No Hybrid Option?

20:37 - New, Bold Styling

22:49 - Wrap up

25:49 - Question: Is it necessary to use EV-specific tires when replacing the tires on an electric vehicle?

----------------------------------

Test Results: 2026 Subaru Outback

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/subaru/outback/2026/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

How Car Brands Stack Up on Repair Costs

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-maintenance/the-cost-of-car-ownership-a1854979198/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Who Makes the Most Reliable New Cars?

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/who-makes-the-most-reliable-cars-a7824554938/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Which Brands Make the Best Cars?

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/cars-driving/which-car-brands-make-the-best-vehicles-a6159221985/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

10 Best SUVs You Can Buy Right Now

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/10-best-suvs-you-can-buy-right-now-a8518508556/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

2026 Mazda CX-5 Premium Plus Apr 08, 2026

Show notes

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 mission-driven, independent, nonprofit organization.

SHOW NOTES:

0:00 - Intro

0:17 - 2026 Mazda CX-5 Overview

1:18 - What we love about the 2026 Mazda CX-5

7:05 - What we dislike on the 2026 Mazda CX-5

30:50 - Is it worth buying top trim vehicles?

36:05 - What we'd buy instead of a 2026 Mazda CX-5

39:10 - Audience Question: What's the best way to keep a vehicle's 360º camera clean?

LINKS:

Mazda CX-5 Model History: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/mazda/cx-5/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Redesigned 2026 Mazda CX-5: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/2026-mazda-cx-5-review-a2402724881/EXTKEY=SOCIAL_YT

Mazda CX-50 Hybrid: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/mazda/cx-50-hybrid/2026/overview/EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Compact SUV Ratings: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/types/new/suvs/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

2026 New York Auto Show Apr 02, 2026

Show notes

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.

SHOW NOTES

-----------------------------------

00:00 - Introduction

00:56 - NYAS Show Floor

02:43 - Softroaders

08:17 - Subaru Trailseeker

08:29 - Subaru Uncharted

09:59 - Jeep Recon

10:58 - Subaru Getaway

11:53 - Hyundai Boulder

13:46 - Genesis G90 Wingback

14:07 - Our Favorites

16:23 - Best of Show

18:07 - Most Absurd

20:19 - Minivans

21:26 - Fuel Economy

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Preview: 2026 Jeep Recon Electric SUV

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/2026-jeep-recon-electric-suv-review-a1341965777/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Preview: 2026 Subaru Uncharted Electric SUV

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/2026-subaru-uncharted-review-a1017237029/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Preview: 2026 Subaru Trailseeker

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/2026-subaru-trailseeker-review-a5418969450/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Preview: Next-Gen 2027 Kia Seltos

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/2027-kia-seltos-review-a1747520334/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Preview: All-New 2027 Subaru Getaway

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/2027-subaru-getaway-review-a5360151843/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

2026 Mitsubishi Outlander SE Mar 25, 2026

Show notes

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 mission-driven, independent, nonprofit organization.

SHOW NOTES

-----------------------------------

00:00 - Introduction

00:16 - Overview: 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander SE

02:10 - What we liked

07:39 - What we disliked

18:16 - Would you buy it?

25:07 - Question: Could the hybrid system harm the gas engine if short trips prevent it from fully warming up?

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Test Results: 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/mitsubishi/outlander/2026/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Who Makes the Most Reliable New Cars?

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/who-makes-the-most-reliable-cars-a7824554938/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

10 Best SUVs You Can Buy Right Now

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/10-best-suvs-you-can-buy-right-now-a8518508556/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Which Brands Make the Best Cars?

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/cars-driving/which-car-brands-make-the-best-vehicles-a6159221985/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Hybrids Are Still the Most Reliable Cars

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/electric-vehicles-are-less-reliable-than-conventional-cars-a1047214174/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

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