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Talking Cars (MP3)

Talking Cars (MP3)

Consumer Reports 523 Episodes Aug 19, 2026

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

Episodes

The Ineos Grenadier Might Be the Perfect Backcountry Vehicle
The Ineos Grenadier Might Be the Perfect Backcountry Vehicle Aug 19, 2026 44:42 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 $90,000. We discuss the driving experience, its unusual steering, noisy cabin, quirky controls, where it excels, and whether we'd actually buy one. Plus, we answer an audience question about what to do with an older BMW whose necessa
All-Weather vs. All-Season Tires; Should I Buy My Own Spare?
All-Weather vs. All-Season Tires; Should I Buy My Own Spare? Aug 12, 2026 31:22 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
Lexus Finally Gets Electric Right: 2026 Lexus ES 500e
Lexus Finally Gets Electric Right: 2026 Lexus ES 500e Aug 5, 2026 37:45 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 sedan, discussing its whisper-quiet ride, comfort-first philosophy, real-world range, charging performance, interior technology, and whether it delivers a true luxury experience despite a few frustrating tech quirks. Plus, we answer a
Save the Manuals: Driving the New 2026 VW Jetta GLI
Save the Manuals: Driving the New 2026 VW Jetta GLI Jul 29, 2026 44:51 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 destined to become a future classic—or if the DSG automatic is actually the better buy. We break down the GLI's turbocharged performance, handling, ride comfort, practicality, and why it may be one of the best cars left to learn stick sh
Will Your Next Car Come With a 'Kill Switch'? | Talking Cars with Consumer Reports #516
Will Your Next Car Come With a 'Kill Switch'? | Talking Cars with Consumer Reports #516 Jul 22, 2026 29:51 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 olde
Why Does Every New Car Feel Like a Smartphone?
Why Does Every New Car Feel Like a Smartphone? Jul 15, 2026 30:07 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
Small Trucks Are the Perfect Size for Nobody: 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz
Small Trucks Are the Perfect Size for Nobody: 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz Jul 8, 2026 32:40  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 assessme
Everything That's Wrong with the American Auto Industry
Everything That's Wrong with the American Auto Industry Jul 1, 2026 58:11 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, e
The 2026 Subaru Uncharted's Identity Crisis
The 2026 Subaru Uncharted's Identity Crisis Jun 24, 2026 47:20 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 compre
Get a Job As a CR Tester, Rivian vs. Lucid, Unfair Minivan Bias
Get a Job As a CR Tester, Rivian vs. Lucid, Unfair Minivan Bias Jun 17, 2026 21:37 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. Ha
2026 Dodge Charger R/T
2026 Dodge Charger R/T Jun 10, 2026 48:08 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-foc
How to Survive High Gas Prices
How to Survive High Gas Prices Jun 3, 2026 41:05 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 understa

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