Radio and PodcastRadio and PodcastLive Radio & Podcasts
Talking Cars (HQ) cover
Games & Hobbies

Talking Cars (HQ)

Consumer Reports

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

Episodes

20 of 536 episodes

2026 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness: Worth the Extra Cost?

On this week's episode, we discuss the Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness to find out whether its rugged styling, lifted suspension, all-terrain ti...

35:30Oct 14, 2026

Yes, You Need Winter Tires: All-Season vs. All-Weather, Top Rated Winter Tires, and More

In this episode, Consumer Reports' resident 'tire guys' break down everything you need to know about winter tires. We discuss the difference...

42:47Oct 7, 2026

2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid: More Power, Way Less Drama

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 discu...

37:29Sep 30, 2026

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 di...

27:25Sep 23, 2026

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 siza...

50:10Sep 16, 2026

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, com...

30:54Sep 9, 2026

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,...

43:29Sep 2, 2026

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...

52:26Aug 26, 2026

The Ineos Grenadier Might Be the Perfect Backcountry Vehicle

This week w e drive the 2026 Ineos Grenadier on pavement, dirt roads, and CR's challenging Rock Hill to see whether this purpose-built, BMW-...

44:42Aug 19, 2026

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, debun...

31:22Aug 12, 2026

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 t...

37:45Aug 5, 2026

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...

44:51Jul 29, 2026

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 e...

29:51Jul 22, 2026

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 inte...

30:07Jul 15, 2026

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 bough...

32:40Jul 8, 2026

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 tr...

58:11Jul 1, 2026

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 E...

47:20Jun 24, 2026

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...

21:37Jun 17, 2026

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,...

48:08Jun 10, 2026

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 p...

41:05Jun 3, 2026