Once upon a time, China followed the world when it came to safety regulations and standards, but this is 2025, and China is forging its own path, especially when it comes to new tech like one-pedal driving and electronic door releases. Is this the right move or not? Travis and Alex also discuss minivans vs big SUVs and how tire sizes work. Travis drives a new Leaf, Alex continues his campaign against black plastic. 

Here's what to do (and not do) when buying a new car and what you can expect.

-Discounts

-Invoice isn't the real cost

-Financing works in your favor

-Extended warranties

-Shop around

-Going out of state can go wrong

In today's rambling episode, we talk about the resurrected HEMI in Ram's 1500 truck, and why it is and isn't a big deal. Tesla has a new Model Y Performance, Jeep's new Compass is starting as a hybrid-only soft-roader... And that's ok. Why? Because news flash: it's never been a Wrangler. Also: since there's a 4-door Wrangler, and a 4-door Grand Cherokee... Why does the Cherokee need to be similar to either of those? Oh, and we chat about how to get the EV tax credit if you have an EV on order but it won't arrive "on time."

In this episode Alex and Travis take a deep dive into legroom. How it's measured, why you can't always trust the numbers, and why we always talk about legroom in a specific way. We also ask: is the Blazer EV SS the modern Grand National? -gasp- Oh, and Durango gets another year to live, standard V8s and a bonkers top-end price tag.

Where is the safest place for your child's car seat? Well, that kind of "depends." In this solo episode Alex tackles viewer questions while Travis is out sick including why there's a baby behind Alex's seat instead of being on the other side. Also, why car prices are on sharp rise skyward, why we're always comparing strange things, and just why is it that top trims are missing seats... 

What should you do, and not do, if you want your car to last longer? Well, it's the 21st century so don't be afraid of power windows or doors locks, but you might want to think twice about performance options, DCTs, CVTs, and yes... Even manual transmissions. 

What would tax policy be like if Alex and Travis ruled the US? Scary though, no? Less scary: the new 2026 Mazda CX-5 is finally coming! Although... Not everyone will be a fan of the styling and design direction which has gone more minimal than ever before. Oh, and speed cameras should be burnt at the stake. 

Sadly due to one of the smallest datasets since CR started reporting on new car reliability, we know less about reliability than at any point in decades. How does a Dodge or some Jeep models compare to a Toyota? Who really knows. Honda vs Toyota? We have those numbers down, but the rest? It's a crapshoot. Travis and Alex also talk about the EV tax credit dying off, CAFE fines going to zero and what that might mean for the auto industry as a whole.

Over the last 20 years convertible sales have plunged by more than 80%. Ouch. Once upon a time ragtops were over 5% of all new car sales and now they are down to a fraction. Why has this happened? What can we do about it? And why might it be time for a Sebring resurrection?

Alex and Travis talk about Nissan's new entry-level EV, which is, let's be honest, unlikely to be as inexpensive as Chevy's upcoming Bolt replacement. They also deep-dive into hybrids from the new performance hybrid Corvette (no, not the E-Ray) to the Maverick and beyond. They also dish about sport trucks...