Car Stuff Podcast

Jill and Tom cover a lot of topics this week, plus review the 2026 Lexus RX.

Tom briefly comments on the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, agreeing with Jill's earlier assessment that the plug-in hybrid's drivetrain is smooth in operation. Additionally, Tom notes that the compact crossover is generally comfortable and refined.

Also covered: news from General Motors regarding new hybrid variants of the maker's popular large crossovers, the Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia, and Buick Enclave. Listen in for expected delivery dates.

Tom shares a list of the five most-commonly purchased vehicles via the Costco new-car shopping program. Listen in to hear the cars and trucks Costco shoppers want the most.

Also discussed, Audi's recent announcement regarding the company's plans to build a new factory in Georgia. The new facility will have the capacity to assemble up to 200,000 vehicles a year, roughly half of which will be exported outside of the U.S.

Still in the first segment, Jill reviews the 2026 Lexus 500h F Sport Performance midsize crossover. Listen in for her thoughts on the popular Lexus model.

In the second segment, Jill and Tom welcome Jamie Butters of Autotown to the show. Jamie shared his thoughts on the General Motors hybrid move, Audi's new U.S. factory, and the midterm elections. Listen in for his insights. Jamie also discussed the dangers of drowsy driving.

In the last segment, Jill is subject to Tom's "35 MPG" quiz, and shares her quick impressions of the all-new Rivian R2 compact crossover.

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In this bonus episode of the Car Stuff Podcast, Jill sits down with Mazda North American President and CEO Tom Donnelly. The conversation covers a broad range of topics, including Mazda's joint-venture factory in Huntsville, Alabama, the importance of the CX-50 in the maker's lineup, and the significance of plug-in hybrids (PHEVs).

Also addressed: The Future of the MX-5 Miata.

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The hosts open the show with a quick discussion regarding the Toyota/Mazda joint-venture assembly facility in Huntsville, Alabama. The factory currently produces the Toyota Corolla Cross and the Mazda CX-50.

Tom shares news from Porsche; the German sports car maker has revealed a concept car foreshadowing an addition the the lineup which would be positioned above the mainstay 911 in terms of price and performance. The Mission S could appear in brand dealerships for the 2029 model years.

The hosts also review the Jeep "12-by-12" program, during which a new special-edition Wrangler was rolled out each month. Listen in for a list of the special Wranglers, and some thoughts on how well they sold.

Also discussed: "red diesel," and Subaru's European woes.

Still in the first segment, Jill reviews the 2027 Honda Passport in rugged Trailsport trim. The Trailsport was updated for the new year, and promises even greater off-road capability.

In the second segment, Jill and Tom welcome Mazda Crashworthiness Program Manager Christina Smith to the podcast. Christina discusses Mazda's safety philosophy, and the systems currently in place in the maker's products.

In the last segment Jill is subjected to Tom's "Which States Buy the Most Pickup Trucks?" quiz, including a bonus question about Star Trek's Walter Koenig.

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The hosts open the show discussing Tom's tidy new haircut. Tom heartily endorses the LoCascio's Barber Shop in Arlington Heights, IL.

Getting down to work, Tom notes that EV startup Rivian enjoyed its best-ever sales quarter in Q3. The maker's new R2 compact crossover contributed to the sales growth.

Also discussed, the BMW "Neue Klasse" 3-Series, which has been completely redesign for 2027. While the hosts like the look of the new compact BMW sedan, there is some question regarding how much it looks like a traditional BMW.

Still in the first segment, Jill reviews the redesigned 2027 Volkswagen Atlas. The 3-row midsize crossover returns for the new year with a host of design and technical updates. Listen in for details.

In the second segment, safety-seat expert Jennifer Newman of Cars.com joins the show. Jennifer brings the hosts up to speed regarding trends in seat design, and the vehicles most safety-seat accommodating. Please share this episode with any first-time expecting parents.

In the last segment, Jill is subjected to Tom's "Which is Longer?" quiz, including a bonus question about the Burger King Whaler.

Jill and Tom wrap up the show with a discussion of small-crossover affordability, and questioning whether first-time buyers might be better served by compact sedans.

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Jill and Tom open the show by talking about the Jeep Grand Cherokee's new engine, the Hurricane inline 6-cylinder engine found in Ram trucks. The engine replaces the Hemi V8 as the Cherokee's top-dog motor.

Jill went on to share her concern that the Slate EV will not arrive in customer driveways before the end of the year. Tom questions--again--the viability of a 2-door vehicle in the U.S. market, even if the price is right.

In the second segment, the hosts welcome veteran auto journalist Tim Healey to the show. A number of topics are covered, including vehicles that should sell better. Tim's pick is interesting.

In the last segment, Jill is subjected to Tom's "Was it a Buick?" quiz, and Jill reviews the Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek.

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Jill and Tom open the show by discussing Bentley's new, first-ever electric vehicle, the Torcal midsize crossover. The new model is roughly the same size as the British luxury maker's gas-powered Bentayga, but is promised to cost slightly less.

The hosts also discuss a bill being routed through Congress which would limit the extent to which a car company doing business in the U.S. can be Chinese owned. Of interest is the fact that German luxury carmaker Mercedes-Benz is 20-percent owned by Chinese entities, which is in excess of the parameters outlined in the bill. Listen in for details.

More news: Dodge has a small sedan in the sales top-ten, just not in the U.S. What is the Dodge Attitude? Listen in.

Still in the first segment, Jill and Tom share news of a Ram sales first. This one is interesting.

And before the break, Jill reviews the 60th-anniversary edition of Ford's off-road ready Bronco. Is this special edition Bronc' worth the extra money? Listen in for details.

In the second segment, Jill and Tom welcome TJ Campbell of Tirerack.com to the podcast. The returning guest discusses the best tire options for folks in the Snowbelt with which to face a potentially rough winter, and what to do to make winter tires work best financially. It's a great conversation.

In the last segment, Jill is subjected to Tom's "McDonald's vs. Chevy" quiz. Which came first, the Egg McMuffin or the Chevy Blazer? Listen to find out.

Finally, Jill shares details of the the all-new Hyundai Tucson, which arrives in brand stores later this year. look for all-new styling, and an off-road ready XRT model.

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Jill is back in the co-host seat this week, and joins Tom for a number of fresh news stories. First up, the Volkswagen ID. Buzz, which skipped the 2026 model year here in the U.S., will also be skipping 2027. The German automaker promises that the retro-themed electric van will be back for 2028. Listen in for details.

Jill and Tom note that Tesla is no longer exporting the popular Model Y from the U.S. to Canada, and is instead bringing the small crossover into the country from German, where the EV maker has a large assembly facility.

Speaking of Tesla, it has become clear that the maker is building versions of its autonomous Cybercab equipped with steering wheels. The company has not confirmed this, but Car Stuff Podcast listeners report seeing the steering-wheel-equipped vehicles on the road in several cities. Thanks to listener Celio for reporting his Miami sitings to us.

Still in the first segment, Jill talks about Korean tire maker Nexen, and the brand's move to gain acceptance in the U.S. market.

In the second segment, Jill and Tom welcome Nissan Senior Manager for Vehicle Performance Development, Chris Fischer. Chris shares the surprising backstory of the modern cupholder, specifically those found in the Infiniti QX65 premium midsize crossover. There's much more to this story than you might imagine.

In the final segment, Jill is subjected to Tom's "Where is it Built?" quiz, including a bonus question about clown movies. Really. Tom wraps up the show with his quick impressions of the sporty Subaru WRX.

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Paul Herrold of the Sons of Speed sits in for Jill this week. Paul and Tom open the show discussing Volvo's deal with Chinese car builder Geely to distribute the latter's Lynk & Co brand products in Western Europe. Volvo will retail and service the vehicles, which will be positioned below like-segment Volvo products in price and content.

Tom shares a story regarding the sighting of a Cybercab equipped with a steering wheel. Tesla's new ride-hailing autonomous vehicle was designed without a steering wheel or pedals, so the recently spotted example opens the door to much speculation.

Still in the first segment, Tom reviews the Lexus LX 600 SUV which is both pricey and satisfying to drive. Listen in for details.

In the second segment, the hosts welcome Larry Vellequette of Automotive News to the show. Larry shares news regarding the induction of long-time Toyota steward Akio Toyoda into the Automotive Hall of Fame. Listen in to a great conversation about Mr. Toyoda and his history of thoughtful corporate leadership.

In the last segment Paul is subjected to Tom's "State of the Nation" quiz. After the quiz Paul shares his first-hand account of a recent Ferrari-owners event at Wisconsin's legendary Road America race track.

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Jill and Tom open the program by welcoming Jim OBrill of the Chicago Auto Show to the program. The producers of the Chicago Show have put together a public test-drive event for licensed drivers 18 years of age or older running October 1-4 in Oak Brook, Illinois. Click here for more information.

Still in the first segment, Jill reviews the redesigned 2027 Kia Seltos. The small crossover has grown for '27, and boasts more space and a new hybrid drivetrain. Listen in for details.

In the second segment, the hosts welcome Patrick Masterson of Cars.com to the show. Patrick walks the hosts through the outlet's 2026 American Made Index, which includes a ranking of U.S. market cars by percent of domestic content. Listen in for a few surprises, including Tesla's position on the chart.

In the last segment Jill is subjected to Tom's "Is it a Lincoln?" quiz. The hosts go on to discuss future-car news as reported by Automotive News, and a number of vehicles which are being discontinued after the 2026 model year, per Car and Driver magazine.

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