On this week's episode, we share our first impressions of the redesigned 2027 Kia Seltos, Kia's least expensive SUV. Its roomy interior, comfortable ride, bold styling, and user-friendly controls make it feel surprisingly mature—but the sluggish 147-hp base engine is a major disappointment. We discuss whether the pricey turbo is worth the upgrade or if buyers should wait for the upcoming hybrid. Plus, we answer an audience question about balancing the financial benefits of keeping an older car with the safety improvements found in newer models.

Consumer Reports experts: Alex Knizek, Jeff Bartlett, John Williams

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

00:37 Overview: 2027 Kia Seltos

02:12 Mature Subcompact SUV

04:26 Ride Comfort and Handling

07:20 The Engine

08:43 Is the Turbo Worth it?

09:58 Upcoming Hybrid

12:39 Infotainment

14:23 Climate Controls and Interior Design Quirks

18:13 Door Handles

20:27 Interior Space, Cargo Room, and Rear Seats

22:12 Seat Comfort and Head Restraint Problems

25:29 Interior Quality

27:22 Audience Question: When Should You Replace an Older Car?

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Test Results: 2027 Kia Seltos

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/kia/seltos/2027/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Most and Least Satisfying Hybrids, Plug-In Hybrids, and EVs

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/most-and-least-satisfying-electric-vehicles-and-hybrids-a2825600877/?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

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

Popular Small SUVs to Avoid and What to Buy Instead

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/popular-small-suvs-to-avoid-and-what-to-buy-instead-a1273704153/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Find the Safest New Car Using CR's Safety Verdict

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-safety/how-to-find-safest-new-car-using-crs-safety-verdict-a3169270635/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Safest Car Brands Ranked by CR's Safety Verdict

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-safety/safest-car-brands-a1065426408/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

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, extra ground clearance, and a little off-road attitude. But is the Woodland really built for the wilderness—or is it better thought of as a quick, practical electric station wagon? We discuss its surprising acceleration, EPA-rated range, cargo area, infotainment and controls, and overly sensitive driver-monitoring system. Plus, we answer an audience question about why cars don't have automatic rain-sensing rear wipers, which turned into a debate over whether cars really need rear windshield wipers at all.

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

00:36 Overview: 2026 Toyota bZ Woodland

01:18 What Does "Woodland" Actually Mean?

03:35 Toyota and Subaru's Growing EV Family

04:47 Performance

06:05 Interior Quality, Controls, and Usability

09:24 Driving Position and Storage

12:05 Cargo Space

14:13 Is the bZ Woodland an Electric Subaru Outback?

15:53 Toyota's Infotainment

18:20 Instrument Cluster

21:09 Phone Connectivity

24:40 All-Terrain Tires

25:19 Are "Off-Road" Trims Worth It?

28:14 Safety and Driver Assistance Features

33:41 Audience Question: Why No Rain-Sensing Rear Wipers?

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Test Results: 2026 Toyota bZ Woodland

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/toyota/bz-woodland/2026/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

2026 Toyota bZ

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/toyota/bz/2026/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Popular Electric Vehicles to Avoid and What to Get Instead

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/electric-vehicles-to-avoid-and-the-evs-to-get-instead-a6654236864/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Best Electric Cars of 2026, According to Consumer Reports' Tests

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/best-electric-vehicles-from-consumer-reports-tests-a3759669425/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Most and Least Satisfying Hybrids, Plug-In Hybrids, and EVs

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/most-and-least-satisfying-electric-vehicles-and-hybrids-a2825600877/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Most Reliable Used Electric Vehicles

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/most-reliable-used-electric-vehicles-a8864540677/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

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 advice, worst dealership experiences, and the tricks and fees buyers should watch out for. Plus, a surprise guest drops in to help send him off before he takes one final ride into retirement.

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

00:41 – Mike Quincy's Last Ride

02:08 – 171 Cars and $6 Million: Mike's Car-Buying Career

04:48 – The Most Memorable Cars Mike Bought

08:27 – How Car Buying Has Changed Over the Years

13:28 – What's Better—and Worse—About Buying a Car Today

16:00 – How to Handle the Finance Office

20:27 – Mike's Worst Dealership Experiences

28:02 – The Best Car-Buying Experiences

33:23 – What Car Will Mike Buy for Retirement?

37:15 – Looking Back on 30 Years at Consumer Reports

37:29 – A Surprise Guest Joins the Podcast

43:56 – What Mike Will Miss Most

46:42 – Buying a New Car Should Be Exciting

51:10 – Mike Quincy's Final Sign-Off

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

How to Spot and Avoid Unnecessary Car-Buying Fees

https://www.consumerreports.org/money/fees-billing/how-to-avoid-car-buying-fees-a7209896255/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

What to Know Before Buying a Car: 7 Questions to Ask at the Dealership

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/buying-a-car/questions-to-ask-before-you-buy-a-car-a6387933582/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

How to Buy a New Car in Today's Challenging, High-Priced Market

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/buying-a-car/how-to-buy-a-car-in-todays-challenging-market-a7648220054/?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

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

Find an Efficient Vehicle That's Right for You

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

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 necessary repairs cost more than the car is worth.

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

00:37 Overview: 2026 Ineos Grenadier

02:22 The Story Behind the Grenadier

04:00 Why it SUV Stands Out

07:28 Off-Road Test

10:12 Locking Differentials and Low-Range Gear

12:28 Built to Be Repaired in the Middle of Nowhere

13:40 BMW Power in a Serious Off-Roader

15:33 The Grenadier's Quirky Interior

17:20 Compromises

19:06 The Steering

22:31 Buttons, Switches, and an Airplane-Style Cockpit

27:31 Driving Position and Seat Comfort

30:32 Cabin Noise

32:05 On-Road Handling

33:45 Would We Spend $90,000 on One?

36:22 What It's Really Like to Live With

38:44 How Would the Grenadier Score in CR Testing?

39:36 Audience Question: Should I sell a car that costs more to repair than it's worth?

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Find the Best SUVs

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/?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

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

How It Works: FWD vs. RWD vs. AWD vs. 4WD

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/automotive-technology/2wd-vs-awd-vs-4wd-a5663578720/?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

CR Car Value Estimator

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-value-estimator/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

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 [email protected] to be featured on a future episode.

📝 SHOW NOTES:

0:00 - Intro

1:24 - Question #1 - Paul from St.Paul, MN: Which car brands make the best self-driving systems?

8:31 - Question #2 - Paul: Where did all of the spare tires go?

15:25 - Question #3 - Darnley from Yonkers, NY: What's the best car for a 14-hour road trip?

18:30 - Question #4 - Noah from Richmond, VA: Do all-weather tires live up to the hype?

23:57 - Question #5: Steve from TN: What's the best way to learn about the new features on a car, when you don't buy from a dealer?

🌐 LINKS:

Car Features to Help You Stay Safe on the Road: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-safety/cars-and-features-to-help-you-stay-safe-on-the-road-a1543711001/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Clearing the Confusion About Advanced Car-Safety Feature Names: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-safety/clearing-confusion-about-advanced-car-safety-feature-names-a1035752654/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Some Newer Cars Are Missing a Spare Tire: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/tires/some-newer-cars-are-missing-a-spare-tire-a9928775934/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Consumer Reports' Tire Selector Tool: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/tires/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

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 viewer question: Can you safely extend oil change intervals on a plug-in hybrid if you mostly drive in EV mode?

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

00:16 - First Impressions of the 2026 Lexus ES 500e

03:42 - Ride Comfort

08:13 - Interior Design

10:17 - Controls & Tech Quirks

15:07 - Rear Seat Comfort

18:07 - Real-World EV Range & Charging

20:31 - Practicality

22:22 - EV Platform Explained

23:06 - Comfort vs. Performance

26:01 - One-Pedal Driving & EV Experience

28:26 - Everyday Usability

30:40 - Safety Features

33:32 - Audience Question: Oil Changes for Plug-in Hybrids

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Test Results: 2026 Lexus ES

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/lexus/es/2026/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

How to Find the Best Home EV Charger

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/how-to-choose-the-best-home-wall-charger-for-your-electric-vehicle-a6908889697/EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

How Long Does It Take to Charge These Popular Electric Cars

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/fastest-charging-electric-vehicles-a4112188427/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

10 Best Deals on Electric Vehicles

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/best-deals-on-electric-vehicles-a1198228201/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Most & Least Satisfying Hybrids, PHEVs, and Electric Vehicles

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/most-and-least-satisfying-electric-vehicles-and-hybrids-a2825600877/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Popular Electric Vehicles to Avoid and What to Get Instead

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/electric-vehicles-to-avoid-and-the-evs-to-get-instead-a6654236864/?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

5 Things to Know About Oil Changes for Your Car

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-maintenance/things-to-know-about-oil-changes-for-your-car-a9532249359//?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

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 shift. Plus, we answer audience questions about the best used manual cars for beginners and whether driving a stick can actually make teen drivers safer.

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

00:15 2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

02:01 Driving Experience

07:29 Performance, Handling, and Ride Quality

16:39 Comfort, Seats, and Interior Features

22:13 Manual vs. DSG Transmission Debate

26:50 Practicality and Interior Drawbacks

30:00 Would We Buy the Jetta GLI?

33:29 Questions #1: Where did Mike Quincy buy his classes?

36:25 Question #2: What is the best used manual transmission cars for teen drivers

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Test Results: Volkswagen Jetta

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/volkswagen/jetta/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

How Car Brands Stack Up on Repair Costs

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

Best used cars under $20,000 for teens

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/teen-driving/best-cars-for-teens-a2115540753/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Car Distractions: How to Stay Focused While Driving

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-safety/car-distractions-how-to-stay-focused-while-driving-a1144545692/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

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 older models and how advanced safety systems differ from driver convenience features.

SHOW NOTES:

0:00 - Intro

1:10 - The 2027 Car 'Kill Switch' myth

2:05 - What is the HALT Drunk Driving Act?

7:51 - Direct Driver Monitoring Systems (DDMS)

10:30 - Audience Question: Are newer cars really safer?

13:03 - How Advanced Driver Safety Systems help prevent crashes

15:54 - Convenience Features vs. Real Safety Technology

24:03 - Why Modern Safety Features Matter

LINKS:

No, Your Car Isn't Getting a 'Kill Switch' in 2027: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-safety/2027-car-kill-switch-explained-a2146992793/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Driver Monitoring Systems Can Help You Be Safer on the Road: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-safety/driver-monitoring-systems-ford-gm-earn-points-in-cr-tests-a6530426322/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Consumer Reports' Car Safety Guide: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/safety-guide/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Find the Safest New Car Using Consumer Reports' Safety Verdict: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-safety/how-to-find-safest-new-car-using-crs-safety-verdict-a3169270635/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

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.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

01:20 - CarPlay vs. Native Infotainment Systems

02:20 - Why Connectivity Still Fails

03:40 - Software Updates, Over-the-Air updates

07:04 - Why EVs Depend on Advanced Software

10:50 - Common Infotainment Frustrations

18:20 - What Makes a Good Infotainment System?

20:25 - Privacy, Data Collection & Connected Cars

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How Do In-Car Infotainment Systems Compare to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?: https://www.consumerreports.org/infotainment-systems/in-car-infotainment-systems-vs-apple-carplay-android-auto/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

How Do Over-the-Air Update Work: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-maintenance/ota-car-software-updates-are-they-safe-how-they-work-a4081157745/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

How Long Does It Take to Charge These Popular Electric Cars?: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/fastest-charging-electric-vehicles-a4112188427/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Get the Most From Your Car's Infotainment System: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/automotive-technology/get-the-most-from-your-cars-infotainment-system-a1056374937/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

How to Clear Your Personal Data From a Car: https://www.consumerreports.org/electronics/personal-information/how-to-clear-your-personal-data-from-a-car-before-selling-a2082502452/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

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 assessment.

SHOW NOTES:

0:00 - Introduction & Why We Bought Another Santa Cruz

1:03 - Why Hyundai discontinued the Santa Cruz

3:03 - Is a small truck enough for most people?

7:05 - What we dislike about the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz

13:35 - Best Small Truck Alternatives

19:50 - Audience Question: How Does CR Score the Bed Size of a truck?

27:15 - Audience Question Follow up: Favorite cars purchased by Ernie from North Carolina

LINKS:

2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hyundai/santa-cruz/2026/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Test Results: Ford Maverick: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/ford/maverick/2026/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Model History: Honda Ridgeline: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/honda/ridgeline/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Test Results: Ford Maverick Hybrid: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/ford/maverick-hybrid/2026/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Test Results: Ford F-150 Hybrid: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/ford/f-150-hybrid/2026/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

6 Most Reliable Used Pickup Trucks, According to Consumer Reports' Experts: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/pickup-trucks/most-reliable-used-pickup-trucks-a7737894754/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT