Talking Cars (Video)

Talking Cars (Video)

By Consumer Reports

Join our experts at the Consumer Reports Test Track as they discuss cars, answer buying questions, and share insights on everything automotive.... more
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Best of Talking Cars (Video)

The most played episodes among Podcast App listeners.

  1. Number 1: 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, 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? ---------------------------------- 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

    31min
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  2. Number 2: 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 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

    53min
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  3. Number 3: The Ineos Grenadier Might Be the Perfect Backcountry Vehicle

    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? ---------------------------------- 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

    45min
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  4. Number 4: 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, 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? ---------------------------------- 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

    44min
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  5. Number 5: 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 directional tires, storing fuel in a plug-in hybrid, how hybrid engines work, and more. Plus, the rear-wiper saga continues, and we explain why most rear wipers are mounted below the glass on vehicle hatches. Have a question for our experts? Send it to [email protected] to be featured on a future episode. SHOW NOTES: 0:00 - Intro 1:16 - Question #1 (video): How to sell your car online 6:39 - Question #2: What's the best strategy to get the most mileage out of directional tires? 8:39 - Question #3: Should you use fuel stabilizer in a PHEV? 11:10 - Question #4 (video): What is the Atkinson cycle and how does it work? 16:54 - Question #5: Will CR ever buy and test a VinFast? 22:17 - Question #6: Why are rear-mounted wipers attached to the bottom of the rear glass? LINKS: Send a Question to Talking Cars: https://www.consumerreports.org/talkingcars/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT How To Sell Your Car Online: https://www.consumerreports.org/money/selling-a-car/how-to-sell-your-car-to-an-online-retailer-a2790904993/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT First Drive: VinFast VF8: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/vinfast/vf-8/2025/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT VinFast Brand Overview: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/vinfast/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

    28min
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The podcast currently has 533 episodes available.

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