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Artwork for Talking Cars

Talking Cars (Video)

Consumer Reports
Electric Vehicles
Consumer Reports
Hyundai Kona Electric
2024 BMW X2
2024 Kia EV9
Tesla Model 3
2025 Toyota Camry
Fisker Ocean
2023 Toyota Prius Prime
Hybrid Powertrain
Buick Envista
Chevrolet Blazer EV
Fuel Economy
Chevrolet Trax
Artificial Intelligence
Chevrolet Colorado
Hybrid Cars
Low-Carbon Fuels
Sustainability
Rivian R1S

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

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes503Founded13 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
BusinessNon-ProfitAutomotiveLeisure

Listen to this Podcast

Artwork for Talking Cars

Latest Episodes

The redesigned 2026 Audi A6 is here — and we purchased a Premium Plus S-Line trim for our test program. In this episode, we break down everything you need to know about the new A6, including turbo V6 engine performance, transmission pros and cons, dr... more

This week, we cover the all-new 2026 Nissan Leaf SV+. No longer "just a commuter car," the Leaf offers increased range, updated SUV styling, a new NACS charge port, and a suite of standard advanced safety equipment, including Nissan's Pro Pilot Assis... more

We share our first impressions of the all-new Toyota bZ. Formerly known as the bZ4X, it shares much of its DNA with the Subaru Solterra. Our experts share the best and worst parts of the bZ and discuss how the name, powertrain, and new NACS charging ... more

Shopping for a new car? Consumer Reports' Top Picks highlight the best cars, SUVs, and trucks you can buy right now—standouts for performance, reliability, owner satisfaction, and safety. In this episode, we break down this year's winners across key ... more

Key Facts

Contact Information
Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

Similar Podcasts

People also subscribe to these shows.

Talking Cars (MP3)
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Recent Guests

Mike Crossan
Master Technician at Consumer Reports
Consumer Reports
Episode: 2026 Audi A6 Premium Plus
Dr. Quinta Warren
Leader of the Sustainability Policy Team at Consumer Reports with a background in sustainability and energy policy.
Consumer Reports
Episode: The Feasibility of Low-Carbon Fuels in the US

Hosts

Alex Nizek
Host of Talking Cars Podcast
Ryan Pulikowski
Host of Talking Cars Podcast
Maddie McCarty
Auto reporter at Consumer Reports

Reviews

4.1 out of 5 stars from 386 ratings
  • 4Runner?

    The episode broke.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Ytfj56
    United States4 months ago
  • 4Runner Episode Broken!

    Yes, the episode does not work. Gets started then just stops and does not allow you to play. All other episodes work. I’ll update my rating when you resolve this issue.

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    HawkMan1971
    United States5 months ago
  • On the car test

    Do you have like on the car test, not only uses your mouths to talk,that would be better

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Minecraft king6666
    China5 months ago
  • 4-Runner episode hangs about 5 mins in

    This happening for anyone else? I was looking forward to watching this one.

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    mega-me18
    United States5 months ago
  • Thank

    Than!

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    hdeegbjyfvi
    China7 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Listeners appreciate the expert insights on car performance and reliability.
Audience members express gratitude for detailed consumer advice and anecdotal experiences shared by the hosts.
Some feedback points to occasional issues with host dynamics and interruptions in discussions, but most agree on the value provided.
Reviews often highlight the informative nature of discussions, particularly around electric and hybrid vehicles.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

2026 Nissan Leaf SV+
Q: Is my car's radar able to see through fog or am I just hoping that it's helping me?
Radar can be sensitive to weather, meaning it might struggle to see through fog and heavy rain, but it can still offer some level of assistance when you're hyper-vigilant.
2026 Audi A6 Premium Plus
Q: Is there a battery state rule of thumb for when one should either trade for a hybrid vehicle or dump a few thousand into a new battery?
For hybrids like the Prius, if your battery's capacity is low, consider remanufactured options which can be economical for getting back on the road.
2026 Toyota bZ
Q: Why did the score drop and the reliability go from average to worse than average in such a short time?
The drop was due to new reliability information indicating substantial issues with the EV battery and electrical accessories.
2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid
Q: Do you think I would be okay getting the 2026 Subaru Outback or would it be best to wait?
The powertrains are largely the same, but new tech and potential quirks suggest that waiting a year might be prudent.
2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid
Q: Should I invest in repairs or make the switch to something new?
You might be buying some time, but it's uncertain. Weigh your tolerance for breakdowns and whether they would significantly disrupt your life.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About Talking Cars

What is Talking Cars about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Content primarily revolves around discussions and reviews of current vehicles, including electric, hybrid, and traditional gas models. Episodes feature expert opinions on car performance, reliability, safety ratings, and consumer advice for potential buyers. Unique aspects include in-depth analyses of various vehicle types, along with a focus on emerging automotive technology and market trends. The hosts also share personal anecdotes and industry insights, providing a well-rounded experience for automotive enthusiasts and regular consumers alike.

Where can I find podcast stats for Talking Cars?

Rephonic provides a wide range of podcast stats for Talking Cars. We scanned the web and collated all of the information that we could find in our comprehensive podcast database. See how many people listen to Talking Cars and access YouTube viewership numbers, download stats, audience demographics, chart rankings, ratings, reviews and more.

How many listeners does Talking Cars get?

Rephonic provides a full set of podcast information for three million podcasts, including the number of listeners. View further listenership figures for Talking Cars, including podcast download numbers and subscriber numbers, so you can make better decisions about which podcasts to sponsor or be a guest on. You will need to upgrade your account to access this premium data.

What are the audience demographics for Talking Cars?

Rephonic provides comprehensive predictive audience data for Talking Cars, including gender skew, age, country, political leaning, income, professions, education level, and interests. You can access these listener demographics by upgrading your account.

How many subscribers and views does Talking Cars have?

To see how many followers or subscribers Talking Cars has on Spotify and other platforms such as Castbox and Podcast Addict, simply upgrade your account. You'll also find viewership figures for their YouTube channel if they have one.

Which podcasts are similar to Talking Cars?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Talking Cars:

1. Talking Cars (MP3)
2. Driven Car Reviews
3. Science Friday
4. Marketplace
5. The Carmudgeon Show

How many episodes of Talking Cars are there?

Talking Cars launched 13 years ago and published 503 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact Talking Cars?

Our systems regularly scour the web to find email addresses and social media links for this podcast. We scanned the web and collated all of the contact information that we could find in our podcast database. But in the unlikely event that you can't find what you're looking for, our concierge service lets you request our research team to source better contacts for you.

Where can I see ratings and reviews for Talking Cars?

Rephonic pulls ratings and reviews for Talking Cars from multiple sources, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Castbox, and Podcast Addict.

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What guests have appeared on Talking Cars?

Recent guests on Talking Cars include:

1. Mike Crossan
2. Dr. Quinta Warren

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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