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Artwork for Talking Cars

Talking Cars (Video)

Consumer Reports
Electric Vehicles
Consumer Reports
Hybrid Vehicles
Toyota
Subaru Forester
Fuel Economy
Tesla
2025 Mini Countryman S All-4
Toyota 4runner
Honda
Hyundai Kona Electric
2025 Audi Q6 E-Tron
2026 Hyundai Palisade
Toyota Tacoma
2024 BMW X2
Fisker Ocean
Toyota Camry
Toyota RAV4
Chevrolet Blazer EV
2025 Toyota Camry

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

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes527Founded13 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
AutomotiveBusinessLeisureNon-Profit

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Artwork for Talking Cars

Latest Episodes

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... more

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... more

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.... more

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... more

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Recent Guests

Mike Crossan
Fuel expert from Consumer Reports
Consumer Reports
Episode: How to Survive High Gas Prices
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

Host

Mike Monticello
Primary host on Talking Cars coverage with roles across video and test-track formats; affiliated with Consumer Reports.

Reviews

4.1 out of 5 stars from 389 ratings
  • 4Runner?

    The episode broke.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Ytfj56
    United States10 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 States10 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
    China10 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 States10 months ago
  • Thank

    Than!

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    hdeegbjyfvi
    Chinaa year ago

Listeners Say

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

Some listeners note video/audio quality issues and prefer less host banter.
Positive feedback highlighting credible, data-driven reviews and technical depth.
Appreciation for clear ownership guidance and EV coverage.

Chart Rankings

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

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Lexus Finally Gets Electric Right: 2026 Lexus ES 500e
Q: For my 2025 Volvo XC60 T5eV, if half my driving is electric, would the 10,000-mile oil change interval effectively become 20,000 miles on the gas engine for a plug-in hybrid risk assessment?
The panel confirms that you should follow the vehicle's specific oil-change recommendation; oil intervals are engine- and drivetrain-specific, and for plug-in hybrids they are not simply halved based on electric mileage. Environment, aging oil, and how the engine is used (e.g., frequent starts, electric-only operation) all influence when an oil change is due, so you should adhere to the manufacturer's guidance rather than extending intervals.
Save the Manuals: Driving the New 2026 VW Jetta GLI
Q: What is the best option in this GLI for someone learning to drive a manual?
The group emphasizes the GLI's light clutch and forgiving take-up, and notes that the hillholder helps beginners start on hills, making it one of the easier manuals to learn.
Will Your Next Car Come With a 'Kill Switch'? | Talking Cars with Consumer Reports #516
Q: Should we be driving newer and safer cars to take advantage of ADAS and other safety features?
Yes, newer cars bring advanced safety tech that reduces crashes and injuries, but drivers must remain attentive and not rely solely on automation. There is a balance between safety benefits and potential distractions.
Get a Job As a CR Tester, Rivian vs. Lucid, Unfair Minivan Bias
Q: And Terry from St. Louis asks about vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure communication, and why progress seems stalled; what happened to V2X and will it ever take off?
V2X stalled largely due to spectrum reallocation and regulatory changes reducing the viable bandwidth, which diminished the practicality of early prototypes; the technology may still resurface if cellular or other spectrum solutions mature, but current momentum has cooled.
Get a Job As a CR Tester, Rivian vs. Lucid, Unfair Minivan Bias
Q: What career advice would we have for someone who wants to test cars the way we do?
Develop a strong foundation in car dynamics and driving experience, gain hands-on vehicle repair and modification skills, pursue data analysis or programming for testing data, and consider studying human factors to specialize in usability; a diverse skill set makes you valuable across testing, data, and tech sides of automotive work.

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?

A data-driven automotive show where a team at a nonprofit testing organization evaluates new cars, shares firsthand impressions from the road, and answers buying questions. Episodes frequently cover driving dynamics, interior ergonomics, infotainment and ADAS adoption, and real-world value across mainstream and niche models. Special episodes spotlight EV range testing, powertrain choices, and practical ownership considerations, often contrasting rivals and discussing long-term ownership narratives. The tone blends test-track insights with audience Q&A, making it a solid resource for shoppers, enthusiasts, and sponsors seeking credibility and technical depth in automotive coverage.

Where can I find podcast stats for Talking Cars?

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How many listeners does Talking Cars get?

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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. MotorWeek
3. TFL Car Chat
4. Everyday Driver Car Debate
5. Under The Hood show

How many episodes of Talking Cars are there?

Talking Cars launched 13 years ago and published 527 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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