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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
2024 Lincoln Nautilus
Chevrolet Trax
Artificial Intelligence
Chevrolet Colorado
Hybrid Cars
Low-Carbon Fuels
Sustainability

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

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes506Founded13 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
BusinessAutomotiveNon-ProfitLeisure

Listen to this Podcast

Artwork for Talking Cars

Latest Episodes

This week, we share the results of Consumer Reports' EV Range Test. Find out which vehicles have the longest all-electric driving range, how CR's 70-mph highway range test differs from EPA range testing, and what happens when you completely deplete a... more

This week, we go through the mailbag and answer audience questions, including: Is driving 55 mph really more fuel-efficient—even in a 10-speed like the Acura TLX? We break down the science behind highway MPG, explain how regenerative braking affects ... more

YouTube

In this episode, we break down everything you need to know about the 2026 Nissan Sentra SV we purchased for our test program. We cover everything that matters: real-world driving characteristics, engine performance, cabin quality, infotainment usabil... more

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

Key Facts

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

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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 States5 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 States6 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
    China6 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 States6 months ago
  • Thank

    Than!

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    hdeegbjyfvi
    China8 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.

Are Portable Jump Starters Worth It, The Most Fuel-Efficient Speed to Drive, Timing Chains vs. Timing Belts
Q: Scott from Melrose asks why more cars don't use timing chains and discusses belt vs chain maintenance and reliability.
Belts are easier and cheaper to replace on schedule, while chains are often marketed as long-life but can be expensive to replace once they wear; many owners prefer belts for predictability and lower maintenance costs, and independent shops can handle replacements more affordably than dealerships.
Are Portable Jump Starters Worth It, The Most Fuel-Efficient Speed to Drive, Timing Chains vs. Timing Belts
Q: Rick from Chesapeake asks about the truth of jump-starting cars causing electronics damage and whether a lithium battery jump pack is a good solution.
Jump boxes with protective circuitry can reduce risk by preventing reversed polarity and mis-wiring; they're safer and more convenient than relying on strangers for a jump, but ensure proper use and monitor lithium packs for heat and swelling; if the battery is completely dead, some jump boxes may not power it up.
Are Portable Jump Starters Worth It, The Most Fuel-Efficient Speed to Drive, Timing Chains vs. Timing Belts
Q: Daniel from Maryland asks whether driving at 55 mph in a lower gear is still more fuel-efficient than driving at 65 mph in a higher gear.
The panel explains that while gearing matters, wind resistance increases with speed and is the dominant factor in fuel economy; even with newer multi-speed transmissions, going faster increases air resistance and fuel use, so 55 mph generally remains the more efficient choice, though real-world results depend on engine calibration and load.
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.

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?

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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. The Best of Car Talk
4. Freakonomics Radio
5. TFL Car Chat

How many episodes of Talking Cars are there?

Talking Cars launched 13 years ago and published 506 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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How do I access podcast episode transcripts for Talking Cars?

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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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