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Artwork for Talking Cars

Talking Cars (Video)

Consumer Reports
Consumer Reports
Electric Vehicles
Toyota
Subaru Forester
Hybrid Vehicles
Tesla
2025 Mini Countryman S All-4
Toyota 4runner
Hyundai Kona Electric
2025 Audi Q6 E-Tron
2026 Hyundai Palisade
Fisker Ocean
2024 BMW X2
Toyota Camry
Toyota RAV4
Tesla Model 3
Chevrolet Blazer EV
2025 Toyota Camry
Fuel Economy
2024 Kia EV9

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

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes512Founded13 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
LeisureBusinessNon-ProfitAutomotive

Listen to this Podcast

Artwork for Talking Cars

Latest Episodes

We share our first impressions of Jeep's all-new and first-ever hybrid Cherokee, including cabin and cargo space, design, and safety. We discuss its refinement, fuel economy, and how it compares to competitors in a crowded field. We also answer a vie... more

This week, we cover the all-new 2026 Honda Prelude. We reminisce about past Preludes, discuss the 2026 model's hybrid-only powertrain and redesigned styling, and try to figure out who the Prelude is for: it's not sporty enough to be called a sports c... more

This week, it's all about the 2026 Subaru Outback. We bought two trims of the Outback: Premium and Touring XT. We discuss its radical redesign from a wagon to an SUV, talk about why we bought two trims and the differences between them, and how Subaru... more

On this episode, we share our first impressions of the 2026 Mazda CX-5. We cover the CX-5's redesign, including its new, large touchscreen infotainment system, mourn its lack of physical climate controls, and discuss how the top trim model we rented ... more

Key Facts

Contact Information
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 States7 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 States7 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
    China7 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 States7 months ago
  • Thank

    Than!

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    hdeegbjyfvi
    China9 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 Subaru Outback Premium & Touring XT
Q: Is there a hybrid option coming for the Outback, or is Subaru sticking with traditional powertrains for now?
The hosts suggest hybrids are likely in the pipeline (citing previous appearances in related models) but confirm there is no hybrid option on the tested Outback models at the moment; a hybrid variant could be coming in the near future.
2026 Mitsubishi Outlander SE
Q: What effect does the hybrid system have on the overall health of the gas engine?
Engine health is preserved by maintaining operating temperatures and using thin synthetic oil in hybrids; hybrids are common and generally reliable, but drivers should occasionally drive to bring the engine to operating temperature to ensure all systems (oil, transmission, etc.) reach their proper temperatures.
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.

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?

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

How many episodes of Talking Cars are there?

Talking Cars launched 13 years ago and published 512 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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