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Artwork for Talking Cars

Talking Cars (Video)

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

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

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes521Founded13 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
AutomotiveBusinessLeisureNon-Profit

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Artwork for Talking Cars

Latest Episodes

This week's episode tackles a long-running debate: are American cars inferior to their Asian and European counterparts? We break down the truth about Ford, GM, Stellantis, and Tesla, and how they stack up to Toyota, Honda, and other top automakers, r... more

Is the all-new Subaru Uncharted a rugged Subaru, a rebadged Toyota, or something in between? We share our first impressions of the compact EV's strong performance, comfortable ride, confusing ergonomics, and missing EV features. Plus, we answer a vie... more

Consumer Reports experts discuss the financial viability of EV startups like Rivian and Lucid, share EV charging best practices, give advice for hauling large audio equipment, the future of the minivan, vehicle-to-vehicle communication. We also discu... more

In this episode, we share our first impressions of the all-new 2026 Dodge Charger. The Charger features new styling and a hatchback design, a twin-turbo inline-six-cylinder engine, all-wheel drive, and an updated interior that feels small, despite th... more

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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

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 388 ratings
  • 4Runner?

    The episode broke.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Ytfj56
    United States9 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 States9 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
    China9 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 States9 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.

How to Survive High Gas Prices
Q: What should I know about using ethanol blends in my car?
Ethanol blends like E10, E15, or E85 are common, each with different energy content and vehicle compatibility. Flex-fuel vehicles can handle higher ethanol content, but non-flex fuel cars should not use E85 as it can cause drivability problems and potential damage.
Best Used EVs, Renting with Turo + Sixt, Rivian Reliability + Owner Satisfaction
Q: What would you tell Andrew about rental categories and getting a vehicle closer to what he wants?
Categories and 'or similar' options can lock renters into smaller cars; it's worth stepping up to intermediate/full-size or even luxury if possible, or choosing an alternative like Sixt or Turo to pick a specific vehicle in advance and avoid the mismatch with budget and expectations.
Best Used EVs, Renting with Turo + Sixt, Rivian Reliability + Owner Satisfaction
Q: Why do Rivian owners score high on owner satisfaction even if reliability scores are lower?
Owner satisfaction often reflects whether the vehicle meets expectations for range, novelty, and adventure-oriented features; many Rivian buyers accept some reliability quirks because the vehicle delivers on what they value most, so satisfaction remains high despite reliability concerns.
Best Used EVs, Renting with Turo + Sixt, Rivian Reliability + Owner Satisfaction
Q: What's your response to the idea that simulated upshifts in hybrids are unnecessary or inefficient?
Simulated upshifts are primarily about reducing RPMs to make the driving experience more palatable, especially with small four-cylinder engines used in hybrids; while they may not be the most efficient, they aim to balance power delivery and NVH, and we consider them a user-experience feature rather than a core performance metric.
2026 Mazda Miata Is Still the Answer
Q: Neil asks how long we have before the insurance industry and government safety regulations ban humans from driving themselves.
The hosts suggest it's unlikely to happen in the near term and emphasize that current self-driving tech is still in its infancy and better suited for controlled environments; humans will likely remain in control for a long time.

Audience Metrics

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

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
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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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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. Everyday Driver Car Debate
3. TFL Car Chat
4. Driven Car Reviews
5. TFL Talkin' Trucks

How many episodes of Talking Cars are there?

Talking Cars launched 13 years ago and published 521 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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