Rephonic
Artwork for Talking Cars

Talking Cars (MP3)

Consumer Reports
Consumer Reports
Electric Vehicles
Toyota
Fuel Economy
Toyota Camry
Hyundai
BMW
Fisker Ocean
2026 Hyundai Palisade
2024 Tesla Cybertruck
Hybrid Vehicles
2026 Toyota RAV4
Reliability
All-Weather Tires
Used Cars
2024 Hyundai Kona Electric
Volkswagen ID. Buzz
Kia EV9
Winter Tires
Tesla Model Y

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

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes539Founded14 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
AutomotiveBusinessLeisureNon-Profit

Listen to this Podcast

Artwork for Talking Cars

Latest Episodes

On this episode we share our first impressions of the 2026 Toyota RAV4 Woodland, the new hybrid SUV with all-terrain tires, extra ground clearance, and a more outdoorsy look. Is it a smart upgrade for rough roads and city potholes—or mostly a styling... more

On this week's episode, we discuss the Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness to find out whether its rugged styling, lifted suspension, all-terrain tires, and added features are worth paying $7,000 more than a base Crosstrek. We examine its off-road capability... more

In this episode, Consumer Reports' resident 'tire guys' break down everything you need to know about winter tires. We discuss the differences among every tire category on the market, the conditions best suited to each segment, how to prep your vehicl... more

This week, we share our first impressions of the 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid—the first hybrid version of Kia's popular three-row SUV. We discuss its 329-hp hybrid powertrain, improved fuel economy, quiet and comfortable ride, controls, front-seat comfo... 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

Emily Thomas
Safety expert
Consumer Reports
Episode: Say It to Me Seltos: First Impressions of the 2027 Kia Seltos
Jennifer Stockburger
Podcast guest during a takeover segment
Consumer Reports
Episode: I Bought 171 Cars for Consumer Reports. Here's What I Learned.
Mike Crossan
Expert on ethanol fuels and engine compatibility
Consumer Reports
Episode: How to Survive High Gas Prices
Steve Ellick
Consumer Reports reliability expert
Consumer Reports
Episode: 2026 Mazda Miata Is Still the Answer
David Aylor
Vice President of Active Safety at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
Episode: Behind the Scenes at the IIHS Crash Lab

Hosts

Mike Monticello
Host of Talking Cars at Consumer Reports
Mike Quincy
Host of Talking Cars, CR Test Track host
Alex Nizek
Host of Talking Cars, Consumer Reports (CR)
Keith Barrie
Host of Talking Cars

Reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars from 591 ratings
  • Incredibly rare that they aren’t bullied by advertisers or venture capitalists! More, please.

    Too many people retiring, will miss Mike Q! Thanks for his final episode and the Miata episode. I wish all of your youtube videos were on this feed. This podcast is incredibly informative. About a huge number of car-related things, like the buying process in a supply-chain disaster or how these much-ballyhooed driver assistance features actually work in testing. (You know, the feature people are lulled into assuming will drive their cars for them, which then runs them into firetrucks?) The va... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Blizzard1s2d
    United States2 months ago
  • Great Podcast, wish it was weekly

    Finally an automotive podcast that is about reliability, fuel mileage, and driving cars on the road rather than speeding around a track and clocking the best 0-60. I like these folks aren’t bought and paid for and tell you what is wrong with a car and what they’d buy.

    Wish this was weekly and possibly add episodes on buying cars, how dealerships work, car repair, etc to help consumers

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Moeman99
    United Statesa year ago
  • Video

    Hello, y’all should add video format for podcasts via Apple Podcasts especially when talking about certain things and bringing up an image of a car or what you’re describing.

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    RyslanSiz
    United Statesa year ago
  • Wonderful

    That’s great

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    量子跳跳糖
    Chinaa year ago
  • Good Pod!

    I enjoy this pod. Everything you need to know about the car discussed. One thing (and not removing a star for this). Maddie needs to know that the word button has not one but two ts. It’s buTTon not buh-en.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    INSOMNIATIC
    United Statesa year ago

Listeners Say

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

Some listeners wish for more video and production polish.
A few reviews note perceived political bias in some episodes; overall constructive feedback.
High regard for data‑driven insights and audience Q&A.
Great depth on car testing and reliability; very practical for buyers.
Positive on banter and diverse host perspectives; credibility from CR data.

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#5
United States/Leisure/Automotive
Apple Podcasts
#74
United States/Leisure
Apple Podcasts
#20
Canada/Leisure/Automotive
Apple Podcasts
#141
Canada/Leisure
Apple Podcasts
#162
United Kingdom/Leisure/Automotive
Apple Podcasts
#94
Australia/Leisure/Automotive

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

2026 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness: Worth the Extra Cost?
Q: Is it stupid to buy a lightly used Volvo EX90 at about half its original price, or is it a good deal?
The hosts point to the EX90's comfortable seats, quiet ride, and smooth powertrain, but warn about software problems, awkward controls, unreliable key access, and distracting menus. They recommend checking the vehicle's basic functions in a test drive and securing a proximity key fob before deciding.
2026 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness: Worth the Extra Cost?
Q: Is the Crosstrek Wilderness worth the extra money?
The hosts say it offers useful added ground clearance, traction, towing capacity, and features, but comes with more road noise, slightly worse fuel economy, and less sharp handling. It is most worthwhile for buyers who will use its off-road capability or prefer its styling and equipment.
Toyota RAV4 Woodland; Dealer Add-Ons That Are Actually Worth It
Q: At the dealership, are any of the add-ons actually worth it?
The hosts recommend evaluating each add-on's cost, coverage, exclusions, and likelihood of use. Buyers should generally skip nitrogen tire fills and difficult-to-claim paint or fabric protection, carefully review extended warranties, and consider maintenance or tire coverage only when the numbers and terms make sense. They also advise asking the service department about coverage, negotiating prices, and remembering that buyers can say no.
Yes, You Need Winter Tires: All-Season vs. All-Weather, Top Rated Winter Tires, and More
Q: Derek from Denver asks whether studded tires increase treadwear compared to studless tires, and whether studded tires are appropriate for his commuting needs.
The consensus is that studded tires can wear differently and may not provide a clear advantage over high-quality studless winter tires; they are generally recommended for severe ice conditions or long, icy descents, and for most people in typical winter climates a good studless winter tire suffices. Studding also adds noise and can wear the tire faster in some scenarios, so the best choice depends on the specific driving environment and local regulations.
Selling Your Car Privately, Fuel Stabilizer in a PHEV, When Is CR Testing a VinFast?
Q: What platform would you use to sell a vehicle, given low activity on Carvana, CarMax, and AutoTrader?
The hosts suggest price visibility by placing a simple sign with a phone number and, if possible, a small donation strategy to engage buyers, while noting the trend toward using dealer services and marketplaces to reduce tire-kicking and streamline the process.

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 rotating team from a major consumer testing organization discusses current car reviews, buying guidance, and the realities of ownership. Episodes cover reliability, value, and technology—ranging from EVs, driver assist, and infotainment to practical buying tips and industry trends. Listeners often praise the show's honesty, rigorous testing, and accessible banter, while callers sometimes push back on perceived biases or production quality. Expect thoughtful comparisons, real‑world usability discussions, and a steady stream of data‑backed insights on what to buy, avoid, or wait for in today's car market. A standout aspect is the long‑running focus on reliability and total cost of ownership, paired with a... more

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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. TFL Car Chat
2. Everyday Driver Car Debate
3. InsideEVs Plugged-In Podcast
4. THIS CAR POD! with Doug DeMuro & Friends!
5. Under The Hood show

How many episodes of Talking Cars are there?

Talking Cars launched 14 years ago and published 539 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?

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What guests have appeared on Talking Cars?

Recent guests on Talking Cars include:

1. Emily Thomas
2. Jennifer Stockburger
3. Mike Crossan
4. Steve Ellick
5. David Aylor

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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