About this episode
On the floor of the 2026 New York Auto Show, Talking Cars talks trends, disappointments, and what they’re planning to test next. The big theme is “soft roading”: lifted, all-terrain-tire versions of regular crossovers and minivans, plus the overused “active lifestyle” marketing. They highlight vehicles like the Kia Seltos with kayaks/bike rack, Subaru and Toyota EV “Trailseeker/Getaway” variants, and the Jeep Recon EV with removable doors. They also debate concept-car hype (Hyundai Boulder, Chrysler Grizzly Peak) versus practical choices like minivans and fuel-saver hybrids, ending with Corvette performance standouts and best-of-show picks.
We're live from the floor of the 2026 New York Auto Show, and sharing our first impressions of the vehicles announced at the show, including the Genesis G90 Wingback and Hyundai Boulder concept cars, the Subaru Getaway 3-row EV SUV, Kia Seltos Hybrid, Volkswagen Atlas, Kia EV3 all-electric compact SUV, and the rise of the softroader!
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SHOW NOTES
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00:00 - Introduction
00:56 - NYAS Show Floor
02:43 - Softroaders
08:17 - Subaru Trailseeker
08:29 - Subaru Uncharted
09:59 - Jeep Recon
10:58 - Subaru Getaway
11:53 - Hyundai Boulder
13:46 - Genesis G90 Wingback
14:07 - Our Favorites
16:23 - Best of Show
18:07 - Most Absurd
20:19 - Minivans
21:26 - Fuel Economy
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Preview: 2026 Jeep Recon Electric SUV
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/2026-jeep-recon-electric-suv-review-a1341965777/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
Preview: 2026 Subaru Uncharted Electric SUV
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/2026-subaru-uncharted-review-a1017237029/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
Preview: 2026 Subaru Trailseeker
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/2026-subaru-trailseeker-review-a5418969450/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
Preview: Next-Gen 2027 Kia Seltos
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/2027-kia-seltos-review-a1747520334/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
Preview: All-New 2027 Subaru Getaway
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/2027-subaru-getaway-review-a5360151843/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
New York International Auto Show
"We're in fact on the floor of the 2026 New York International Auto Show. We're super excited to be here. I'm Mike Quincy. I'm Ryan Bielekowski. I'm Michael Grossen."
This identifies the specific event the hosts are attending, which matters because auto show lineups and priorities vary by year and location. It also helps listeners connect the brands and themes discussed to the show’s current industry focus.
EV stands
"A lot of manufacturers showing up. There's a couple maybe not as present, but we've seen that in the past too. But a wide variety of vehicles, EV stands, SUVs, off-road SUVs, off-road cars, stands, that kind of stuff."
“EV stands” just means the booths at the show where companies show their electric cars. It’s basically where you go to see what’s new in EVs.
The show is featuring dedicated areas for electric vehicles (EVs), which lets manufacturers highlight their EV lineups and technologies. For listeners, it’s a quick signal that EVs are a major focus of the auto industry right now.
Lucid
"Yeah, there's a lot going on. I mean, Lucid is here and they're not a huge manufacturer, but am I crazy or is Honda not here?"
Lucid is a company that makes electric cars. When they show up at a big auto show, it usually means they’re trying to get more attention and show off their newest EVs.
Lucid is an EV manufacturer known for high-efficiency electric drivetrains and long-range vehicles. Mentioning Lucid at the New York Auto Show highlights how smaller EV brands are still getting major exposure alongside larger automakers.
Honda
"Lucid is here and they're not a huge manufacturer, but am I crazy or is Honda not here? Actually, I don't think they're here. I was walking over to the Javits Center this morning, I was like, I don't remember seeing any Honda's."
Honda is a big car brand. The hosts are basically saying they didn’t see Honda at the show, which is interesting because you’d expect them to be there.
Honda is a major global automaker, and its absence (or perceived absence) at the show is notable because it suggests shifting priorities or show-floor strategy. In a consumer context, it can also hint at how aggressively different brands are pushing their current lineups.
Volvo
"Even the Volvo and the Audi booth in the corner, Mercedes in the corner, that was pretty sad. Luster. There was not a lot going on over there."
Volvo is a well-known car brand. They’re known for safety, and they’ve also been working on electric cars, so their booth presence is part of the show’s overall EV story.
Volvo is a mainstream automaker that has been heavily investing in electrification and safety-focused engineering. The mention of Volvo being present (even if not much) helps frame the show’s mix of brands and how visible different electrified lineups are.
Audi
"Even the Volvo and the Audi booth in the corner, Mercedes in the corner, that was pretty sad. Luster. There was not a lot going on over there."
Audi is a luxury car brand. The hosts are pointing out that Audi had a booth there, even if the overall area didn’t seem very busy.
Audi is a major luxury automaker that has an established EV and plug-in hybrid lineup. Mentioning Audi alongside Volvo and Mercedes gives listeners a quick snapshot of which big brands still have visible presence at the show.
Mercedes
"Even the Volvo and the Audi booth in the corner, Mercedes in the corner, that was pretty sad. Luster. There was not a lot going on over there."
Mercedes is a luxury car brand. The hosts are basically saying Mercedes had a booth, but it didn’t seem like there was much going on there.
Mercedes-Benz is a major luxury automaker with a growing EV portfolio and strong global marketing presence. The comment about Mercedes being “in the corner” suggests the hosts felt the brand’s display wasn’t as prominent as expected.
hitch-mounted bike rack
"The Seltos had kayaks on the roof and a hitch-mounted bike rack with two mountain bikes. Yeah, a lot of stuff."
This is a bike carrier that mounts to the back of the car using the hitch. It’s a common way to bring bikes along without loading them inside the vehicle.
A hitch-mounted bike rack attaches to the vehicle’s receiver hitch and is designed to carry bicycles behind the car. In this segment, it’s used as part of the “active lifestyle” accessory package on the Kia Seltos.
all terrain tires
"So traditionally, an all terrain tire, when we test all terrain tires for a tire program, they can add a little noise. They maybe, since some cases aren't as good in driving with braking, they're handling, they lose a little bit of on-center feel maybe."
All-terrain tires are designed to handle a mix of pavement and light off-road use. Compared with highway tires, they often increase rolling resistance (hurting fuel economy) and can add noise, while also changing steering feel and braking performance.
noise
"What does that do to the handling, the braking? Noise. All the noise. So traditionally, an all terrain tire... they can add a little noise."
Tire noise is the sound generated by tread blocks interacting with the road surface. All-terrain tires often increase noise due to their tread design, and that can be a tradeoff for improved off-road capability.
fuel economy
"Are people going to deal with that? How much fuel economy do we lose? Some of these have more rolling resistance."
Fuel economy is how far you can drive on a given amount of fuel. Things like bigger, knobbier tires and extra accessories can make the car use more fuel.
Fuel economy is how efficiently a vehicle converts fuel into distance traveled, typically measured as miles per gallon (MPG) for gas vehicles. Tire choice, added weight, and aerodynamic drag can all reduce fuel economy.
shared platform
"They're all [511.6s] kind of similar platform to the Solterra, which is shared with Toyota. The BZ, they now call it [518.1s] used to be the BZ4X or whatever."
A shared platform means two different car brands are using the same basic “underbody” design. That can make the cars similar in how they’re built, even if they look different.
A shared platform means multiple manufacturers build different models using the same underlying vehicle architecture. This can reduce development costs and lead to similarities in dimensions, packaging, and some driving dynamics, even if the exterior and interior branding differ.
Toyota
"You have a little bit more choice. It's not the first time we've seen Toyota and Subaru link up on vehicle either. They've been together on that, and if you're going to partner up with a company for electrification, Toyota's a pretty good one to do it."
Toyota is the automaker the host is talking about in the context of electric vehicles. The takeaway is that Toyota is working on electrification, but it’s also hedging by not going all-in on only one type of electric powertrain.
Toyota is discussed as a partner for electrification efforts, specifically in relation to working with other automakers. The speaker frames Toyota as experienced in electrified vehicles but not fully committing to only pure battery-electric models.
sharing development and costs
"So if they can do anything to share some cost, share development, whatever that is, that's good for the manufacturer. And ultimately, I think that's good for the buyer because it's just going to cost, I mean,"
Automakers often partner to share development work and production costs, especially for expensive areas like electrification. This can reduce the financial risk for manufacturers and can help keep vehicle pricing lower than it otherwise would be.
General Motors
"And it's not exclusive to Toyota and Subaru. I mean, General Motors and Honda are sharing a lot of the stuff with their development and their Honda Prologue."
General Motors is cited as another automaker sharing development work with other brands. This is used to illustrate that cost-sharing partnerships are common across the industry, not just limited to Toyota/Subaru.
removable doors
"You can take the doors and the rear windows come out of this, and they don't roll down. They come out. So like the rear three-quarter windows and the rear back window comes out. [619.8s] The doors come off."
Removable doors let you take the doors off the vehicle for an open-air driving experience. It’s a common Jeep off-road feature and helps make getting in and out easier.
Removable doors are a Jeep-style design feature that makes it easier to get an open-air feel and improve access for off-road use. On EV concepts like the Jeep Recon, it’s also part of the “trail-ready” identity.
230-mile range
"I like impractical things. So this thing, probably somewhat impractical. It has like a 230-mile range, [637.1s] which isn't that much, especially when you put these chunky all-terrain tires on it."
“230-mile range” is how far the EV is expected to go on one full battery charge. Real-world range can drop, especially if you use chunky tires meant for off-roading.
“230-mile range” refers to the estimated driving distance the EV can travel on a full charge under specified test conditions. The speaker notes it may feel limited once you add heavy, grippy tires that can reduce efficiency.
flush grille
"I liked it because it looks like a normal car, [672.5s] very simple. The grille's just flush flat. There's no like grille or anything, which [675.9s] gives it the EV look."
A flush grille is when the front “grille” area is basically smooth and blended into the car’s body. EVs often do this because they don’t need the same cooling airflow as gas cars.
A “flush grille” refers to a front design where the grille area is blended into the body rather than standing out as a traditional opening. On EVs, this is often used because there may be less need for airflow through a conventional grille.
Baja 1000
"This is like a [730.0s] bottle off-road, it's an onion print. Yeah, like ready for like the Baja 1000 kind of thing. [734.2s] It looks cool, but it's total concept."
The Baja 1000 is a famous off-road race in Mexico known for extreme desert terrain and long-distance endurance. Referencing it signals the concept’s intended “serious off-road” vibe.
concept car
"It looks cool, but it's total concept. When you look at it, like you can just see the way they [738.8s] construct the body, like that's never going to exist, at least in that form. But it's cool that"
A concept car is a prototype built to show design ideas, materials, and technology, not necessarily to be sold to customers. The speaker notes that the construction details make it unlikely to ever reach production “in that form.”
carbon fiber
"It's all carbon fiber. It's crazy. I would love to drive one."
Carbon fiber is a super-light material used on some performance cars. Using it can help the car feel quicker and handle better because it weighs less.
Carbon fiber is a lightweight composite material used to reduce mass and improve stiffness. In performance cars, it’s often used for body panels, aero components, and interior trim to help with acceleration and handling.
all-wheel drive
"It's just been the all-wheel drive Corvette. You know, we live in Connecticut. I got to drive in the snow."
All-wheel drive (AWD) sends power to more than one axle, improving traction when roads are slippery. The speaker ties AWD to real-world use—driving in snow—rather than just performance on dry pavement.
wagon
"That's okay. That's the coolest thing I saw. Hey, it's a wagon. We don't see a lot of wagons anymore. And it was just beautiful."
A wagon is a body style with an extended roofline and cargo area behind the rear seats, combining practicality with a car’s driving layout. The speaker notes wagons are uncommon, and praises the styling, highlighting the rarity of the segment at modern shows.
Jeep Wrangler
"...I kind of fell in love with that stupid Jeep... The doors come off... when the doors come off, you have a problem with the side mirrors. They have a solution where the mirror goes in the hinge and then it bolts to the dash. You can do that with the Wrangler."
The Jeep Wrangler is a rugged SUV that’s famous for having doors (and sometimes the roof) you can remove. When the doors come off, the mirrors can’t just stay where they normally are, so Jeep uses a special mounting approach.
The Jeep Wrangler is a popular off-road SUV known for its removable doors and roof. In this segment, the discussion focuses on how the side mirrors are handled when the doors come off, and how Jeep offers a solution that relocates the mirror into the hinge area.
shooting break
"...in English, they call it a shooting break. Shooting break... It's a wagon."
“Shooting break” is a fancy old term for a type of wagon. It usually means a wagon that looks more sporty, like a coupe-style shape.
“Shooting break” is an automotive body style term that generally describes a wagon-like car with a more coupe-like, sporty profile. The speaker notes that it’s essentially a wagon and encourages listeners to look up the term for context.
wrap
"When you Google it, it says it has matte paint. It's a wrap, spoiler alert. It's just got a wrap on it."
A wrap is like a big vinyl sticker that goes over the car’s paint. It can change the color or finish and can usually be taken off later.
A wrap is a vinyl film applied over the vehicle’s paint to change color/finish or add graphics. Wraps can create looks like matte or custom colors without repainting, and they can be removed later.
matte paint
"When you Google it, it says it has matte paint. It's a wrap, spoiler alert. It's just got a wrap on it."
Matte paint looks flat instead of shiny. It can be harder to keep looking perfect, and many “matte” looks are actually done with a wrap film.
Matte paint is a non-gloss finish that looks flat and hides surface imperfections differently than shiny paint. It’s often used via a wrap or special film because it’s easier to apply and replace than true factory matte paint.
rooftop tent
"They say it comes with a rooftop tent. Like, what if you don't want that or need that? I don't think it's going to fit in most garages."
A rooftop tent mounts on the roof and opens to provide sleeping space for camping. It’s convenient for overlanding, but it adds height and weight, which can affect garage fit, fuel economy, and roof clearance.
sliding door
"...that's a Traverse... but it has a sliding door on the side. Like what is that?... do you think car companies would consider doing a sliding door for a regular SUV that wasn't necessarily handicap accessible?"
A sliding door is the kind that opens by sliding sideways. It’s handy in tight spots and can make getting in and out easier, especially if someone needs a ramp or extra space.
A sliding door moves along a track instead of swinging open, making it easier to access the cabin in tight parking spaces. On mobility-focused vehicles, it can also support easier entry with ramps and lowered floors.
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