Car Stuff Podcast

Mazda CX-5, Mitsubishi American Renaissance, Carbon Monoxide Deaths

Jill and Tom open the show reviewing news from the city of Toledo where three members of a family perished in a crossover last week as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning. Little is known at this point regarding the tragedy, except that the vehicle was running with the air conditioning in use. The hosts also discussed recent news that potential EV shoppers no long worry about vehicle range as much as they do home charging. Listen in for why this might be the case. Tom notes that, five years into its run, the Ford F-150 PowerBoost (hybrid) does not seem to be generating as much consumer interest as might have been initially expected. Price may be an issue, or just a general lack of interest in hybrids by large-Pickup buyers. Still in the first segment, Jill reviews the redesigned Mazda CX-5 compact crossover. Has the CX-5 lost some of its "Mazdaness?" Listen in for details. in the second segment, the hosts welcome Jeremy Barnes of Mitsubishi to the show. Jeremy talks about the the maker's updated Outlander compact crossover, as well as its Mitsubishi Motors Momentum 2030 business plan. Mitsubishi plans to roll out a new model every year until 2030 in the U.S. market. Listen in for details. In the last segment, Jill is subjected to Tom's "Is it a VW Trim Level?" Quiz. Listen in to see how she scored. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jul 20, 2026 62 min 110 annotations

200 MPH Corvette, VW is Hurting, Where the EV Market is Going

In place of the traveling Jill, Tom is joined this week by Brendan Appel of the Sons of Speed. Tom and Brendan open the show discussing updates to the 2027 Corvette, including a new base engine which lifts the cars top speed to 200 mph. The hosts go on to discuss Volkswagen's sales and financial woes. Though relatively healthy here in the U.S., the German carmaker is feeling the impact of poor sales in Europe and in China. Volkswagen is looking to cut manufacturing capacity from about 12 million units to 9 million, but faces stiff push back from European labor unions. In the second segment, Tom and Brendan welcome Bodie Grimm, host of the Kilowatt podcast. Bodie shares his insights into the EV market place, and looks ahead as carmakers struggle to sell electric vehicles in the U.S. and other markets. Bodie also shares a music listening suggestion for Tom. In the last segment, Brendan is subjected to Tom's "Corvette!" quiz. Brendan also talks about shopping for a 3/4-ton truck with which to do some towing. Did Brendan make a truck purchase? Listen in for details. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

E335 Jul 14, 2026 57 min 114 annotations

Stick-Shift Ferrari, Lexus IS Review, Renegotiating the USMCA

Jill and Tom open the show by acknowledging that the Subaru Outback, now less wagonlike, is reportedly selling well, despite the break with its design roots. Tom was worried it might not. The hosts turn their attention to a series of spy photographs depicting what is claimed to be the Chrysler brand’s next products, the Airflow compact crossover, and the Arrow and Arrow Cross subcompact crossovers. Word has it the Airflow will arrive for the 2028 model year, and the Arrow and Arrow Cross shortly after that. Tom turned the conversation to the bizarre news that Ferrari will offer a fake manual transmission in an upcoming version of the brand's 12Cylindri sports car. The 819-horsepower Ferrari will feature a conventional 8-speed automatic transmission, but also include a gated chrome shifter and functional clutch pedal. No word yet as to how the system feels relative to a conventional manual shifter, but we do know that European-market prices start just under $700,000. Tom changed topics and wondered aloud if part of what is driving new-car transaction prices higher is the increase in the number of hybrid vehicles being purchased in the U.S. Jill isn’t so sure. Still in the first segment, Jill reviews the compact Lexus IS sporty sedan. In the second segment, the hosts welcome Sam Fiorani of AutoForecast Solutions to the show. Sam shares his take on the demise of Polestar, what to expect from the USMCA negotiations, and what’s new at the Boyertown Museum of Historic Automobiles. In the last segment, Jill is subjected to Tom’s “Was it a Car Part” quiz. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

E334 Jul 07, 2026 60 min 107 annotations

Goodbye Polestar, Used EV News, 2027 Kia Telluride

Jill and Tom open the show by discussing the shocking news that the Polestar brand will be leaving the U.S. at the end of this model. Tom questions why Polestar is not pushing back against this Commerce Department security decision. Jill notes that as information regarding the all-new Chevrolet Silverado 1500 pickup is released, GMC has begun sharing tidbits--mostly photography--of the redesigned Sierra 1500. These launches are hugely important to General Motors, as the two trucks combined account for roughly one third of the carmaker's annual revenue. In the 2nd segment, Jill and Tom talk to Jimmy Douglas of Plug, an online remarketer of used EVs. Listen in to learn how dealers are acquiring inventory of late-model used electric vehicles, and why this might be a good time to sell your EV. Also, it turns out that Jimmy is a big fan of the Volkswagen VR6 engine discussed recently by Tom. In the last segment, Jill is subjected to Tom's "Bogus Blue" quiz, and has time to review the redesigned 2027 Kia Telluride 3-row crossover, which can now be had in hybrid form. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

E333 Jun 29, 2026 59 min 29 annotations

Subaru Uncharted, Jeep Cherokee Deep Dive, New Silverado

Jill and Tom open a content-packed episode by welcoming the BMW M5 Touring to Tom's driveway. Expect to hear much more about this practical super-car in future episodes. Producer Margaret then shares details of her recent interview of Chicago-based radio reporter/journalist Jennifer Keiper, a peer of Jill's and Tom's. Jennifer lost her most recent position in the radio industry as CBS News wound down its broadcast operations. You can listen to that interview here. Tom share a list of the countries in which the Car Stuff Podcast is most popular, and it's rather surprising. Still in the first segment, Tom shares bad news for folks waiting to purchase a 2026 Toyota RAV4. The all-new compact crossover is in high-demand, and redesign rollover constraints have limited supply. Jill says the small crossover is worth the wait. The hosts also discuss slumping Lucid sales, and the most-popular model names of all time. In the second segment, the hosts welcome Jeep Vice President of Design Vince Galante to the show. Vince walked Jill and Tom trough all of the news surrounding the return of the compact Cherokee crossover to the Jeep lineup. Listen in for details. In the last segment, Jill is subjected to Tom's "Was it an Oldsmobile?" quiz, complete with a popular franchise-opportunity bonus question. Jill also reviews the all-new Subaru Uncharted small crossover EV. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

E332 Jun 22, 2026 62 min 103 annotations

Massive Jeep Recall, Mercedes Plug-in Wagon, Why U.S. Car Sales Remain Robust

Jill and Tom open the show sharing news of a massive Jeep recall. Jeep has issued a "park-outside" warning for owners of many late-model Jeep Wranglers and Gladiators. Listen in for details. The hosts discuss Mitsubishi's new electric crossover, the Eclipse Sportback EV. Mitsubishi's first U.S.-market electric vehicle shares its basic architecture with the Nissan Leaf. Jill reviews the Mercedes-Benz E 53 Hybrid wagon. One of a waning number of true station wagons still offered in the U.S., the E 53 serves up power and tech, though exclusive pricing will keep the car a rare sight on U.S. roads. In the second segment, Jill and Tom welcome Automotive News' Larry Vellequette to the show. Larry talks about Toyota quality issues, the Gordie Howe Bridge, and surprisingly robust U.S. auto sales. Listen in for some great insights. In the last segment, Jill is subjected to Tom's "Who is that Guy?" quiz. The hosts wrap up the show with a quick take on Ferrari's first-ever electric vehicle, the controversial Luce. Check out the Car Stuff Podcast Facebook page for a picture of the Luce, and listen in for the price. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

E331 Jun 15, 2026 53 min 67 annotations

Compact Crossover Comparo, Scout Deep Dive, Discontinued Car Quiz

This week Tom opens the show clarifying the difference between mild-hybrid and full-hybrid applications. Tom notes that mild hybrid drivetrains are found mostly on European luxury vehicles. In advance of chatting with Scout Motor's Ryan Decker, Jill and Tom discuss how few all-new car brands have been launched in the past 25 years. Listen in for a list. Still in the first segment, the hosts are joined by fellow automotive journalist Ed Piotrowski. Ed attended the 2026 Midwest Automotive Media Association Spring Rally, and wrote a comparison review of four compact crossovers: The Jeep Cherokee, Mazda CX-5, Toyota RAV4, and Volkswagen Tiguan. There's big news here, as for 2026 the Jeep and Toyota are all new--and now hybrid only--the Mazda is redesigned, and the VW has been treated to an updated powertrain. Listen in for Ed's insights. In the second segment, the hosts are Joined by Scout Vice President of Strategy and Branding Ryan Decker. Ryan shares details regarding Scout's position in the market place, the products themselves, and what to expect regarding Scout's direct-to-consumer sales plan. In the last segment, Jill is subjected to Tom's "Is it still being built?" quiz. After the quiz Jill talks a little about the redesigned Subaru Outback Wilderness, with which she recently spent time. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

E330 Jun 08, 2026 54 min 110 annotations

New Lexus ES, Airbag Thefts on the Rise, Best Adventure Vehicles

Tom opens the show by acknowledging the passing of jazz saxophone legend Sonny Rollins. Sonny was the last living performer to have appeared in the 1958 Esquire magazine photo A Great Day in Harlem. The image appears on the Car Stuff Podcast Facebook Page. The hosts discuss the return of the Volkswagen ID. Buzz retro-themed electric themed minivan for 2027. Though little changed mechanically, the Buzz may be packaged to improve the pricey van's perceived value. Jill talks about a marked increase in airbag thefts in the Chicago area, especially among certain Honda models. The hosts address one possible way to dissuade would-be airbag thieves. Still in the first segment, Jill reviews the all-new 2026 Lexus ES midsize sedan, which now comes only in hybrid and all-electric trim. Listen in for her take on this long-term brand staple. In the second segment, the hosts welcome John Vincent of U.S. News to the podcast. John walked the hosts through the outlet's 2026 "Best Adventure Vehicles" list. In the last segment, Jill is subjected to Tom's "Is it Built There?" quiz. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

E329 Jun 02, 2026 62 min 145 annotations

2026 Consumer Guide Best Buys

This week's episode is dedicated to the 2026 Consumer Guide Best Buy pics. In total, 32 vehicles in 13 individual categories are covered. You can check out the complete 2026 Best Buy list here. For a look further back, click here for the 2025 Best Buy list. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

E328 May 26, 2026 64 min 148 annotations

Buick's New Sedan, 1000-Pound Caterham, Elon is Distracted

The hosts open the show discussing Jill's recent interview with the head of Infiniti USA regarding--among other things--the possible comeback of the humble sedan. This conversation dovetails nicely with Tom's news regarding the likely comeback of a Buick midsize sedan---and a possible Camaro, as well. Jill shared impressions of a would-be annual Land Rover event dubbed Defender Trophy Competition. The event would mirror the legendary Camel Trophy competitions of the Seventies and Eighties. Still in the first segment, Jill reviews the Range Rover SE premium large crossover. Listen in for her take on this off-road-ready luxury hauler. In the second segment, the hosts chat with Caterham's Simon Sproule about the carmaker's tiny sports cars. Listen in for details regarding the history of Caterham, as well as U.S. availability of these storied automobiles. In the last segment Jill is subjected to Tom's "Which Sold Better?" quiz, including a special Talking Heads bonus question. After the quiz, Tom talks about Elon Musk, and how apparently distracted he was from from developing his core automotive products. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

E326 May 18, 2026 56 min 104 annotations

An Interview with Infiniti's Eric Ledieu (Bonus Episode)

In this special bonus episode of the Car Stuff Podcast, Jill sits down with Vice President of INFINITI Americas Eric Ledieu for a conversation about the all-new QX65 fastback luxury crossover, Future Infiniti products, and a possible resurgence in buyer interest in sedans. How will Nissan and Infiniti differ moving forward? Listen in for details. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

E326 May 17, 2026 16 min 27 annotations

Honda Delays Updates, Pricey Lucid, After-Market Paint Protection

Sam Fiorani of AutoForecast Solutions sits in for Tom this week. Jill and Sam open this episode of the podcast touching on Sam's recent involvement with the 2026 Greenbrier Concours d'Elegance, a classic car show held in West Virginia each spring. The conversation turns to car news, with the hosts touching on Chinese car makers setting up show in Canada, Tesla producing its last Model S sedan, and Honda deferring much needed of key models--including the Odyssey minivan. Listen in for details. Still in the first segment, Jill discusses her participation in the first Trinitē Road Rally, and her time behind the wheel of the $250,000 Lucid Air Sapphire electric sedan. In the second segment, Jill and Sam are joined by EXPEL Product Manager James Melfi. EXPEL produces, among other things, car-finish Paint Protection Film (PPF). James shares information related to the value, cost, installation, and longevity of EXPEL's PPF productions. In the last segment Jill shares sad news regarding the show's long-time producer Randy. In his honor Jill subjects Sam to a Pontiac Fiero quiz. Sam wraps up the show sharing some news about the Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

E325 May 12, 2026 56 min 77 annotations

Stellantis "Core" Brands, Forester Wilderness, Used EV Prices

Paul Herrold of the Sons of Speed sits in for Jill this week, as she participates in the Trinitē Road Rally. Follow the link here for details. The hosts open the show with a number of topics, including blue-dyed diesel fuel, and Tom's one-mile test drive of the Mitsubishi Outlander SEL. Paul and Tom go on to discuss Stellantis's "Four Core Brand" strategy, which prioritizes a few of the carmaker's high-volume brands, in terms of product development and positioning. Tune in to hear what this means for lower-volume marques. Still in the first segment, Tom reviews the 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness. In the second segment, Paul and Tom are joined by iSeeCars.com Executive Analyst Karl Brauer. Karl walks the hosts through some used-EV price data, noting especially interesting price swings for pre-owned Tesla models. In the last segment Paul is subjected to Tom's "Best Seller" quiz. Also, Paul shares his review of the Ferrari Roma. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

E324 May 04, 2026 54 min 157 annotations

Nissan Restructures, Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid, Canadian Tesla Adventure

Car guy Dave Piluski of RTM Engineering Consultants sits in for Jill this week. Tom opened the show by complaining about contemporary country music, especially someone named Luke Combs. This because Tom did not have time to Bluetooth connect with his new test car prior to recording. Dave and Tom discuss two major news items: Ford's constricted F-150 pickup supply, and Nissan's newly revealed turnaround plan. Because of the Iran Conflict, Ford is struggling to source aluminum for the F-150's body panels, and Nissan is working to rebuild sales in the U.S. and globally. Listen in for details. Tom also reviews the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Calligraphy. Turns out there's little here not to like. In the second segment Dave and Tom are joined by friend of the show Robert Colangelo. Robert shared the details--some horrifying--of his recent Model Y voyage from Northwest Indiana to Canada to catch a Guess Who concert. You don't want to miss this. In the last segment Dave is subjected to Tom's "Which Came First: Eighties Edition: quiz. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

E323 Apr 20, 2026 56 min 135 annotations

Chinese Cars in Austria, New Jeep Cherokee, Consumer Reports Top Picks

The hosts open the show by discussing Tom's new refrigerator, and his inability to keep Subaru's suite of new electric vehicles straight. Jill agrees to help him keep the Subaru EVs straight. Jill and Tom go on to cover a number of news items, including the discontinuation of the Volkswagen ID.4 electric crossover, Chinese cars being built in Austria, and Kia's plan to build a midsize EV in American by the 2030 model year. In related news, a listen from New Zealand checks in to let the hosts know that he owns a Leapmotor EV (discussed last episode) and is very happy with it. Still in the first segment, Jill reviews the all-new Jeep Cherokee. In the second segment, Jill and Tom welcome Alex Knizek, Director of Auto Test Development at Consumer Reports, to the Car Stuff Podcast. Alex describes the process by which Consumer Reports evaluates new vehicles, and walks the hosts through the outfits 2026 Top Picks list. In the last segment, Jill is subjected to Tom's "Dead Brand" quiz. Listen in to hear how she scored. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

E322 Apr 13, 2026 56 min 31 annotations

Chinese Cars in Canada, RAV4 Review, Looking at Kia's Newest Rides

Tom opens the show with news regarding Stellantis' joint venture with China's Leapmotor. Stellantis currently distributes Chinese Leapmotor-built electric vehicles in Europe, and may be looking to build Leapmotor models in its idle Brampton, Ontario factory. Listen in for more details. Jill gives a quick rundown of the new-product reveals seen at this week's New York Auto Show. A number of noteworthy introductions are covered, including models and concepts from Chrysler, Hyundai, Kia, and Subaru. Still in the first segment Jill reviews the redesigned Toyota RAV4, which is now offered exclusively with a hybrid powertrain. With gas prices rising, will the RAV4 Hybrid be in especially high demand? In the second segment, Jill and Tom welcome James Bell, Kia Head of Corporate Communications, to the show. James discusses the new Kia products seen at the New York Auto Show, as well as the redesigned Telluride midsize crossover. James also shares some insights regarding Kia's sales success in the U.S. In the last segment Jill is subjected to Tom's "Muscle Car Engine" quiz. Jill also discusses in depth the Hyundai Boulder off-road concept vehicle seen at the New York Show. Tom has some doubts about the show car's viability as a production model. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

E321 Apr 06, 2026 54 min 33 annotations

Sony-Honda JV Dead, Mercedes Crossover Impresses, New Mazda CX-5 Tech

The hosts open the show noting that the power-seat recall affecting the Hyundai Palisade has expanded to the mechanically similar Kia Telluride. Listen in for details. As predicted in a previous episode, Tom shares news of the dissolution of the Afeela electric-vehicle brand. Afeela was a Honda/Sony joint venture nearing production of a premium midsize sedan built in the U.S. Tom also discussed the potential impact of E15 fuel, which has been federally approved for national distribution. E15 gasoline has 5 percent more ethanol content than E10, which is common in most states. The blended fuel may help lower gasoline pump prices, but has its downsides. Still in the first segment, Jill reviews the Mercedes-Benz GLE450 midsize crossover. Listen in for her review. In the second segment, Jill and Tom welcome Matthew Valbuena to the show. Mathew is Mazda Project Manager of In-Vehicle Technology, and shares with the hosts a number of connectivity features found in the all-new 2026 CX-5 small crossover. In the last segment, Jill is subjected to Tom's "CVT or Automatic" quiz, featuring a bonus question about radishes. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

E320 Mar 30, 2026 55 min 30 annotations

New Lexus ES, Toyota Crown Signia Review, War and the Auto Industry

Jill opens this week's show with a correction. Listen in for her begrudging mea culpa. The hosts go on to discuss briefly Tom's time in the Toyota Corolla Hybrid SE AWD. Toms's review of the car is live now on ConsumerGuide.com. Tom shares a few details of the coming redesigned Lexus ES midsize sedan. New for 2026 is an EV variant of the popular model, while other examples of the ES will be hybrid only. Listen in for details. Still in the first segment, Jill reviews the Toyota Crown Signia. Both hosts are fans of the wagon-like midsize car, but agree that it may be slightly over promoted as a luxury vehicle. In the second segment, Jill and Tom welcome Jamie Butters of the Butters Bureau to the show. Jamie shares his take on how the Iran conflict will impact U.S. auto sales. Jamie also talks about Toyota's counterintuitive move deeper into EV sales at a time the rest of the industry is recoiling. Listen in for details. In the last segment Jill is subjected to Tom's "It's a Fact!" quiz, after which Tom shares some interesting Porsche sales statistics. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

E319 Mar 23, 2026 56 min 32 annotations

Honda Drops 2 Models, Audi Q3 Reivew, Buying a Car in Uncertain Times

Jill and Tom open the show again sharing word of electric-vehicle cancellations. This time EVs from Honda and Volvo are being dropped. Tom discusses a new Texas DMV law which makes it difficult for undocumented shoppers to register a new or used vehicle. Though the regulations are relatively new, some area dealers are reporting small but measurable downturns in sales. Tom notes having recently reviewed the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited, which was priced at $40,000. Tom made the point that in an era of $50,000-60,000 midsize crossovers, a midsize sedan--especially in hybrid trim--might make a lot of sense. Still in the first segment, Jill reviews the subcompact Audi Q3 crossover. The price-leading Audi has been redesigned for 2026, and features updated connectivity features, more power, and tweaked styling. Listen in for Jill's complete review. In the second segment, the hosts welcome Sean Tucker of Autotrader to the show. Sean talked about the volatility in the new- and used-car marketplace, but suggested that, despite economic uncertainty, this may be a good time to make a vehicle purchase. Listen in for details. In the last segment, Jill is subjected to Tom's "100,000" quiz. Jill also shared news of an important Hyundai recall involving faulty 2nd-row seat sensors in the Palisade midsize crossover which my fail to detect the presence of a person in the path of seat travel. One death has been attributed to this defect. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

E318 Mar 16, 2026 57 min 32 annotations

Two Dead Models, Chrysler's Uncertain Future, Cadillac's "Air Bridge"

Jill and Tom open the show discussing the sudden resignation of Chrysler CEO Chris Feuell. Tom thinks Feuell's departure prefaces the end of the Chrysler brand. Jill is not so sure. Listen in for details. The hosts go on to share news of two car models that will disappear after the 2026 model year. One is no surprise, the other a little bit sad. Still in the first segment, Jill and Tom review the 2026 Mazda CX-70 midsize crossover. The hosts have driven a lot of similar-size crossovers recently, listen in to hear how this big Mazda compares. In the second segment, Jill and Tom welcome veteran auto writer Gary Witzenburg to the the podcast. Garry's new book Legends in Motion is a collection of the author's favorite reviews and stories written over the past four decades of his career. From the book, Gary shares details of the Cadillac Allanté Air Bridge, and the legendary Cannonball Rally. In the last segment, Jill is subjected to Tom's "Just a Gosh Darn Minute" quiz. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

E316 Mar 09, 2026 54 min 69 annotations

Leno Law, Toyota Takes EVs Off-Road, Understanding the Software Defined Vehicle

Jill is back in the co-host seat this week, having spent some time in Canada intentionally driving Volvo vehicles in snow and on ice. Tom opens the show with a mea culpa. Listen in to see what he got wrong last week. The hosts discuss a number of news items, including some reported delays in the delivery of Tesla's newly discounted Cybertruck, Lamborghini backing away from electric vehicles, and the proposed Jay Leno Law. Listen in for the whole story. Still in the first segment, Jill reviews Toyota's new bZ Woodland, an electric vehicle with an off-road vibe. In the second segment, Jill and Tom are joined by Ken Chester, host of the Tech Mobility Podcast. Ken share his take on the the next stages of automotive computerization, and what, exactly, is meant by "software-defined vehicle." It's a good conversation. In the last segment Jill is subjected to Tom's "Model Year 2020" quiz. Listen in and try to beat Jill's score. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

E316 Mar 02, 2026 57 min 52 annotations

Cheaper Cybertruck, Lexus TX Review, Japanese Micro Cars for America

Brendan Appel of the Sons of Speed sits in for Jill this week. Brendan and Tom open the show talking about the changing character of car engines, and how small turbocharged examples lack the character—especially exhaust note—of older, larger engines. Tom shares news regarding deep price cuts on the Tesla Cybertruck. Per Elon Musk, the new, cheaper Tesla pickup may not be available long, so interested shoppers may want to act quickly. Brendan and Tom discuss what the price adjustment might mean for the resale value of existing examples of the controversially designed pickup truck. Still in the first segment, Tom reviews the 3-row Lexus TX luxury crossover. Listen in for his take. In the second segment Brendan and Tom welcome Zack Pradel of Shooting Cars to the show. Zack is just back from Japan where he drove a number of the country’s “kei” micro cars. As it has been suggested that kei cars could be the answer to rising new-car sticker prices in the U.S., Zack’s take on these tiny vehicles is especially interesting. In the last segment Zack joins Brendan for this weeks quiz. The show warps up with a quick look at the current Polestar lineup. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

E315 Feb 23, 2026 56 min 56 annotations

Cheaper Jeep V8, Alfa Stelvio Reivew, Infiniti Jeans-Wearing Robot

No donuts today as Jill isn't feeling well (listen to her voice) and Tom says he's on a diet. The hosts open the show by discussing big Toyota news: The Highlander is going EV only for 2027. Listen in for Jill and Tom's take on this announcement. Also discussed is Jeep's new lower-cost V8 Wrangler model. Next, Tom shares a brief take on the very-affordable Chevrolet Trax in topline Activ trim. Should entry-level shoppers take a look at Chevy's least-expensive model? Listen in. Still in the first segment, the hosts co-review the sporty Alfa Romeo Stelvio Intensa small crossover. Jill and Tom agree that there is a lot here to like here, though the very-engaging Italian model is not without its compromises. In the second segment, Jill and Tom are joined by Evan Frank, Seat Engineering Manager for Nissan. Evan explains why denim especially is so tough on car and truck seats, and how Infiniti has been using a jeans-clad robot to test vehicle seats for long-term wear resistance. It's a great conversation. In the final segment, Jill is subjected to Tom's "Even More Spelling" quiz, plus, the duo discusses Cadillac's surprising commitment to electric vehicles, and a North American Car of the Year/Society of Automotive Engineers-sponsored scholarship program. Listen in for details. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

E314 Feb 16, 2026 54 min 49 annotations

Classic Nissan Returns, Redesigned Subaru Outback, Funding Dealer Expansion

Jim Obrill of the Chicago Auto Show drops by for a quick update on the show. The show includes a number of surprise displays including the $400,000 Cadillac Celestiq electric sedan. Tom owns up to an error in last weeks show, listen in to find out what he got wrong. Jill and Tom continue to share several news items, including the return of the rugged Nissan Xterra SUV. Still in the first segment, Jill reviews the all-new 2026 Subaru Outback. Tom laments the passing of the Outback’s traditional station-wagon design; however, Jill's takes is overwhelmingly positive. Listen for details. In the second segment, the hosts are joined by Mark LaNeve, Partner at Franchise Equity Partners. Mark walks Jill and Tom through the auto dealership acquisition process, and explains how dealer principals fund growth, and new sales point purchases. In the last segment, Jill is subjected to Tom’s “Was it a Pickup” quiz, and Tom talks about his daughter’s recent new-car purchase. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

E313 Feb 09, 2026 57 min 38 annotations

Telsa Kills Models, Mitsubishi Outlander Review, Best Cars of 2026

Jill and Tom sift through an enormous amount of news this week, including the announced deaths of four car models, including two from Tesla. Other news items covered include a name for Ford’s new electric small truck, BMW’s new electric-car architecture, and the unexpected comeback of the minivan. Still in the first segment, Jill reviews the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander small crossover. Listen in for her take. In the second segment the hosts welcome Brian Moody of Kelly Blue Book to the show. Brian shares his take on the new-car market in 2026, as well as KBB’s Best Buy picks. In the third segment Jill is subjected to Tom’s “How Red is It?” Quiz. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

E312 Feb 03, 2026 57 min 62 annotations