MotorWeek
Television's Original Automotive Magazine
Updated 9 days agoWe thought a podcast would be the perfect vehicle for taking viewers behind-the-scenes of MotorWeek. We produce 52 episodes of MotorWeek a year, but we don't always have time to tell you everything. The podcast is a unique opportunity for viewers to hear our personal impressions of the vehicles we road test, discover the stories behind the stories MotorWeek is covering and learn more about where the auto industry is headed as it focuses squarely on fuel economy.
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Episodes (340)
A Hondacentric Podcast! First Drives in the 2025 Honda Civic Hybrid & Acura MDX, Plus Ridgeline TrailSport
In Podcast #330, John Davis and the MotorWeek crew are all about the Hondas the week! Jessica starts us off with her time driving the revived Honda Civic Hybrid while Brian goes off the beaten path with the Ridgeline TrailSport. Then we shift to our Lightning Round where a recent survey of EV owners has many asking if they want to stay all-electric. And a viewer has a question on whether or not they should buy or lease their next vehicle while in advanced age. We end with Stephanie’s recent experience in the refreshed Acura MDX.
Updated Porsche Cayenne GTS First Drive & We Experienced 24 Hours of Le Mans
In Podcast #329, Jessica Ray subs in for John Davis as host this week to chat with the MotorWeek crew about a first drive in the updated Porsche Cayenne GTS. Then our own Dave Scrivener is back from the racing experience of a lifetime, the 24 Hours of Le Mans! Plus our Lightning Round addresses how a recent cyberattack effecting thousands of dealerships across the country is impacting sales. And a viewer has a question about the rising popularity of SUV coupes.
Jeep Wagoneer S Reveal, Rivian R1T & R1S Updates, & Toyota Crown Signia First Drive
In Podcast #328, John Davis and the MotorWeek crew are back from their travels to talk about a few new vehicles! Jessica starts things off with the reveal of the Jeep Wagoneer S. Then Alex switches gears to the recent updates to the Rivian R1T and R1S. And then we drive the Toyota Venza’s replacement, the Crown Signia! Plus, a Lightning Round about theft at electric vehicle charging stations and a viewer has a question about charging PHEVs.
Honda Civic Hybrid Returns, We Finally Drive the Chevrolet Equinox EV, & Mazda CX-70
In Podcast #327, John Davis and the MotorWeek crew are back from their travels to talk about a few new vehicles! Jessica tees us off with a first look at the return of a hybrid powertrain to the refreshed 2025 Honda Civic Hybrid. Then Alex explains how the Mazda CX-70 differs from the CX-90. And then we finally get seat time in Chevrolet’s $35,000 Equinox EV! Plus, a Lightning Round about the recent tariff hikes on Chinese-made electric vehicles.
Next Overdrive Installment, Plus Porsche Macan EV & Aston Martin Vantage First Drives
In Podcast #326, John Davis and the MotorWeek crew talk an all-new digital-first segment as well as a couple of First Drives! Greg starts us off with some behind-the-scenes insights on the newest Overdrive installment, featuring a fun autocross competition with a lucky teenager. Then we head overseas with Jessica’s recent time driving the all-new Porsche Macan Electric. And then we’ll finish off with some track time in an impressive new Aston Martin Vantage! Plus, a Lightning Round about new laws regarding emergency braking systems and a viewer question on what to look for when test driving a car.
Hyundai IONIQ5 N, Acura ZDX, Plus Toyota Camry & Land Cruiser First Drives
In Podcast #325, John Davis and the MotorWeek crew have been back and forth to the West Coast for some First Drives. First up, is the Hyundai IONIQ5 N…which we got our first taste of Hyundai’s answer to the enthusiast in the electrified age at Laguna Seca. Then we hit the highway in Acura’s first-ever all-electric, the ZDX…a familar nameplate with a very different mission. And we’ll round it out with our experience in two of Toyota’s most-iconic nameplates, the best-selling Camry sedan and the return of the off-road luxury Land Cruiser utility. Plus, our Lightning Round addresses the latest layoff news from Tesla and how it could impact Superchargers!
ALL-NEW Toyota 4 Runner Reveal, Ram 1500, & the State of EV Sales in US
In Podcast #324, John Davis and the MotorWeek crew go into the details of the recently unveiled 6th-gen Toyota 4Runner…a huge deal for the brand and the first new 4Runner in almost 15 years. Plus, we’ll also talk about the refreshed RAM 1500. Then our own Alex Kellum has a question on what his next daily driver should be…with the requirements that it should be manual, a hatchback, and under $15,000. Then we’ll finish off with a discussion on the truths and myths on the current state of electrified vehicle sales.
What’s New From the 2024 New York Auto Show!
In Podcast #323, Jessica Ray steps in as host to guide the MotorWeek crew’s discussions on the reveals of the 2024 New York International Auto Show! Like Genesis…who has some interesting new concepts that certainly look production-ready while INFINITI & Nissan take familiar but quite opposite name plates into their next-generation, Hyundai gives two of their models a tasteful refresh, while Kia brings out an all-new model to replace the compact Forte sedan, and the North American debut of the all-electric Polestar 4 crossover…that will eventually be built here in the US but won’t have a rear window.
Lincoln Nautilus, Lexus TX, & Rivian R2 and R3
In Podcast #322, John Davis and the MotorWeek crew discuss how the Lincoln Nautilus midsize luxury utility sees impressive new styling and technology inside and out, while Lexus shakes up their lineup with an all-new three-row crossover…the TX, and Rivian introduces not one…but TWO new models with plans to make them at more affordable prices. Plus a Lightning Round to discuss how your driving data may be used against you and a viewer has a question on the upcoming electric Mini Cooper!
8th-Gen Dodge Charger Reveal, Plus Kia EV9 & Lexus GX
In Podcast #321, John Davis and the MotorWeek crew talk about huge news from Dodge as they have just unveiled details of the eighth-generation Charger…and it includes a gas engine. But first, Greg talks about one of our favorite new all-electrics, the impressive Kia EV9 midsize utility. And Jessica discusses a First Drive in another midsizer, the rugged but still luxurious Lexus GX. Our Lightning Round examines a recent viral tweet on what the size of a vehicle means for safety and a viewer has a question on how we perform our track testing!
Modified Movie Cars at the Petersen, Mazda CX-70, & Honda Prologue EV
In Podcast #320, Jessica Ray steps in as host and starts off with a few stories that Stephanie has been working on, including a fascinating TV and movie car exhibit at the Petersen Automotive Museum. Then Alex gives us the details on Mazda’s newest model, the CX-70, and how it is actually more familiar than you think. Our Lightning Round addresses Ford discontinuing one of their driver assistance features and we finish up Kyle talking about Honda’s first serious all-electric entry, the Prologue, which he recently drove.
John & Jessica Preview the 2024 Chicago Auto Show FROM Chicago!
BONUS PODCAST! In Podcast #319, John Davis and Jessica Ray take our podcast on the road to talk about everything new at the 2024 Chicago Auto Show. From the new Ford Explorer and Chevrolet Equinox’s auto show debuts to the unveiling of TWO new Kia models, we chat about what you will find on the show floor this year!
Our 2024 Drivers’ Choice Award Winners, including Best of the Year!! Who Wins?
In Podcast #318, John Davis and the MotorWeek team breakdown their picks for this year’s Drivers’ Choice Awards! Plus, we’ll reveal which vehicle we liked the best that takes home our “Best of the Year” award. But we can’t forget about our Lightning Round which addresses CEO of General Motors, Mary Barra, and her recent announcement that they would begin selling plug-in hybrids again!
Recap of our Annual Winter High Performance Testing at Roebling Road!
In Podcast 317, John Davis and the MotorWeek crew recap their recent week-long trip down to Savannah, Georgia for their annual high performance testing at Roebling Road Raceway. They tracked eight high performance cars including the Chevrolet Corvette Z06, Ford Mustang Dark Horse, Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT, Lambroghini Urus Performante, and more! Plus our Lightning Round addresses some recent headlining news of electric vehicles having difficulties charging in Chicago’s extreme cold weather. And we’ll finish off with a rant about the lack of hybrid crossover options.
Mazda CX-50 Long Term, Mercedes-Benz GLS, & the Honda Motocompacto!
In Podcast 316, John Davis and the MotorWeek crew dive into the details of their newest long term test vehicle: the 2024 Mazda CX-50. Then Brian Robinson gives us the scoop on how Mercedes has updated their GLS three-row utility. Then in our Lightning Round, we ponder Volkswagen’s addition of ChatGTP artificial intelligence into their latest infotainment system. Plus a viewer has a question on whether automakers have given up on hydrogen vehicles. And we’ll wrap things up with our time scooting around town on Honda’s new e-scooter, the Motocompacto.
Acura Integra Type S, BMW 5 Series, & the all-electric Porsche 718 Cayman Race Car
It’s our final podcast of 2023! We’re celebrating with a show all about cars: no crossovers or trucks…just cars. First up will be the Acura Integra Type S, a higher performance version of the revived sport sedan. Then we’ll toe the line between sporty and luxury with some time behind the wheel of the all-new BMW 5 series sedan. and we’ll finish off with a preview drive of Porsche’s first ever all-electric Cayman race car. Plus, our lightning round addresses news that Ford is cutting production on their F-150 Lightning pickup and we’ll see what everyone is looking forward to driving next year. And a first, Mercedes is starting to test turquoise colored lighting to indicate when a car is being driven by autonomous driving system.
Tesla Cybertruck Details, Chevrolet Blazer EV First Drive, & Buick Envista Road Test!
The Tesla Cybertruck is here! In Podcast 314, Jessica Ray subs in as host and leads the MotorWeek crew in some lively discussion about Tesla’s first foray into the pickup truck world. Then we’ll move on over to General Motors, who are keeping the Buick brand alive with an affordable and stylish new crossover: the Envista. Our Lightning Round addresses the return of new vehicle incentives and a viewer has a question about buttons in cars disappearing. Then we’ll finish it off with our first drive in the all-new and all-electric Chevrolet Blazer EV!
Recap of 2023 LA Auto Show & Toyota Tacoma First Drive!
In Podcast 313, John Davis and the MotorWeek crew recap the reveals from the 2023 Los Angeles Auto Show! From the 9th generation Toyota Camry to the all-new Lucid Gravity SUV…there’s much to cover. Plus, we have a Lightning Round on how you can buy your next car online and a viewer question about which EVs will be able to charge at Tesla superchargers next year. Then finish it off with our first opportunity to get time behind the wheel of the 4th generation Toyota Tacoma!
Volvo EX30, RAM 1500 Ramcharger, & Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray
In Podcast 312, John Davis and the MotorWeek crew cover three automotive gamechangers. First up, we went to Barcelona to drive Volvo’s newest, smallest, and cheapest EV, the EX30, which starts around $35,000. Then we had some seat time in Chevy’s hybrid C8 Corvette, the E-Ray. And following up the first ever all-electric RAM REV is the RAM 1500 Ramcharger, an extended range EV full-size pickup. We’ll explain more. Plus we’ve got a Lightning Round on some big problems for the robotaxi company Cruise and a viewer question about if EVs need special wheels and tires.
Alfa Romeo Tonale, Nissan Versa SR, & Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness
In Podcast 311, John Davis and the MotorWeek crew talk three cars under $50,000: the electrified 2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale, one of the last new cars for sale under $20,000…the 2023 Nissan Versa, & the even more capable Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness. Then we’ll discuss a Lightning Round topic about how Stellantis is pulling out of both the 2023 SEMA show and the LA Auto Show and a viewer has a question on why manufacturers still use numbers in trim levels if they don’t really mean anything anymore.
Honda Prologue Reveal, Mercedes DRIVE PILOT First Drive, & Greg’s Upcoming Over the Edge Stories!
In Podcast 310, John Davis and the MotorWeek crew talk about a few different automotive topics. Greg starts us off with his work on a brand new segment called MotorWeek’s Overdrive. Then Jessica dives into the details of the recently revealed 2024 Honda Prologue while Brian chats about his time behind the wheel driving…or not actually driving Mercedes Level 3 DRIVE PILOT autonomous system. Then we have a Lightning Round about how high price tags on EVs is pushing buyers to hybrids and we have a viewer question about how to charge a plug-in hybrid.
2023 Audi RS 6 Avant Road Test, 2024 Hyundai Kona First Drive, & Stephanie’s Fall FYI Segments!
In Podcast 309, John Davis and the MotorWeek crew are back for more car talk! Stephanie enlightens us on a few of her FYI stories that you find in an episode this fall. Plus we’ll talk about a sport wagon that easily put a smile on MotorWeek staffers faces, the Audi RS 6 Avant. Then we’ll dive into a Lightning Round about how the UAW strikes could impact buying American while a viewer asks us about what we find underrate. Jessica wraps it up with her time behind the wheel of the all-new 2024 Hyundai Kona.
What’s New from the 2023 North American International Auto Show!
In Podcast 308, John Davis and the MotorWeek crew talk about what’s new from the 2023 North American International Auto Show in Detroit! Cadillac unveils a refreshed CT5 sedan, GMC revamps the Acadia with a new powertrain and looks, the Jeep Gladiator sees updates similar to the new Wrangler, and Ford refines their best-selling pickup with the latest F-150. Plus, a viewer wonders if there’s any pros to larger wheels.
The Return of the Land Cruiser, Reveal of the Electric Acura ZDX, & Ford Mustang Road Test
In Podcast 307, John Davis and the MotorWeek team preview the upcoming season 43 premiere! Jessica starts us off with a first look at the return of the Toyota Land Cruiser while Alex dives into the details of the recently revealed Acura ZDX, the brand’s first EV. Then the Lightning Round talks about the end of “cheap” new cars while a viewer has a question about testing safety features. Greg wraps it up with the all-new 2024 Ford Mustang.
2023 Rivian R1S Road Test, 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Reveal, & Chevy Silverado EV Work Truck
In Podcast 306, Jessica Ray leads the MotorWeek crew in some lively discussion of some vehicles we’ve recently experienced! Greg gets us out the gate with Rivian’s next model that we recently sampled, the R1S three-row SUV. Then Alex digs into the details of the recently revealed and very polarizing new 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe. Then we take a break to talk about some huge news in the EV charging world and a viewer has a question about a theory on powering electric vehicles. We finish up with Brian’s experience driving an EV meant to get down and dirty, the Chevrolet Silverado EV Work Truck.