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Talking Cars (MP3)

Talking Cars (MP3)

By: Consumer Reports
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Join our experts at the Consumer Reports Test Track as they discuss cars, answer buying questions, and share insights on everything automotive.℗ & © 2022 Consumer Reports. All rights reserved. Economics Management Management & Leadership
Episodes
  • 2026 Dodge Charger R/T

    2026 Dodge Charger R/T
    Jun 10 2026

    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 the vehicle's overall size. We also discuss what Dodge got right, where the Charger falls short, and whether we'd recommend it over other enthusiast-focused vehicles. Plus, we answer a question about the differences between racing fuel and premium gas, and how octane ratings and ethanol-free fuel can affect performance in regular vehicles.

    SHOW NOTES:

    0:00 - Intro

    0:19 - 2026 Dodge Charger R/T Blacktop Overview

    1:18 - What we like about the 2026 Dodge Charger

    04:51 - Ride, Performance, Comfort & Daily Driving

    17:46 - The Downsides: Interior, Controls & Practicality

    36:05 - Would We Buy the New Dodge Charger?

    41:12 - Audience Question: Is Racing Fuel Worth It?

    LINKS:

    Review: 2026 Dodge Charger R/T: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/sports-cars/dodge-charger-review-a9212537968/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

    Test Results: 2026 Ford Mustang: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/ford/mustang/2026/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

    Why You might Not Need Premium Fuel: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/fuel-economy-efficiency/why-you-might-not-actually-need-premium-gas-a6382185831/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
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    48 mins
  • How to Survive High Gas Prices

    How to Survive High Gas Prices
    Jun 3 2026
    As gas prices fluctuate and drivers look for ways to cut costs, on this week's episode we answer the questions drivers are asking most: Is premium fuel worth the extra cost? Does ethanol save money? Do Eco modes actually improve fuel economy? And should high fuel prices push you toward a hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or EV? From choosing the right fuel and finding the best prices at the pump to understanding the long-term costs of different vehicle types, we separate fact from fiction and share practical strategies to help drivers spend less on fuel without sacrificing performance or reliability. Join CR at https://CR.org/joinviaYT to access our comprehensive ratings for items you use every day. CR is a mission-driven, independent, nonprofit organization. SHOW NOTES ----------------------------------- 00:00 Intro 00:15 Gas prices 00:51 Ethanol fuel blends 08:30 Premium vs. regular gas 17:04 Real ways to save at the pump 18:47 Hybrids, EVs, and PHEVs 29:08 Oil shortages, diesel, and alternative fuel 34:17 Eco mode and fuel-saving driving tips 37:06 The future of fuel efficiency and electrification ---------------------------------- Best deals on fuel-efficient cars & SUVs https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/buying-a-car/best-deals-on-fuel-efficient-cars-a4329802409/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT Expert fuel-saving tips https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/fuel-economy-efficiency/expert-fuel-saving-tips-how-to-get-more-miles-per-dollar-a1096060259/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT 10 tips to get the most out of a tank of gas https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/fuel-economy-efficiency/10-tips-to-get-the-most-out-of-a-tank-of-gas-a2642110189/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT Most fuel-efficient SUVs https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/the-most-fuel-efficient-suvs-best-mpg-a5599990140/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT Cars with the best gas Mileage https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/fuel-economy-efficiency/the-most-fuel-efficient-cars-best-mpg-a1198903400/ Will a hybrid, PHEV, or EV save me money? https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/buying-guide/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT Top Tier gas is worth the extra price https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/fuel-economy-efficiency/top-tier-gasoline-worth-the-extra-price-a7682471234/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT Find the best hybrids and EVs https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT Most reliable used electric vehicles https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/most-reliable-used-electric-vehicles-a8864540677/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT 10 best deals on electric vehicles https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/best-deals-on-electric-vehicles-a1198228201/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT Popular EVs to avoid and what to get instead https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/electric-vehicles-to-avoid-and-the-evs-to-get-instead-a6654236864/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT Should you use synthetic oil in your car? https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-maintenance/should-you-use-synthetic-oil-in-your-car-a9220487946/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT CR's real-world electric car range comparison https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/real-world-ev-range-tests-models-that-beat-epa-estimates-a1103288135/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT Tested: Does eco mode really save gas? https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/fuel-economy-efficiency/does-eco-mode-really-save-gas-a6653523930/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
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    41 mins
  • Are Off-Road Trims for SUVs Worth the Extra Money?

    Are Off-Road Trims for SUVs Worth the Extra Money?
    May 27 2026

    On this episode of Talking Cars, we discuss our recent evaluation of popular rugged SUV trims, sometimes called "soft roader" SUVs—including the Subaru Forester Wilderness, Honda Passport TrailSport, Toyota RAV4 Woodland, Ford Explorer Tremor, and more—to see whether they add real capability or mostly rugged styling. Plus, we answer a viewer's question about whether roof crossbars hurt fuel economy on SUVs like the Toyota RAV4 Prime.

    Join CR at https://CR.org/joinviaYT to access our comprehensive ratings for items you use every day. CR is a mission-driven, independent, nonprofit organization.

    SHOW NOTES

    -----------------------------------

    00:00 Intro

    00:16 Soft Roaders Explained

    00:47 What Makes an SUV a "Soft Roader"

    01:44 Why CR Doesn't Do Formal Off-Road Ratings

    03:56 Building and Driving the Off-Road Evaluation Course

    04:56 Vehicles Evaluated

    06:13 On-Road Compromises

    10:26 Off-Road Impressions

    12:44 The Big Role Tires Play

    16:28 Should You Buy an Off-Road Trim?

    20:06 Can You Add All-Terrain Tires Yourself?

    21:14 Should CR Fully Test These Off-Road Trims?

    21:58 Audience Question: Do Roof Crossbars Hurt Fuel Economy?

    ----------------------------------

    10 Best SUVs You Can Buy Right Now

    https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/10-best-suvs-you-can-buy-right-now-a8518508556/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

    Who Makes the Most Reliable New Cars?

    https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/who-makes-the-most-reliable-cars-a7824554938/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

    Best SUV and Truck Tires of 2026

    https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/tires/best-suv-and-truck-tires-a3436694441/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

    Choose the Right Tires for Your Vehicle

    https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/tires/buying-guide/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

    10 Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Gas Tank

    https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/fuel-economy-efficiency/10-tips-to-get-the-most-out-of-a-tank-of-gas-a2642110189/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
    Show More Show Less
    25 mins
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