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

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

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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?

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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

On this episode we share our impressions of the 2026 Mazda Miata and take a joyride through Miata history. We explain why the 2026 model remains one of the purest sports cars you can buy, and weigh its sublime manual transmission, lightweight feel, reliability, and real-world compromises. Plus, we answer an audience question about Tesla Full Self-Driving—and whether human-driven Miatas are really at risk of disappearing.

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

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00:00 Intro
00:15 2026 Mazda Miata: Why We're Revisiting It

02:54 History of the Miata

05:29 Why "Miata Is Always the Answer"

08:57 What Makes the Miata So Fun to Drive

17:01 Miata Reliability, Ownership, and Common Issues

19:56 Miata Stays Lightweight

24:49 The Downsides

31:30 Our Favorite Miata Generations

34:38 Audience Question: Self-Driving Cars vs. Human Drivers

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Test Results: Mazda Miata

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/mazda/mx-5-miata/2026/overview/?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

Mazda MX-5 Miata Generations

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/mazda/mx-5-miata/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Find the Best Sports Cars & Convertible

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/sports-cars/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

The 2027 Kia Telluride gets a major redesign, but is it enough to keep this three-row SUV among the best in its class? On this week's episode, we discuss the Telluride's powertrain, styling, comfort, and biggest competitor. We also answer audience questions about navigation systems, satellite radio, and why manufacturers are charging for certain telematics software.

SHOW NOTES:

0:00 Intro

0:36 What's New on the 2027 Kia Telluride

02:29 What we love about the 2027 Kia Telluride

10:57 What we dislike about the Telluride

20:17 Ride Quality, Handling & Driving Dynamics

29:12 Safety Tech & Features Overview

33:20 Competitors, Buying Advice & Final Thoughts

36:06 Audience Question: Navigation, SiriusXM & App Subscriptions

LINKS:

Overview: 2027 Kia Telluride: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/kia/telluride/2027/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Test Results: 2026 Hyundai Palisade: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hyundai/palisade/2026/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

2026 Toyota Highlander: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/toyota/highlander/2026/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

2026 Toyota Grand Highlander: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/toyota/grand-highlander/2026/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Best & Worst Infotainment Systems: https://www.consumerreports.org/infotainment-systems/screen-stars-in-car-infotainment-systems/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Consumer Reports experts answer audience questions about CVTs and electric vehicles, including why simulated shifting exists, why the experts at Consumer Reports enjoy it, and how it affects performance and efficiency. We also explore the gap between reliability and owner satisfaction, with examples like the Rivian R1T and Rivian R1S, and what that means for car buyers, as well as current owners.

We also discuss alternatives to traditional car rental companies, including peer-to-peer services like Turo and Sixt, and if you can avoid getting a bad car from the vague categories rental places use.

Plus, we share advice on shopping for the best used EV under $40,000, with models like the Ford F-150 Lightning, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Audi Q6 and A6 e-tron, Honda Prologue, and more.

SHOW NOTES:

00:00 - Intro

00:55 - Chad (Wichita, KS): Simulated Upshifts in Hybrids

05:34 - Joe: Rivian Reliability vs Owner Satisfaction

10:04 - Robert: Best Used EV Options (Audi vs Honda + Alternatives)

14:51 - Gordon (Atlanta, GA): Why Are Turn Signals Moving Lower?

18:20 - Daniel (Video Question): Is the Chevy Equinox EV Being Discontinued?

20:54 - Andrew (Video Question): Rental Car Hacks (Turo, Sixt, Categories)

26:44 - Outro & How to Submit Questions

LINKS:

Subaru Forester Hybrid Test Results: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/subaru/forester-hybrid/2026/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

2026 Owner Satisfaction Survey Results: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/most-and-least-liked-car-brands-a1291429338/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Best Used EVs: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/buying-a-used-electric-vehicle-what-to-know-a7139266510/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Chevrolet Equinox EV Test Results: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/chevrolet/equinox-ev/2026/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Best and Worst Rental Car Companies: https://www.consumerreports.org/money/car-travel/best-and-worst-car-rental-companies-a1417885044/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

We share our first impressions of Jeep's all-new and first-ever hybrid Cherokee, including cabin and cargo space, design, and safety. We discuss its refinement, fuel economy, and how it compares to competitors in a crowded field. We also answer a viewer's question about whether Carvana and other sites are a good option for selling a vehicle.

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

00:32 Overview: 2026 Jeep Cherokee Laredo

01:45 Jeep Brand Appeal

03:02 Space, Size & Family Practicality

04:50 Design, Comfort & Interior Quality

08:00 Safety Features & Standard Equipment

09:11 Hybrid Performance & Driving Experience

11:44 Key Drawbacks

14:03 Door Safety & Usability Concerns

17:11 Should You Buy It?

19:09 Ride, Handling & Trim Strategy

21:46 Infotainment & Tech Usability

25:13 Small Wins & Practical Features

27:15 Question: Is using Carvana or similar online services a good option for selling a vehicle?

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Test Results: 2026 Jeep Cherokee Laredo

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/jeep/cherokee/2026/overview/?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

Which Brands Make the Best Cars?

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/cars-driving/which-car-brands-make-the-best-vehicles-a6159221985/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

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

Where to Shop for Used Cars

https://www.consumerreports.org/used-cars/where-to-shop-for-your-next-used-car-a1016305271/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Selling Your Car to Online Retailers

https://www.consumerreports.org/money/selling-a-car/how-to-sell-your-car-to-an-online-retailer-a2790904993/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

This week, we cover the all-new 2026 Honda Prelude. We reminisce about past Preludes, discuss the 2026 model's hybrid-only powertrain and redesigned styling, and try to figure out who the Prelude is for: it's not sporty enough to be called a sports car, but it falls short on luxury touches to be considered a grand touring coupe. We also answer a question about Consumer Reports' EV Highway Range Test and explore why a buyer might need 300+ miles of driving range.

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 & Why We Bought the Honda Prelude

00:57 What the New Prelude Is (and Isn't)

03:35 Design, Features & First Impressions

06:00 Driving Experience & Everyday Usability

08:21 How It Compares to Other Cars (Civic, Prius, Z)

10:50 The Identity Problem & Who It's For

12:58 Styling, Practicality & Value Debate

16:03 Final Thoughts on the Prelude

19:38 Audience Question: EV Range vs Real Driving Needs

22:12 Why EV Range Testing Still Matters

LINKS:

2026 Honda Prelude: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/honda/prelude/2026/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

First Drive: Who is the Honda Prelude For?: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/2026-honda-prelude-review-a7655687395/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

2025 Honda Civic Adds Hybrid, Hatchback, Google, and More Power: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/small-cars/2025-honda-civic-hybrid-review-a1056711696/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Consumer Reports' 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