Talking Cars (MP3)

On this episode we share our first impressions of the 2026 Toyota RAV4 Woodland, the new hybrid SUV with all-terrain tires, extra ground clearance, and a more outdoorsy look. Is it a smart upgrade for rough roads and city potholes—or mostly a styling package? Plus, we answer an audience question about which dealership add-ons are worth considering and which ones you should skip.
 
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 Overview: 2026 Toyota RAV4 Woodland
02:10 What Is an "Off-Road" SUV Trim?
05:08 How the RAV4 Woodland Drives
06:00 Hybrid Powertrain, Performance & Fuel Economy
09:46 All-Terrain Tires: Handling, Noise & Ride
14:15 Driver Comfort
15:49 Infotainment and Controls
18:20 Driver-Monitoring System
20:31 Woodland Styling
23:59 Is the Woodland Worth the Extra Cost?
29:02 Audience Question: Are Dealer Add-Ons Worth It?
 
 
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Test Results: 2026 Toyota RAV4
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/toyota/rav4/2026/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
 
How to Find the Best SUV
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/buying-guide/?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
 
7 Questions to Ask at the Dealership
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/buying-a-car/questions-to-ask-before-you-buy-a-car-a6387933582/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
 
How to Avoid Unnecessary Car-Buying Fees
https://www.consumerreports.org/money/fees-billing/how-to-avoid-car-buying-fees-a7209896255/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
 
Just Say No to These Car Dealership Extras
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/buying-a-car/just-say-no-to-these-car-dealership-extras-a9471188276/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
 
TalkingCars@consumer.org
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/cars-driving/talking-cars-podcast-archive-a1439738009/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
 
 
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Consumer Reports experts: Mike Monticello, Mike Crossen, Jeff Bartlett

On this week's episode, we discuss the Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness to find out whether its rugged styling, lifted suspension, all-terrain tires, and added features are worth paying $7,000 more than a base Crosstrek. We examine its off-road capability, on-road compromises, fuel economy, noise, safety features, and whether this soft-roader is actually the right choice. Plus, we answer an audience question about whether a lightly used Volvo EX90 at half its original price is a bargain—or a risky bet.
 
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
-----------------------------------
0:00 - Intro
00:37 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness Overview
01:43 What Makes the Wilderness Different?
03:17 Road Noise, Ride & Handling
05:16 Off-Road Capability
07:11 Fuel Economy, Towing & Trade-Offs
08:06 Wilderness Price and Features
09:27 Safety Features and What's Missing
11:03 Crosstrek Wilderness Styling
13:16 Why Soft-Roaders Are So Popular
14:24 Is the Crosstrek Good for Camping?
15:41 Is the Wilderness Worth the Extra Money?
18:49 Audience Question: Used Volvo EX90 Bargain?
 
 
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Test Results: 2026 Subaru Crosstrek
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/subaru/crosstrek/2026/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
 
2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/subaru/crosstrek-hybrid/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
 
How to Find the Best SUV
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/buying-guide/?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
 
TalkingCars@consumer.org
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/cars-driving/talking-cars-podcast-archive-a1439738009/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
 
 
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Consumer Reports experts: Jon Linkov, Avri Wyshogrod, Maddie McCarty

In this episode, Consumer Reports' resident 'tire guys' break down everything you need to know about winter tires. We discuss the differences among every tire category on the market, the conditions best suited to each segment, how to prep your vehicle for winter, and how our test program works. Find out which tires will work best for you and what to avoid when it's time to buy new tires for your car. We also answer a question about the use case for studded snow tires and how tire chains can help drivers in extreme climates. 
 
SHOW NOTES:
0:36 - Intro
1:12 - Winter car prep tips
5:17 - When is it time for new tires?
7:00 - Tire buying tips
9:50 - Winter tire availability & installation
12:17 - Winter tires and road noise 
13:09 - Tire categories
18:51 - Tire replacement & rotation
20:25 - Winter traction evaluation
23:48 - Ice testing
35:09 - Audience question: Are studded snow tires worth it?
 
LINKS:
Send a Question to Talking Cars: https://www.consumerreports.org/talkingcars/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
 
Winter Car Prep Tips: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-repair-maintenance/keep-car-in-peak-condition-during-freezing-winter-weather-a5638747903/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

 
Winter Driving Survival Guide: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/winter-driving/winter-driving-tips-from-consumer-reports-experts-a8223951679/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT 
 
When to Replace Your Tires: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/tires/when-to-replace-your-tires-a3107469842/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
 
Best All-Weather Tires: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/tires/best-all-weather-tires-a8621335540/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
 
Best SUV & Truck Tires: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/tires/best-suv-and-truck-tires-a3436694441//?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

This week, we share our first impressions of the 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid—the first hybrid version of Kia's popular three-row SUV. We discuss its 329-hp hybrid powertrain, improved fuel economy, quiet and comfortable ride, controls, front-seat comfort, and how it compares with the closely related Hyundai Palisade Hybrid. Plus, we answer an audience question about choosing a luxurious, fuel-efficient three-row SUV for long highway trips.
 
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
-----------------------------------
0:00 - Intro
00:47 - 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid Overview
03:30 - Hybrid Powertrain
08:13 - Telluride Hybrid vs. Hyundai Palisade Hybrid
09:56 - Low-Speed Hybrid Hiccups and Transmission Behavior
12:43 - Fuel Economy: 31 MPG vs. 20 MPG
13:43 - Ride Comfort, Handling, and Wheel Size
15:46 - Interior Storage and Everyday Usability
16:54 - Climate Controls and Infotainment
20:57 - Roomy Cabin, Convenient Features, and Door Handles
23:00 - Front-Seat Comfort and Driving Position
27:32 - Which Hyundai/Kia Three-Row SUV Would We Choose?
30:55 - Audience Question: Best Luxury Three-Row SUV for Long Commutes
 
 
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Test Results: 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/kia/telluride-hybrid/2027/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
 
2027 Kia Telluride
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/kia/telluride/2027/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
 
Most and Least Satisfying Hybrids, Plug-In Hybrids, and EVs
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/most-and-least-satisfying-electric-vehicles-and-hybrids-a2825600877/?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
 
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
 
Find an Efficient Vehicle That's Right for You
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/buying-guide/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
 
 
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Consumer Reports experts: Mike Monticello, Joe Veselak, Jeff Bartlett

In this all-questions episode of Talking Cars, our experts answer questions on selling a used car online, how to get the most life out of directional tires, storing fuel in a plug-in hybrid, how hybrid engines work, and more. Plus, the rear-wiper saga continues, and we explain why most rear wipers are mounted below the glass on vehicle hatches. Have a question for our experts? Send it to TalkingCars@iCloud.com to be featured on a future episode.
 
SHOW NOTES:
0:00 - Intro
1:16 - Question #1 (video): How to sell your car online
6:39 -  Question #2: What's the best strategy to get the most mileage out of directional tires?
8:39 - Question #3: Should you use fuel stabilizer in a PHEV?
11:10 - Question #4 (video): What is the Atkinson cycle and how does it work?
16:54 - Question #5: Will CR ever buy and test a VinFast?
22:17 - Question #6: Why are rear-mounted wipers attached to the bottom of the rear glass?
 
LINKS:
Send a Question to Talking Cars: https://www.consumerreports.org/talkingcars/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
How To Sell Your Car Online: https://www.consumerreports.org/money/selling-a-car/how-to-sell-your-car-to-an-online-retailer-a2790904993/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
First Drive: VinFast VF8: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/vinfast/vf-8/2025/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
VinFast Brand Overview: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/vinfast/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT