Car Stuff Podcast

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Jill and Tom cover a lot of topics this week, plus review the 2026 Lexus RX.

Tom briefly comments on the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, agreeing with Jill's earlier assessment that the plug-in hybrid's drivetrain is smooth in operation. Additionally, Tom notes that the compact crossover is generally comfortable and refined.

Also covered: news from General Motors regarding new hybrid variants of the maker's popular large crossovers, the Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia, and Buick Enclave. Listen in for expected delivery dates.

Tom shares a list of the five most-commonly purchased vehicles via the Costco new-car...

In this bonus episode of the Car Stuff Podcast, Jill sits down with Mazda North American President and CEO Tom Donnelly. The conversation covers a broad range of topics, including Mazda's joint-venture factory in Huntsville, Alabama, the importance of the CX-50 in the maker's lineup, and the significance of plug-in hybrids (PHEVs).

Also addressed: The Future of the MX-5 Miata.

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The hosts open the show with a quick discussion regarding the Toyota/Mazda joint-venture assembly facility in Huntsville, Alabama. The factory currently produces the Toyota Corolla Cross and the Mazda CX-50.

Tom shares news from Porsche; the German sports car maker has revealed a concept car foreshadowing an addition the the lineup which would be positioned above the mainstay 911 in terms of price and performance. The Mission S could appear in brand dealerships for the 2029 model years.

The hosts also review the Jeep "12-by-12" program, during which a new special-edition Wrangler was rolled out each...

The hosts open the show discussing Tom's tidy new haircut. Tom heartily endorses the LoCascio's Barber Shop in Arlington Heights, IL.

Getting down to work, Tom notes that EV startup Rivian enjoyed its best-ever sales quarter in Q3. The maker's new R2 compact crossover contributed to the sales growth.

Also discussed, the BMW "Neue Klasse" 3-Series, which has been completely redesign for 2027. While the hosts like the look of the new compact BMW sedan, there is some question regarding how much it looks like a traditional BMW.

Still in the first segment, Jill...

Jill and Tom open the show by talking about the Jeep Grand Cherokee's new engine, the Hurricane inline 6-cylinder engine found in Ram trucks. The engine replaces the Hemi V8 as the Cherokee's top-dog motor.

Jill went on to share her concern that the Slate EV will not arrive in customer driveways before the end of the year. Tom questions--again--the viability of a 2-door vehicle in the U.S. market, even if the price is right.

In the second segment, the hosts welcome veteran auto journalist Tim Healey to the show. A number of topics...

Jill and Tom open the show by discussing Bentley's new, first-ever electric vehicle, the Torcal midsize crossover. The new model is roughly the same size as the British luxury maker's gas-powered Bentayga, but is promised to cost slightly less.

The hosts also discuss a bill being routed through Congress which would limit the extent to which a car company doing business in the U.S. can be Chinese owned. Of interest is the fact that German luxury carmaker Mercedes-Benz is 20-percent owned by Chinese entities, which is in excess of the parameters outlined in the bill. Listen...

Jill is back in the co-host seat this week, and joins Tom for a number of fresh news stories. First up, the Volkswagen ID. Buzz, which skipped the 2026 model year here in the U.S., will also be skipping 2027. The German automaker promises that the retro-themed electric van will be back for 2028. Listen in for details.

Jill and Tom note that Tesla is no longer exporting the popular Model Y from the U.S. to Canada, and is instead bringing the small crossover into the country from German, where the EV maker has a large assembly facility.<...

Paul Herrold of the Sons of Speed sits in for Jill this week. Paul and Tom open the show discussing Volvo's deal with Chinese car builder Geely to distribute the latter's Lynk & Co brand products in Western Europe. Volvo will retail and service the vehicles, which will be positioned below like-segment Volvo products in price and content.

Tom shares a story regarding the sighting of a Cybercab equipped with a steering wheel. Tesla's new ride-hailing autonomous vehicle was designed without a steering wheel or pedals, so the recently spotted example opens the door to much speculation.

Jill and Tom open the program by welcoming Jim OBrill of the Chicago Auto Show to the program. The producers of the Chicago Show have put together a public test-drive event for licensed drivers 18 years of age or older running October 1-4 in Oak Brook, Illinois. Click here for more information.

Still in the first segment, Jill reviews the redesigned 2027 Kia Seltos. The small crossover has grown for '27, and boasts more space and a new hybrid drivetrain. Listen in for details.

In the second segment, the hosts welcome Patrick Masterson of Cars.com to...

Jill and Tom open the show discussing the market place viability of the onslaught of midsize pickup trucks due to arrive on the U.S. in the next few years. Tom believes the segment is already crowded, while Jill thinks there is space for makers to differentiate their trucks and claim a little market share.

Tom shares his disappointment in the announced range of the coming Jeep Recon electric SUV. The off-roader boasts big power numbers, but not as much battery range as some consumer may want or need. Listen in for details.

Still in...

Jill and Tom open the show discussing Ford's decision to import from China the compact Lincoln Corsair, this after briefly dropping the model due to manufacturing complications here in the U.S.

The hosts go on to discuss news that Acura will be bringing to the North American market a 3-row crossover larger than the brand's popular midsize MDX. Note that the MDX is also offered with 3rd seating row, though the accommodations are less than generous.

Also discussed in the first segment is Nissan's plan to pull ahead the launch of the redesigned Rogue...

Tom opens the show listing for Jill a series of possible names for future off-road oriented crossover trim levels. Staying on topic, the hosts discuss plans for Lincoln to introduce a body-on-frame off-road model based on Ford's popular Bronco SUV. The new truck may arrive in showrooms before 2030.

Tom talks briefly about the 2026 RAV4 Woodland PHEV he recently evaluated. He is very impressed by the ride and handling, less so with the compact crossover's big-guy space. Listen in for details.

Still in the first segment, Jill reviews Kia's most affordable model, the K4 compact car...

Jill and Tom open the show by admitting that they are less than startled by the news of a 4-door Mustang, which rumor has it, will arrive by the 2029 or 2030 model year. While Mustang loyalists may resent the use of the Mustang name on a sedan, it has, as Jill points out, already been used on the Mustang Mach-E electric crossover.

Tom notes that the Volvo lineup has been pared down for 2027, listen in to learn what body type has been dropped entirely in this market by the Swedish carmaker.

Tom spoke briefly about the "...

Jill and Tom open the show discussing Ford's just named $30,000 small electric pickup, the Fathom. Ford did not share pictures of its "Model T Moment" new model, but promised that deliveries will begin by the end of 2027.

Tom discussed the GMC Jimmy, a Toyota 4Runner-like body-on-frame SUV rumored for production around 2030. A companion model does not appear to be in the cards for Chevrolet.

Still in the first segment, Jill reviews the Dodge Durango midsize crossover. Dodge's long-lived family-friendly model has been given a new lease on life--this due to rolled back fuel economy standards--and...

Jill and Tom open this week's show addressing rumors of a coming Honda Accord model designed to compete directly with the popular Subaru Outback. The Honda wagon would--per rumor--enjoy a raised ride height, off-road trim, and standard AWD. Honda denies the rumor, though sources suggest the new Accord could be in showrooms for the 2030 model year.

Also discussed this week is Audi's new large crossover, the Q9. With its new largest model, the German luxury carmaker looks to woo shoppers away from the likes of the BMW X7, Lexus LX, and Mercedes-Benz GLS. Listen in for prices...

Jill and Tom open the show by wishing Chicago radio friend and legend Steve King a happy birthday. Steve shares his birthday with none other than Mick Jagger.

Tom shares details--what few there are--regarding a new Range Rover model due in U.S. showrooms within the next 36 months. The Range Rover GT is a sedan-like midsize/large crossover that will debut as an EV, and be made available later as a gasoline/hybrid model. Given its low profile, Tom questions the extent to which the GT will be a true off-road performer, like other Range Rover models.<...

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...

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...

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 th...

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...

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.

...

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...

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 Motors' 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...

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...

This week's episode is dedicated to the 2026 Consumer Guide Best Buy picks. 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.

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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...

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.

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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 shop in Canada, Tesla producing its last Model S sedan, and Honda deferring much needed updates of key models--including the Odyssey minivan. Listen in for details.

Still in the first segment, Jill discusses her participation in the first Trinitē R...

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 s...

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...

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 remember the names of the Subaru EVs.

Jill and Tom go on to cover a number of news items, including the discontinuation of the Volkswagen ID.4 electric crossover, Chinese vehicles being built in Austria, and Kia's plan to build a midsize EV in American by the 2030 model year.

In related news, a listener from New Zealand checks in to let the hosts know that he owns a Chinese-built...

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...

The hosts open the show noting that the power-seat recall affecting the Hyundai Palisade has expanded to include 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, the latter of which is common...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 for 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 truc...

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 I...