Car Stuff Podcast

Jill and Tom open a topic-packed show acknowledging the winners of the 2026 North American Car of the Year voting. Listen in for complete list. Moving on, Tom noted that General Motors CEO Mary Barra said publicly something he had long feared regarding plug-in hybrids. Barra suggest the news will impact future product development. Subsequent to last week’s Zeekr conversation, Tom shared some interesting news regarding the prices of the Chinese cars in Mexico versus the maker’s home market. Still in the first segment, Jill reviews the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado EV in high-end Trail Boss trim. Listen in for her complete review. In the second segment, the hosts welcome Eric Ruble of Nissan to discuss the design of the all-new 2026 Leaf electric crossover. Eric shared a number of insider details related to the Leaf’s overall look, including some fun insights related to hidden Easter eggs hidden in the vehicle’s trim. In the last segment Jill is subjected to Tom’s “2026 Honda Accord” quiz, including a Mexican Burger King bonus questions. After the quiz, Jill shares her impressions of riding in a Waymo autonomous taxi.

Jill is back in the co-host seat this week for a topic-packed episode. Tom opens the show asking if $61,000 seems like a lot for a Hyundai—any Hyundai. The hosts discuss the Korean maker’s luxury/value equation, and note that Tom’s test car, a 2026 Palisade Calligraphy Hybrid is, without question, a luxury vehicle. Listen in for more of the conversation. Tom goes on to share his frustration with Stellantis for killing all of Jeep’s “4Xe” plug-in hybrids, along with the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid. Listen in for some crankiness. Still in the first segment, Jill details her CES Chinese-car adventure. Jill was able to take short drives in a number of luxury electric Zeekr models (a division of Volvo’s parent company Geely) and came away very impressed. Her quick takes on these vehicles are worth a listen. Are these premium EVs coming to the U.S? here’s the scoop. In the second segment, Jill and Tom are joined by friend of show and sustainability expert Robert Collangelo. Robert addresses the fallacy that EVs are a threat to the U.S. electric grid, and details the real power-consumption challenges that lay ahead for the country. It’s a great conversation you don’t want to miss. In the last segment Jill is subjected to Tom’s “Is it a Dodge?” quiz.

For the first show of 2026, Paul Herrold of the Sons of Speed sits in for Jill who is traveling. Paul and Tom address a number of topics to open the show, including annoying helper AI bots on dealership websites, the death of the Karma Revero (once known as the Fisker Karma), and the return of the Hemi engine to the Ram 1500 lineup. Still in the first segment, Tom reviews the 2026 Nissan Kicks. Tom is impressed by just how much equipment can be had on this small, practical crossover. In the second segment, Paul and Tom are joined by Tim Healey of The Truth About Cars. The guys dare to predict what’s coming for the car industry in 2026, especially for electric cars and Cadillac; they also address vehicle affordability and sales. In the last segment Tim joins Paul for Tom’s “Best Sellers of 1976” quiz. Listen in to hear who won. Paul wraps up the show with a surprisingly long list of vehicles that didn’t return for 2026.

Jill and Tom open the last show of 2025 by discussing how Christmas gift expectation change with age. Tom, for example, noted how happy he was to receive a Brita water filter. The hosts went on to process the biggest auto-related stories of 2025, including tariffs, tax credits, Ford recalls, and the return of the Hemi V8 engine. In the second segment, Jill and Tom welcome Sam Fiorani, AutoForecast Solutions Vice President of Global Forecasting, to the show. Sam shares his automotive “bucket list,” noting a number of fun and rewarding things car folks should consider trying in the near future. Tom contributes his own suggestions, many of which cannot be described as safe. In the last segment, Jill is subjected to Tom’s “Two Tons?” quiz. Jill also shares a quick review of the Dodge Charger Sixpack, A new gasoline-powered variant of the redesigned charger, which for 2025 had only been offered as an electric vehicle.

Jill and Tom open the show addressing two high-profile electric vehicle cancellations announced this past week. First the hosts discuss the end of production for the Ford F-150 Lighting, which came as something of a surprise to both Jill and Tom. Also covered is news that Volkswagen will not be importing a 2026 edition of the spunky ID. Buzz electric minivan. Will the ID. Buzz be back for 2027? Jill and Tom speculate. Still in the first segment, Jill reviews the Ford Maverick Lobo. Lobo is a new sporty Maverick variant, and it sounds like fun. Listen in for Jill’s take on the potentially entertaining-to-drive small pickup truck. In the second segment, the Hosts welcome Rob Howard, CEO of Kindred Motorworks to the podcast. Kindred restores classic cars, some of which become battery powered in the process. Rob talks about the restoration process, and the level of engineering that is invested in each new model the company adds to its lineup. Listen in for details. In the last segment Jill is subjected to Tom’s “Is it a Mercury?” quiz.

Jill and Tom open this week’s show acknowledging that Vietnamese EV startup VinFast is likely to cease U.S. operations in the very near future. The hosts also note that another EV startup, Bollinger Motors, has called it quits. Tom discusses his time in the Jeep Wrangler, this example powered by the available 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, instead of the popular 3.6-liter V6. Tom prefers the smaller engine. Listen in to hear why. The hosts also discuss an apparent social-media wave of dislike for the Wagoneer S, Jeep's first U.S.-market all-electric model. Tom’s review of the Wagoneer S posts shortly. Still in the first segment, Jill discusses the redesigned Kia Seltos small crossover, due out soon as a 2027 model. In the second segment, Jill and Tom welcome Chicago Auto Show Communications Director Jim OBrill to the show. Jim talks about the changing nature of the major auto shows, and what’s on tap for this year’s Chicago show. In the last segment, Jill and Jim are subjected to Tom’s “$25,000?” quiz--which includes a question about Wendy's in Japan. Jim also discusses his show, Drive Chicago, which airs every Saturday morning in Chicago, and can be heard later as a podcast.

Jill and Tom open the show by discussing the recently rolled-back federal fuel-economy standards, and the implication for carmakers in the near term. Tom then shares—to his great amusement--the long, complicated, and multinational route by which the Polestar 4 crossover arrives in the United States. Hint: Five countries are involved. The hosts also discuss massive Polestar discounts currently being offered on 2025 models. Tom then shares his plan for Mercedes-Benz to recapture U.S. luxury-car market share. Listen in to hear Tom’s “Ledger Series” marketing scheme. Still in the first segment, Jill reviews the 2026 Ram 2500 pickup. Listen in for her take on the capable workhorse. In the second segment, Jill and Tom welcome movie reviewer and podcast host Nick Digilio into the studio. Nick’s newly published collection of movie reviews, 40 Years, 40 Films cover’s each year of Nick’s career, and is available now in time for Christmas. Nick shares stories about his career as a film critic, and discusses some of his more controversial picks for best movie from each year. In the last segment, Nick join’s Jill for this week’s quiz, which includes a bonus question regarding German holiday food.

Jill and Tom open the show acknowledging a listener’s concerns regarding recent donut selections by Tom. This involves an apology to Producer Randy. (See the Car Stuff Podcast Facebook page for pictures of recent donut selections.) Tom discusses some issues he had driving the excellent 2026 Nissan Leaf EV crossover. Tom’s issues include getting snowed in, and understanding the available charging options. Still in the first segment, Jill reviews the new Lucid Gravity midsize electric crossover. Jill is impressed by Lucid’s second-ever model offering, but has a couple of concerns. Listen in for details. In the second segment, the hosts welcome TJ Campbell, Tire Rack Information and Testing Manager, to the show. TJ talks about general winter-driving safety, and makes the economic case for Snowbelt residents to own a dedicated set of winter tires to swap on and off their vehicles seasonally. It’s a great conversation you don’t want to miss. In the last segment Jill is subjected to Tom’s “One Minute” stop-watch quiz. How much stuff can Jill remember about cars in 60 seconds? Listen in to find out. Finally, Jill and Tom discuss the new Jeep Recon electric off-road SUV--as seen at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Will the Recon be the next Wrangler, or an expensive boutique toy? Listen in for details.

Jill and Tom open the show accepting the challenge of a listener. Tom was tasked to purchase more exciting donuts than the usual collection of double chocolates and powdered cinnamons. Listen in for this week’s expanded options list. Tom shares some interesting Jeep news. The updated 2026 Grand Cherokee will be optionally powered by Stellantis’ new Hurricane 4-cylinder engine. Though based on the existing 6-cylinder Hurricane engine, the new powerplant employs a “turbulent-jet injection” system featuring both port and direct fuel injection. Listen in to learn what that means. Still in the first segment, Tom talks a little about car sale in Russia, and Jill reviews the 2025 BMW X3. In the second segment, Jill and Tom welcome Telemetry Vice President of Market Research Sam Abuelsamid to the show. Sam shares insights from the company’s newly published Global Assisted and Automated Driving Forecast report. How ready is the industry for hands-free driving? Listen in. In the last segment, Jill is subjected to Tom’s “Dateline 1990” quiz. Finally, Jill shares the newly-released North American Car of the Year (NACTOY) finalists list. Winners will be selected in January.

Tom opens the show by recapping briefly his time in the Lucid Air Touring electric luxury sedan. Tom is impressed by the Lucid, but does have one (big) complaint. The hosts go on to discuss rumors that Tesla will be ADDING the Apple CarPlay feature to some or all of its models in the near future. A huge new Honda recall will affect the owners of certain late-model Civics. Listen in for details. Jill and Tom chat briefly about Ford making Blue Advantage certified preowned vehicles available on Amazon. Still in the first segment, Jill shares her impressions of the 2027 Kia Telluride midsize crossover, a clay model of which she recently checked out. In the second segment, the hosts welcome Tiago Castro, Vice President of Infiniti of the Americas, to the podcast. Tiago walks Tom and Jill through the luxury carmaker's plans for the near- and midterm, focusing on new-product opportunities. In the last segment, Jill is subjected to Tom’s “Was it a Nissan?” quiz, and Jill reviews the all-new Polestar 4 crossover coupe.

To celebrate the 300th episode of the Car Stuff Podcast, Jill and Tom are joined by Jennifer Newman and Damon Bell of Cars.com. Jennifer was the podcast’s first guest, and Damon was co-host for the first three years of the show. Jennifer and Damon share the Cars.com picks for the best vehicles under $30,000. That conversation dovetailed nicely with Jennifer’s research into new-vehicle affordability. In the second segment, everyone looks back over the past six years to discuss the biggest automotive news stories and strangest events that transpired during the Car Stuff Podcast run. In the last segment Jennifer, Damon, and Jill are subjected to Tom’s “Who Said It?” quiz, featuring quotes from Henry Ford and Elon Musk. Plus, enjoy a special holiday-themed bonus question.

Jill and Tom open the show discussing Tom’s take on the future of Apple CarPlay. You can read Tom’s recent blog post on the topic here. The hosts also discuss Ram’s new SUV, which is due sometime as a 2028 model. Expect the truck to be mechanically similar to the Jeep Grand Wagoneer. Next topic is a trio of boundary-pushing Lexus concept cars seen last week at the Japan Mobility Show. The six-wheel minivan is Tom’s favorite. Still is the first segment, Jill reviews the 2025 Subaru BRZ tS small coupe. Good news, the rear-drive sportster can still be had with a manual transmission. In the second segment, the hosts welcome Jerry Perez of The Drive to the show. Jerry shared details of his time in the updated Audi Q3 featuring the maker’s Micro LED Digital Matrix Headlights. Jerry also recalls his time in one of Europe’s smallest—and most charming—electric vehicles, the Fiat Topolino. In the last segment, Jill is subject to Tom’s “More Spellin’” quiz, featuring a Hallmark Christmas move bonus question.

Paul Herrold of the Sons of Speed sits in for Jill this week. Jill will be back for next week’s show. Paul and Tom opened the show by discussing consumer-battery maker Duracell’s foray into electric-vehicle charging. Duracell branded car chargers are showing up now in the U.K., and are expected to arrive in the U.S. in the not-to-distant future. The hosts go on to discuss two big General Motors announcements. First, GM will be launching full level-3 semi-autonomous drive systems for the 2028 model year, beginning with the electric Cadillac Escalade IQ. An advancement of the maker’s Super Cruise technology, the new system will permit drivers to look away from the road while engaged. Listen in for further details. GM also plans to drop Apple CarPlay from all its vehicles beginning in 2028. Jill is going to be angry. Still in the first segment, Paul talks about driving the high-performance McLaren GT on the race track. Paul also talks a little about the McLaren lineup and how the sports-car maker’s U.S. offerings differ. In the second segment, Paul and Tom welcome Bart Sowa of GTI Energy to the show. Bart talked about fuel-cell technology, and how hydrogen-power is viable option for large over-the-road trucks. Bart also shared his thoughts on the future of hydrogen as a transportation fuel in the U.S. In the last segment, Bart joined Paul for this week’s quiz. Can you guess the best-selling car in Alabama? Listen in to the “Best Sellers by State” quiz.

Jill returns this week after a two-show absence to participate in the 2025 edition of the Rebelle Rally. After Jill wraps up her thoughts on the event, Tom shares news regarding Toyota launching a new premium brand to be positioned above Lexus in the maker’s corporate portfolio. Tom goes onto complain about/fawn over the new steering wheel controls in the 2025 Ford Expedition. Tom describes the new interface as “i-Pod-like,” and appreciates the aesthetic appeal of the simple design. Listen in for details. Still in the first segment, Jill reviews the sporty Volkswagen Golf R. The car is pricey for a Golf, but is it worth the money? In the second segment, the hosts welcome Stephanie Brinley of S&P Global Mobility to the show. Stephanie breaks down recent news from Stellantis regarding significant investment in U.S. manufacturing. The news is both extensive and nuanced. Listen in for details. In the last segment, Jill is subjected to Tom’s “Is it a Buick?” quiz. Stay tuned for a bonus question about the McDonald’s menu in Bahrain. The hosts wrap up the show by talking about the new Jeep Cherokee—to be built in Belvidere, Illinois—and its potential in the market place.

Paul Herrold of the Sons of Speed sits in for Jill this week. The hosts open the show by discussing the reborn Chevrolet Bolt small electric crossover. Pricing comes in about $5000 below the least-expensive Chevy Equinox EV, at around $30,000. Paul and Tom also discussed the new Tesla Model 3 and Model Y “Standard" models, which are both priced around $40,000, though lose some features and range to hit the new price point. Still in the first segment, Paul shares a quick review of the all-new Lotus Eletre electric crossover. Prices are high, but Paul reports a great drive experience, and a nice cabin. In the second segment, the hosts welcome Sam Fiorani of AutoForecast Solutions to the show. Sam shared his impressions of the GMC Sierra electric pickup, and talked about the pickup-truck market in general. In the last segment, Paul is subjected to Tom’s “Gran or Grand” quiz. Paul also shared interesting news regarding autonomous vehicles and traffic lights.

Brendan Appel of the Sons of Speed sits in for Jill this week. Brendan and Tom open the show discussing rumors of the Jeep Wagoneer’s demise, which would leave just the Grand Wagoneer in Jeep’s lineup. The hosts share sales numbers for large SUVs--listen in to hear which large ute is the best-selling. Brendan shares his thoughts on the post-federal-incentive EV sales environment. For those who don’t know, the incentives of up to $7500 for a new EV ended September 30. Still in the first segment, Brendan reviews the 2025 Cadillac Optiq small electric crossover. Though generally impressed, Brendan noted several features of the compact Caddy EV he’d change. In the second segment, Brendan and Tom welcome Rob Newton, Senior Director of Marketing at public-charging provider ChargePoint to the show. Rob shares news about a collaboration with Eaton designed to improve charging performance and reduce installation time. Rob also discussed how ChargePoint is improving charger reliability. In the last segment, Brendan is subjected to Tom’s “Did it have a V8?” quiz. Quiz includes special Chex Mix bonus question.

Jill and Tom open the show noting that the well-regarded Hyundai Kona EV small electric crossover is only offered in a dozen states, so availability is very limited. This point comes into play as the hosts discuss the redesigned Nissan Leaf later in the show. Tom shares news regarding new tariffs, this time on heavy-duty trucks. Interestingly, big-truck maker Volvo (Volvo, Mack) produces almost all of its vehicles in the U.S. Listen in for where other heavy-duty truck makers build their products. Other important car news covered: Lexus will be discontinuing the LS large sedan in the U.S. after 2026. For ’26, the luxury flagship will be offered only in Heritage Edition trim. Production will be limited. Still in the first segment, Jill reviews the all-new Nissan Leaf, which is not only redesigned, but also now a crossover. Jill is impressed by the small electric Nissan's ride and handling, as well as its range and price. Listen in for her complete review. In the second segment, Jill and Tom welcome Polestar North American Communications Chief Dean Shaw to the podcast. Dean discusses Polestar's relationship with Volvo, its current product lineup, and dealer network. Polestar has two new products arriving soon. Listen in for details. In the last segment, Jill is subjected to Tom’s “Is it a Pontiac?” quiz. Jill also shares details of her upcoming Rebelle Rally excursion. Jill will be out for the next two weeks.

Tom opens the show correcting two errors he made recently. Listen in to hear what he got wrong. Tom then shares the results of an X poll he conducted on Ferrari colors. Turns out white is NOT a popular choice for the Italian sports cars. The hosts also acknowledge the end of production for the Subaru Legacy midsize sedan. Jill notes that the car never had much impact on a segment ruled by the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. Jill and Tom also share news regarding the Nissan Ariya electric crossover, which will not be sold in the U.S. after 2025. Nissan is focusing its efforts on the launch of the all-new, more-affordable, Nissan Leaf EV. Still in the first segment, the hosts review the Audi SQ8 and RS Q8 performance crossovers. The hosts are generally impressed by the luxury fastback crossovers, though Jill had some tech issues. In the second segment, the hosts welcome the ConsumerMan Herb Weisbaum to the show. Herb shares news and pointers regarding buying car insurance, and knowing how much insurance you need. In the last segment Jill is subjected to Tom’s “Does Volkswagen Build There?” quiz, including a bonus question about fast food in Ghana. Jill wraps on the show sharing the list of this year’s North American Car of the Year award candidates.

The show opens with a brief, and completely off-topic, conversation about whether or not Tom smells spicy. Listen in for the verdict. Tom shared brief impressions of the 2025 Lexus RX 500h F Sport Performance AWD, noting that the premium midsize crossover was over-named by a few syllables. That said, Tom is very impressed with the vehicles. The hosts went on the talk about Ram’s decision to kill—before introduction—the Ram REV electric pickup truck. The story gets a little complicated. Listen in for details. Among other news, Tom shared information regarding Chinese carmakers turning to Magna International, and its Steyr manufacturing facility in Austria, for regional production. Chinese EV builders are looking to dodge European tariffs by assembling cars on the continent. Still in the first segment, Jill reviews the 2025 Honda Civic Hybrid, noting that the maker’s compact car lineup is now mostly hybrid powered. In the second segment, Jill and Tom welcome Don Sikora of Collectible Automobile to the show. Don shared highlights of the October 2025 issue of the classic-car magazine, which is on newsstands now. A feature story about the 1969 Chevrolet Camaro, written by podcast regular Sam Fiorani, was discussed at length. See our Facebook page for information regarding subscribing to the magazine. In the last segment Jill is subjected to Tom’s “Partridge or President” quiz, in which she must determine if a given person was a cast member of “The Partridge Family,” or a former Ford CEO.

Jill and Tom open the show by sharing information about a Chicago event, Electrify Chicago, coming to the area September 12-13. Next, Tom shares some news about Chinese new-car door handles, and how some of them will soon be illegal. The hosts also discussed the relationship between the Toyota Highlander and Grand Highlander. With the “Grand” gaining popularity, the Japanese maker is tweaking the standard Highlander’s trim-level lineup—making it more expensive for 2026. Listen in for more details. Likewise, Tesla is raising prices on its slow selling Cybertruck pickup truck, specifically the top-trim Cyberbeast. The EV maker is raising the Cyberbeast base price by $15,000, but making a number of options and features standard. Jill and Tom discuss Telsa’s motives for adjusting Cybertruck prices. Still in the first segment, Jill reviews the compact Volkswagen Tiguan crossover. Listen in to get Jill’s take on the top-trim SEL R-Line. In the second segment, the hosts welcome Toyota production engineers Samantha Barber and Becky Brophy to the show. Both guests are veterans of the Rebelle Rally, and share how Toyota learns from motorsports, and how returning to the event each year contributes to product development. In the last segment, Jill is subjected to Tom’s “Spelling!” quiz. Listen in to see if Jill can spell BISCAYNE, as well as four other tricky model names.