Talking Cars (MP3)

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