Car Stuff Podcast

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.

Still in the first segment, Tom shares bad news for folks waiting to purchase a 2026 Toyota RAV4. The all-new compact crossover is in high-demand, and redesign rollover constraints have limited supply. Jill says the small crossover is worth the wait. The hosts also discuss slumping Lucid sales, and the most-popular model names of all time.

In the second segment, the hosts welcome Jeep Vice President of Design Vince Galante to the show. Vince walks Jill and Tom trough all of the news surrounding the return of the compact Cherokee crossover to the Jeep lineup. Listen in for details.

In the last segment, Jill is subjected to Tom's "Was it an Oldsmobile?" quiz, complete with a popular franchise-opportunity bonus question.

Jill also reviews the all-new Subaru Uncharted small crossover EV.

 

 

 

 

 

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 rare sight on U.S. roads.

In the second segment, Jill and Tom welcome Automotive News' Larry Vellequette to the show. Larry talks about Toyota quality issues, the Gordie Howe Bridge, and surprisingly robust U.S. auto sales. Listen in for some great insights.

In the last segment, Jill is subjected to Tom's "Who is that Guy?" quiz. The hosts wrap up the show with a quick take on Ferrari's first-ever electric vehicle, the controversial Luce. Check out the Car Stuff Podcast Facebook page for a picture of the Luce, and listen in for the price.

 

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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, Toyota RAV4, and Volkswagen Tiguan. There's big news here, as for 2026 the Jeep and Toyota are all new--and now hybrid only--the Mazda is redesigned, and the VW has been treated to an updated powertrain. Listen in for Ed's insights.

In the second segment, the hosts are Joined by Scout Motors Vice President of Strategy and Branding Ryan Decker. Ryan shares details regarding Scout's position in the market place, the products themselves, and what to expect regarding Scout's direct-to-consumer sales plan.

In the last segment, Jill is subjected to Tom's "Is it still being built?" quiz. After the quiz Jill talks a little about the redesigned Subaru Outback Wilderness, with which she recently spent time.

 

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 one possible way to dissuade would-be airbag thieves.

Still in the first segment, Jill reviews the all-new 2026 Lexus ES midsize sedan, which now comes only in hybrid and all-electric trim. Listen in for her take on this long-term brand staple.

In the second segment, the hosts welcome John Vincent of U.S. News to the podcast. John walks the hosts through the outlet's 2026 "Best Adventure Vehicles" list.

In the last segment, Jill is subjected to Tom's "Is it Built There?" quiz.

 

 

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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.

 

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.