Car Stuff Podcast

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.

Speaking of Tesla, it has become clear that the maker is building versions of its autonomous Cybercab equipped with steering wheels. The company has not confirmed this, but Car Stuff Podcast listeners report seeing the steering-wheel-equipped vehicles on the road in several cities. Thanks to listener Celio for reporting his Miami sitings to us.

Still in the first segment, Jill talks about Korean tire maker Nexen, and the brand's move to gain acceptance in the U.S. market.

In the second segment, Jill and Tom welcome Nissan Senior Manager for Vehicle Performance Development, Chris Fischer. Chris shares the surprising backstory of the modern cupholder, specifically those found in the Infiniti QX65 premium midsize crossover. There's much more to this story than you might imagine.

In the final segment, Jill is subjected to Tom's "Where is it Built?" quiz, including a bonus question about clown movies. Really. Tom wraps up the show with his quick impressions of the sporty Subaru WRX.

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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.

Still in the first segment, Tom reviews the Lexus LX 600 SUV which is both pricey and satisfying to drive. Listen in for details.

In the second segment, the hosts welcome Larry Vellequette of Automotive News to the show. Larry shares news regarding the induction of long-time Toyota steward Akio Toyoda into the Automotive Hall of Fame. Listen in to a great conversation about Mr. Toyoda and his history of thoughtful corporate leadership.

In the last segment Paul is subjected to Tom's "State of the Nation" quiz. After the quiz Paul shares his first-hand account of a recent Ferrari-owners event at Wisconsin's legendary Road America race track.

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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 the show. Patrick walks the hosts through the outlet's 2026 American Made Index, which includes a ranking of U.S. market cars by percent of domestic content. Listen in for a few surprises, including Tesla's position on the chart.

In the last segment Jill is subjected to Tom's "Is it a Lincoln?" quiz. The hosts go on to discuss future-car news as reported by Automotive News, and a number of vehicles which are being discontinued after the 2026 model year, per Car and Driver magazine.

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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 the first segment, Jill reviews the 2026 Subaru Ascent midsize crossover. While generally impressed by the largest Subaru, Jill found a few issues which may concern shoppers. Listen in for details.

In the second segment, the hosts are joined by Sam Fiorani of AutoForecast Solutions. Sam discusses the state of the Canadian auto industry, and points out a critical automotive flaw in the hit TV show Psyche. Sam also shares news regarding the Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles.

In the last segment, Jill is subjected to Tom's "Is it Built in Canada?" quiz, which includes a bonus question regarding marijuana-infused soda.

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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 compact crossover. Already rescheduled from a mid-2027 rollout to a January introduction, the Rogue is now expected as early as this October. Listen in to learn why this updated crossover is so important to the Japanese carmaker.

Still in the first segment, Jill reviews the all-new Mercedes-Benz CLA250+ EV sedan. Jill's range was surprising, as was the compact Mercedes' base price.

In the second segment the hosts welcome Tim Esterdahl of Pickup Truck plus SUV Talk. Tim shares insights into the massive ongoing Toyota-truck V6-engine recall, which will in some cases require a complete engine replacement. How long does it take to replace a truck engine? Listen in for details.

Tim also shares news regarding his new We Talk Cars project, which expands his coverage beyond trucks and crossovers, and will include car reviews, consumer information, and buying guides.

In the last segment, Jill is subjected to Tom's "Ten Years Later" quiz. Tom also shares some insights regarding EV startup carmaker Lucid, and its construction of a car factor in Saudi Arabia.

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