Jill and Tom are joined in-studio this week by colleague Ed Piotrowski. Ed recently wrote a piece for Consumer Guide regarding premium small crossovers he spent time with at this year’s Midwest Automotive Media Association Spring Rally. Ed shared his impressions of the new Acura ADX, sporty Alfa-Romeo Tonale, and speedy BMW X3. Jill also attended the Rally, and shared her impressions of the electric Cadillac Escalade IQ and BMW iX. Listen in for her impressions.

In the second segment Jill, Tom, and Ed are joined by Mike Hanley of Cars.com. Mike walked the crew through Cars’ just published “What’s the Best Compact SUV for 2025?” report. Big surprises on the top and bottom of the seven-vehicle comparison test list.

In the last segment Jill and Ed are subjected to Tom’s “HQ?” quiz. Do you know where Stellantis is headquartered? Listen in.

Tom is flying solo this week. He opened the show noting that Tesla is now accepting the Cybertruck in trade, though owners aren’t happy about the trade-in values, which are running around 60 percent of original prices.

Tom noted that EV sales have been strong in the first quarter of 2025, though may finally be slowing down. Tom shared a list of the best-selling EV makers of 2025 so far, the number-2 company may come as a surprise.

Tom shared what he knows about the all-new 2026 Toyota RAV4. There’s big powertrain news coming for Toyota’s best-selling model. Listen in for details.

In the second segment Tom welcomes Ford’s Alex Shelton to the show. Alex is Ford Philanthropy Portfolio Manager for Education, and joined the show to discuss the maker’s auto-technician scholarship opportunities. Listen in to hear why Alex calls work in automotive maintenance “future proof.”

In the last segment Producer Randy is subjected to Tom’s “Fiero!” quiz. Listen in.

Jill and Tom opened the show by talking about Toyota’s new-for-2026 electric-vehicle lineup. The changes include revised model names, and smaller and larger companions for the maker’s existing—and also updated—bZ compact EV.

Tom talked about a recently published article which claims that the Tesla Cybertruck is wearing through tires in as little as 7000 miles. Per the article, replacement tires cost around $400 each.

Tom also noted an interesting news piece suggesting that German consumers are not open to purchasing Chinese-brand EVs. Listen in for details.

Still in the first segment, Jill shared her impressions of the all-new Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator. Both vehicles have been treated to fresh styling and updated infotainment systems.

In the second segment Jill and Tom welcome Dan Passe of Passe Consulting to the program. With a communications resume that includes both Nissan and Nikola, Dan talked about the difference between legacy automakers and start-up companies.

In the last segment Jill is subjected to Tom’s “25 MPG!” quiz. Tom wrapped up the show with a list of the best-selling vehicles in the premium large-SUV segment.

Tom opened the show with an apology for two mistakes he’s made in the past couple of weeks. Listen in for the corrections. Jill and Tom went on to share a tariff update, as well news regarding one of the strangest recalls…ever. So, what’s wrong with the Volkswagen ID. Buzz’s back seat? Listen in for details.

Still in the first segment, Jill shares her take on the updated-for-2026 Genesis GV70 small crossover. Updated styling and a revised cabin are part of the news.

In the second segment the hosts welcome Zack Pradel, host and founder of YouTube Channel Shooting Cars. Zack spends most of his time creating review videos of other peoples’ cars. Discussed here are the Mercedes-Benz 380 SEC, Buick Park Avenue Ultra, and Chevrolet C-30 “high rail.” Zack has created more than 1800 videos; be sure to check them out.

In the last segment Jill and Zack are subjected to Tom’s “GT or No GT” Quiz. This one was close.

The crew wrapped up the show talking about Buc-ee’s Beaver Nuggets, a bag of which Jill brought to the studio.

Jill and Tom opened the show noting that of all the car brands affected by the trade tariffs, Buick and Volvo are in a particularly tough spot. Listen in to hear why. Tom made note of all the EV fast charging news of late, and suggests that listeners not get too excited by the hype. Per Tom, the nation's current electric grid will not be easily tapped for additional power, regardless of how quickly a vehicle is capable of being charged.

Still in the first segment, the hosts discussed the newly introduced Kia K4 Hatchback, which Jill insists is a wagon. Jill reviewed the off-road Sasquatch package, newly available for certain Ford Bronco Sport trim levels. Listen in for Jill's take on the new equipment group.

In the second segment, the hosts welcome Chris Martin, Technology Communications Manager for Honda, to the show. Chris updated listeners on Honda's plans for hands-free driving, and made clear the important differences between level-2 and level-3 autonomous driving. Expect to see advanced hands-free systems first on Honda's new "O Series" (Zero Series) electric cars due in showrooms soon.

In the last segment, Jill is subjected to Tom's "Buick versus Chrysler" quiz. The hosts wrapped up the show taking note of plunging Tesla resale values. Listen in for the list.

Join Tom and guest host Brendan Appel of the Sons of Speed for this year’s Consumer Guide Best Buy episode of the Car Stuff Podcast.

Tom and Brendan run down the list of 37 vehicles in 16 classes, each of which deserves a place on your new-car shopping list. If you are currently shopping for a new car, you need to listen to this episode.

Following the Best Buy discussion, Brendan shared big news: The Sons of Speed and the folks from We are Motor Driven are teaming up to produce a podcast which begins airing next month. Brendan also shared details of a video he and fellow Sons of Speed contributor Paul Herrold produced from Ford’s Off-Roadeo. Listen in!

Jill and Tom opened the show talking about Jill’s recent move. Good news, she’s now closer to the studio. Tom went on to discuss British sports-car maker/engineering firm Lotus, which has been owned by a number of carmakers over the years. It appears that Lotus is again up for sale.

The hosts also discussed a new round of Tesla Cybertruck price cuts, and the brand’s sales share in California, one of its most-important markets.

Still in the first segment, Jill shared her impressions of the new-for-2025 Ford Maverick Lobo, a sporty trim level that boasts a number of driving-enthusiast features.

In the second segment, the hosts welcome fellow journalist Joel Feder to the Car Stuff Podcast. Joel shared sad news regarding the shuttering of a popular auto-review website, and his insights into a number of topics, including the Subaru Forester redesign and current styling trends.

In the last segment, Jill is subjected to Tom’s “Subaru!” quiz.

Jill opened the show talking about her new Rebelle Rally team. Listen in for details. Tom shared some information about a not-for-profit organization that packages sundry products for patients undergoing Chemotherapy. The packages include items to help recipients deal with chemo side effects, including loss of taste, dry skin, and dehydration. You can check out Lemons of Love at lemonsoflove.org.

The hosts went to discuss the Cybertruck. The polarizing Tesla pickup is no longer being accepted in trade by Tesla, a thing which will likely impact resale value. Also, Tesla has introduced a new, less expensive Cybertruck trim level, which may lure some shoppers back into showrooms.

Tom noted the addition of a more affordable trim level to the GMC Sierra EV lineup. The new model lowers the cost of entry for a Sierra EV considerably.

Still in the first segment, Jill and Tom talked about Jeff Bezos’ new EV startup Slate Auto. The new company is gearing up to produce small, $25,000 electric pickup trucks meant to be customized by the end user. Production begins as early as late next year.

In the second segment, the hosts welcome veteran auto journalist Gary Witzenburg to the show. Gary talked about a pair of articles he recently wrote, both about 2-seat Pontiacs. The first, which appeared recently in Collectible Automobile, covered the Fiero. The latter, which appeared on the Haggerty website, covered the brand’s Solstice small sports car. Listen in for fascinating insights into both cars.

In the last segment, Jill is subjected to Tom’s “Sixty More Seconds” quiz. How did she do? Listen in.