We look at Consumer Report’s best new-car picks of 2026.
Whether you drive a car, need a car, or just occasionally bum a ride with friends, you’ve come to the right place. Join Jill and Tom as they break down everything that’s going on in the auto world. New-car reviews, shopping tips, driving green, electric cars, classic cars, and plenty of great guests. This is the Consumer Guide Car Stuff Podcast. – Chinese Cars in Austria
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Episode: 322
Broadcast date: April 13, 2026
Guest: Alex Knizek
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Chinese Cars in Austria, New Jeep Cherokee, Consumer Reports Top Picks
(Show Notes)
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News
The hosts open the show by discussing Tom’s new refrigerator, and his inability to keep Subaru’s suite of new electric vehicles straight. Jill agrees to help him remember the names of the Subaru EVs.
Jill and Tom go on to cover a number of news items, including the discontinuation of the Volkswagen ID.4 electric crossover, Chinese vehicles being built in Austria, and Kia’s plan to build a midsize EV in American by the 2030 model year.
Leapmotor
In related news, a listener from New Zealand checks in to let the hosts know that he owns a Chinese-built Leapmotor EV (discussed last episode) and is very happy with it.
Jeep Cherokee Review
Still in the first segment, Jill reviews the all-new Jeep Cherokee.
Consumer Reports
In the second segment, Jill and Tom welcome Alex Knizek, Director of Auto Test Development at Consumer Reports, to the Car Stuff Podcast. Alex describes the process by which Consumer Reports evaluates new vehicles, and walks the hosts through the outfit’s 2026 Top Picks list.
In the last segment, Jill is subjected to Tom’s “Dead Brand” quiz. Listen in to hear how she scored.
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The Car Stuff Podcast is broadcast live every Monday at 3:00 PM CT on the TalkZone Radio Network
Discussed this week
Consumer Reports 10 Top Picks of 2026
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The Crew
To advertise on the Car Stuff Podcast call Andy Lieb: 847-291-7414
