Three Quick SUV Reviews, Huge Ford Recall, Best Small Crossovers of 2025
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.
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56:27
EV Sales Growth, All-New RAV4, Ford Auto-Tech Scholarships
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.
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53:40
Cybertruck Tires, New Ford Expedition, Working at a Start-up Auto Company
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.
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56:40
Bronco Sport Sasquatch, Self-Driving Hondas, Tanking Tesla Resale Values
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.
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