Car Stuff Podcast – Episode Summary
Episode: Chinese Cars in Austria, New Jeep Cherokee, Consumer Reports Top Picks
Date: April 13, 2026
Hosts: Tom Appel & Jill Ciminillo (Consumer Guide Automotive)
Special Guest: Alex Nysak (Director of Auto Test Development, Consumer Reports)
Episode Overview
This week, Tom and Jill kick off with some personal news and industry tidbits before deep-diving into:
- The emergence of Chinese automakers in Austria
- The debut and review of the new Jeep Cherokee hybrid
- A discussion with Alex Nysak from Consumer Reports about their 2026 Top Picks
The conversation covers evolving manufacturing landscapes, shifting consumer preferences (especially in electrification and hybridization), and practical insights for car buyers.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Personal Updates & Listener Feedback
(02:27-06:31)
- Jill announces she’ll be competing in the inaugural Trinity Rally—a traditional time-distance road rally (with Lucid Air as her ride and Kristin Shaw as co-driver).
- Tom shows off a special Aristo wristwatch that replicates the dash clock of a 1960s Mercedes-Benz 280SL.
- Listener DS Bloomer in New Zealand chimes in about owning a Leap Motor C10 EV, offering praise for its battery (70kWh LFP) and overall experience.
2. Industry News Quick Hits
VW ID.4 and Electrification
(06:33-07:41)
- VW’s ID.4 is going on a "break" in the U.S. due to plant prioritization for the Atlas SUV—uncertainty about its return, but three years is the guess.
Cadillac Lyriq Issues
(07:41-08:05)
- Emerging reports and a potential class action regarding some Cadillac Lyriq EVs "bricking" (becoming inoperable).
Kia/Hyundai’s Pickup Plans
(08:16-09:46)
- Kia Tasman and future Hyundai pickups are expected around 2030—likely body-on-frame and U.S.-built.
- Automakers are hyping total range (including electric range for hybrids/EREVs), but Tom and Jill debate the real consumer importance of advertised range, especially in hybrids.
Tom: "Manufacturers are advertising combined range for hybrids...I think they're creating a category of interest where there isn't any real interest." (10:31)
3. Manufacturing & Chinese Cars in Austria
(12:34-13:37)
- Magna Steyr’s plant in Austria (previously building Fisker Ocean, BMW Z4, Toyota Supra) is now being eyed by Chinese EV makers Xpeng and GAC for European production. Main aim: dodge tariffs and gain market access.
Tom: "Xpeng and GAC, relatively small EV manufacturers, are looking to build things in Austria with Magna Steyr for sale in Europe—for the exact reasons you'd think: to dodge tariffs." (13:13)
4. Toyota & Subaru EV Naming Confusion (Therapy Segment)
(13:44-14:48)
- Tom admits he can't keep the new Toyota/Subaru EV naming straight. Jill helps break it down:
- Toyota C-HR → Subaru Uncharted
- Toyota bZ4X → Subaru Solterra
- bZ Woodland → Subaru Trail Seeker
- New Highlander EV → Subaru Getaway
- Both agree the names are confusing and “Getaway” is a divisive choice.
5. Featured Review: 2026 Jeep Cherokee Hybrid
(15:16-21:41)
- Context: Cherokee discontinued in 2023. All-new, larger, and now slots clearly between Compass and Grand Cherokee.
- Key points from Jill (current tester):
- All-new, hybrid-only (for now) with a 1.6L turbo-four, 210 hp.
- EPA rating: 37 mpg combined; Jill achieved 40.5 mpg combined in mixed driving.
- Over 500 miles of range on a tank.
- Hybrid system is efficient but not always smooth—engine noise and transition between gas/electric are noticeable.
- Feels bigger/wider, which has upsides (rear seat space) and downsides (maneuverability, high beltline not ideal for petite drivers).
- Interior: Well-appointed for the segment; testing a Laredo around $41K (with base about $37K).
- All-wheel drive and hybrid standard—worth about $5K in equipment.
- Fits well between the smaller Compass (173") and larger Grand Cherokee (194").
- Price complaints are countered by the inclusion of AWD and hybrid as standard.
Jill: "I've been averaging 40.5 miles per gallon...fuel economy is really good." (16:11)
Tom: "I think that's perfectly reasonable for what is a small-ish midsize crossover." (21:20)
- Both agree: This fills a key gap for Jeep and puts it back on track after a misfire with badge engineering.
- Competing segment: smallish two-row midsize SUVs (e.g., Hyundai Santa Fe, etc.)
6. Consumer Reports 2026 Top Picks – Interview with Alex Nysak
(28:14-43:15)
How CR Testing Works
- CR is a nonprofit—buys all test vehicles, selects mid-trim volumes like regular consumers, and tests at their own track in Connecticut.
- Unique: Large survey pool (3 million+ members), owner satisfaction, and reliability inform results along with performance and safety.
Notable Discussion – Tesla’s Rise
- For years, Tesla couldn't make the CR list due to sample size and poor reliability. With the Model Y maturing and improved reliability, it’s now a Top Pick.
Full Top 10 for 2026 (33:57):
- Honda Civic
- Toyota Camry
- Subaru Crosstrek
- Subaru Forester
- Tesla Model Y
- Toyota Grand Highlander
- Lexus NX
- BMW X5
- Ford Maverick
- Ford F-150
Highlights from the List
- Honda Civic: "The Civic stands out...all versions tested (gas, hybrid, Si manual)—handles well, great on gas, and still affordable." (34:32)
- Ford F-150: "Its reliability’s ticked up over time where we can recommend it...nice to be able to point people to a reliable full-size truck." (36:11)
- Ford Maverick: Praised as the “truck most people actually need,” now even better with hybrid + AWD.
- Lexus NX: Multiple versions on the list for reliability, refinement, and practicality; plug-in hybrid especially well-rounded.
Alex Nysak: "Reliability and fuel economy always come in as consumers’ top priorities." (32:43)
Special Notes:
- The CR Top Picks are for best overall cars available right now, regardless of launch year (not just new models).
- Tom notes the Maverick as the new "journalist's car," filling the void left by the Jetta TDI.
Notable Quotes & Moments
- On Range Fixation (10:47):
- Tom: "Manufacturers are advertising combined range...I think they're creating a category of interest where there isn't any real interest."
- Jill: "It is very nice to get into a car and say, 'oh, I have 560 miles of range.'"
- On Chinese Cars in Austria (13:13):
- Tom: "Xpeng and GAC...are looking to build things in Austria with Magna Steyr for sale in Europe—for the exact reasons you'd think: to dodge tariffs."
- On the Jeep Cherokee Hybrid (16:11, 17:24):
- Jill: "I've been averaging 40.5 miles per gallon...fuel economy is really good."
- Tom: "Consumer guide had a test car...with a tiny, tiny gas tank and we were having a hard time getting 250 miles of range out of that. That's annoying."
- On CR Testing Philosophy (28:14):
- Alex Nysak: "We buy everything we test...so you get something that's representative of what everybody else is going to get."
- On the Maverick vs. F-150 (39:05):
- Alex: "The Maverick’s probably what most people need...buy the vehicle you need 50 weeks a year—rent for the other two."
- On Lexus Crossovers (42:28):
- Tom: "No Lexus crossover is actually sporty...but they are incredibly refined and quiet and well screwed together."
Timestamps for Key Segments
- Trinity Rally & Watch Chat: 02:27–04:44
- Stellantis/Leap Motor/Listener Mail: 04:50–06:31
- VW/Cadillac Lyriq/Hyundai-Kia: 06:33–09:46
- Range Hype Rant: 10:00–11:14
- Scout/China in Austria/Toyota-Subaru EV naming: 12:34–14:48
- Jeep Cherokee Review: 15:16–21:41
- Consumer Reports Top Picks Interview (Alex Nysak): 28:14–43:15
- CR Top 10 announced: 33:57
- Civic Discussion: 34:32
- Ford Trucks Discussion: 36:11–38:44
- Lexus NX & Luxury Picks: 41:04–42:34
Tone & Style
Conversational, humorous, slightly self-deprecating, and honest—with digressions into food, retro vehicles, and pet peeves about marketing and nomenclature. Jill is the straight-talking, detail-oriented reviewer; Tom brings industry context, storytelling, and classic car anecdotes.
Useful for Listeners Who Haven’t Tuned In
- Industry shifts: Get the latest on Chinese EV expansion in Europe, product strategy pivots, and evolving brand lineups.
- New vehicle reviews: Hear first impressions of the latest Jeep Cherokee hybrid.
- Car Shopping: Consumer Reports’ list offers practical buying advice rooted in reliability and owner satisfaction.
- Segment comparisons: Context for how new models fit, compete, and what buyers can expect.
For more, visit consumerguide.com or check out the full Consumer Reports Top Picks here. To participate or share your own car stories, email carstuff@consumerguide.com.