To celebrate the 300th episode of the Car Stuff Podcast, Jill and Tom are joined by Jennifer Newman and Damon Bell of Cars.com. Jennifer was the podcast’s first guest, and Damon was co-host for the first three years of the show.

Jennifer and Damon share the Cars.com picks for the best vehicles under $30,000. That conversation dovetailed nicely with Jennifer’s research into new-vehicle affordability.

In the second segment, everyone looks back over the past six years to discuss the biggest automotive news stories and strangest events that transpired during the Car Stuff Podcast run.

In the last segment Jennifer, Damon, and Jill are subjected to Tom’s “Who Said It?” quiz, featuring quotes from Henry Ford and Elon Musk. Plus, enjoy a special holiday-themed bonus question.

Jill and Tom open the show discussing Tom’s take on the future of Apple CarPlay. You can read Tom’s recent blog post on the topic here.

The hosts also discuss Ram’s new SUV, which is due sometime as a 2028 model. Expect the truck to be mechanically similar to the Jeep Grand Wagoneer.

Next topic is a trio of boundary-pushing Lexus concept cars seen last week at the Japan Mobility Show. The six-wheel minivan is Tom’s favorite.

Still is the first segment, Jill reviews the 2025 Subaru BRZ tS small coupe. Good news, the rear-drive sportster can still be had with a manual transmission.

In the second segment, the hosts welcome Jerry Perez of The Drive to the show. Jerry shared details of his time in the updated Audi Q3 featuring the maker’s Micro LED Digital Matrix Headlights. Jerry also recalls his time in one of Europe’s smallest—and most charming—electric vehicles, the Fiat Topolino.

In the last segment, Jill is subject to Tom’s “More Spellin’” quiz, featuring a Hallmark Christmas move bonus question.

Paul Herrold of the Sons of Speed sits in for Jill this week. Jill will be back for next week’s show. Paul and Tom open the show by discussing consumer-battery maker Duracell’s foray into electric-vehicle charging. Duracell branded car chargers are showing up now in the U.K., and are expected to arrive in the U.S. in the not-to-distant future.

The hosts go on to discuss two big General Motors announcements. First, GM will be launching full level-3 semi-autonomous drive systems for the 2028 model year, beginning with the electric Cadillac Escalade IQ. An advancement of the maker’s Super Cruise technology, the new system will permit drivers to look away from the road while engaged. Listen in for further details. GM also plans to drop Apple CarPlay from all its vehicles beginning in 2028. Jill is going to be angry.

Still in the first segment, Paul talks about driving the high-performance McLaren GT on the race track. Paul also talks a little about the McLaren lineup and how the sports-car maker’s U.S. offerings differ.

In the second segment, Paul and Tom welcome Bart Sowa of GTI Energy to the show. Bart talks about fuel-cell technology, and how hydrogen-power is viable option for large over-the-road trucks. Bart also shares his thoughts on the future of hydrogen as a transportation fuel in the U.S.

In the last segment, Bart joined Paul for this week’s quiz. Can you guess the best-selling car in Alabama? Listen in to hear the “Best Sellers by State” quiz.

Jill returns this week after a two-show absence to participate in the 2025 edition of the Rebelle Rally. After Jill wraps up her thoughts on the event, Tom shares news regarding Toyota launching a new premium brand to be positioned above Lexus in the maker’s corporate portfolio.

Tom goes onto complain about/fawn over the new steering wheel controls in the 2025 Ford Expedition. Tom describes the new interface as “i-Pod-like,” and appreciates the aesthetic appeal of the simple design. Listen in for details.

Still in the first segment, Jill reviews the sporty Volkswagen Golf R. The car is pricey for a Golf, but is it worth the money?

In the second segment, the hosts welcome Stephanie Brinley of S&P Global Mobility to the show. Stephanie breaks down recent news from Stellantis regarding significant investment in U.S. manufacturing. The news is both extensive and nuanced. Listen in for details.

In the last segment, Jill is subjected to Tom’s “Is it a Buick?” quiz. Stay tuned for a bonus question about the McDonald’s menu in Bahrain. The hosts wrap up the show by talking about the new Jeep Cherokee—to be built in Belvidere, Illinois—and its potential in the market place.

Paul Herrold of the Sons of Speed sits in for Jill this week. The hosts open the show by discussing the reborn Chevrolet Bolt small electric crossover. Pricing comes in about $5000 below the least-expensive Chevy Equinox EV, at around $30,000.

Paul and Tom also discussed the new Tesla Model 3 and Model Y “Standard" models, which are both priced around $40,000, though lose some features and range to hit the new price point.

Still in the first segment, Paul shares a quick review of the all-new Lotus Eletre electric crossover. Prices are high, but Paul reports a great drive experience, and a nice cabin.

In the second segment, the hosts welcome Sam Fiorani of AutoForecast Solutions to the show. Sam shared his impressions of the GMC Sierra electric pickup, and talked about the pickup-truck market in general.

In the last segment, Paul is subjected to Tom’s “Gran or Grand” quiz. Paul also shared interesting news regarding autonomous vehicles and traffic lights.

Brendan Appel of the Sons of Speed sits in for Jill this week. Brendan and Tom open the show discussing rumors of the Jeep Wagoneer’s demise, which would leave just the Grand Wagoneer in Jeep’s lineup. The hosts share sales numbers for large SUVs--listen in to hear which large ute is the best-selling.

Brendan shares his thoughts on the post-federal-incentive EV sales environment. For those who don’t know, the incentives of up to $7500 for a new EV ended September 30.

Still in the first segment, Brendan reviews the 2025 Cadillac Optiq small electric crossover. Though generally impressed, Brendan noted several features of the compact Caddy EV he’d change.

In the second segment, Brendan and Tom welcome Rob Newton, Senior Director of Marketing at public-charging provider ChargePoint to the show. Rob shares news about a collaboration with Eaton designed to improve charging performance and reduce installation time. Rob also discussed how ChargePoint is improving charger reliability.

In the last segment, Brendan is subjected to Tom’s “Did it have a V8?” quiz. Quiz includes special Chex Mix bonus question.

Jill and Tom open the show noting that the well-regarded Hyundai Kona EV small electric crossover is only offered in a dozen states, so availability is very limited. This point comes into play as the hosts discuss the redesigned Nissan Leaf later in the show.

Tom shares news regarding new tariffs, this time on heavy-duty trucks. Interestingly, big-truck maker Volvo (Volvo, Mack) produces almost all of its vehicles in the U.S. Listen in for where other heavy-duty truck makers build their products.

Other important car news covered: Lexus will be discontinuing the LS large sedan in the U.S. after 2026. For ’26, the luxury flagship will be offered only in Heritage Edition trim. Production will be limited.

Still in the first segment, Jill reviews the all-new Nissan Leaf, which is not only redesigned, but also now a crossover. Jill is impressed by the small electric Nissan's ride and handling, as well as its range and price. Listen in for her complete review.

In the second segment, Jill and Tom welcome Polestar North American Communications Chief Dean Shaw to the podcast. Dean discusses Polestar's relationship with Volvo, its current product lineup, and dealer network. Polestar has two new products arriving soon. Listen in for details.

In the last segment, Jill is subjected to Tom’s “Is it a Pontiac?” quiz. Jill also shares details of her upcoming Rebelle Rally excursion. Jill will be out for the next two weeks.

Tom opens the show correcting two errors he made recently. Listen in to hear what he got wrong. Tom then shares the results of an X poll he conducted on Ferrari colors. Turns out white is NOT a popular choice for the Italian sports cars.

The hosts also acknowledge the end of production for the Subaru Legacy midsize sedan. Jill notes that the car never had much impact on a segment ruled by the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry.

Jill and Tom also share news regarding the Nissan Ariya electric crossover, which will not be sold in the U.S. after 2025. Nissan is focusing its efforts on the launch of the all-new, more-affordable, Nissan Leaf EV.

Still in the first segment, the hosts review the Audi SQ8 and RS Q8 performance crossovers. The hosts are generally impressed by the luxury fastback crossovers, though Jill had some tech issues.

In the second segment, the hosts welcome the ConsumerMan Herb Weisbaum to the show. Herb shares news and pointers regarding buying car insurance, and knowing how much insurance you need.

In the last segment Jill is subjected to Tom’s “Does Volkswagen Build There?” quiz, including a bonus question about fast food in Ghana.

Jill wraps on the show sharing the list of this year’s North American Car of the Year award candidates.