Talking Cars: 2026 Top Pick Tires
Plus, the podcast panel answers questions about tires and EVs
Main theme: It’s no accident that our updated tire ratings coincide with the arrival of fall and winter chills in some regions. Even if you’re not in an area where you have to contend with snow and freezing temperatures, adverse weather during the winter months is often challenging. That’s why for this episode of the "Talking Cars" podcast, our tire experts talk through all things tires.
The team starts by discussing how best to know when you need new tires. They branch into a variety of other tire topics, including who needs winter tires, what’s the difference between all-season and all-weather tire models, do EV owners need to be shopping for EV-specific tires, and the best tire shopping tips.
Finally, the team explains what goes into tire ratings and Overall Scores and what you’ll find in both the new and updated tires ratings in all of the tested categories.
Audience Questions
• Is a tire picking up stones a performance concern?
• Which EVs have the best all-wheel drive?
Photo: Consumer Reports Photo: Consumer Reports
How to Listen
“Talking Cars With Consumer Reports” episodes are available through Apple Podcasts (audio or video), audio on Spotify (log-in required), video on YouTube, and on CR’s video hub.
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Recent Episodes
• Driving the 2025 Toyota 4Runner, episode 482
• Driving the Volkswagen Tiguan, episode 481
• Driving the Hyundai Ioniq 9, episode 480
• Driving the Tesla Model Y, episode 479
• Driving the Subaru Forester Hybrid, episode 478
Have a Question?
Send a text or video message to TalkingCars@iCloud.com. Please include your first name and where you’re from, and we might feature it in a future episode.
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