MotorWeek

Television's Original Automotive Magazine

We thought a podcast would be the perfect vehicle for taking viewers behind-the-scenes of MotorWeek. We produce 52 episodes of MotorWeek a year, but we don't always have time to tell you everything. The podcast is a unique opportunity for viewers to hear our personal impressions of the vehicles we road test, discover the stories behind the stories MotorWeek is covering and learn more about where the auto industry is headed as it focuses squarely on fuel economy.

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28 episodes
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Episodes 28

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Thursday · length unknown
Tesla Roadster Reveal, 2027 Infiniti QX65 Road Test, Mercedes GLE & GLS First Drives
In Podcast #389, Jessica Ray and the MotorWeek crew start off by diving into the details from behind the wheel of a few luxury utilities. Two being from Mercedes, the new GLE and updated flagship GLS. Then it’s over to Japan with the all-new Infiniti QX65, a fastback version of the QX60 3-row. And for the finale, it’s the long-awaited “launch” of the 2nd-gen Tesla Roadster. There’s a lot of break down from that recent reveal. But we also have a Lightning Round about Comma AI and the concerns regarding their aftermarket hands-free driving software. Plus a viewer has a question about our slalom course.
October 15 · length unknown
Stephanie’s Latest FYI Segments, Ford F-150 Updates, & New Fuel Economy Standards
In Podcast #388, John Davis and the MotorWeek crew have lots to get into…including details on two special features. Stephanie Hart joins us to discuss a visit to a classic car museum that stands out for both the size and origin of its collection, the Lane Motor Museum in Nashville along with sometime on a lot of car enthusiast’s bucket list; a trip to the epicenter for land speed records, the Bonneville Salt Flats. If that is not enough we will also tackle two new vehicles, the ready for adventure all-electric Toyota bZ Woodland. Plus, all the updates for the kind of pickup trucks, the Ford F-150. Then our Lightning Round discusses the Trump Administration’s new corporate average fuel economy standards, and how it goes beyond just fuel economy figures.
October 15 · length unknown
Stephanie’s Latest FYI Segments, Ford F-150 Updates, & New Fuel Economy Standards
In Podcast #388, John Davis and the MotorWeek crew have lots to get to…including details on two special features. Stephanie Hart joins us to discuss a visit to a classic car museum that stands out for both the size and the origin of its collection, the Lane Motor Museum in Nashville along with something on a lot of car enthusiasts bucket list; a trip to the epicenter for land speed records, the Bonneville Salt Flats. If that is not enough we will also tackle two new vehicles, the ready for adventure all-electric Toyota bZ Woodland SUV. Plus, all the updates for the king of pickup trucks, the Ford F-150. Then our Lightning Round discusses the Trump administration’s new corporate average fuel economy standards, and how it goes beyond just fuel economy figures.
October 1 · length unknown
Making Driving Safer for Everyone Goes Beyond Crash Testing with the IIHS
In Podcast #387, host John Davis and producer Jessica Ray are joined by Joe Young, Director of Media Relations at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Joe joins the podcast to talk about how automotive safety is about far more than just crash testing. The IIHS is currently working toward their 30×30 initiative, which aims to reduce automotive fatalities 30% by 2030. To do that requires thinking outside of the drivers’ seat.
September 21 · length unknown
Nissan Reveals 4th-Gen Rogue with New Hybrid Powertrain, Plus Volvo Refreshes the XC40, XC60 & XC90
In Podcast #386, John Davis and the MotorWeek crew look at the latest from Volvo as they work to update their core lineup vehicles in order to stay in the internal combustion game. Then we’ll also have our first impressions of the upcoming Nissan Rogue Hybrid as America finally gets a fuel efficient powertrain the rest of the world has enjoyed for almost a decade. Then a Lightning Round highlights some big shifts at Volkswagen as they slim down their global lineup and look to add a body-on-frame pickup to their U.S. offerings. And a viewer asks us to define some of the terms we constantly use on the show. *This episode released a few days late to meet the Nissan Rogue Hybrid’s embargo.
September 3 · length unknown
Season 46 Premiere Preview! Plus Do Automotive Sub-brands Make Sense Anymore?
In Podcast #385, John Davis and the MotorWeek crew kick off the 46th season of the show! We hit the road running with the latest and greatest in new automotive hardware, starting with the first ever Toyota RAV4 tuned by the engineers at Ga-zoo Racing…the GR Sport. Then we always like to begin the season with a hot performer, and that’s almost an understatement with the Porsche 911 Turbo S. And speaking of speed, we have something special on two-wheels–Italian by way of China–the Moto Morini X-Cape 1200 is on tap for today. Along with our usual topics including a lightning round about the relevance of sub-brands and we’ll try and answer a fan mail about man’s best friend and their cars.
August 20 · length unknown
Ford Names New EV Pickup “Fathom”, Plus Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport Reveal & Audi Q3 Review
On Podcast #384, on tap today for John Davis and the MotorWeek crew are two updated crossovers, as well as an update on Ford’s upcoming “from scratch” mid-size EV pickup including it’s name which is also new to the brand. Plus our Lightning Round looks ahead for the Blue Oval automaker as word is circulating about what’s next for their more conventional products. And a viewer has a question about MotorWeek merch.
August 7 · length unknown
Audi Q3 & Ford Mustang Mach-E Reviews, Plus Our “Must-Have” Car Features
In Podcast #383, Jessica Ray and the MotorWeek crew talk about two very different small utilities. First up is the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Ford’s first EV that really impressed us when it initially debuted in 2021. For 2026 it gets some updates and we see if it still continues to impress. Then the Audi Q3 enters its third-generation as the brand’s entry-level luxury utility and it looks to make an impression. Of course, in between those two topics we’ll have a Lightning Round that talks about some of the “must-have” features in new cars. Plus a viewer has a question about what kind of vehicle they need to go off-roading.
July 23 · length unknown
First Ride in $25K Slate Truck, A Trip on Route 66 & 2027 Kia Seltos First Drive
In Podcast #382, John Davis and the MotorWeek crew talk trucks, trips, & a Telluride look-alike! Brian starts things off with a first drive in the 2nd-gen Kia Seltos, which sports a brand new look and powertrain for 2027. Then Greg celebrated 100 years of Route 66 by taking his young family on a 1,500 mile road trip and he regales us about his travels on “The Mother Road”. Finally, Jessica had a recent opportunity to ride in the all-new $25,000 dollar Slate EV Truck. There is also a Lightning Round to discuss an automotive colleague from The Drive and his experience having his press vehicle mistaken as stolen by Flock cameras. Then a viewer has a question about if any low-tech vehicles actually exist?
July 9 · length unknown
2027 BMW X5 Reveal, RAM 1500 TRX SRT First Drive, & Dodge Charger R/T Review
In Podcast #381, Jessica Ray steps in as host and it’s pure Americana…from muscle cars to pickup trucks…and an American-made German SUV. We’ll start things off with our time behind the wheel of two “performance” models from the Stellantis umbrella that are on very opposite ends of the spectrum…a base Dodge Charger R/T and the return of the powerful prehistoric RAM 1500 TRX. Then BMW unveils the 5th-generation X5 utility with their “Neue Klasse” design language and a whopping 5 different powertrain options. Then it’s a lightning round that ponders the return of the quirky yet beloved Honda Element and a viewer has a question about the press cars we test…
June 25 · length unknown
First Drive in Rivian R2, Revealed 777HP RAM 1500 Rumble Bee SRT, & INEOS Grenadier Review
In Podcast #380, John Davis and the MotorWeek crew are all about trucks and SUVs today! We start things off with the recently unveiled HEMI-powered RAM 1500 Rumble Bee SRT. Then a vehicle that might not be on your radar, the INEOS Grenadier, which is one man’s modern take on the classic Land Rover Defender 110. Then we finish up with our first drive report on the long-awaited Rivian R2, smaller kin to the familiar R1S. Plus, we have a Lightning Round that analyzes Texas’s increasing overall market share in the country and how it could impact what vehicles we see on sale. Plus a viewer question about whether premium fuel helps with fuel efficiency in any vehicle.
June 11 · length unknown
Special Guest: Dave Durso, Head Writer
Once again, we are celebrating our 45th season with a guest from the past! Today we are joined by Dave Durso, who was a writer on MotorWeek from 1987 to 2009. He eventually rose to the title of Head Writer and started the segment known as “Two Wheelin'”, in which he would review motorcycles. He and John discuss all of his favorite memories and also how he completely changed lanes to a brand new career when he left!
May 28 · length unknown
8th-Gen Lexus ES First Drive, Volvo EX60 is Revealed, & a Federal EV Tax?
In Podcast #378, John Davis and the MotorWeek crew dive into two vehicles that are a big deal for their respective brands. First, we start off with some experience driving the all-new 8th-gen Lexus ES which is available as both a hybrid and all-electric. Then we explore the details of the recently revealed Volvo EX60, which previews some big updates to their EVs. Our Lightning Round takes a look at a potential federal tax on EVs and PHEVs while a viewer has a question about what on earth destination fees are for?
May 14 · length unknown
We Recently Tested the 2026 Honda Prelude, Kia K4 Hatchback & Mazda CX-30
In Podcast #377, John Davis and the MotorWeek crew recap some of the latest vehicles we have been testing. First up, the Kia K4 adds a hatchback model to their lineup that buyers can opt for that costs just $500 more than the sedan! Then, not much is new about it but Mazda CX-30 keeps to its roots as a fun and affordable subcompact utility. And finally, we’ll dive into all the details of our 2 weeks with the all-new Honda Prelude which returns to their lineup after 25 years. Then a Lightning Round about how the screens we see in new cars are becoming less useful. And a viewer has a question about whether or not the Subaru Baja will be returning!
April 30 · length unknown
Huge Updates for the Toyota RAV4 & Kia Telluride, & Subaru’s new EV Wagon…the Trailseeker
In Podcast #376, Jessica Ray steps in as host and is joined by the MotorWeek crew. They start to start off with Kia’s revamped flagship, the Telluride–which enters its second generation. Then its with another very popular SUV, the Toyota RAV4, and how America’s best-selling SUV stays at the top of its game. Finally, it’s the Subaru Trailseeker…a new all-electric model from Subaru that’s ready for adventure. And speaking of EVs, the Lightning Round will explore why so many brands are cancelling planned models and then we answer a viewer question about why you never see us driving in traffic.
April 16 · length unknown
Special Guest: Jennifer Khasnabis
We are back with another one of our special anniversary themed podcast episodes! This time John Davis is joined by Jennifer Khasnabis, who stepped in as our FYI and Motor News reporter from 1999-2004 after the departure of Lisa Barrow. John and Jennifer talk about some of her favorite memories, what she’s up to know, and a bit of advice she got from Lisa after she started!
April 2 · length unknown
2026 New York International Auto Show
In Podcast #374, John Davis invites Brian and Alex to the table to discuss all the news at and surrounding the 2026 New York International Auto Show. With debuts from Kia, Subaru, Volkswagen, Stellantis and more, and a lightning round regarding a new tactic to lower prices at the pump, it’s sure to be one packed cast!
March 19 · length unknown
Special Guest: Marlene Rodman, Videographer
On this week’s podcast, we are joined by another MotorWeek alumni! This time, its another crew member from behind the camera. John and Jessica talk to Marlene Rodman, a long time videographer at Maryland Public Television who retired back in 2016. But she got her start in the business working with John on Wall Street Week with Louis Rukeyser in the late 1970s. Eventually she was given the opportunity to work on the MotorWeek crew and she regales us with her memories!
March 5 · length unknown
2026 Jeep Cherokee & Mazda CX-5 First Drives, BMW M2 CS Track Test
In Podcast #372, Jessica Ray fills in as host to discuss some of the latest new vehicles that the MotorWeek crew has been testing. We start things off with Mazda and a first-drive in their best-selling model, the CX-5 crossover as it enters its 3rd-generation with some well executed updates. Then it’s over to BMW and our recent track time in their entry-level track car, the M2 CS. Finally, it’s over to Jeep where we drove both the all-new Cherokee and updated Grand Cherokee, which feature the future of the Jeep brand’s powertrain options. Plus, a Lightning Round which considers the EPA’s recent decision to rescind credits to automakers for utilizing auto stop/start technology.
February 19 · length unknown
Special Guest: Yolanda Vazquez
We’re back with another blast from the past podcast episode. This week we are joined by Yolanda Vazquez, who served on the MotorWeek staff from 2005-2018 as FYI Reporter and delivered Motor News! John and Yolanda discuss what led her to joining the MotorWeek team, her favorite memories while on staff, and how she has taken her skills as a reporter and pivoted to her current role working for the Howard County State’s Attorney’s office. A video version of this podcast can be seen on our YouTube channel: youtube.com/motorweek

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