Whether you drive a car, need a car, or just occasionally bum a ride with friends, you’ve come to the right place. Join Jill and Tom as they break down everything that’s going on in the auto world. New-car reviews, shopping tips, driving green, electric cars, classic cars, and plenty of great guests. This is the Consumer Guide Car Stuff Podcast. – Compact Crossover Comparo
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Episode: 330
Broadcast date: June 9, 2026
Guest:Ryan Decker
Compact Crossover Comparo, Scout Deep Dive, Discontinued Car Quiz
(Show Notes)
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This week Tom opens the show clarifying the difference between mild-hybrid and full-hybrid applications. Tom notes that mild hybrid drivetrains are found mostly on European luxury vehicles.
In advance of chatting with Scout Motors’ Ryan Decker, Jill and Tom discuss how few all-new car brands have been launched in the past 25 years. Listen in for a list.
Still in the first segment, the hosts are joined by fellow automotive journalist Ed Piotrowski. Ed attended the 2026 Midwest Automotive Media Association Spring Rally, and wrote a comparison review of four compact crossovers: The Jeep Cherokee, Mazda CX-5, Toyota RAV4, and Volkswagen Tiguan. There’s big news here, as for 2026 the Jeep and Toyota are all new–and now hybrid only–the Mazda is redesigned, and the VW has been treated to an updated powertrain. Listen in for Ed’s insights.
In the second segment, the hosts are Joined by Scout Motors Vice President of Strategy and Branding Ryan Decker. Ryan shares details regarding Scout’s position in the market place, the products themselves, and what to expect regarding Scout’s direct-to-consumer sales plan.
In the last segment, Jill is subjected to Tom’s “Is it still being built?” quiz. After the quiz Jill talks a little about the redesigned Subaru Outback Wilderness, with which she recently spent time.
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Consumer Guide Car Stuff Podcast Episode 328: 2026 Consumer Guide Best Buys
