Chinese Door Handles, Volkswagen Tiguan Review, Toyota Learns from Motorsports

Jill and Tom open the show by sharing information about a Chicago event, Electrify Chicago, coming to the area September 12-13. Next, Tom shares some news about Chinese new-car door handles, and how some of them will soon be illegal.

The hosts also discussed the relationship between the Toyota Highlander and Grand Highlander. With the “Grand” gaining popularity, the Japanese maker is tweaking the standard Highlander’s trim-level lineup—making it more expensive for 2026. Listen in for more details.

Likewise, Tesla is raising prices on its slow selling Cybertruck pickup truck, specifically the top-trim Cyberbeast. The EV maker is raising the Cyberbeast base price by $15,000, but making a number of options and features standard. Jill and Tom discuss Telsa’s motives for adjusting Cybertruck prices.

Still in the first segment, Jill reviews the compact Volkswagen Tiguan crossover. Listen in to get Jill’s take on the top-trim SEL R-Line.

In the second segment, the hosts welcome Toyota production engineers Samantha Barber and Becky Brophy to the show. Both guests are veterans of the Rebelle Rally, and share how Toyota learns from motorsports, and how returning to the event each year contributes to product development.

In the last segment, Jill is subjected to Tom’s “Spelling!” quiz. Listen in to see if Jill can spell BISCAYNE, as well as four other tricky model names.