Plus, our experts discuss why you almost never need to put high-octane “race fuel” in your day-to-day vehicle
By Mike Quincy
Main theme: In this podcast episode, we give our first impressions of the 2026 Dodge Charger R/T. This legendary nameplate is back, now powered by a twin-turbocharged inline-six-cylinder engine and all-wheel drive. Gone is the sweet-sounding V8 and rear-wheel drive. No doubt that the new Charger very clearly has look-at-me styling—the swoopy look also includes a first-ever hatchback. It also has a very distinct—some would say raucous—exhaust bark that some of us like … and others do not.
The Charger is longer and heavier than the previous generation, and it is also offered as an EV and as a two-door coupe.
The panel riffs on the Charger’s seats, ride, handling, and overall livability. Naturally, this new vehicle is a mix of good and bad news. But one aspect was undeniable: The new Charger is anything but boring.
Read our review of the 2026 Dodge Charger R/T.
Audience question: I stopped at a gas station that was selling “racing fuel” for $10.99 per gallon. What would happen if I used it in my 2014 Subaru Crosstrek XV? Will it improve my car’s performance?
‘Talking Cars’ panelists (from left): Mike Quincy, Jon Linkov, and Mike Monticello.
Photo: Consumer Reports
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Recent Podcast Episodes
• How to Survive the Gas Crisis, episode 509
• Are Off-Road Trims for SUVs Worth the Extra Money?, episode 508
• Driving the 2026 Mazda MX-5 Miata, episode 507
• Driving the 2027 Kia Telluride, episode 506
• What Are the Best Used EVs?, episode 505
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