Pickup Truck +SUV Talk

Hosted by Tim Esterdahl

Business Leisure Automotive News Commentary

Website RSS feed

Episodes

273

Latest episode

Aug 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

We cover the U.S. pickup truck and SUV market bringing you fun reviews, interesting tidbits and real consumer concerns about these vehicles.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

September 4, 202622 min

I Ordered a 2027 Chevy Silverado High Country: Here’s Why

Send us Fan Mail I ordered my next truck: a 2027 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 High Country. In this episode, I explain why I chose Chevy over GMC and Toyota, why timing pushed me into the High Country trim, and the exact engine, color and towing configuration I ordered. CHAPTERS 0:00 I ordered a new truck 0:45 The trucks I considered 2:10 Why Chevrolet instead of GMC 3:20 The new Silverado V8 decision 4:10 Ordering through Kelley Chevrolet 5:20 Why I chose High Country 7:05 Pacific Blue and the 6.6L V8 8:25 Max Trailering availability 9:10 The 3.23 rear axle explained 11:05 Delivery timing and estimated price 13:25 Screen ProTech giveaway and PUTT updates 15:25 This week in truck news 20:30 Germany programming note Save 15% on a Screen ProTech screen protector: https://screenprotech.com/tim Join our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/pickuptrucktalk Visit the Pickup Truck + SUV Talk website: https://www.pickuptrucktalk.com Support the show

August 21, 202611 min

GM 6.2L V8 Investigation Escalates, Tundra Hammer Test and Super Duty Engine Changes

Send us Fan Mail NHTSA has escalated its investigation into GM’s 6.2-liter L87 V8, moving the case into an engineering analysis that could affect nearly one million Chevrolet, GMC and Cadillac trucks and SUVs. Tim Esterdahl explains what the expanded federal investigation means for GM owners and whether the current recall remedy is resolving the engine problems. This week’s truck news also covers Toyota technicians using a hammer test on recalled Tundra engines, Ford Super Duty engine changes, GM’s updated 8-speed transmission repair procedure, proposed California tire-efficiency rules, new recalls and other important pickup truck and SUV stories. Sponsored by Screen ProTech. Save 10% at https://screenprotech.com/tim More truck and SUV news: https://pickuptrucktalk.com #GMRecall #TruckNews #PickupTrucks Support the show

August 15, 202611 min

Toyota Techs Are Smacking Tundra Engines With a Hammer to See if They Need Replacing

Send us Fan Mail Toyota has a new way to inspect certain 2022-2024 Tundra engines, and yes, it involves a plastic hammer. Tim breaks down Toyota’s V35A crank bearing inspection, why the automaker is testing these engines, how an accelerometer and software are used to analyze the results, and why this unusual-sounding procedure is actually based on established engineering principles. Support the show

August 7, 202613 min

Ford Fathom Revealed: Who Is This $30K Electric Truck Really For?

Send us Fan Mail Ford has revealed the Fathom, a new electric pickup expected to start around $30,000. But who is this truck actually for, and can Ford find enough buyers to make it successful? In this Truck News Recap, Tim Esterdahl examines what we know about the Ford Fathom, its expected size and range, and how it could compete with the Slate truck and Ford Maverick. He also explains why commercial fleets and urban drivers may be the real target customers. Other topics include Pickup Truck + SUV Talk’s first full-size truck award, changes coming to the 2027 Ford F-150 and Ram 1500, Toyota Highlander reliability problems and what Tim learned while towing a camper with the GMC Sierra EV. Support the show

August 4, 202615 min

Most Reliable Heavy-Duty Trucks Ranked: Ford, GM or Ram?

Send us Fan Mail Which heavy-duty truck is the most reliable: Ford Super Duty, Chevrolet Silverado HD, GMC Sierra HD or Ram HD? Tim Esterdahl ranks today’s heavy-duty trucks using Pickup Truck + SUV Talk’s original reporting, NHTSA data, recalls, technical service bulletins and owner complaints. The Ford Super Duty claims the top spot despite its recall history and death-wobble complaints. The GM heavy-duty trucks follow closely, while valve-body concerns prevent them from finishing first. The redesigned Ram HD comes in last, largely because its Cummins and TorqueFlite HD powertrain is still too new to have an established long-term record. Do you agree with the rankings, and which heavy-duty truck has proved most reliable for you? Explore the PUTT Reliability Center: https://pickuptrucktalk.com/truck-reliability/ Support the show

July 31, 202617 min

Highlander Issues, Tow Hooks, and Rumble Bee Pricing

Send us Fan Mail The 2020-2026 Toyota Highlander has a reputation for reliability, but owners and used-vehicle shoppers should know about recalls, transmission complaints, ECU-related stalls and several other reported problems. Cory Fourniquet examines the Highlander’s loose second-row seats, airbag concerns, transmission whining, hybrid braking behavior, infotainment glitches and unusual fuel-tank readings. He also explains how owners can check their VIN for open recalls before buying or servicing a Highlander. Plus, this week’s Truck News Recap covers pricing for the new Ram Rumblebee lineup, including the first 6.4-liter HEMI offered in a Ram 1500 and the nearly $100,000, 777-horsepower Rumblebee SRT. Toyota also updates the 2027 Tundra TRD Pro with front recovery hooks, adjustable Fox shocks and the new Honeycomb exterior color. The episode also highlights the Pickup Truck + SUV Talk Reliability Center, the new We Talk Cars website and the monthly Screen ProTech giveaway. Visit Pickup Truck + SUV Talk: https://pickuptrucktalk.com/ Support the show

July 28, 202622 min

What Is the Most Reliable Full-Size Truck? We Ranked Them All

Send us Fan Mail Which full-size truck is the most reliable today? Tim ranks the Ford F-150, Ram 1500, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500 and Toyota Tundra using PUTT’s reliability reporting, NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, failure severity and recurring problems. Consumer Reports and J.D. Power are included for comparison, but they do not determine the final ranking. The results may surprise you, especially the trucks finishing first, second and last. Read the full report: https://pickuptrucktalk.com/2026/07/most-reliable-full-size-trucks-ranked-surprise-winner/ Support the show

July 24, 202613 min

2027 Toyota Tundra Updated: What's New and Did They Fix the V6

Send us Fan Mail The 2027 Toyota Tundra has arrived, and viewers have two major questions: Did Toyota finally fix the twin-turbo V-6, and why isn’t the V-8 coming back? Tim Esterdahl examines Toyota’s engine recall solution, the sharp decline in reported failures among newer trucks and whether buyers should trust the Tundra again. He also covers the revised grille, persistent remote start, recovery hooks, the new Trailhunter package and lingering problems Toyota has not publicly addressed. Plus, this week’s Truck News Recap includes the most reliable full-size truck rankings, GMC Sierra 2500 HD known problems, the Cummins hydraulic-lifter controversy and new resources in the PUTT Reliability Center and Buyer’s Guide. Visit Pickup Truck + SUV Talk: https://pickuptrucktalk.com/ Support the show

July 18, 202620 min

Why the 2027 Chevy Tahoe Won’t Get GM’s New V8 Engines Yet

Send us Fan Mail Why won’t the 2027 Chevy Tahoe and GMC Yukon get GM’s new 5.7-liter and 6.6-liter V8 engines right away? Tim explains GM’s rollout strategy, the engineering and investment involved, and what buyers can actually expect from the 2027 Tahoe. Also in this week’s truck news recap: Cummins hydraulic lifters versus flat tappets, a modified Silverado owner’s reliability problems, Ram’s new TRX warranty restriction, Tim’s 90-minute Flock camera traffic stop and the expensive hail damage to his Ford F-150. Find more truck news at PickupTruckTalk.com. Support the show

July 14, 202613 min

EPA Rolls Back DEF Rules: What Actually Changed for Diesel Truck Owners

Send us Fan Mail The EPA has released its long-awaited proposal to revise the 2027 heavy-duty diesel emissions rules, but does it mean diesel owners can finally delete their trucks? In this episode, Tim Esterdahl breaks down what the proposal actually changes, including the plan to eliminate many DEF-related engine derates, reduce warranty requirements and delay some emissions durability standards. He also explains what didn't change, why DEF systems and emissions deletes remain a hot topic, and why many diesel enthusiasts may still be disappointed. If you've been following the diesel delete debate, this episode separates the headlines from the facts and explains what the EPA's proposal could mean for current and future diesel truck owners. Support the show