We cover the U.S. pickup truck and SUV market bringing you fun reviews, interesting tidbits and real consumer concerns about these vehicles.
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August 15, 202611 min
Toyota Techs Are Smacking Tundra Engines With a Hammer to See if They Need Replacing
Send us Fan MailToyota 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 MailFord 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 MailWhich 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 MailThe 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 MailWhich 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 MailThe 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 MailWhy 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 MailThe 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
July 10, 202617 min
15 Years Later: Why Truck Owners Still Debate Ford's Famous EcoBoost Durability Test
Send us Fan MailFifteen years after Ford tore down a production 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine in front of a live audience to prove its durability, truck owners are still arguing about what the test actually proved. Tim looks back at the famous Detroit Auto Show teardown, the results Ford revealed, and why debates over carbon buildup, 10,000-mile oil changes, and turbocharger reliability continue today. Plus, a quick roundup of the week's biggest truck news, including EPA DEF rule changes, Ram TRX updates, Tacoma sales, recalls, and more.Sponsored by: Get 15% off Screen ProTech screen protectors at screenprotech.com/tim.Support the show
July 7, 202610 min
Could Ford Lose Its 49-Year Truck Sales Crown? Q2 Truck Sales Breakdown
Send us Fan MailQuarter 2 truck sales results are out, and the numbers tell an interesting story. Ram continues its impressive comeback thanks to the return of the Hemi V8, Ford F-Series sales have slipped amid production challenges, Chevrolet Silverado sales are down, GMC Sierra continues to gain ground, and the Toyota Tacoma remains the undisputed king of midsize trucks.In this episode, I break down the biggest winners and losers, explain what's driving the latest sales trends, and discuss whether Ford's nearly 50-year reign as America's best-selling truck could eventually be challenged if current trends continue.We'll also look at: Ram's sales surge and what's behind it Ford's production and aluminum supply issues Why GMC is outperforming Chevrolet Toyota Tacoma's continued dominance Nissan Frontier's surprising growth The latest EV truck sales numbers and what they mean for the market If you enjoy the podcast, be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode of Pickup Truck Plus SUV Talk. New episodes cover the latest truck news, reviews, towing tests, and automotive industry insights.Read the full story: https://pickuptrucktalk.com/2026/07/2026-q2-truck-sales-ram-keeps-rolling-tacoma-widens-lead-while-ford-and-gm-continue-to-slide/Support the show
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