Pickup Truck +SUV Talk

Hosted by Tim Esterdahl

Business Leisure Automotive News Commentary

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Episodes

259

Latest episode

Jun 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

June 12, 202613 min

Why Truck Buyers Are Still Arguing About Hemi vs Hurricane 2 Years Later | Truck News Recap

Send us Fan MailThis week on Truck News Recap, Tim discusses the biggest traffic day in Pickup Truck Talk history and the surprising story behind it. A two-year-old interview with the chief engineer of the Ram Hurricane inline-six engine exploded online, reigniting the debate over whether Ram made the right decision replacing the legendary Hemi V8.Why are truck buyers still arguing about Hemi versus Hurricane? Was Ram right to move forward with turbocharged six-cylinder power? Or did customers force the company to bring the Hemi back?Tim also covers the latest truck news, reliability stories, recalls, upcoming reviews and provides an update on what's happening behind the scenes at Pickup Truck Talk.Topics in this episode: Ram Hurricane vs Hemi debate Why the Hurricane engine continues to gain support Ram bringing the Hemi back Ford 6.7L Power Stroke known issues Ford Super Duty reliability concerns Toyota Tundra and ToyotaCare updates GMC Sierra Denali Ultimate vs Ford F-150 Upcoming Ram BackCountry and Rebel Lunar Edition reviews Major announcement coming July 1 Read the latest truck news: https://pickuptrucktalk.comGet your screen protector: https://www.screenprotech.com/timFollow Pickup Truck Talk: Website: https://pickuptrucktalk.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PickupTruckTalk#TruckNews #Ram1500 #Hemi #HurricaneEngine #PickupTruckTalk #TruckPodcast #RamTrucks #PickupTrucks #AutomotiveNews #TimEsterdahlSupport the show

June 5, 202612 min

What Ford Didn't Tell You About Bronco Filson

Send us Fan MailThe 2027 Ford Bronco Filson looks like a premium outdoor collaboration on the surface, but the bigger story may be what Ford did not say. Ford kept calling this new Bronco “premium,” not “luxury,” and that word choice could matter if the rumors about a future Lincoln off-roader based on the Bronco platform turn out to be true.In this week’s Pickup Truck Talk news recap, Cory breaks down the new Bronco Filson after spending time with Ford and Filson in the Pacific Northwest. He looks at the Raptor-inspired hardware, including the 3.0L EcoBoost V6, Sasquatch package, Fox shocks and 35-inch tires, plus the quieter cabin, power running boards and premium interior touches that may hint at where the Bronco platform is headed next. Also in the news: ToyotaCare changes, Toyota Tundra reliability questions, Cummins engine teardown concerns and more truck and SUV stories worth following.#PickupTruckTalk #FordBronco #BroncoFilson #TruckNews #SUVNewsGet your Screen ProTech screen protector:https://screenprotech.com/timJoin our Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/c/pickuptrucktalkSupport the show

June 4, 202616 min

The Truth About Nissan Frontier Reliability (Plus New Toyota Tundra News)

Send us Fan MailThis week on Truck News Recap, we're diving into the biggest known problems reported by Nissan Frontier owners from the 2023-2026 model years.From transmission complaints and electrical glitches to recalls and owner concerns, here's what buyers need to know before purchasing a Nissan Frontier.Plus, Toyota has released new information about the Tundra engine replacement program, including details on when the updated main bearing entered production. We'll break down what the latest update means for current owners and anyone considering a new Tundra.Topics include:• 2023-2026 Nissan Frontier known problems• Transmission complaints• Electrical and infotainment issues• Frontier recalls• Toyota Tundra engine replacement update• New main bearing production timeline• Weekly truck industry newsLet me know in the comments:Would you buy a Nissan Frontier over a Toyota Tacoma?#NissanFrontier #ToyotaTundra #TruckNews #PickupTruckTalk #Nissan #Toyota #Frontier #Tundra #TruckProblems #TruckReliabilityVisit Screen Pro Tech and get 15% off: https://screenprotech.com/TimSupport the show

June 2, 202614 min

The Real Reason Toyota Tundra Engines Are Failing

Send us Fan MailToyota has expanded its twin-turbo V6 engine recall again, and this time we finally have a better idea why these engines are failing.According to a newly filed NHTSA report, Toyota spent months tearing down engines, analyzing failed components, and conducting laboratory testing. The investigation led engineers to one component in particular: the #1 main bearing.The company says machining debris, often called "swarf" in the manufacturing industry, may not have been fully removed during production. That debris can contaminate the bearing, causing wear, engine knocking, rough running, and in some cases complete engine failure.In this video, I break down: ► Toyota's latest recall filing ► Why the #1 main bearing matters ► What Toyota's engineers discovered during testing ► The role of metal shavings (swarf) in engine failures ► How this recall differs from previous Tundra engine recalls ► What current Tundra owners should knowThe biggest surprise? Toyota's investigation found the same wear patterns seen in earlier recalled engines, suggesting the problem extended further into production than originally believed.Do you own a 2024 Toyota Tundra? Have you experienced engine issues? Let me know in the comments below.Support the show

May 22, 202615 min

Ram Gave The Rumble Bee A “Pure” HEMI, But There’s A Catch

Send us Fan MailThe 2027 Ram 1500 Rumble Bee brings HEMI power back in a big way, but the most interesting detail may be what Ram removed, and what it kept. The new Rumble Bee 5.7L HEMI drops eTorque and auto start/stop, yet still uses MDS cylinder deactivation to help with fuel economy during light-load driving.In this week’s Pickup Truck Talk news recap, Cory breaks down why Ram made that choice, what it means for enthusiasts, how the Rumble Bee differs from regular 2027 HEMI-powered Ram 1500 trucks, and why this new muscle truck lineup could be one of Ram’s smartest moves yet. Also in the news: a new Nissan Frontier trim, more recalls, and new aftermarket products worth checking out.#PickupTruckTalk #RamRumbleBee #Ram1500 #HEMI #TruckNewsGet your Screen ProTech screen protector:https://screenprotech.com/timJoin our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/pickuptrucktalkSupport the show

May 19, 202613 min

2027 Vehicle Kill Switches: What the Law Really Says

Send us Fan MailAre new vehicles really getting mandatory government “kill switches” in 2027? That rumor has exploded online, especially among truck owners and automotive enthusiasts, but what does the law actually say?In this episode, we break down the facts behind the viral claims, where the confusion started, and how modern connected vehicle technology already works in many new trucks and SUVs. We also discuss driver monitoring systems, privacy concerns, remote vehicle controls and why many consumers are skeptical about where the auto industry is headed next.If you’ve seen headlines or social media posts claiming the government will be able to shut off your truck remotely, this episode explains what’s real, what’s exaggerated and what could still change in the future.Plus, we discuss how automakers are balancing safety technology, regulation and consumer trust as vehicles become more connected than ever before.Join our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/pickuptrucktalkCheck out our Forum: https://forum.pickuptrucktalk.com/Support the show

May 15, 202615 min

Could the Toyota Tacoma Become American-Built Again? $2 Billion Filing Says Yes

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Tim breaks down reports that Toyota could be considering a major shift in Tacoma production with a proposed $2 billion expansion at its Texas manufacturing plant.Could the Tacoma move back to the United States after Toyota shifted production to Mexico just a few years ago? Tim explains where the Tacoma is currently built, the history of Toyota truck manufacturing in Texas, and why tariffs, supply chain concerns and political pressure may be influencing the company’s future plans.The discussion also covers what a production move could mean for truck buyers, pricing, inventory and Toyota’s position against Ford, GM and Ram in the competitive midsize truck market.If you own a Tacoma, are shopping for a midsize truck or follow automotive manufacturing news, this episode breaks down why this story matters.Get your Screen ProTech screen protector:https://screenprotech.com/timJoin our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/pickuptrucktalkSupport the show

May 8, 202616 min

Gas Prices Are High, Yet Ford CEO Admits Buyers Still Buying Reliable V8s

Send us Fan MailGas prices are rising again, yet truck buyers still keep choosing V8 engines over smaller turbocharged powertrains. In this week’s Truck News Recap, I dive into why reliability may matter more to truck owners than fuel economy numbers.I discuss comments from Jim Farley about continued V8 demand, despite Ford spending years promoting EcoBoost turbocharged engines as the future of trucks. I also break down the latest developments with the Toyota Tundra engine recall and why many owners are once again asking for the return of proven V8 power.We also look at Ram truck sales growth and the impact of bringing the Hemi V8 back into the lineup after customer backlash to the Hurricane inline-six engines. Plus, I revisit Ford’s original EcoBoost torture-test program from 2011 and why the debate over turbocharged engine durability still hasn’t gone away 15 years later.Finally, I examine whether rising fuel prices actually reduce truck sales and why many truck owners still prioritize towing capability, long-term durability, and engine reliability over MPG ratings.Let me know in the comments:Would you choose better fuel economy or a proven V8 engine for your next truck?Get your Screen ProTech screen protector:https://screenprotech.com/timJoin our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/pickuptrucktalkSupport the show

May 1, 202619 min

Second Toyota Tundra Engine Recall Postponed Again Because Company Incredibly Still Doesn’t Really Have a Fix After 4 Years

Send us Fan MailToyota’s reputation for quality continues taking hits as the automaker has for the second time in four years forced owners of more than 125,000 late model Toyota Tundras and Lexus GX and LX SUVs to wait for a solution to the Toyota Tundra engine recall debacle.Support the show

April 28, 202610 min

GM Defines “Normal” Oil Consumption for Trucks as Owners Say Huh?

Send us Fan MailGeneral Motors has issued updated guidance outlining what it considers acceptable normal oil consumption for trucks, sparking renewed debate among owners who say the thresholds make zero sense.Join our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/pickuptrucktalkCheck out our Forum: https://forum.pickuptrucktalk.com/Support the show