Pickup Truck +SUV Talk
We cover the U.S. pickup truck and SUV market bringing you fun reviews, interesting tidbits and real consumer concerns about these vehicles.
Latest Episodes
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.
Fifteen 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.
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Quarter 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/
After 10 years of building Pickup Truck Plus SUV Talk, it's time for the biggest expansion in our company's history.
In this episode, I share the story behind the launch of We Talk Cars—why I decided to expand beyond trucks, what we've learned from listening to our audience, and how that feedback shaped an entirely new automotive media outlet.
I also explain how Pickup Truck Plus SUV Talk and We Talk Cars will work together, why we're doubling down on reliability reporting, buyer's guides, engineering interviews, comparisons, and practical reviews, and why I believe today's automotive media has lost sight of what real consumers actually need.
This isn't just the launch of another website. It's the next step in building an independent automotive media company focused on serving enthusiasts and everyday buyers with honest, practical information.
Thanks for being part of this journey. None of this would have been possible without your support over the last decade.
Check out We Talk Cars: https://wetalkcars.com
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GM has finally revealed the all-new 2027 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500, and in this episode I explain why I'm planning to buy one. But before I sign on the dotted line, there are several important questions I need answered.
I dive into the new V8 engines, whether GM has finally addressed the lifter reliability concerns, Trail Mode versus 4-Lo, the return of the Duramax diesel, the redesigned interior, and why improved seat comfort matters far more than another giant touchscreen.
I also recap the biggest truck news of the week, including the Ram Hemi's surprising return, the Slate electric pickup, and the latest reliability stories from Pickup Truck Plus SUV Talk.
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Only two 2026 pickup trucks earned IIHS safety awards this year, and the top winner is probably not the truck most traditional buyers expected. The Tesla Cybertruck earned the only Top Safety Pick+ award, while the Toyota Tundra was the only pickup to earn Top Safety Pick.
In this week’s Pickup Truck Talk news recap, Cory breaks down the latest IIHS truck safety results, where Ford, Chevy and Ram landed, and why the newest testing standards made the list so short. Also in the news: eight new SRT trucks and SUVs may be coming, Jeep could bring back the Scrambler with HEMI power, a Toyota Tundra engine teardown supports the manufacturing debris explanation, we grade our 2027 Chevy Silverado predictions, Ford teases a cheaper EV pickup, and we have a quick Father’s Day gift reminder for truck dads.
#PickupTruckTalk #TruckNews #Cybertruck #ToyotaTundra #IIHS
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This 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
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#TruckNews #Ram1500 #Hemi #HurricaneEngine #PickupTruckTalk #TruckPodcast #RamTrucks #PickupTrucks #AutomotiveNews #TimEsterdahl
The 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 #SUVNews
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This 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 news
Let me know in the comments:
Would you buy a Nissan Frontier over a Toyota Tacoma?
#NissanFrontier #ToyotaTundra #TruckNews #PickupTruckTalk #Nissan #Toyota #Frontier #Tundra #TruckProblems #TruckReliability
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Toyota 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 know
The 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.