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Live from the Washington, DC Auto Show at Public Policy Day 2026, Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier sit down with Alex Kwanten, Managing Editor of U.S. News Autos, to unpack what “affordable” really means in today’s car market. Fresh off presenting U.S. News’ annual Best Cars for the Money awards, Kwanten explains how affordability goes far beyond sticker price—factoring in transaction prices, insurance, fuel, maintenance, and long-term ownership costs that most shoppers overlook.

Drawing on deep experience covering both the media and retail sides of the industry, Kwanten shares which vehicles truly deliver value, why hybrids are exploding in relevance, and how buyers can lower monthly expenses without sacrificing quality. From the Kia Niro’s standout value to the surprising affordability of the Chevy Equinox EV—and the hidden insurance costs of premium EVs—this episode offers a grounded, data-backed look at how consumers can actually win in a market that still feels intimidating.

Timestamped Takeaways

0:00 – Live From the DC Auto Show at Public Policy Day 2026

0:36 – Why Affordability Means More Than Sticker Price

1:10 – How U.S. News Calculates “Best Cars for the Money”

1:49 – What Really Drives Long-Term Cost of Ownership

2:10 – Service, Insurance, and Fuel Are the Big Three

3:13 – Why the Awards Expanded to More Hybrid Categories

3:53 – The Kia Niro: One of the Best Values in the Market

4:58 – Why Hybrids Can Lower Monthly Costs Over Time

5:35 – When EVs Are Actually the Cheapest Option

6:40 – How Where You Live Changes EV Economics

7:45 – The Chevy Equinox EV Surprise

8:49 – Why Teslas Are So Expensive to Insure

9:51 – Technology, Repairs, and Insurance Risk

Connect with Alex Kwanten at https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexkwanten/

See all the Winners of the Best Cars For the Money Awards: https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/best-cars-for-the-money

Public Policy Day 2026 is brought to you by Saferide. Learn more at Saferide.ai: https://www.saferide.ai/

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