Consumer Reports experts answer audience questions about CVTs and electric vehicles, including why simulated shifting exists, why the experts at Consumer Reports enjoy it, and how it affects performance and efficiency. We also explore the gap between reliability and owner satisfaction, with examples like the Rivian R1T and Rivian R1S, and what that means for car buyers, as well as current owners.

We also discuss alternatives to traditional car rental companies, including peer-to-peer services like Turo and Sixt, and if you can avoid getting a bad car from the vague categories rental places use.

Plus, we share advice on shopping for the best used EV under $40,000, with models like the Ford F-150 Lightning, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Audi Q6 and A6 e-tron, Honda Prologue, and more.

SHOW NOTES:

00:00 - Intro

00:55 - Chad (Wichita, KS): Simulated Upshifts in Hybrids

05:34 - Joe: Rivian Reliability vs Owner Satisfaction

10:04 - Robert: Best Used EV Options (Audi vs Honda + Alternatives)

14:51 - Gordon (Atlanta, GA): Why Are Turn Signals Moving Lower?

18:20 - Daniel (Video Question): Is the Chevy Equinox EV Being Discontinued?

20:54 - Andrew (Video Question): Rental Car Hacks (Turo, Sixt, Categories)

26:44 - Outro & How to Submit Questions

LINKS:

Subaru Forester Hybrid Test Results: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/subaru/forester-hybrid/2026/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

2026 Owner Satisfaction Survey Results: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/most-and-least-liked-car-brands-a1291429338/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Best Used EVs: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/buying-a-used-electric-vehicle-what-to-know-a7139266510/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Chevrolet Equinox EV Test Results: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/chevrolet/equinox-ev/2026/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Best and Worst Rental Car Companies: https://www.consumerreports.org/money/car-travel/best-and-worst-car-rental-companies-a1417885044/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT