Talking Cars (MP3)

This week, we're talking all about the 2026 Lexus ES Hybrid. We share our first impressions of this perennial CR favorite, discuss how it stacks up against its all-new EV twin, the Lexus ES 500e, and debate whether the 2026 redesign offers enough improvements over older, popular (and reliable) models from Toyota/Lexus. We also answer questions about the risks of buying a redesigned car in its first production year and about how child seat technology, seat belts, and driving habits have changed over the last 60 years.

SHOW NOTES:

0:10 - Intro

0:25 - 2026 Lexus ES Hybrid, Overview

1:30 - Pricing

1:55 - First Impressions

7:13 - Hybrid system quirks

11:20 - Driving & Interior characteristics

16:00 - Infotainment system

19:05 - Beeps & safety systems

22:26 - Lexus ES 350 Hybrid vs. Toyota Avalon

34:02 - Question #1: Is it safe to buy a vehicle in the first year of production?

42:02 - Question #2 (video): How have cars become safer for child passengers when you compare data from the 1960's to today?

LINKS:

Review: The Redesigned Lexus ES Hybrid Is in Its Soft Era: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/lexus-es-hybrid-review-a1014364803/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

2026 Lexus ES Hybrid: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/lexus/es-hybrid/2026/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

2026 Lexus ES EV: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/lexus/es/2026/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Test Results: 2026 Toyota Crown: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/toyota/crown/2026/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Test Results: 2026 Mazda CX-5: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/mazda/cx-5/2026/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Test Results: 2026 BMW X3: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/bmw/x3/2026/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

On this episode we share our first impressions of the 2026 Toyota RAV4 Woodland, the new hybrid SUV with all-terrain tires, extra ground clearance, and a more outdoorsy look. Is it a smart upgrade for rough roads and city potholes—or mostly a styling package? Plus, we answer an audience question about which dealership add-ons are worth considering and which ones you should skip.

Join CR at https://CR.org/joinviaYT to access our comprehensive ratings for items you use every day. CR is a mission-driven, independent, nonprofit organization.

SHOW NOTES

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00:00 - Intro

00:16 Overview: 2026 Toyota RAV4 Woodland

02:10 What Is an "Off-Road" SUV Trim?

05:08 How the RAV4 Woodland Drives

06:00 Hybrid Powertrain, Performance & Fuel Economy

09:46 All-Terrain Tires: Handling, Noise & Ride

14:15 Driver Comfort

15:49 Infotainment and Controls

18:20 Driver-Monitoring System

20:31 Woodland Styling

23:59 Is the Woodland Worth the Extra Cost?

29:02 Audience Question: Are Dealer Add-Ons Worth It?

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Test Results: 2026 Toyota RAV4

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/toyota/rav4/2026/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Who Makes the Most Reliable New Cars?

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/who-makes-the-most-reliable-cars-a7824554938/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

How to Find the Best SUV

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/buying-guide/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Which Brands Make the Best Cars?

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/cars-driving/which-car-brands-make-the-best-vehicles-a6159221985/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

7 Questions to Ask at the Dealership

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/buying-a-car/questions-to-ask-before-you-buy-a-car-a6387933582/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

How to Avoid Unnecessary Car-Buying Fees

https://www.consumerreports.org/money/fees-billing/how-to-avoid-car-buying-fees-a7209896255/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Just Say No to These Car Dealership Extras

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/buying-a-car/just-say-no-to-these-car-dealership-extras-a9471188276/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

[email protected]

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/cars-driving/talking-cars-podcast-archive-a1439738009/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

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Consumer Reports experts: Mike Monticello, Mike Crossen, Jeff Bartlett

On this week's episode, we discuss the Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness to find out whether its rugged styling, lifted suspension, all-terrain tires, and added features are worth paying $7,000 more than a base Crosstrek. We examine its off-road capability, on-road compromises, fuel economy, noise, safety features, and whether this soft-roader is actually the right choice. Plus, we answer an audience question about whether a lightly used Volvo EX90 at half its original price is a bargain—or a risky bet.

Join CR at https://CR.org/joinviaYT to access our comprehensive ratings for items you use every day. CR is a mission-driven, independent, nonprofit organization.

SHOW NOTES

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0:00 - Intro

00:37 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness Overview

01:43 What Makes the Wilderness Different?

03:17 Road Noise, Ride & Handling

05:16 Off-Road Capability

07:11 Fuel Economy, Towing & Trade-Offs

08:06 Wilderness Price and Features

09:27 Safety Features and What's Missing

11:03 Crosstrek Wilderness Styling

13:16 Why Soft-Roaders Are So Popular

14:24 Is the Crosstrek Good for Camping?

15:41 Is the Wilderness Worth the Extra Money?

18:49 Audience Question: Used Volvo EX90 Bargain?

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Test Results: 2026 Subaru Crosstrek

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/subaru/crosstrek/2026/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/subaru/crosstrek-hybrid/2026/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Who Makes the Most Reliable New Cars?

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/who-makes-the-most-reliable-cars-a7824554938/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

How to Find the Best SUV

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/buying-guide/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Which Brands Make the Best Cars?

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/cars-driving/which-car-brands-make-the-best-vehicles-a6159221985/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

[email protected]

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/cars-driving/talking-cars-podcast-archive-a1439738009/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

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Consumer Reports experts: Jon Linkov, Avri Wyshogrod, Maddie McCarty

In this episode, Consumer Reports' resident 'tire guys' break down everything you need to know about winter tires. We discuss the differences among every tire category on the market, the conditions best suited to each segment, how to prep your vehicle for winter, and how our test program works. Find out which tires will work best for you and what to avoid when it's time to buy new tires for your car. We also answer a question about the use case for studded snow tires and how tire chains can help drivers in extreme climates.

SHOW NOTES:

0:36 - Intro

1:12 - Winter car prep tips

5:17 - When is it time for new tires?

7:00 - Tire buying tips

9:50 - Winter tire availability & installation

12:17 - Winter tires and road noise

13:09 - Tire categories

18:51 - Tire replacement & rotation

20:25 - Winter traction evaluation

23:48 - Ice testing

35:09 - Audience question: Are studded snow tires worth it?

LINKS:

Send a Question to Talking Cars: https://www.consumerreports.org/talkingcars/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Winter Car Prep Tips: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-repair-maintenance/keep-car-in-peak-condition-during-freezing-winter-weather-a5638747903/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Winter Driving Survival Guide: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/winter-driving/winter-driving-tips-from-consumer-reports-experts-a8223951679/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

When to Replace Your Tires: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/tires/when-to-replace-your-tires-a3107469842/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Best All-Weather Tires: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/tires/best-all-weather-tires-a8621335540/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Best SUV & Truck Tires: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/tires/best-suv-and-truck-tires-a3436694441//?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

This week, we share our first impressions of the 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid—the first hybrid version of Kia's popular three-row SUV. We discuss its 329-hp hybrid powertrain, improved fuel economy, quiet and comfortable ride, controls, front-seat comfort, and how it compares with the closely related Hyundai Palisade Hybrid. Plus, we answer an audience question about choosing a luxurious, fuel-efficient three-row SUV for long highway trips.

Join CR at https://CR.org/joinviaYT to access our comprehensive ratings for items you use every day. CR is a mission-driven, independent, nonprofit organization.

SHOW NOTES

-----------------------------------

0:00 - Intro

00:47 - 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid Overview

03:30 - Hybrid Powertrain

08:13 - Telluride Hybrid vs. Hyundai Palisade Hybrid

09:56 - Low-Speed Hybrid Hiccups and Transmission Behavior

12:43 - Fuel Economy: 31 MPG vs. 20 MPG

13:43 - Ride Comfort, Handling, and Wheel Size

15:46 - Interior Storage and Everyday Usability

16:54 - Climate Controls and Infotainment

20:57 - Roomy Cabin, Convenient Features, and Door Handles

23:00 - Front-Seat Comfort and Driving Position

27:32 - Which Hyundai/Kia Three-Row SUV Would We Choose?

30:55 - Audience Question: Best Luxury Three-Row SUV for Long Commutes

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Test Results: 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/kia/telluride-hybrid/2027/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

2027 Kia Telluride

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/kia/telluride/2027/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Most and Least Satisfying Hybrids, Plug-In Hybrids, and EVs

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/most-and-least-satisfying-electric-vehicles-and-hybrids-a2825600877/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Which Brands Make the Best Cars?

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/cars-driving/which-car-brands-make-the-best-vehicles-a6159221985/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Who Makes the Most Reliable New Cars?

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/who-makes-the-most-reliable-cars-a7824554938/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Find an Efficient Vehicle That's Right for You

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/buying-guide/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

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Consumer Reports experts: Mike Monticello, Joe Veselak, Jeff Bartlett

In this all-questions episode of Talking Cars, our experts answer questions on selling a used car online, how to get the most life out of directional tires, storing fuel in a plug-in hybrid, how hybrid engines work, and more. Plus, the rear-wiper saga continues, and we explain why most rear wipers are mounted below the glass on vehicle hatches. Have a question for our experts? Send it to [email protected] to be featured on a future episode.

SHOW NOTES:

0:00 - Intro

1:16 - Question #1 (video): How to sell your car online

6:39 - Question #2: What's the best strategy to get the most mileage out of directional tires?

8:39 - Question #3: Should you use fuel stabilizer in a PHEV?

11:10 - Question #4 (video): What is the Atkinson cycle and how does it work?

16:54 - Question #5: Will CR ever buy and test a VinFast?

22:17 - Question #6: Why are rear-mounted wipers attached to the bottom of the rear glass?

LINKS:

Send a Question to Talking Cars: https://www.consumerreports.org/talkingcars/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

How To Sell Your Car Online: https://www.consumerreports.org/money/selling-a-car/how-to-sell-your-car-to-an-online-retailer-a2790904993/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

First Drive: VinFast VF8: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/vinfast/vf-8/2025/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

VinFast Brand Overview: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/vinfast/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

On this week's episode, we share our first impressions of the 2026 Toyota RAV4 PHEV and explore whether the plug-in hybrid is worth its sizable price premium. With up to 54 miles of electric range, 324 horsepower, impressive fuel economy, and no EV range anxiety, it may be the most versatile RAV4 yet—but it still has a few frustrating compromises. Plus, we answer an audience question about whether a reliable, high-mileage vehicle is a smart choice for a teen driver.

Join CR at https://CR.org/joinviaYT to access our comprehensive ratings for items you use every day. CR is a mission-driven, independent, nonprofit organization.

SHOW NOTES

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0:00 - Intro

0:37 Overview: 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid

1:23 Is the PHEV Worth It?

6:14 Electric Range and Efficiency

9:31 Charging at Home

13:07 Ride and Handling

15:36 Acceleration and Power

19:15 Controls and Technology

27:02 Interior and Comfort

31:59 Reliability

35:45 Final Verdict

42:43 Viewer Question: Are High-Mileage Cars Safe for Teens?

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Test Results: 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/toyota/rav4-plug-in-hybrid/2026/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

First Drive: 2026 Toyota RAV4 PHEV Is Quick, Efficient, and Packed with Useful Tech

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/2026-toyota-rav4-phev-review-a1016340226/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Most and Least Satisfying Hybrids, Plug-In Hybrids, and EVs

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/most-and-least-satisfying-electric-vehicles-and-hybrids-a2825600877/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Which Brands Make the Best Cars?

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/cars-driving/which-car-brands-make-the-best-vehicles-a6159221985/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Who Makes the Most Reliable New Cars?

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/who-makes-the-most-reliable-cars-a7824554938/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Find an Efficient Vehicle That's Right for You

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/buying-guide/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Safest Car Brands Ranked by CR's Safety Verdict

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-safety/safest-car-brands-a1065426408/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

How Car Brands Stack Up on Repair Costs

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-maintenance/the-cost-of-car-ownership-a1854979198/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Best Used Cars and SUVs Under 10K

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/best-used-cars-suvs-under-10000-dollars-a8966344858/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

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Consumer Reports experts: Jon Linkov, Jake Fisher, Alex George

On this week's episode, we share our first impressions of the redesigned 2027 Kia Seltos, Kia's least expensive SUV. Its roomy interior, comfortable ride, bold styling, and user-friendly controls make it feel surprisingly mature—but the sluggish 147-hp base engine is a major disappointment. We discuss whether the pricey turbo is worth the upgrade or if buyers should wait for the upcoming hybrid. Plus, we answer an audience question about balancing the financial benefits of keeping an older car with the safety improvements found in newer models.

Consumer Reports experts: Alex Knizek, Jeff Bartlett, John Williams

Join CR at https://CR.org/joinviaYT to access our comprehensive ratings for items you use every day. CR is a mission-driven, independent, nonprofit organization.

SHOW NOTES

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0:00 - Intro

00:37 Overview: 2027 Kia Seltos

02:12 Mature Subcompact SUV

04:26 Ride Comfort and Handling

07:20 The Engine

08:43 Is the Turbo Worth it?

09:58 Upcoming Hybrid

12:39 Infotainment

14:23 Climate Controls and Interior Design Quirks

18:13 Door Handles

20:27 Interior Space, Cargo Room, and Rear Seats

22:12 Seat Comfort and Head Restraint Problems

25:29 Interior Quality

27:22 Audience Question: When Should You Replace an Older Car?

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Test Results: 2027 Kia Seltos

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/kia/seltos/2027/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Most and Least Satisfying Hybrids, Plug-In Hybrids, and EVs

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/most-and-least-satisfying-electric-vehicles-and-hybrids-a2825600877/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Which Brands Make the Best Cars?

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/cars-driving/which-car-brands-make-the-best-vehicles-a6159221985/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Who Makes the Most Reliable New Cars?

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/who-makes-the-most-reliable-cars-a7824554938/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Popular Small SUVs to Avoid and What to Buy Instead

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/popular-small-suvs-to-avoid-and-what-to-buy-instead-a1273704153/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Find the Safest New Car Using CR's Safety Verdict

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-safety/how-to-find-safest-new-car-using-crs-safety-verdict-a3169270635/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Safest Car Brands Ranked by CR's Safety Verdict

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-safety/safest-car-brands-a1065426408/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

On this week's episode, we share our first impressions of the 2026 Toyota BZ Woodland, a 375-hp all-wheel-drive EV that promises more space, extra ground clearance, and a little off-road attitude. But is the Woodland really built for the wilderness—or is it better thought of as a quick, practical electric station wagon? We discuss its surprising acceleration, EPA-rated range, cargo area, infotainment and controls, and overly sensitive driver-monitoring system. Plus, we answer an audience question about why cars don't have automatic rain-sensing rear wipers, which turned into a debate over whether cars really need rear windshield wipers at all.

Join CR at https://CR.org/joinviaYT to access our comprehensive ratings for items you use every day. CR is a mission-driven, independent, nonprofit organization.

SHOW NOTES

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0:00 - Intro

00:36 Overview: 2026 Toyota bZ Woodland

01:18 What Does "Woodland" Actually Mean?

03:35 Toyota and Subaru's Growing EV Family

04:47 Performance

06:05 Interior Quality, Controls, and Usability

09:24 Driving Position and Storage

12:05 Cargo Space

14:13 Is the bZ Woodland an Electric Subaru Outback?

15:53 Toyota's Infotainment

18:20 Instrument Cluster

21:09 Phone Connectivity

24:40 All-Terrain Tires

25:19 Are "Off-Road" Trims Worth It?

28:14 Safety and Driver Assistance Features

33:41 Audience Question: Why No Rain-Sensing Rear Wipers?

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Test Results: 2026 Toyota bZ Woodland

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/toyota/bz-woodland/2026/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

2026 Toyota bZ

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/toyota/bz/2026/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Popular Electric Vehicles to Avoid and What to Get Instead

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/electric-vehicles-to-avoid-and-the-evs-to-get-instead-a6654236864/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Best Electric Cars of 2026, According to Consumer Reports' Tests

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/best-electric-vehicles-from-consumer-reports-tests-a3759669425/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Most and Least Satisfying Hybrids, Plug-In Hybrids, and EVs

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/most-and-least-satisfying-electric-vehicles-and-hybrids-a2825600877/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Most Reliable Used Electric Vehicles

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/most-reliable-used-electric-vehicles-a8864540677/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

On this week's episode, after 30 years and roughly $6 million spent buying cars for Consumer Reports, Mike Quincy shares his best car-buying advice, worst dealership experiences, and the tricks and fees buyers should watch out for. Plus, a surprise guest drops in to help send him off before he takes one final ride into retirement.

Join CR at https://CR.org/joinviaYT to access our comprehensive ratings for items you use every day. CR is a mission-driven, independent, nonprofit organization.

SHOW NOTES

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0:00 - Intro

00:41 – Mike Quincy's Last Ride

02:08 – 171 Cars and $6 Million: Mike's Car-Buying Career

04:48 – The Most Memorable Cars Mike Bought

08:27 – How Car Buying Has Changed Over the Years

13:28 – What's Better—and Worse—About Buying a Car Today

16:00 – How to Handle the Finance Office

20:27 – Mike's Worst Dealership Experiences

28:02 – The Best Car-Buying Experiences

33:23 – What Car Will Mike Buy for Retirement?

37:15 – Looking Back on 30 Years at Consumer Reports

37:29 – A Surprise Guest Joins the Podcast

43:56 – What Mike Will Miss Most

46:42 – Buying a New Car Should Be Exciting

51:10 – Mike Quincy's Final Sign-Off

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How to Spot and Avoid Unnecessary Car-Buying Fees

https://www.consumerreports.org/money/fees-billing/how-to-avoid-car-buying-fees-a7209896255/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

What to Know Before Buying a Car: 7 Questions to Ask at the Dealership

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/buying-a-car/questions-to-ask-before-you-buy-a-car-a6387933582/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

How to Buy a New Car in Today's Challenging, High-Priced Market

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/buying-a-car/how-to-buy-a-car-in-todays-challenging-market-a7648220054/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Which Brands Make the Best Cars?

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/cars-driving/which-car-brands-make-the-best-vehicles-a6159221985/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Who Makes the Most Reliable New Cars?

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/who-makes-the-most-reliable-cars-a7824554938/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Find an Efficient Vehicle That's Right for You

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/buying-guide/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT