Talking Cars (MP3)

Become a member at https://CR.org/joinviaYT to find out how each vehicle we purchase performs in our tests.

Mitsubishi's three-row compact SUV gets a plug-in hybrid version for 2023. We share our first impressions of the 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (is it pronounced P-HEV, or FEV?), discuss its new powertrain, driving characteristics, and how its electric range compares to other popular plug-in hybrids like the Toyota RAV4 Prime, Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage. We also help someone from our audience choose a comfortable, dependable, and fuel efficient hybrid vehicle that's great for long road trips.

SHOW NOTES

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00:00 - Introduction

00:13 - First Impressions : 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

18:21 - Question: What is a great hybrid vehicle for long trips that is comfortable, dependable, and fuel efficient?

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2023 Mitsubishi Outlander

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/mitsubishi/outlander/2023/overview/

First Drive: The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander Is Ready to Be Relevant

https://www.consumerreports.org/suvs/2022-mitsubishi-outlander-review-a1828625346/

Hybrids & EVs

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/

Guide to Car Safety

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-guide-to-car-safety/

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Have a question for our experts? Leave a comment on this episode, or reach out to us directly!

From your iOS device, iMessage us at [email protected] to send a photo, video, or text directly to the Talking Cars team!

We love to feature our viewers on the show, so submit video questions at https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-talking-cars/

Subscribe to Talking Cars on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Jr8wJRJyN9v8T6LC1fQQ6

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

To find out how products scored in CR's rigorous lab tests—and to access our comprehensive ratings for items you use every day—become a member. CR is a mission-driven, independent, nonprofit organization. Join now at https://www.CR.org/join

Check out https://www.ConsumerReports.org for the latest reviews, tips, and recommendations and subscribe to our YouTube Channel: http://bit.ly/1Nlb1Ez

Follow Us on Social:

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What are the best cars you can buy right now? The Consumer Reports Top Picks list is a collection of cars, SUVs, and trucks with standout performance across the board. Each represents a key vehicle segment and shines for its combination of road test performance, reliability, owner satisfaction, and safety, garnering a high-enough Overall Score to earn a coveted CR recommendation. We discuss the cars that made it to the top of the list, trends we're noticing in the automotive industry, and other interesting insights from our Autos Spotlight coverage.

SHOW NOTES

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00:00 - Introduction

00:13 - Top Picks Introduction

02:57 - Hybrid Trends

05:09 - Price Comparisons Between Hybrids and Gas Engine Vehicles

08:41 - Toyota and Lexus Trends

11:04 - New Car Models

12:03 - The Venerable

13:19 - Electric Vehicles

15:34 - Question: Why does the CR overall reliability score change over time?

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Cars

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/

Which Car Brands Make the Best Vehicles?

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

Best and Worst New Cars

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/best-and-worst-new-cars-a9664336148/

Best Cars of the Year: 10 Top Picks of 2023

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/best-cars-of-the-year-10-top-picks-of-2023-a8846595830/

Hot, New Electric Cars That Are Coming Soon

https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/hot-new-electric-cars-are-coming-soon-a1000197429/

Will an Electric Car Save You Money?

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/will-an-electric-car-save-you-money-a9436870083/

Guide to Car Safety

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-guide-to-car-safety/

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Subscribe to Talking Cars on Apple Podcasts!

Video version: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/talking-cars-hq/id630839767?mt=2

Audio version: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/talking-cars-mp3/id630831189?mt=2

Have a question for our experts? Leave a comment on this episode, or reach out to us directly!

From your iOS device, iMessage us at [email protected] to send a photo, video, or text directly to the Talking Cars team!

We love to feature our viewers on the show, so submit video questions at https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-talking-cars/

Subscribe to Talking Cars on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Jr8wJRJyN9v8T6LC1fQQ6

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

To find out how products scored in CR's rigorous lab tests—and to access our comprehensive ratings for items you use every day—become a member. CR is a mission-driven, independent, nonprofit organization. Join now at https://www.CR.org/join

Check out https://www.ConsumerReports.org for the latest reviews, tips, and recommendations and subscribe to our YouTube Channel: http://bit.ly/1Nlb1Ez

Follow Us on Social:

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Pinterest: http://bit.ly/1P37mM9

Become a member at https://CR.org/joinviaYT to find out how each vehicle we purchase performs in our tests.

Reviving a nameplate that hasn't been used in the US since 1972, the Toyota Crown is the Japanese automaker's attempt to bridge the gap between sedans and SUVs. But the question remains: is that something drivers are looking for? We share our first impressions of the Crown's unique styling, hybrid powertrain, and whether it's a suitable replacement for the dearly departed Toyota Avalon. We also discuss a viewer's issues with trying to fix their car's software issues and glitches with a dealership mechanic.

SHOW NOTES

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00:00 - Introduction

00:13 - First Impressions: 2023 Toyota Crown

18:19 - Question: It seems that mechanics have a hard time diagnosing issues with electronics, will that increase with electric vehicles?

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2023 Toyota Crown Reinvents the Modern Sedan

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/2023-toyota-crown-review-a1002681250/

2023 Toyota Crown

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/toyota/crown/2023/overview/

Guide to Car Safety

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-guide-to-car-safety/

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

Have a question for our experts? Leave a comment on this episode, or reach out to us directly!

From your iOS device, iMessage us at [email protected] to send a photo, video, or text directly to the Talking Cars team!

We love to feature our viewers on the show, so submit video questions at https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-talking-cars/

Subscribe to Talking Cars on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Jr8wJRJyN9v8T6LC1fQQ6

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

To find out how products scored in CR's rigorous lab tests—and to access our comprehensive ratings for items you use every day—become a member. CR is a mission-driven, independent, nonprofit organization. Join now at https://www.CR.org/join

Check out https://www.ConsumerReports.org for the latest reviews, tips, and recommendations and subscribe to our YouTube Channel: http://bit.ly/1Nlb1Ez

Follow Us on Social:

TikTok: https://bit.ly/3BVzGR9

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Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1IQ2w5q

Twitter: http://bit.ly/1Yf5Fh2

Pinterest: http://bit.ly/1P37mM9

Become a member at https://CR.org/joinviaYT to find out how each vehicle we purchase performs in our tests.

The Inflation Reduction Act has introduced a number of tax incentives for those who want to drive or lease an electric vehicle, but making sense of which vehicles qualify has proven difficult. In this bonus episode, our experts explain all the current rules for new, used, and leased EVs or hybrids, and how to take full advantage of the program.

SHOW NOTES

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00:00 - Introduction

01:07 - What's new with the EV Federal Tax Credit.

01:47 - 200,000 Vehicle Cap.

02:27 - Income Caps.

03:03 - County of origin restrictions.

04:03 - Foreign Entity of Concern Rule.

04:57 - EV purchase walkthrough.

06:44 - How auto manufacturers are making their cars qualify for the Tax Credit.

08:00 - Why is the EV Tax Credit so complicated?

09:46 - Taking advantage of the Tax Credit when leasing.

10:39 - EV Tax Credit for commercial vehicles.

13:07 - Used EV Tax Credit.

14:50 - The bottom line.

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Electric Cars and Plug-In Hybrids That Qualify for Tax Credits Under the Inflation Reduction Act

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/electric-cars-plug-in-hybrids-that-qualify-for-tax-credits-a7820795671/

More SUVs, Teslas Now Qualify for the New Electric Vehicle Tax Credit

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/electric-vehicles-that-qualify-for-new-ev-tax-credit-a9310530660/

Electric Vehicle Savings Finder

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/ev-incentive-finder/

New Cars You Can Count On: Highlights From Consumer Reports' Latest Car Reliability Survey

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/new-cars-you-can-count-on-latest-car-reliability-survey-a9891586663/

Guide to Car Safety

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-guide-to-car-safety/

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

Have a question for our experts? Leave a comment on this episode, or reach out to us directly!

From your iOS device, iMessage us at [email protected] to send a photo, video, or text directly to the Talking Cars team!

We love to feature our viewers on the show, so submit video questions at https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-talking-cars/

Subscribe to Talking Cars on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Jr8wJRJyN9v8T6LC1fQQ6

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

To find out how products scored in CR's rigorous lab tests—and to access our comprehensive ratings for items you use every day—become a member. CR is a mission-driven, independent, nonprofit organization. Join now at https://www.CR.org/join

Check out https://www.ConsumerReports.org for the latest reviews, tips, and recommendations and subscribe to our YouTube Channel: http://bit.ly/1Nlb1Ez

Follow Us on Social:

TikTok: https://bit.ly/3BVzGR9

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Twitter: http://bit.ly/1Yf5Fh2

Pinterest: http://bit.ly/1P37mM9

Become a member at https://CR.org/joinviaYT to find out how each vehicle we purchase performs in our tests.

The Toyota Prius has always been known for its polarizing styling and undeniable fuel economy. But the new 2023 Prius changes that equation, and now features much sleeker styling, but without a great leap forward in fuel efficiency. In this episode, we share our first impressions of the 2023 Toyota Prius' redesigned cabin, our early fuel economy experiences, and whether legacy fans of the Prius' quirky vibe will be turned off by this new version.

SHOW NOTES -----------------------------------

00:00 - Introduction

00:15 - First Impressions: 2023 Toyota Prius

25:26 - Question: Are vehicle trip computers accurate, and what is the most precise way to calculate MPG?

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

Subscribe to Talking Cars on Apple Podcasts!

Video version: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/talking-cars-hq/id630839767?mt=2

Audio version: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/talking-cars-mp3/id630831189?mt=2

Have a question for our experts? Leave a comment on this episode, or reach out to us directly! From your iOS device, iMessage us at [email protected] to send a photo, video, or text directly to the Talking Cars team! We love to feature our viewers on the show, so submit video questions at https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-talking-cars/

Subscribe to Talking Cars on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Jr8wJRJyN9v8T6LC1fQQ6

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

Redesigned 2023 Toyota Prius Trades Practicality for Style https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/2023-toyota-prius-review-a1192095682/

2023 Toyota Prius https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/toyota/prius/2023/overview/

Guide to Car Safety https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-guide-to-car-safety/

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

CR is a mission-driven, independent, nonprofit organization. Check out https://www.CR.org for the latest reviews, tips, and recommendations and subscribe to our YouTube Channel: http://bit.ly/1Nlb1Ez

Follow Us on Social:

TikTok: https://bit.ly/3BVzGR9

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Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1IQ2w5q

Twitter: http://bit.ly/1Yf5Fh2

Pinterest: http://bit.ly/1P37mM9

Become a member at https://CR.org/joinviaYT to find out how each vehicle we purchase performs in our tests.

The Lexus RX has served as a benchmark for refined, stress-free, midsized luxury SUVs for more than two decades. We recently purchased our own to put through our tests at the Consumer Reports Auto Test track, and share our first impressions of its driving characteristics, controls, how it stacks up against competitors like the BMW X5 and Audi Q7, and whether it maintains its solid reputation. We also discuss whether you should bring your vehicle to the dealer for software updates.

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

Have a question for our experts? Leave a comment on this episode, or reach out to us directly!

From your iOS device, iMessage us at [email protected] to send a photo, video, or text directly to the Talking Cars team!

We love to feature our viewers on the show, so submit video questions at https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-talking-cars/

Subscribe to Talking Cars on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Jr8wJRJyN9v8T6LC1fQQ6

SHOW NOTES

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

00:00 - Introduction

00:14 - First Impressions: 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid

23:19 - Question: Should you bother your dealer to check and perform software updates on your vehicle?

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2023 Lexus RX Hybrid

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/lexus/rx-hybrid/2023/overview/

Redesigned 2023 Lexus RX Ticks Up on Luxury and Sport

https://www.consumerreports.org/suvs/2023-lexus-rx-review-a9838921352/

Electric Cars and Plug-In Hybrids That Qualify for Tax Credits Under the Inflation Reduction Act

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/electric-cars-plug-in-hybrids-that-qualify-for-tax-credits-a7820795671/

Guide to Car Safety

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-guide-to-car-safety/

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

To find out how products scored in CR's rigorous lab tests—and to access our comprehensive ratings for items you use every day—become a member. CR is a mission-driven, independent, nonprofit organization. Join now at https://www.CR.org/join

Check out https://www.ConsumerReports.org for the latest reviews, tips, and recommendations and subscribe to our YouTube Channel: http://bit.ly/1Nlb1Ez

Follow Us on Social:

TikTok: https://bit.ly/3BVzGR9

Instagram: http://bit.ly/1I49Bzo

Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1IQ2w5q

Twitter: http://bit.ly/1Yf5Fh2

Pinterest: http://bit.ly/1P37mM9

Become a member at https://CR.org/joinviaYT to find out how each vehicle we purchase performs in our tests.

On this episode, we share our first impressions of the 2023 Kia Niro Electric. Find out how the Niro compares to its corporate EV siblings, the Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5, and how subtle changes affect the driver's experience. We also answer a question about all-wheel-drive EVs in winter driving conditions.

SHOW NOTES:

0:00 - Intro

0:15 - 2023 Kia Niro Electric

3:34 - Driving impressions

6:54 - Regenerative braking

8:47 - Visibility and the Aeroblade

10:43 - Interior controls

13:18 - Accommodations/floor height

15:22 - Which Kia EV/hybrid would we choose?

18:20 - Question: Which EV system has better traction in winter driving conditions?

LINKS:

Preview: 2023 Kia Niro Trio Make Evolutionary Advancements: https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/2023-kia-niro-review-a1734527338/

Kia Niro Electric: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/kia/niro-electric/

Automakers Are Adding Electric Vehicles to Their Lineups. Here's What's Coming: https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/why-electric-cars-may-soon-flood-the-us-market-a9006292675/#7

Become a member at https://CR.org/joinviaYT to find out how each vehicle we purchase performs in our tests.

This week, we discuss the new Toyota Highlander. Our experts share their first impressions of the three-row SUV and talk about how the Highlander sticks to what it does best, despite its 2023 refresh. We also answer audience questions about top tier gasoline and why the Genesis GV70 SUV comes with a launch control feature.

SHOW NOTES:

0:00 - Intro

0:21 - 2023 Toyota Highlander

2:12 - Highlander trims

4:34 - Our first impressions

8:28 - Powertrain

10:19 - Interior/seats

12:18 - Infotainment system

13:27 - Cargo capacity

15:03 - Would you buy a Highlander?

16:48 - Question #1: What's top tier gas and is it important?

20:50 - Question #2: What's launch control and is it necessary?

LINKS:

2023 Toyota Highlander: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/toyota/highlander/2023/overview/

Top Tier Gasoline Worth the Extra Price; Study Shows: https://www.consumerreports.org/fuel-economy-efficiency/top-tier-gasoline-worth-the-extra-price-a7682471234/

Top Tier Detergent Gasoline Brands: https://toptiergas.com/licensed-brands/

Why You Might Not actually Need Premium Gas: https://www.consumerreports.org/fuel-economy-efficiency/why-you-might-not-actually-need-premium-gas-a6382185831/

You'd be forgiven for thinking that if a car is electric, it has to have a minimalist design, with weird door handles and every function controlled through a touchscreen. But the BMW i4 both looks and feels very much like a traditional sports car. But is that a good thing? We discuss the BMW i4 M50 we purchased for our test program, how it performs on our track, its questionable range, whether it carries on the "ultimate driving machine" lineage of its parent company, and how it compares to EV competitors from Tesla, Genesis, and Hyundai.

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

Have a question for our experts? Leave a comment on this episode, or reach out to us directly!

From your iOS device, iMessage us at [email protected] to send a photo, video, or text directly to the Talking Cars team!

We love to feature our viewers on the show, so submit video questions at https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-talking-cars/

Subscribe to Talking Cars on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Jr8wJRJyN9v8T6LC1fQQ6

SHOW NOTES

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

00:00 - Introduction

00:13 - First Impressions: 2023 BMW i4

15:12 - Question: Why is there an additional plastic cover on all DC fast charging ports?

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2023 BMW i4

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/bmw/i4/2023/overview/

Move Over Tesla, the Electric 2022 BMW i4 Is Impressive

https://www.consumerreports.org/hybridsevs/2022-bmw-i4-review-a6698677397/

Electric Cars and Plug-In Hybrids That Qualify for Tax Credits Under the Inflation Reduction Act

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/electric-cars-plug-in-hybrids-that-qualify-for-tax-credits-a7820795671/

Guide to Car Safety

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-guide-to-car-safety/

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

To find out how products scored in CR's rigorous lab tests—and to access our comprehensive ratings for items you use every day—become a member. CR is a mission-driven, independent, nonprofit organization. Join now at https://www.CR.org/join

Check out https://www.ConsumerReports.org for the latest reviews, tips, and recommendations and subscribe to our YouTube Channel: http://bit.ly/1Nlb1Ez

Follow Us on Social:

TikTok: https://bit.ly/3BVzGR9

Instagram: http://bit.ly/1I49Bzo

Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1IQ2w5q

Twitter: http://bit.ly/1Yf5Fh2

Pinterest: http://bit.ly/1P37mM9

Become a member at https://CR.org/joinviaYT to find out more about our tests.

On this episode, we recap 2022 and share our personal picks for the best and worst cars we tested this year. We also discuss the biggest trends in the auto industry, including the evolution of electric vehicles, infotainment customization and smartphone apps that enhance the ownership experience. We share what we're most looking forward to in the year ahead.

SHOW NOTES:

0:00 - Intro

1:18 - Favorite car tested in 2022

4:54 - Least favorite care tested in 2022

9:49 - Biggest surprise or disappointment

13:40 - Best looking test car of 2022

17:36 - Vehicle most likely to succeed

20:27 - Best/worst interior

22:16 - Best/worst infotainment

24:37 - Favorite trend of the year

27:28 - Cars we wish would come back

29:40 - Car the we wish would go away

33:23 - Most sought after test car among CR staff

34:05 - Which test car spent the most time at the dealer?

35:59 - Looking ahead to 2023

LINKS:

Top Picks in Autos for 2022: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/top-picks-in-autos-2022-a2329638847/

10 Most Reliable Cars: consumerreports.org/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/10-most-reliable-cars-a6569295379/

Gift guide for Car Lovers: https://www.consumerreports.org/gift-giving/gift-guide-for-car-lovers-a9537905852/