Talking Cars (MP3)

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

The Lucid Air is an ultra-luxury, all-electric sedan, built by the fledgling EV automaker to compete with other high-end EVs like the Tesla Model S and Porsche Taycan. We discuss its driving dynamics, interior quality, what technical improvements it adds to electric vehicles as a whole, and whether it might be worth its six-figure price tag. We also discuss the role low-rolling-resistance tires play in extending the range of an EV, and if it's a good idea to use regular tires on an electric car.

SHOW NOTES:

:15 - Lucid Air first impressions

14:40 - how much do low-rolling-resistance tires contribute to an EV's overall range?

LINKS:

Streamlined Lucid Air is an Electric Rocketship: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/lucid-air-review-a3737716714/

Electric Vehicles That Can Go More Than 250 Miles on a Charge: https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/electric-vehicles-that-can-go-more-than-250-miles-on-a-full-charge-a2189661367/

Low-Rolling-Resistance Tires Can Save You Money at the Pump: https://www.consumerreports.org/tires/low-rolling-resistance-tires-can-save-you-money-at-pump-a1547901110/

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

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

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

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

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

The 2023 BMW X1 redesign brings more features, room, and power, but does it have enough to compete with the Audi Q3, Lexus NX, Mercedes-Benz GLA, and other competitors in the entry-level luxury SUV segment? We discuss its driving characteristics, updated technology, cabin, and how much utility an SUV this size can really provide. Our experts also share tips on how to avoid MSRP dealer markups when car shopping, and give our picks for a reliable and fuel efficient family vehicle.

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

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 BMW X1

19:33 - Question: What is the best way to avoid MSRP dealer markups when shopping for a car?

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

Redesigned 2023 BMW X1 Grows in Size and Technology

https://www.consumerreports.org/suvs/2023-bmw-x1-review-a7535685549/

2023 BMW X1

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/bmw/x1/2023/overview/

How to Negotiate a New-Car Price Effectively

https://www.consumerreports.org/car-pricing-negotiation/how-to-negotiate-a-new-car-price-effectively-a8596856299/

How to Avoid Car-Buying Fees

https://www.consumerreports.org/fees-billing/how-to-avoid-car-buying-fees-a7209896255/

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 this car performs in our tests.

This week we discuss the all-new 2023 Nissan Ariya, the second electric vehicle to join the automaker's EV roster behind the Leaf. We discuss the extensive Ariya model lineup, how it stacks up against other electric car competitors like the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, Volkswagen ID.4, and Subaru Solterra. We also debate how future-proof the new Nissan may be, and answer an audience question about backup camera design.

SHOW NOTES:

0:00 - Intro

0:15 - Nissan EV History

4:41 - 2023 Nissan Ariya powertrains, range and charging

7:07 - Driving experience

13:31 - Interior

16:21 - Controls

20:39 - Nissan Ariya trim levels

25:22 - Question - Brian from Boston: Can backup camera design improve so that the camera lenses stay clean?

LINKS:

Preview: All-Electric 2023 Nissan Ariya Priced at $46,000: https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/2023-nissan-ariya-review-a7460569915/

2023 Nissan Ariya: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/nissan/ariya/

Electric Cars 101: The Answers to All Your EV Questions: https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/electric-cars-101-the-answers-to-all-your-ev-questions-a7130554728/

Become a member at https://CR.org/joinviaYT to find out how this car performs in our tests.

On this episode, we share our first impressions of the 2023 Honda CR-V. We cover the details of the CR-V's redesign, it's role in Honda's vehicle lineup and how its understated nature fits into a consumers life. We also answer a question about catalytic converter theft, and what you can do to protect your own vehicle.

SHOW NOTES:

0:00 - Intro

0:15 - Welcome Michael Crossen

1:07 - 2023 Honda CR-V

2:23 - First Impressions

4:42 - CR-V Evolution

5:55 - Vehicle controls

6:44 - Fit and finish

9:02 - Cabin and seating

12:15 - CR-V vs. HR-V

14:19 - Question: Can owners or automakers do more to deter catalytic converter theft?

LINKS:

First Drive: Redesigned 2023 Honda CR-V Sticks With Winning Formula: https://www.consumerreports.org/suvs/2023-honda-cr-v-review-a1196843568/

Redesigned 2023 Honda HR-V Grows in Size and Sophistication: https://www.consumerreports.org/suvs/2023-honda-hr-v-review-a5649305775/

SUV Buying Guide: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/buying-guide/

How to Prevent Catalytic Converter Theft: https://www.consumerreports.org/theft/how-to-prevent-catalytic-converter-theft-a6785016673/

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

What's the difference between all-season and all-weather tires? How are they different from winter tires? And do I need to bother if my car has all-wheel drive? On this episode, we explain the differences between each of these types of tires, which conditions they work best in, and offer Consumer Reports buying advice on how to make sure you're prepared for driving in icy, snowy weather. We also discuss the rising average price of a new car, and what role advanced safety features play in making vehicles more expensive.

SHOW NOTES:

:44 - what's the difference between each type of tire?

7:33 - how we test winter tires

12:25 - the best time to buy winter tires

15:04 - audience question: driving fatalities are up, why aren't advanced safety features helping?

LINKS:

Best Winter Tires from CR's Tests: https://www.consumerreports.org/winter-snow-tire/best-winter-snow-tires-a1191260310/

Best All-Season Tires: https://www.consumerreports.org/tires/best-all-season-tires-a9794563815/

Make Sure Your Tires Have Enough Tread for a Snowy Winter: https://www.consumerreports.org/tires/make-sure-your-tires-have-enough-tread-for-winter-a6082176624/

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

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 this car performs in our tests.

This week we cover everything you need to know about buying a used car. Our experts discuss the finer points of financing, vehicle selection, inspection and overall reliability based on Consumer Reports' latest data. We also answer an audience question about a rebuilt vehicle title and if it's a safe bet when buying a second-hand vehicle.

SHOW NOTES:

0:00 - Intro

0:39 - Welcome Steve Elek!

2:02 - State of the used car market

6:13 - Financing options

7:47 - How to buy a used car now

18:11 - Research vehicle reliability

21:37 - Question: What's a rebuilt vehicle title and is it a safe bet when buying a used car?

LINKS:

How To Buy a Used Car: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/buying-a-car/how-to-buy-a-used-car-a5221672417/

Best Used SUVs, Sedans, and Small Cars According to Consumer Reports: https://www.consumerreports.org/used-cars/best-used-cars-by-price-a1306944688/

Used Car Marketplace: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-prices-used-car-inventory/

Guide to Car Reliability & Owner Satisfaction: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/guide-to-car-reliability-owner-satisfaction-a9213219653/

Become a member at https://CR.org/joinviaYT to find out how this car performs in our tests.

On this episode, we share our first impressions of the redesigned 2023 Lexus RX. We discuss how it drives, new safety features like active driver monitoring, and the updated powertrain. We also debate the perceived color of the RX we rented from Lexus and answer an audience question that begs, "What's the deal with voice controls?"

SHOW NOTES:

0:00 - Introduction

0:15 - 2023 Lexus RX 500h

4:14 - Debating the RX's color

6:30 - Driving dynamics

10:36 - Vehicle controls

14:30 - Active Driving Assist Systems

23:54 - Question: "What's the deal with voice controls?"

LINKS:

2023 Lexus RX Gets New Safety Features and Four-Cylinder Engines: https://www.consumerreports.org/suvs/2023-lexus-rx-review-a9838921352/

Hot, New Electric Cars That Are Coming Soon: https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/hot-new-electric-cars-are-coming-soon-a1000197429/

We recently published the results of a nationally representative survey of over 8,000 people, asking their opinions about EVs, and what concerns they have about purchasing one. Consumer Reports Senior Policy Analyst Chris Harto joins us to break down the findings, explain why the survey gives us a more representative data of the country as a whole, and reveal more surprising findings.

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

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

00:12 - Survey Introduction

01:33 - EV Survey Results

03:32 - Interest in EVs

04:20 - Financial Concerns

07:01 - EV Reliability

08:13 - Benefits of EV Infrastructure

09:05 - Charging Process

10:03 - EV Landscape in 5-10 Years

11:09 - EV Buyer Demographic

11:54 - Variety of Electrified Vehicles

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

More Americans Would Buy an Electric Vehicle, and Some Consumers Would Use Low-Carbon Fuels, Survey Shows

https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/interest-in-electric-vehicles-and-low-carbon-fuels-survey-a8457332578/

Hot, New Electric Cars That Are Coming Soon

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

Smarter: Things People Wished They'd Known Before Buying an EV

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/smarter-things-people-wished-theyd-known-before-buying-an-ev-a5564226363/

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/

Can Electric Vehicle Owners Rely on DC Fast Charging

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/can-electric-vehicle-owners-rely-on-dc-fast-charging-a7004735945/

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 this car performs in our tests.

This week we share our first impressions of the 2023 Kia Niro. We discuss the Niro's hybrid and electric powertrains, its promising fuel economy estimates and how the 2023 redesign seems more like a refresh. We also answer an audience question about vehicle service— and whether it's better to visit a dealer or an independent repair shop.

SHOW NOTES:

0:00-15:30 - 2023 Kia Niro 1

5:31 - Question: Is it a good idea to bring a vehicle to an independent repair shop for routine maintenance?

LINKS:

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

Kia Niro 2017-2022 Quick Drive: https://www.consumerreports.org/video/view/cars/auto-test-track/5353578766001/kia-niro-2017-2022-quick-drive/

Hot, New Electric Cars That Are Coming Soon: https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/hot-new-electric-cars-are-coming-soon-a1000197429/

Used Hybrid Sedans and Hatchbacks With the Best Fuel Economy: https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/used-hybrid-sedans-and-hatchbacks-with-best-fuel-economy-a2840918797/

We just purchased a 2023 Subaru BRZ for the Consumer Reports test fleet, and stacked it up in a head-to-head comparison with our tested Toyota GR86. While both of these cars (created in a partnership between Toyota and Subaru) are identical in many ways, there are a few critical differences in how they perform. Which came out on top? Our experts share which one they'd choose, as well as discuss the important differences between all-weather, all-season, and snow tires.

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

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 - Head-to_Head Comparison: 2023 Subaru BRZ vs. Toyota GR86

18:14 - Question: Between all-weather, all-season, and snow tires which are best suited for Northeast winter driving?

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

First Drive: Redesigned 2022 Subaru BRZ Proves Nimble and Fun

https://www.consumerreports.org/sports-cars/2022-subaru-brz-review-a6225692747/

First Drive: The 2022 Toyota GR86 Sports Car Thrills

https://www.consumerreports.org/sports-cars/2022-toyota-gr86-review-a7782593291/

2023 Subaru BRZ

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/subaru/brz/2023/overview/

2022 Toyota 86

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/toyota/86/2022/overview/

Best Winter/Snow Tires From Consumer Reports' Tests

https://www.consumerreports.org/winter-snow-tire/best-winter-snow-tires-a1191260310/

Consumer Reports Tire Selector

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

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