Talking Cars (SD)

Toyota kicks off its all-electric vehicle lineup with the bZ4X, joining the rapidly growing EV market with a popular SUV size slotting between the RAV4 and the larger Venza. We share our first impressions of the 2023 Toyota bZ4X and discuss its modest electric range, the recent recall involving wheels detaching while in motion, Toyota already running out of EV tax credits, and why CR will not be buying one for its test program.

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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

SHOW NOTES

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00:00 - Introduction

00:14 - First Impressions: 2023 Toyota bZ4X

17:25 - Question: Why automatic folding side view mirrors are rare in the US?

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2023 Toyota bZ4X

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/toyota/bz4x/2023/overview

Roomy 2023 Toyota bZ4X Impresses on the Road

https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/2023-toyota-bz4x-review-a7787483444/

Toyota Becomes 3rd Automaker to Reach Electric vehicle Tax Credit Limit

https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/toyota-reaches-electric-vehicle-tax-credit-limit-a9709089660/

2023 Subaru Solterra EV Has Lots of Room but Its Battery Is Too Small

https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/2023-subaru-solterra-review-a1453953544/

Guide to Car Safety

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

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

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Acura has resurrected the Integra nameplate, as the classic five-door hatchback returns with an upscale vibe. We share our first impressions on the 2023 Acura Integra, discuss how it performed around our test track, if the interior lives up to the Acura's quality standards, and what sets it apart from the very similar Honda Civic Si. We also debate whether the Integra should be treated as a first year model, or whether it is okay to purchase because many of its components are carried over from the previously released Civic Si.

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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 Acura Integra

18:40 - Question: Is it wise to purchase the first model year of the 2023 Acura Integra?

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All-New Turbocharged 2023 Acura Integra Starts Under $31,000

https://www.consumerreports.org/small-cars/2023-acura-integra-review-a1115778934/

2023 Acura Integra

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/acura/integra/2023/overview

First Drive: 2022 Honda Civic Stands Out Among Compact Sedans

https://www.consumerreports.org/sedans/2022-honda-civic-review-a1347563873/

Guide to Car Safety

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

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

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The 4th of July Independence Day holiday is here in the US, and to celebrate we wanted to find out from our audience: what does it mean for a car to be "American?” With a global car market and vehicle parts being made all over the world, it can be difficult to define. We also polled our audience to select what they think is the most American car ever manufactured. We share the responses, and our expert opinions on this star-spangled episode!

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

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

SHOW NOTES

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

00:00 - Introduction

00:14 - What defines an American Car?

16:32 - What Is the Most American Car?

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How the Tesla Model S Changed the World

https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/how-the-tesla-model-s-changed-the-world-a7291465820/

Best New-Car Deals for July 4th

https://www.consumerreports.org/buying-a-car/best-new-car-deals-for-july-4th-a1191663902/

Guide to Car Safety

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

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

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This week, we give our first impressions of the all-electric Genesis G80 (officially called the Electrified G80). We discuss the styling, electric range, driving dynamics, and luxurious interior of the EV sedan, and how it compares to the gas powered version. Also, with so many electric vehicles on the market, we debate which used EV we would recommend to a first time buyer.

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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

SHOW NOTES

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

00:00 - Introduction

00:57 - First Impressions : 2023 Genesis G80 EV

14:30 - Question: Which used electric vehicle is best suited for a first time EV buyer?

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2022 Genesis G80

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/genesis/g80/2022/overview

Electric Cars Are Becoming Less Expensive

https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/electric-cars-are-becoming-less-expensive-a6548270716/

Most Satisfying New Compact Hybrid Cars

https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/most-satisfying-new-hybrid-cars-a5029804171/

How to Choose a Fuel-Efficient New Car

https://www.consumerreports.org/fuel-economy-efficiency/how-to-choose-a-fuel-efficient-new-car-a6176139178/

Guide to Car Safety

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

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

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Nissan draws from its 50-plus-year history in resurrecting the Z, a sports car that the automaker calls "all-new" (but is it though??) We debate the provenance of this iteration of the Z, as well as share our first impressions of its performance, interior, and what you might lose by opting for the automatic transmission. We also debate which is the ultimate driving machine: the BMW M550i xDrive, or the Mercedes-Benz AMG E53.

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

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

00:58 - First Impressions : 2023 Nissan Z

20:55 - Question: Which is the ultimate driving machine: the BMW 550i xDrive, or the Mercedes-Benz AMG E53?

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Preview: All-New 2023 Nissan Z Combines Classic Cues, Modern Performance

https://www.consumerreports.org/sports-cars/nissan-z-preview-a2145463162/

2022 New York Auto Show: Nissan Z

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pNp1KyxJv80

Nissan Z Road Test

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yAndC05ZXzY

2023 Nissan Z

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/nissan/z/2023/overview

Guide to Car Safety

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

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

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Subaru jumps into the electric vehicle market with the brand's first widely offered EV, the 2023 Solterra. Sharing its platform with the almost identical Toyota bZ4X, we share our first impressions of this all-electric SUV, including its unique interior design cues, driving characteristics, and power delivery. We also discuss the current state of the semiconductor chip shortage on the car market: why you might see cars selling with a chip shortage discount, whether some manufacturers are dropping options like satellite radio in order to ration the available chips, and if cars from this era will be desirable in the future.

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

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

00:52 - First Impressions : 2023 Subaru Solterra

13:39 - Question: Is the semiconductor chip shortage still affecting the car market?

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2023 Subaru Solterra EV Has Lots of Room but Its Battery Is Too Small

https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/2023-subaru-solterra-review-a1453953544/

2022 New York Auto Show: Subaru Solterra EV

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGi4IJqsab8

2022 New York Auto Show: Toyota’s All-Electric bZ4X

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZR9vD7PEjBo

Why Your New Car May Not Have Everything You Want

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-driving/why-your-new-car-may-not-have-everything-you-want-a9886900049/

When to Buy a Used Car in This Tough Market

https://www.consumerreports.org/buying-a-car/when-to-buy-a-used-car-a6584238157/

Global Chip Shortage Makes It Tough to Buy Certain Cars

https://www.consumerreports.org/buying-a-car/global-chip-shortage-makes-it-tough-to-buy-certain-cars-a8160576456/

Guide to Car Safety

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

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

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The Ford Maverick hybrid promises superior fuel economy and pickup utility at a price that's thousands of dollars less than the more common standard-sized truck. But will the availability of the hybrid powertrain as front-wheel drive only be a deal-breaker for buyers? Can this small pickup handle truck duties, and how does it compare to the standard engine version? Also, we explain the science behind regenerative braking, and how it works in both hybrid and electric vehicles.

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

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

00:52 - First Impressions : 2022 Ford Maverick Hybrid

13:39 - Question: Please explain the science behind regenerative braking, and how it works in both hybrid and electric vehicles?

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First Drive: 2022 Ford Maverick Is a Throwback to the Era of Small, Simple Pickup Trucks

https://www.consumerreports.org/pickup-trucks/2022-ford-maverick-review-a1068008639/

2022 Ford Maverick

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/ford/maverick/2022/overview/

How to Decide If a Hybrid, Plug-In Hybrid, or Fully Electric Car Is Right for You

https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/how-to-decide-if-a-hybrid-plug-in-hybrid-or-fully-electric-car-is-right-for-you/

Guide to Car Safety

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

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

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This week, we drive the all-new fully-electric Rivian R1T pickup truck. We share our first impressions, discuss some of our favorite features and debate whether the R1T bridges the gap between being environmentally conscious and having truck-like utility.

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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

SHOW NOTES

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

00:00 - Introduction

00:15 - First Impressions: 2022 Rivian R1T

14:57 - Question: Which full size pickup truck is reliable and worth keeping for a long time?

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2022 Rivian R1T Electric Pickup Truck Wows Us as It Lives Up to the Hype

https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/2022-rivian-r1t-electric-pickup-truck-review-a3029848158/

2022 Rivian R1T

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/rivian/r1t/2022/overview

2019 RAM 1500 Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=coeasX0ZyTk

2022 RAM 1500

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/ram/1500/2022/overview

Guide to Car Safety

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

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

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This week, we give our first impressions of the all-new GV60, the first fully-electric vehicle from Genesis. We discuss styling, driving dynamics, and interior storage-- and compare the GV60 to the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6 which are built on the same platform. We also answer an audience question about the legality of driving with fog lights in everyday situations. 

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

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 - Intro

00:16 - First Impressions: 2023 Genesis GV60

14:30 - Question: Is there any danger or law against driving with fog lights on during clear weather?

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Preview: Electric 2023 Genesis GV60 Charges to Production

https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/genesis-gv60-review-a2697188686/

2023 Genesis GV60

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/genesis/gv60/2023/overview/?pagestop

First Drive: 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Can Play in the Big League

https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/2022-hyundai-ioniq-5-review-a4449361814/

First Drive: 2022 Kia EV6 Debuts With Plenty of Power and Engaging Handling

https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/2022-kia-ev6-review-a1953327658/

Guide to Car Safety

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

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

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Mazda is channeling the Subaru Outback with its rugged-looking CX-50, and a focus towards outdoor enthusiasts. We share our first impressions of this small SUV, and what sets it apart from the CX-5. Also, how does Consumer Reports get to drive cars that aren't yet for sale? We explain our unique relationship with car manufacturers, and how we are able to maintain our unbiased testing standards while still getting a sneak peek at cars before you see them on the dealership lot.

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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

SHOW NOTES

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

00:00 - Intro

00:14 - First Impressions: 2023 Mazda CX-50

11:18 - Question: How is CR able to “rent” all these brand-new vehicles from manufacturers?

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Preview: Mazda Reveals the All-New 2023 CX-50

https://www.consumerreports.org/suvs/2023-mazda-cx-50-review-a2206621676/

2023 Mazda CX-50

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/mazda/cx-50/2023/overview

Guide to Car Safety

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

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

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