Talking Cars (SD)

The redesigned 2025 Subaru Forester continues decades of Forester fan favorites, including its functionality, excellent visibility, roomy cabin, and standard all-wheel drive. Here, we highlight the updates to the sixth-generation Forester, including its refreshed styling, refined ride, and cabin experience. We also answer audience questions about the affect of gas-saving start/stop systems in vehicles and if a used Ford F-150 Lightning is a practical choice for an EV.

More info on the 2025 Subaru Forester here: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/2025-subaru-forester-review-a4022375572/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Ratings and test results on every car CR purchases and tests: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

SHOW NOTES

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00:00 - Introduction

00:15 - Overview: 2025 Subaru Forester

02:05 - Forester’s Popularity

04:35 - The Conservative Redesign

06:30 - Controls

09:27 - Advanced Driver Assistance Systems

10:40 - Subaru EyeSight System

12:27 - Driving the Forester

16:26 - Driver Monitoring System

17:29 - Would we buy the Forester

20:49 - Question #1: Do the Stop/Start systems have any negative impact on the vehicle’s engine?

25:58 - Question #2: Is a used Ford F-150 Lightning a practical choice for an EV?

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First Drive: 2025 Subaru Forester Ratchets Up the Refinement

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/2025-subaru-forester-review-a4022375572/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

2025 Subaru Forester

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/subaru/forester/2025/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Best Deals on Fuel-Efficient Cars and SUVs

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/buying-a-car/best-deals-on-fuel-efficient-cars-a4329802409/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Which Brands Make the Best Used Cars

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/used-car-brand-reliability-a2811658468/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Exclusive CR discount for Talking Cars viewers at cr.org/jointalkingcars

Purchasing a used car is an excellent way to save money, with over 36 million pre-owned vehicles sold in the U.S. in 2023 alone, more than doubling new car purchases. Our experts at CR have meticulously analyzed exclusive test and survey data to pinpoint the best pre-owned cars across different price ranges, helping consumers make informed decisions for a better shopping experience. In this week's episode, we explore the standout features of CR's new Used Car Buying Guide, offer tips for navigating the used car market, and address audience questions about CR's approach to vehicle software updates and mid-generation refreshes—detailing how significant an update must be to warrant review or reassessment.

SHOW NOTES:

0:00 - Intro

2:20 - CR Used Car Hub

3:00 - How to start shopping for a used car

8:34 - What makes a CR Recommended used vehicle?

11:00 - Best used car brands

13:35 - Used car Top Picks

16:27 - What are vehicle model years and generations?

18:35 - What is a certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicle?

22:51 - Audience questions

23:10 - Question #1, Irv from Normal, IL: How does CR react to rapidly changing technology like over-the-air vehicle software updates?

26:47 - Question #2, Jonathan from Phoenix, AZ: How does CR account for vehicle changes that happen later in a vehicle model year?

LINKS:

Submit a question to Talking Cars: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/cars-driving/talking-cars-podcast-archive-a1439738009/

CR Used Cars Hub: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/used/

CR Used Car Ratings & Reliability: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/types/used/ratings-reliability/

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

CR Used Car Buying Guide: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/used/buying-guide/

See our car ratings and reviews at: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

This week, we discuss the 2024 Honda Prologue. It's Honda's first mainstream electric vehicle, made possible through a collaboration between Honda and General Motors. The Prologue shares much of its architecture with the Chevrolet Blazer EV. We cover the differences between the two electric SUVs and debate whether the Prologue is better than the Blazer. Plus, we answer questions about how to buy a car and what's going on with our Fisker Ocean test car. 

SHOW NOTES:

0:00 - Intro

0:17 - Welcome Maddie McCarty

1:56 - 2024 Honda Prologue Overview

3:01 - Platform and styling

3:51 - EV Range and charge times

8:40 - Access, driving position, seat comfort

11:29 - Controls and interfaces

16:15 - Driving

18:37 - Noise

20:30 - Safety features

26:00 - Would you buy a Honda Prologue or a Chevy Blazer EV?

30:08 - Submit a question to Talking Cars

30:51 - Audience Question #1: Will CR continue to test the Fisker Ocean?

32:41- Audience Question #2: Buying advice: What used, late-model SUV is comparable to the Audi Q5?

LINKS:

Submit a question to Talking Cars: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/cars-driving/talking-cars-podcast-archive-a1439738009/

2024 Honda Prologue: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/honda/prologue/2024/overview/

2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/chevrolet/blazer-ev/2024/overview/

First Drive: 2024 Honda Prologue SUV Is a Chevrolet Blazer EV in Honda Clothing: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/2024-honda-prologue-review-a8015429336/

Preview: 2024 Acura ZDX Is the Automaker’s First All-Electric Vehicle: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/2024-acura-zdx-review-a1783124536/

First Drive: 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV Is a Bumpy Ride: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/2024-chevrolet-blazer-ev-review-a1328332871/

See our car ratings and reviews at: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Mini's largest SUV, the Countryman, has been thoroughly redesigned. For 2025, it's bigger in almost every dimension. This week, we share our first impressions of the Countryman, including its performance, driving characteristics, fashionable interior with unique design cues, and whether it still upholds its British nostalgia feel. We also answer audience questions, including whether white cars are safer on the road, plus we explain what a "pre-delivery service charge" is.

SHOW NOTES

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00:00 - Introduction

00:15 - Overview: 2025 Mini Countryman

01:51 - Center Screen

04:03 - Driving Dynamics

06:00 - Dual-Clutch Transmission

07:37 - Engine Stop/Start Systm

08:27 - Go Kart Setting

11:19 - Interior Cameras

13:52 - Software

16:14 - Seats

16:51 - More Transmission

17:25 - The Cabin

18:30 - Our Overall Thoughts

19:48 - Question #1: Are white cars safer than other colors?

23:01 - Question #2: What is a “pre-delivery service charge” that dealers are charging?

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First Drive: 2025 Mini Countryman Is Roomy, but There’s Room for Improvement

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/2025-mini-countryman-review-a5534014106/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

2025 Mini Countryman

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/mini/cooper-countryman/2025/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Preview: Mini Continues Its All-Electric March With the Aceman Small Crossover

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/mini-aceman-review-a5304694715/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Guide to Cars With Advanced Safety Systems

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-safety/cars-with-advanced-safety-systems-a7292621135/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

This week on Talking Cars, we're talking trucks! We share our first impressions of the 2024 Toyota Tacoma, a perennially popular and traditionally reliable midsized truck. We cover Tacoma's 2024 redesign and discuss how it compares to other pickups in the competitive segment. Plus, we answer questions about sourcing parts for older vehicles and the reliability of newer turbo 4-cylinder engines proliferating in the car market. 

SHOW NOTES:

0:00 - Intro

0:24 - Audience Question, Gavin from Utah: Will we ever talk about trucks on Talking Cars again?

2:31 -  2024 Toyota Tacoma SR5 overview

6:43 - Updates for the 2024 model year

10:41 - 2024 Tacoma hybrid powertrain

13:56 - SR5 Ride comfort

17:00 - Handling

18:24 - Front Seat comfort

19:38 -  Rear seat comfort

22:02 - Infotainment/controls

23:29 - Which midsized pickup would our experts buy?

27:23 - Poll: Which midsized pickup would YOU buy?

28:55 - Video Question, Ken from Eglin AFB: How long can you source parts for vehicles that are no longer in production?

33:49 - Audience Question. Ron from Cranston, RI: Will smaller displacement turbo 4-cylinders last in larger vehicles for 10+ years?

LINKS:

2024 Toyota Tacoma: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/toyota/tacoma/2024/overview/

First Drive: 2024 Toyota Tacoma Proves Modern and Feature-Rich: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/pickup-trucks/2024-toyota-tacoma-review-a3909870875/

Find the Best Pickup Trucks: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/pickup-trucks/

Consumer Reports just purchased a 2024 Lincoln Nautilus AWD Reserve II for testing, and we already have strong opinions about the vehicle. The Nautilus is based on the Ford Edge, but a lot is unique to this car, including a panoramic screen that runs the length of the dashboard. We share our first impressions of its touchscreen controls, optional 24-way adjustable seats, "different approach" to air vents, ride, handling, and overall driving impressions. We also answer questions about why SUVs have replaced station wagons despite offering similar utility and the best vehicle choice for a camping enthusiast who is EV-curious with a budget under $30,000.

Ratings and test results on every car CR purchases and tests: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

CR’s Hybrid/EV/PHEV Buying Guide: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Lincoln Nautilus First Look: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/2024-lincoln-nautilus-review-a1171321486/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Toyota RAV4 Hybrid: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/toyota/rav4-hybrid/2024/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Toyota RAV4 Prime: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/toyota/rav4-prime/2024/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Subaru Crosstrek: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/subaru/crosstrek/2021/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

SHOW NOTES

00:16 - 2024 Lincoln Nautilus First Impressions

02:13 - Why we might not want to take it on a road trip

07:33 - thoughts on panoramic screen

10:40 - steering wheel controls

19:25 - BlueCruise evaluation

26:25 - driving impressions

34:10 - our issues with the air vents

40:06 - why did all the station wagons disappear?

46:05 - EV under $30k that would be good for camping?

Subscribe to Talking Cars on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@consumerreports/podcasts

Have a question for our experts? Leave a comment on this episode, or reach out to us directly! Send us a text at [email protected] to send a photo, video, or text directly to the Talking Cars team!

The redesigned 2024 BMW X2 boasts more cargo room, expanded voice-activated controls, and standard driver assistance features. In this episode, we share our first impressions and discuss the changes, including its powertrain, and we compare the X2 to other BMW models, including its close sibling, the X1. We also answer audience questions, including whether or not stop/start systems are worth it, what happened to cornering headlights found on vehicles from the '70s, and options for a reliable small car for a fan with a short commute.

More info on the 2024 BMW X2 here: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/2024-bmw-x2-review-a4458650358/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Ratings and test results on every car CR purchases and tests: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

SHOW NOTES

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00:00 - Introduction

00:16 - Overview: 2024 BMW X2

01:18 - Why a X2

03:18 - Driving Dynamics

05:23 - The Ride

07:10 - The Handling

07:53 - Inside the Vehicle

10:05 - Comfort

11:17 - Controls

15:35 - Highs and Lows

17:05 - Question #1: Are stop/start systems worth it, or is it just another point of failure?

21:38 - Question #2: Why cars today don’t have cornering headlights such found on 1978 Buick Electra?

24:59 - Question #3: What is a good option for small, reliable, and reasonably priced car to handle small commute?

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Preview: Redesigned 2024 BMW X2 Grows Larger and Gains More Tech

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/2024-bmw-x2-review-a4458650358/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Redesigned 2023 BMW X1 Grows in Size and Technology

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/2023-bmw-x1-review-a7535685549/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

2024 BMW X2

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/bmw/x2/2024/overview/?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

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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

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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://CR.org/joinviaYT

This week, we share our early impressions of the 2025 Toyota Camry. While Toyota didn’t revolutionize the 2025 model, it gets a big powertrain update, as every Camry will only come as a hybrid. We discuss why this change shouldn’t scare longtime Camry lovers and why Toyota’s reliability record should boost buyers’ confidence. Plus, we answer questions about legacy CR vehicle tests and EV home chargers.

Check out CR's complete vehicle ratings and test results: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

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SHOW NOTES:

0:00 - Intro

0:27 - 2025 Toyota Camry Overview

0:47 - Hybrid powertrain

2:23 - Fuel economy

3:20 - 2025 model updates

4:32 - Driving impressions

8:30 - Infotainment and usability

10:00 - Seat comfort

12:23 - Toyota reliability

14:09 -  Maintenance, 0W8 motor oil

17:40 - Question #1: CR Ratings, ‘Not Recommended vs. Not Acceptable’

24:55 - Question #2: EV Home charging options

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LINKS:

Toyota Camry: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/toyota/camry/

First Drive: 2025 Toyota Camry Proves a Bit Better in Many Ways: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/2025-toyota-camry-hybrid-review-a1114602128/

For decades, Consumer Reports has been at the forefront of advocating for automotive safety, collaborating closely with the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) to continually elevate safety standards in cars.  In this episode, we take you behind the scenes of the IIHS auto crash test facility in central Virginia. Our experts talk with David Aylor, the Vice President of Active Safety at IIHS, discussing the significance of crash safety and detailing the collaborative efforts between IIHS and Consumer Reports in advancing automotive safety standards.

SHOW NOTES

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00:00 - Introduction

00:49 - Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)

01:04 - Side Impact Crash Test

02:21 - How CR incorporates IIHS Data into the rating

03:16 - What is Car Safety

04:42 - Crash Avoidance Systems

07:25 - What is HLDI

08:47 - How CR and IIHS are raising the bar for car safety

10:05 - How our work benefits consumers

10:41 - IIHS ratings

12:05 - Understanding CR’s safety ratings

13:04 - Difference between IIHS and NHTSA

13:53 - How we are all working together for the consumer

15:08 - Looking forward

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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://CR.org/joinviaYT

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

Our experts share their first impressions of the 2024 Tesla Model 3. For 2024, the Model 3 gets a major freshening with updated styling, acoustic glass for all of the windows, an 8-inch touchscreen for rear passengers, and a softer ride. While these are all good changes, we also talk about how the controls and updated blind spot warning system leave us wanting more. We also answer audience questions about the lack of van-like vehicles on the market and which safety systems we'd design for future vehicles.

For more information on the Tesla Model 3: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/tesla/model-3/2024/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT 

Check out CR's complete vehicle ratings and test results: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

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SHOW NOTES:

0:00 - Intro

1:16 - Tesla redesign vs. refresh

2:39 - First impressions

3:45 - 2024 Model 3 updates

8:26 - Regenerative braking

12:58 - New features/controls we’re on the fence about

22:14 - Features we still like

23:30 - Tesla Supercharger layoffs

24:41 - Why we bought the Full Self-Driving capability

27:03 - CR/Tesla Histroy

30:46 - Question 1: Where did all the vans go?

35:43 - Question 2: What vehicle safety system would you design?

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LINKS:

First Drive: Refreshed 2024 Tesla Model 3 Improves Upon Its Winning Formula: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/2024-tesla-model-3-review-a1206367267/

Automakers Move to a Common Plug Standard to Allow Their EVs to Use Tesla Superchargers: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/tesla-superchargers-open-to-other-evs-what-to-know-a9262067544/

Best Bike Racks: https://www.consumerreports.org/health/bike-racks-carriers/best-bike-racks-a8073136271/

How to Choose and Use the Right Bike Rack: https://www.consumerreports.org/health/bike-racks-carriers/how-to-choose-and-use-the-right-bike-rack-a1180679643/

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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

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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://CR.org/joinviaYT