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By Consumer Reports
4.1
285285 ratings
The podcast currently has 465 episodes available.
Exclusive CR discount for Talking Cars viewers at https://www.cr.org/jointalkingcars
The Mini Cooper has been the cornerstone of the brand since its inception and has been redesigned for 2025. Our experts share their first impressions of the 2025 Mini Cooper S two-door, discussing its performance and whether this fifth-generation model retains the classic British styling, minimalist interior, and unique agility that fans have cherished in previous versions. We also answer viewer questions about DIY insulation for reducing engine noise in older vehicles and the reliability of infotainment touch screens in new cars.
More info on the 2025 Mini Cooper here: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/sports-cars/2025-mini-cooper-review-a4730724572/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
Ratings and test results on every car CR purchases and tests: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
SHOW NOTES
-----------------------------------
00:00 - Introduction
00:16 - Overview: 2025 Mini Cooper S
02:19 - Classic British Styling
03:38 - Infotainment Touchscreen
07:20 - Driving Experience
09:06 - Stop/Start System
10:34 - Reliability
11:47 - Livability
14:41 - Question #1: How reliable and future-proof are infotainment touchscreens in new cars?
17:30 - Question #2: Is it safe to add insulation to the engine bay of an older vehicle to reduce noise?
21:35 - Question #3: Is the Mini Cooper a practical choice for the Kenyan car market?
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First Drive: Next-Gen 2025 Mini Cooper Is Still Quirky, But Less Fun
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/sports-cars/2025-mini-cooper-review-a4730724572/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
2025 Mini Cooper
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/mini/cooper/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
Cars and SUVs With the Easiest Controls
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/automotive-technology/cars-and-suvs-with-the-easiest-controls-a7135184399/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
Guide to Car Reliability & Owner Satisfaction
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/guide-to-car-reliability-owner-satisfaction-a9213219653/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
We recently purchased a 2024 Chevrolet Traverse LT AWD for testing. In this episode, we share our first impressions of the four-cylinder turbo engine, infotainment usability, and whether the Traverse works as a family hauler compared to the Kia Telluride, Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, and Hyundai Palisade. And, with recent hurricanes hitting the U.S., we discuss whether a flooded electric vehicle is more prone to becoming a fire hazard and if there are specific steps an owner should take to break in a hybrid car, truck, or SUV.
More info on the 2024 Chevrolet Traverse here: https://www.consumerreports.org/search/?query=Chevrolet%20traverse
Ratings and test results on every car CR purchases and tests: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
SHOW NOTES
-----------------------------------
00:00 - Introduction
00:16 - Overview: 2024 Chevrolet Traverse
02:24 - The Engine
08:48 - How It Drives
12:33 - 2nd & 3rd Row Seats
19:02 - The Drive Seat
23:03 - The Controls
28:51 - Standard Safety Features
33:28 - GM Super Cruise
37:04 - Cargo Area
38:51 - Would You Buy It?
43:13 - Question #1: Are flooded electric vehicles really prone to becoming a fire hazard?
46:16 - Question #2: Are there specific steps an owner should take to break in a hybrid car, truck, or SUV?
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First Drive: 2024 Chevrolet Traverse Proves to Be a Balanced 3-row SUV, with One Exception
https://www.consumerreports.org/search/?query=Chevrolet%20traverse
2024 Chevrolet Traverse
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/chevrolet/traverse/2024/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
Cars and SUVs With the Easiest Controls
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/automotive-technology/cars-and-suvs-with-the-easiest-controls-a7135184399/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
SUVs and Minivans With the Best Third-Row Seats
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs-and-minivans-with-the-best-third-row-seats-a6809768331/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
Guide to Car Reliability & Owner Satisfaction
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/guide-to-car-reliability-owner-satisfaction-a9213219653/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
Consumer Reports has finally taken delivery of the long-awaited and much-hyped Tesla Cybertruck. We highlight many of its innovative features, polarizing styling, and driving characteristics. Additionally, we address audience questions, including how CR manages to purchase so many cars each year anonymously without staff being recognized by dealerships, and why some car manufacturers, even those known for safety like Subaru, do not make Consumer Reports' safe car list.
More info on the 2024 Tesla Cybertruck here: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/tesla-cybertruck-review-a4750335741/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
Ratings and test results on every car CR purchases and tests: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
SHOW NOTES
-----------------------------------
00:00 - Introduction
00:16 - Overview: 2024 Tesla Cybertruck
01:38 - Styling & Design
06:07 - Purchase Experience
08:43 - Driving Dynamics
11:51 - Steer-by-Wire System
13:57 - Visibility
15:57 - Utility
19:21 - The Issues
21:34 - Reliability
24:12 - How CR will test the Cybertruck
26:13 - Custom Care
28:07 - Living with it
29:37 - Question #1: Why some car manufacturers do not make the Consumer Reports safe car list?
33:55 - Question #2: How does CR keep its anonymity while buying so many cars each year?
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First Drive: Is Tesla Cybertruck Worth the Hype?
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/tesla-cybertruck-review-a4750335741/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
2024 Tesla Cybertruck
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/tesla/cybertruck/2024/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
Hot, New Electric Cars That Are Coming Soon
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/hot-new-electric-cars-are-coming-soon-a1000197429/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
Electric Cars and Plug-In Hybrids That Qualify For Federal Tax Credits
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/electric-cars-plug-in-hybrids-that-qualify-for-tax-credits-a7820795671/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
Guide to Car Reliability & Owner Satisfaction
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/guide-to-car-reliability-owner-satisfaction-a9213219653/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
Exclusive CR discount for Talking Cars viewers at https://www.cr.org/jointalkingcars
By redesigning the 2024 Land Cruiser, Toyota reinforces its commitment to off-road excellence. In this episode, we share our first impressions of the new Land Cruiser, highlighting its hybrid powertrain, nostalgic design elements, and off-road capabilities. We also explore how Consumer Reports' new CR Recommended initiative enhances value for car buyers. Additionally, we look at whether front-wheel-drive EVs offer any real benefit.
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
-----------------------------------
00:00 - Introduction
00:16 - Overview: 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser
03:09 - Land Cruiser’s History
04:38 - New and Different
06:56 - Driving
09:45 - Things We Dislike
14:18 - The Ride
15:08 - Interior
15:48 - Controls
16:27 - Visibility
17:03 - Do We Like It?
18:59 - Would We Buy It?
23:33 - Question #1: What is CR Recommended?
28:19 - Question #2: Are there any significant benefits to using a front-wheel-drive configuration for EVs?
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First Drive: 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser Is a Charming Throwback With a Touch of Modernity
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/2024-toyota-land-cruiser-review-a1224835552/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
2024 Toyota Land Cruiser
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/toyota/land-cruiser/2024/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
First Drive: The Ford Bronco Was Worth the Wait
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/2021-ford-bronco-review-a5117557548/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
First Drive: 2020 Land Rover Defender Pilots Adventure
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/2020-land-rover-defender-review-a8392726114/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
First Drive: 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Offers Silent Off-Roading for a Price
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/2021-jeep-wrangler-4xe-plug-in-review-a3421634098/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
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
-----------------------------------
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?
----------------------------------
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
-----------------------------------
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!
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