Consumer Reports experts answer audience questions about CVTs and electric vehicles, including why simulated shifting exists, why the experts at Consumer Reports enjoy it, and how it affects performance and efficiency. We also explore the gap between reliability and owner satisfaction, with examples like the Rivian R1T and Rivian R1S, and what that means for car buyers, as well as current owners.

We also discuss alternatives to traditional car rental companies, including peer-to-peer services like Turo and Sixt, and if you can avoid getting a bad car from the vague categories rental places use.

Plus, we share advice on shopping for the best used EV under $40,000, with models like the Ford F-150 Lightning, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Audi Q6 and A6 e-tron, Honda Prologue, and more.

SHOW NOTES:

00:00 - Intro

00:55 - Chad (Wichita, KS): Simulated Upshifts in Hybrids

05:34 - Joe: Rivian Reliability vs Owner Satisfaction

10:04 - Robert: Best Used EV Options (Audi vs Honda + Alternatives)

14:51 - Gordon (Atlanta, GA): Why Are Turn Signals Moving Lower?

18:20 - Daniel (Video Question): Is the Chevy Equinox EV Being Discontinued?

20:54 - Andrew (Video Question): Rental Car Hacks (Turo, Sixt, Categories)

26:44 - Outro & How to Submit Questions

LINKS:

Subaru Forester Hybrid Test Results: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/subaru/forester-hybrid/2026/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

2026 Owner Satisfaction Survey Results: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/most-and-least-liked-car-brands-a1291429338/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Best Used EVs: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/buying-a-used-electric-vehicle-what-to-know-a7139266510/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Chevrolet Equinox EV Test Results: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/chevrolet/equinox-ev/2026/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Best and Worst Rental Car Companies: https://www.consumerreports.org/money/car-travel/best-and-worst-car-rental-companies-a1417885044/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

We share our first impressions of Jeep's all-new and first-ever hybrid Cherokee, including cabin and cargo space, design, and safety. We discuss its refinement, fuel economy, and how it compares to competitors in a crowded field. We also answer a viewer's question about whether Carvana and other sites are a good option for selling a vehicle.

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 Intro

00:32 Overview: 2026 Jeep Cherokee Laredo

01:45 Jeep Brand Appeal

03:02 Space, Size & Family Practicality

04:50 Design, Comfort & Interior Quality

08:00 Safety Features & Standard Equipment

09:11 Hybrid Performance & Driving Experience

11:44 Key Drawbacks

14:03 Door Safety & Usability Concerns

17:11 Should You Buy It?

19:09 Ride, Handling & Trim Strategy

21:46 Infotainment & Tech Usability

25:13 Small Wins & Practical Features

27:15 Question: Is using Carvana or similar online services a good option for selling a vehicle?

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

Test Results: 2026 Jeep Cherokee Laredo

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/jeep/cherokee/2026/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Who Makes the Most Reliable New Cars?

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/who-makes-the-most-reliable-cars-a7824554938/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Which Brands Make the Best Cars?

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

10 Best SUVs You Can Buy Right Now

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/10-best-suvs-you-can-buy-right-now-a8518508556/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Where to Shop for Used Cars

https://www.consumerreports.org/used-cars/where-to-shop-for-your-next-used-car-a1016305271/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Selling Your Car to Online Retailers

https://www.consumerreports.org/money/selling-a-car/how-to-sell-your-car-to-an-online-retailer-a2790904993/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

This week, we cover the all-new 2026 Honda Prelude. We reminisce about past Preludes, discuss the 2026 model's hybrid-only powertrain and redesigned styling, and try to figure out who the Prelude is for: it's not sporty enough to be called a sports car, but it falls short on luxury touches to be considered a grand touring coupe. We also answer a question about Consumer Reports' EV Highway Range Test and explore why a buyer might need 300+ miles of driving range.

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 Intro & Why We Bought the Honda Prelude

00:57 What the New Prelude Is (and Isn't)

03:35 Design, Features & First Impressions

06:00 Driving Experience & Everyday Usability

08:21 How It Compares to Other Cars (Civic, Prius, Z)

10:50 The Identity Problem & Who It's For

12:58 Styling, Practicality & Value Debate

16:03 Final Thoughts on the Prelude

19:38 Audience Question: EV Range vs Real Driving Needs

22:12 Why EV Range Testing Still Matters

LINKS:

2026 Honda Prelude: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/honda/prelude/2026/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

First Drive: Who is the Honda Prelude For?: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/2026-honda-prelude-review-a7655687395/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

2025 Honda Civic Adds Hybrid, Hatchback, Google, and More Power: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/small-cars/2025-honda-civic-hybrid-review-a1056711696/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Consumer Reports' Real-World Electric Car Range Comparison: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/real-world-ev-range-tests-models-that-beat-epa-estimates-a1103288135/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

This week, it's all about the 2026 Subaru Outback. We bought two trims of the Outback: Premium and Touring XT. We discuss its radical redesign from a wagon to an SUV, talk about why we bought two trims and the differences between them, and how Subaru's omission of a hybrid powertrain may be a mistake. Plus, we answer a question about EV replacement tires.

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

00:15 - Overview: 2026 Subaru Crosstrek

01:10 - 180hp Non-Turbo vs 260hp Turbo engine

08:19 - Premium vs Touring XT Seats

11:25 - Fit and Finish Differences

13:50 - Wheels and Tires

14:59 - Cabin Noise

17:56 - Controls

19:58 - No Hybrid Option?

20:37 - New, Bold Styling

22:49 - Wrap up

25:49 - Question: Is it necessary to use EV-specific tires when replacing the tires on an electric vehicle?

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

Test Results: 2026 Subaru Outback

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/subaru/outback/2026/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

How Car Brands Stack Up on Repair Costs

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-maintenance/the-cost-of-car-ownership-a1854979198/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Who Makes the Most Reliable New Cars?

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/who-makes-the-most-reliable-cars-a7824554938/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Which Brands Make the Best Cars?

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

10 Best SUVs You Can Buy Right Now

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/10-best-suvs-you-can-buy-right-now-a8518508556/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

On this episode, we share our first impressions of the 2026 Mazda CX-5. We cover the CX-5's redesign, including its new, large touchscreen infotainment system, mourn its lack of physical climate controls, and discuss how the top trim model we rented doesn't feel that special. We also answer a question about 360 cameras and how to keep the lenses clean in rainy places like Oregon.

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:

0:00 - Intro

0:17 - 2026 Mazda CX-5 Overview

1:18 - What we love about the 2026 Mazda CX-5

7:05 - What we dislike on the 2026 Mazda CX-5

30:50 - Is it worth buying top trim vehicles?

36:05 - What we'd buy instead of a 2026 Mazda CX-5

39:10 - Audience Question: What's the best way to keep a vehicle's 360º camera clean?

LINKS:

Mazda CX-5 Model History: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/mazda/cx-5/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Redesigned 2026 Mazda CX-5: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/2026-mazda-cx-5-review-a2402724881/EXTKEY=SOCIAL_YT

Mazda CX-50 Hybrid: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/mazda/cx-50-hybrid/2026/overview/EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Compact SUV Ratings: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/types/new/suvs/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

We're live from the floor of the 2026 New York Auto Show, and sharing our first impressions of the vehicles announced at the show, including the Genesis G90 Wingback and Hyundai Boulder concept cars, the Subaru Getaway 3-row EV SUV, Kia Seltos Hybrid, Volkswagen Atlas, Kia EV3 all-electric compact SUV, and the rise of the softroader!

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

00:56 - NYAS Show Floor

02:43 - Softroaders

08:17 - Subaru Trailseeker

08:29 - Subaru Uncharted

09:59 - Jeep Recon

10:58 - Subaru Getaway

11:53 - Hyundai Boulder

13:46 - Genesis G90 Wingback

14:07 - Our Favorites

16:23 - Best of Show

18:07 - Most Absurd

20:19 - Minivans

21:26 - Fuel Economy

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

Preview: 2026 Jeep Recon Electric SUV

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/2026-jeep-recon-electric-suv-review-a1341965777/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Preview: 2026 Subaru Uncharted Electric SUV

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/2026-subaru-uncharted-review-a1017237029/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Preview: 2026 Subaru Trailseeker

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/2026-subaru-trailseeker-review-a5418969450/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Preview: Next-Gen 2027 Kia Seltos

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/2027-kia-seltos-review-a1747520334/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Preview: All-New 2027 Subaru Getaway

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/2027-subaru-getaway-review-a5360151843/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

We purchased a 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander SE for our test program and share our first impressions of the updated compact SUV, including its new 48-volt mild-hybrid turbo engine, improved interior controls, and why the tiny third row and rough ride may give shoppers pause. We also discuss whether a hybrid system may harm the gas engine if short trips prevent it from fully warming up?

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: 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander SE

02:10 - What we liked

07:39 - What we disliked

18:16 - Would you buy it?

25:07 - Question: Could the hybrid system harm the gas engine if short trips prevent it from fully warming up?

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

Test Results: 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/mitsubishi/outlander/2026/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Who Makes the Most Reliable New Cars?

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/who-makes-the-most-reliable-cars-a7824554938/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

10 Best SUVs You Can Buy Right Now

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/10-best-suvs-you-can-buy-right-now-a8518508556/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Which Brands Make the Best Cars?

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

Hybrids Are Still the Most Reliable Cars

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/electric-vehicles-are-less-reliable-than-conventional-cars-a1047214174/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

This week, we share the results of Consumer Reports' EV Range Test. Find out which vehicles have the longest all-electric driving range, how CR's 70-mph highway range test differs from EPA range testing, and what happens when you completely deplete an EV battery while driving. We also explore our range-test methodology and answer a question about the evolution of vehicle headlights.

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:

0:00 - Intro

1:30 - Consumer Reports' 70-mph highway range test

6:04 - Consumer Reports range test vs. EPA range test

8:00 - Test Conditions: EV driving range

13:22 - How the brands stack up

14:38 - Recovering GM Ultium vehicles

22:17 - Why vehicle efficiency matters

28:35 - Audience Question: When did turn signals become a design accent?/What's the deal with all these new-fashioned headlights?

LINKS:

EV Range Test Results: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/electric-vehicles-with-the-longest-range-a2189661367/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Fastest Charging EVs: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/fastest-charging-electric-vehicles-a4112188427/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Complete EV Ratings: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/types/new/hybrids-evs/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Hybrid & EV Buying Gude: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/buying-guide/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

This week, we go through the mailbag and answer audience questions, including: Is driving 55 mph really more fuel-efficient—even in a 10-speed like the Acura TLX? We break down the science behind highway MPG, explain how regenerative braking affects brake light activation in EVs like the Hyundai Kona Electric, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and Kia Niro EV, compare jump-starting with cables vs. lithium battery boosters, dig into timing chain vs. timing belt replacement costs in models like the Honda CR-V, and help you decide whether to buy or lease a Honda Ridgeline. Plus, we highlight the best used cars for easier entry and exit, including the Toyota Crown and Subaru Crosstrek.

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

01:39 - Question #1: Does the old '55 mph is best' rule still work with 10-speed transmissions?

05:51 - Question #2: Can jump-starting hurt electronics—or is a lithium booster safer?

10:08 - Question #3: Timing chain vs. timing belt: why aren't chains standard?

13:36 - Question #4: Does regen braking trigger the brake lights?

17:54 - Question #5: Keep my Honda Ridgeline or wait for a hybrid version?

21:05 - Question #6: What's the best used car that's easy for seniors to get in and out of?

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

Most Fuel-Efficient Cars

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/fuel-economy-efficiency/the-most-fuel-efficient-cars-best-mpg-a1198903400/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Jump Starter Test Results

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/jump-starters/c37102/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

How to Find a Great Mechanic

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-repair-shops/buying-guide/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Brake Lights Can Fail to Provide Fair Warning on Some Electric Vehicles

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-safety/brake-lights-can-fail-to-provide-fair-warning-on-some-evs-a9533519285/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

How to Make Your Car More Accessible for Aging, Injury, Disability, or Pregnancy

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/cars-driving/how-to-make-your-car-more-accessible-a9092978287/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Who Makes the Most Reliable New Cars?

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/who-makes-the-most-reliable-cars-a7824554938/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

10 Best SUVs You Can Buy Right Now

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/10-best-suvs-you-can-buy-right-now-a8518508556/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

In this episode, we break down everything you need to know about the 2026 Nissan Sentra SV we purchased for our test program. We cover everything that matters: real-world driving characteristics, engine performance, cabin quality, infotainment usability, and the control frustrations. We also address the big question: why there's still no hybrid version — and whether that's a dealbreaker in today's market. Plus, we answer an audience question about those increasingly massive Yeti, Owala, and Stanley tumblers. Where's the safest place to store them in your car? Are they actually a projectile hazard in a crash?

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: 2026 Nissan Sentra SV

01:40 - What We Liked

09:12 - What We Did Not Like

30:50 - Question: What is the safest place to store large water bottles in your car?

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Test Results: 2026 Nissan Sentra

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/nissan/sentra/2026/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Who Makes the Most Reliable New Cars?

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/who-makes-the-most-reliable-cars-a7824554938/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Which Brands Make the Best Cars?

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

How Car Brands Stack Up on Repair Costs

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-maintenance/the-cost-of-car-ownership-a1854979198/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT