This week, we cover the all-new 2026 Nissan Leaf SV+. No longer "just a commuter car," the Leaf offers increased range, updated SUV styling, a new NACS charge port, and a suite of standard advanced safety equipment, including Nissan's Pro Pilot Assist. We share our first impressions of the Leaf and discuss whether Nissan's improvements to its original EV make it a competitive option. We also talk about how to shop for the best car insurance and answer a question about how the weather can affect your car's advanced driver-assistance systems.

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

0:30 - 2026 Nissan Leaf SV+ Overview

1:08 - What we like about the 2026 Nissan Leaf

12:00 - What we dislike about the 2026 Nissan Leaf

25:36 - How to find the best car insurance

37:51 - Audience Question: Does inclement weather affect a vehicle's radar and safety systems?

LINKS:

Nissan Leaf Model History: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/nissan/leaf/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Test Results: 2026 Nissan Leaf: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/nissan/leaf/2026/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

CR Guide to Advanced Car-Safety Features: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-safety/clearing-confusion-about-advanced-car-safety-feature-names-a1035752654/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Best Car Insurance Companies: https://www.consumerreports.org/money/car-insurance/best-car-insurance-companies-a8534720090/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Car Insurance Ratings: https://www.consumerreports.org/money/car-insurance/c34685/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Car Insurance Buying Guide: https://www.consumerreports.org/money/car-insurance/buying-guide/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Car Safety Guide: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/safety-guide/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

We share our first impressions of the all-new Toyota bZ. Formerly known as the bZ4X, it shares much of its DNA with the Subaru Solterra. Our experts share the best and worst parts of the bZ and discuss how the name, powertrain, and new NACS charging port increase its appeal. We also debate how much center console is too much, and whether dual wireless phone chargers are actually an asset. Plus, we answer an audience question about the Hyundai Ioniq 9's reliability.

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 Toyota bZ Overview

0:55 - What we like about the Toyota bZ

8:13 - What we dislike about the Toyota bZ

18:35 - What EV would we buy?

23:19 - Audience Question: How does Consumer Reports score and weight vehicle reliability year-to-year?

LINKS:

Model Overview; Toyota bZ : https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/toyota/bz/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Test Results: Toyota bZ4X: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/toyota/bz4x/2025/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Tesla Superchargers vs. Non-Tesla TVs: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/ev-chargers/how-well-do-tesla-superchargers-work-for-non-tesla-evs-a4713673565/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

2026 Nissan Leaf: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/nissan/leaf/2026/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Model Overview; Hyundai Ionia 5: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hyundai/ioniq-5/?EXTKEY=SOCIAL_YT

Test Results: Hyundai Ionia 9: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hyundai/ioniq-9/2026/overview/?EXTKEY=SOCIAL_YT

Test Results: Cadillac Vistiq: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/cadillac/vistiq/2026/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Shopping for a new car? Consumer Reports' Top Picks highlight the best cars, SUVs, and trucks you can buy right now—standouts for performance, reliability, owner satisfaction, and safety. In this episode, we break down this year's winners across key segments, from sedans and small SUVs to three-row SUVs, featuring brands like Toyota, Honda, Ford, Tesla, BMW, Lexus, and Subaru.

SHOW NOTES

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

00:00 - Introduction

00:15 - 2026 Top Picks

23:57 - Safety Verdict

29:27 - Question: What's the best way to buy a car located too far away to inspect in person?

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

Best Cars of 2026 — CR Top Picks

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/best-cars-of-the-year-10-top-picks-of-2025-a1930591024/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Safety Verdict

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/safety-guide/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

The Safest Cars You Can Buy Right Now

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/the-safest-cars-you-can-buy-right-now-a6584555585/?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 Lifetime Repair Cost

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

Consumerreports.org/Talkingcars

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/cars-driving/talking-cars-podcast-archive-a1439738009/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

The Weekly Cars Newsletter: Shop Smarter. Drive Smarter.

https://www.consumerreports.org/email-newsletters/cars/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Lock in savings with a better way to buy a car.

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-prices-build-buy-service/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Subaru is back with a hybrid Crosstrek—will this one finally get it right? For our test program, we purchased a 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Sport Hybrid, and in this episode we share our first impressions. We cover ride comfort, handling, controls, safety technology, and take a close look at Subaru's new hybrid powertrain. We also answer audience questions about repairing older vehicles versus upgrading—and whether buying a first-year redesigned model is a good idea, even when it comes from a reliable manufacturer like Subaru.

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 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid

02:14 - What we liked

10:16 - What we did not like

25:15 - Question #1: Is it worth repairing an older vehicle versus upgrading to a newer one?

29:32 - Question #2: Should you still avoid buying a first-year redesign if the powertrain carries over from the previous generation?

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

Full Test Results: 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/subaru/crosstrek-hybrid/2026/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

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 Most Reliable Cars

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/10-most-reliable-cars-a6569295379/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

How Car Brands Stack Up On Lifetime Repair Cost

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

Car Reliability and Owner Satisfaction Guide

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/guide-to-car-reliability-owner-satisfaction-a9213219653/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Consumerreports.org/Talkingcars

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/cars-driving/talking-cars-podcast-archive-a1439738009/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

We bought a 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid Calligraphy AWD for our test program—Hyundai's first model to use its new hybrid system based on a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder. We share our first impressions of this three-row family hauler, covering performance, fuel economy, interior space, cabin luxury, daily usability, and how the hybrid stacks up against the gas-only Palisade. Plus, we answer viewer questions about our All-Season vs. All-Season SUV tire ratings and whether Nissan's "Zero Gravity" seats deliver real comfort or just marketing hype.

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 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid

00:52 - What we liked

13:59 - What we did not like

28:48 - Question #1: Do Nissan's "Zero Gravity" seats actually deliver any comfort or is it just marketing hype?

34:10 - Question #2: What is the difference between the All-Season and All-Season SUV category in CR's tire ratings?

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

Full Test Results: 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hyundai/palisade-hybrid/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

Reliability of 5-10 year old cars

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/which-brands-make-the-best-used-cars-a2811658468/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

10 Most Reliable Cars

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/10-most-reliable-cars-a6569295379/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

How Car Brands Stack Up On Lifetime Repair Cost

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

Car Reliability and Owner Satisfaction Guide

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/guide-to-car-reliability-owner-satisfaction-a9213219653/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Consumerreports.org/Talkingcars

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/cars-driving/talking-cars-podcast-archive-a1439738009/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

We gathered a number of staffers who work behind the scenes at CR's Auto Test Center to share which are their picks for the best and worst cars that Consumer Reports tested in 2025! This team is a key part of CR's evaluation process, driving our test cars in their everyday lives to see which ones are the best to live with - and which ones they wouldn't recommend to friends and family.

We take an early look at the 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid XSE, which promises more power and a longer electric-only range than the previous versions called the RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid and RAV4 Prime. We discuss its EV capability, acceleration, interior feel, everyday usability, and where it is worth the $46,000 asking price. We also answer audience questions about how EVs balance horsepower and range, and whether smaller wheels are an effective way to deal with potholes.

00:17 - Toyota RAV4 PHEV first impressions

33:00 - how do EVs balance horsepower and range?

37:22 - how much does wheel size play in role in pothole damage?

2026 Toyota RAV4 PHEV First Impressions: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/2026-toyota-rav4-phev-review-a1016340226/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Low-Profile Tires vs. Potholes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FBdRy0utyaM

Consumer Reports' latest reliability findings are in, we share which brands deliver the most reliable cars, trucks, and SUVs in 2026—based on comprehensive survey data from hundreds of thousands of CR members. We break down how major automakers, including Toyota, Tesla, Subaru, Rivian, BMW, Mazda, and Honda, compare; how EVs and plug-in hybrids stack up against traditional gas models; which used cars offer the most dependable performance; and whether luxury brands truly provide an advantage over their mainstream counterparts. We also address why some automakers place the gas cap on the passenger side of their vehicles and offer advice on simple maintenance tasks you can perform yourself to help reduce car-related expenses.

SHOW NOTES

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

00:00 - Introduction

00:30 - New Car Reliability

02:51 - Used Car Reliability

05:57 - Big News

06:40 - Cars Least Expensive to Maintain

08:22 - EVs/ Plug-in Hybrids Reliability

10:04 - Hybrid Vehicle Reliability

11:34 - Owner Satisfaction

13:18 - Importance of Car Reliability

15:27 - How CR Gathers Reliability Data

19:55 - Question #1: Why do some car manufacturers put the gas cap on the passenger side and others on the driver side?

23:09 - Question #2: Which simple maintenance tasks can car owners perform on their own to help reduce car-related expenses?

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

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

Reliability of 5 to 10 year-old cars

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/which-brands-make-the-best-used-cars-a2811658468/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Most and Least Loved Car Brands

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

10 Most Reliable Cars

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/10-most-reliable-cars-a6569295379/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

How Car Brands Stack Up On Lifetime Repair Cost

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

Car Reliability and Owner Satisfaction Guide

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/guide-to-car-reliability-owner-satisfaction-a9213219653/

Consumerreports.org/Talkingcars

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/cars-driving/talking-cars-podcast-archive-a1439738009/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

This episode is dedicated to all audience questions! Keith, Emily, and Mike tackle everything from the most reliable new vehicles, whether you should pay extra for rustproofing, why Americans buy and drive large vehicles, and if keeping a 22-year-old vehicle may be better for your wallet despite the inherent repair costs. Plus, we explain how CR determines a vehicle's predicted reliability and whether you can fit your vehicle with smaller wheels and tires to save money and improve ride comfort.

Exclusive CR discount for Talking Cars viewers: https://www.consumerreports.org/jointalkingcars/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YTT4?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Submit a Question to Talking Cars: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/cars-driving/talking-cars-podcast-archive-a1439738009/?EXTKEW=YSOCIAL_YT

Safest New Cars of 2025:

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-safety/safest-new-cars-of-2025-according-to-iihs-a3325666134/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Test Results: Honda HR-V:

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/honda/hr-v/2025/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid:

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/2026-subaru-crosstrek-hybrid-review-a6801644233/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

The Hidden Danger of Big Pickup Trucks:

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-safety/the-hidden-danger-of-big-pickup-trucks-a9662450602/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Skip These Car Dealership Extras:

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/buying-a-car/just-say-no-to-these-car-dealership-extras-a9471188276/?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

SHOW NOTES:

0:00 - Intro

0:30 - Question #1: Should I keep my super basic, 22-year-old Honda CR-V or look for a newer, reliable model car?

04:43 - Question #2: Is the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid a safe bet in terms of reliability?

6:58 - Question #3: What are the pros and cons to decreasing the wheel and tires size on a 2025 Toyota Camry XSE?

10:24 - Question #4: How can CR give large vehicles like the Ford Expedition a positive review?

15:15 - Question #5: Is $1,000 for undercoating on a 2023 Kia Sportage worth it?

18:22 - Question #6: What's a good replacement for a 2017 Mazda 6?

22:51 - Question #7: How does CR come up with new model year predicted reliability?

25:32 - Question #8: What about one pedal driving do CR experts not understand?

Lucid recently released its second all-electric vehicle: the 2026 Lucid Gravity. With 828 horsepower, three rows of seating, and impressive electric range, it looks like a potential game-changer in the luxury SUV space. But is it ready for prime time? In this episode, we share our first impressions of the Gravity, including standout features, early glitches, and key omissions. Plus, we tackle your questions: How do you get the most life—and resale value—out of your vehicle? And when planning a long road trip, should you rack up miles on your older car or take the newer one?

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

00:36 - Overview: 2026 Lucid Gravity

01:17 - What we love

14:39 - What we hate

29:16 - Question #1: How do you get the most life - and resale value - out of your vehicle?

33:57 - Question #2: When planning a long road trip, should you rack up miles on your older car or take the newer one?

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

Full Test Results: 2026 Lucid Gravity

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/lucid/gravity/2026/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

First Drive: The 2026 Lucid Gravity Is Spacious and Fast, but Incomplete

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/2025-lucid-gravity-review-a8550442240/?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 Deals on Electric Vehicles

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/best-deals-on-electric-vehicles-a1198228201/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Find the Best Hybrids & EVs

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT