Talking Cars (mp3)

We discuss our favorite vehicles and trends from the floor of the 2023 NY Auto Show, including previews of the Toyota Grand Highlander, Kia EV9, Ford Mustang, Ram 1500 REV, and Chevrolet Equinox and Blazer EVs. We also share our thoughts on the future direction of the automotive landscape, with the lack of concept cars at this year's show, and the polarization between big trucks and performance vehicles in contrast with the continuing electrification of the industry.     SHOW NOTES ----------------------------------- 00:00 - Introduction 00:15 - Polar Opposites: Big Trucks/Performance Cars vs. EVs 01:40 - RAM 1500 REV 02:50 - Dodge Challenger Demon SRT 170 04:29 - Chevrolet Camero 05:25 - Ford Mustang 07:01 - Chevrolet Blazer EV 07:24 - Kia EV9 12:38 - Hyundai Kona EV 13:26 - Chevrolet Equinox EV 15:02 - Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray 16:16 - Chevrolet TRAX 17:03 - Toyota Grand Highlander 10:51 - Lack of Concept Cars 18:45 - Personal Picks of The Show 22:40 - Japanese Domestic Market Cars 23:13 - Top Secret V12 Sup

Land Rover has redesigned the Range Rover Sport for 2023. The new Sport SUV offers a number of powertrains, as well as a plug-in hybrid version. We share our first impressions of the inline-six, 355-horsepower on the SE P360 trim we purchased for our test program, and how it stacks up against competitors like the Porsche Cayenne, Genesis GV80, and even the top shelf Range Rover.       SHOW NOTES ----------------------------------- 00:00 - Introduction 00:16 - First Impressions : 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport 23:13 - Question: Why does CR’s reliability ratings change from year to year on vehicle models?     ----------------------------------   Redesigned 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport Finds Its Niche https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/2023-land-rover-range-rover-sport-review-a9874404418/   2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/land-rover/range-rover-sport/2023/overview/   Guide to Car Safety https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-guide-to-car-safety/     -----------

Become a member at https://CR.org/joinviaYT to find out how each vehicle we purchase performs in our tests. Built on the same platform as its sedan sibling, the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV could be considered the default flagship vehicle for Mercedes, offering S-Class levels of luxury with the utility of a 3-row family hauler, wrapped in a fully electric package. But while trying to serve so many different buyers, does it end up not doing any job particularly well? We purchased a EQS450 4Matic EV for our test program, and share our first impression of its range, infotainment system, the usability of the third row, and how it compares to other EV SUVs like the Tesla Model X and BMW iX. We also discuss what happens to a car's telematics and infotainment systems when 3G and 4G service is shut down by wireless carriers. SHOW NOTES:  0:00 - Intro 0:37 - 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS450 SUV 2:38 - First Impressions 5:46 - Range/charge times 6:57 - Tech specs 8:20 - Infotainment screen 10:00 - Steering wheel controls 11:18 - Thi

Become a member at https://CR.org/joinviaYT to find out how each vehicle we purchase performs in our tests. Tesla now allows non-Tesla EVs to use its Supercharger network in a handful of locations in New York and California using its new Magic Dock CCS adapter. We visit one of these locations with CR's Kia EV6 and Mercedes EQE test vehicles to evaluate the charging process. We also talk with Tesla owners who give their thoughts about sharing space with non-Tesla electric vehicles, what it's like to see cars like the Rivian R1T and BMW iX in charging stalls, and follow one Volkswagen ID.4 owner as he experiences some hiccups using the new system. Follow Us on Social: TikTok: https://bit.ly/3BVzGR9 Instagram: http://bit.ly/1I49Bzo Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1IQ2w5q Twitter: http://bit.ly/1Yf5Fh2 Pinterest: http://bit.ly/1P37mM9

Become a member at https://CR.org/joinviaYT to find out how each vehicle we purchase performs in our tests. This week, we share our first impressions of the 2023 Lexus RZ 450e. The RZ is the first battery-electric vehicle from Lexus, sharing a platform with the Toyota bz4X. We discuss everything from styling, range, livability and if the RZ has enough EV traits that buyers are looking for. Plus, we answer an audience question about EV battery replacement costs. SHOW NOTES:  0:00 - Intro 0:18 - 2023 Lexus RZ 450e 0:57 - Lexus/Toyota EVs 1:30 - Range/charging time 4:10 - Competing EVs in the same price range 4:30 - Safety technology 7:30 - Lexus buyer experience 8:15 - Driving impressions 10:15 - Climate features 11:00 - Lexus/Subaru/Toyota family of EVs 12:08 - Pedestrian safety features 14:11 - Visibility 15:27 - Driver display 16:10 - Lexus RZ pricing 17:13 - Steering yoke 18:33 - Question: How much should it cost to replace an EV battery? — LINKS: All-New 2023 Lexus RZ 450e Is a Disappointing First EV Effo

Become a member at https://CR.org/joinviaYT to find out how each vehicle we purchase performs in our tests. On this episode we welcome the 2023 Honda Pilot to our test fleet. We offer our first impressions of the redesigned, three-row SUV, and share our personal experiences with the Pilot during our first few days of ownership. We also answer an audience question about the evolution, or disappearance, of vehicle bumpers and learn about a retired CR test that features the aptly named, ‘bumper basher.’  SHOW NOTES: 0:00 - Intro 0:28 - 2023 Honda Pilot 1:52 - Ideal family vehicle? 5:19 - Driving impressions 10:25 - Interior space 11:31- Driving position 14:35 - Controls 16:01 - Audience Question: What happened to all the bumpers? 20:58 - CR bumper basher — LINKS: Honda Pilot: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/honda/pilot/ 2023 Honda Pilot Makes Big Strides With Redesign: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/2023-honda-pilot-review-a5711400779/ Stress-Free SUVs That You’ll Love Driving and Owning: https:

Become a member at https://CR.org/joinviaYT to find out how each vehicle we purchase performs in our tests. This week, we discuss the 2023 Lexus LX600. The three-row SUV boasts off-road prowess while offering consumers a first-class vehicle experience. We talk about the history of the LX and its corporate cousin, the Toyota Land Cruiser, and debate if the six-figure SUV is worth its weight both as a family hauler and a trail-ready ‘truck’. We also answer a question about EV-charging networks and welcome back an old friend to the show.  SHOW NOTES:  0:00 - Intro 0:17 - New Talking Cars publish day 1:07 - Welcome back Joe Veselak! 3:28 - 2023 Lexus LX600 5:43 - Who is the LX600 for? 7:00 - Driving impressions 12:00 - Interior, 2nd/3rd row access 15:15 - Fit and finish 17:00 - Would you buy the LX600? 19:00 -  Question: How will the transition from gas to electric vehicles happen in terms of charge station and gas station availability? LINKS: Lexus LX: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/lexus/lx/ Electric Cars

Become a member at https://CR.org/joinviaYT to find out how each vehicle we purchase performs in our tests.     Mitsubishi's three-row compact SUV gets a plug-in hybrid version for 2023. We share our first impressions of the 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (is it pronounced P-HEV, or FEV?), discuss its new powertrain, driving characteristics, and how its electric range compares to other popular plug-in hybrids like the Toyota RAV4 Prime, Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage. We also help someone from our audience choose a comfortable, dependable, and fuel efficient hybrid vehicle that's great for long road trips.       SHOW NOTES ----------------------------------- 00:00 - Introduction 00:13 - First Impressions : 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV 18:21 - Question: What is a great hybrid vehicle for long trips that is comfortable, dependable, and fuel efficient?       ----------------------------------   2023 Mitsubishi Outlander https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/mitsubishi/outlander/2023/overview/   First Drive: Th

What are the best cars you can buy right now? The Consumer Reports Top Picks list is a collection of cars, SUVs, and trucks with standout performance across the board. Each represents a key vehicle segment and shines for its combination of road test performance, reliability, owner satisfaction, and safety, garnering a high-enough Overall Score to earn a coveted CR recommendation. We discuss the cars that made it to the top of the list, trends we're noticing in the automotive industry, and other interesting insights from our Autos Spotlight coverage.     SHOW NOTES ----------------------------------- 00:00 - Introduction 00:13 - Top Picks Introduction 02:57 - Hybrid Trends 05:09 - Price Comparisons Between Hybrids and Gas Engine Vehicles 08:41 - Toyota and Lexus Trends 11:04 - New Car Models 12:03 - The Venerable 13:19 - Electric Vehicles 15:34 - Question: Why does the CR overall reliability score change over time?     ----------------------------------   Cars https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/   Which Car

Become a member at https://CR.org/joinviaYT to find out how each vehicle we purchase performs in our tests.   Reviving a nameplate that hasn't been used in the US since 1972, the Toyota Crown is the Japanese automaker's attempt to bridge the gap between sedans and SUVs. But the question remains: is that something drivers are looking for? We share our first impressions of the Crown's unique styling, hybrid powertrain, and whether it's a suitable replacement for the dearly departed Toyota Avalon. We also discuss a viewer's issues with trying to fix their car's software issues and glitches with a dealership mechanic.     SHOW NOTES ----------------------------------- 00:00 - Introduction 00:13 - First Impressions: 2023 Toyota Crown 18:19 - Question: It seems that mechanics have a hard time diagnosing issues with electronics, will that increase with electric vehicles?     ----------------------------------   2023 Toyota Crown Reinvents the Modern Sedan https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/2023-toyota-

Become a member at https://CR.org/joinviaYT to find out how each vehicle we purchase performs in our tests.   The Inflation Reduction Act has introduced a number of tax incentives for those who want to drive or lease an electric vehicle, but making sense of which vehicles qualify has proven difficult. In this bonus episode, our experts explain all the current rules for new, used, and leased EVs or hybrids, and how to take full advantage of the program.     SHOW NOTES ----------------------------------- 00:00 - Introduction 01:07 - What’s new with the EV Federal Tax Credit. 01:47 - 200,000 Vehicle Cap. 02:27 - Income Caps. 03:03 - County of origin restrictions. 04:03 - Foreign Entity of Concern Rule. 04:57 - EV purchase walkthrough. 06:44 - How auto manufacturers are making their cars qualify for the Tax Credit. 08:00 - Why is the EV Tax Credit so complicated? 09:46 - Taking advantage of the Tax Credit when leasing. 10:39 - EV Tax Credit for commercial vehicles. 13:07 - Used EV Tax Credit. 14:50 - The bottom l

Become a member at https://CR.org/joinviaYT to find out how each vehicle we purchase performs in our tests. The Toyota Prius has always been known for its polarizing styling and undeniable fuel economy. But the new 2023 Prius changes that equation, and now features much sleeker styling, but without a great leap forward in fuel efficiency. In this episode, we share our first impressions of the 2023 Toyota Prius' redesigned cabin, our early fuel economy experiences, and whether legacy fans of the Prius' quirky vibe will be turned off by this new version. SHOW NOTES ----------------------------------- 00:00 - Introduction 00:15 - First Impressions: 2023 Toyota Prius 25:26 - Question: Are vehicle trip computers accurate, and what is the most precise way to calculate MPG? ----------------------------------- Subscribe to Talking Cars on Apple Podcasts! 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

Become a member at https://CR.org/joinviaYT to find out how each vehicle we purchase performs in our tests.   The Lexus RX has served as a benchmark for refined, stress-free, midsized luxury SUVs for more than two decades. We recently purchased our own to put through our tests at the Consumer Reports Auto Test track, and share our first impressions of its driving characteristics, controls, how it stacks up against competitors like the BMW X5 and Audi Q7, and whether it maintains its solid reputation. We also discuss whether you should bring your vehicle to the dealer for software updates.       ----------------------------------- 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 TalkingCars@icloud.com 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 Spoti

Become a member at https://CR.org/joinviaYT to find out how each vehicle we purchase performs in our tests. On this episode, we share our first impressions of the 2023 Kia Niro Electric. Find out how the Niro compares to its corporate EV siblings, the Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5, and how subtle changes affect the driver’s experience. We also answer a question about all-wheel-drive EVs in winter driving conditions. SHOW NOTES: 0:00 - Intro 0:15 - 2023 Kia Niro Electric 3:34 - Driving impressions 6:54 - Regenerative braking 8:47 - Visibility and the Aeroblade 10:43 - Interior controls 13:18 - Accommodations/floor height 15:22 - Which Kia EV/hybrid would we choose? 18:20 - Question: Which EV system has better traction in winter driving conditions? LINKS: Preview: 2023 Kia Niro Trio Make Evolutionary Advancements: https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/2023-kia-niro-review-a1734527338/ Kia Niro Electric: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/kia/niro-electric/ Automakers Are Adding Electric Vehicles to Their

Become a member at https://CR.org/joinviaYT to find out how each vehicle we purchase performs in our tests. This week, we discuss the new Toyota Highlander. Our experts share their first impressions of the three-row SUV and talk about how the Highlander sticks to what it does best, despite its 2023 refresh. We also answer audience questions about top tier gasoline and why the Genesis GV70 SUV comes with a launch control feature. SHOW NOTES: 0:00 - Intro 0:21 - 2023 Toyota Highlander 2:12 - Highlander trims 4:34 - Our first impressions 8:28 - Powertrain 10:19 - Interior/seats 12:18 - Infotainment system 13:27 - Cargo capacity 15:03 - Would you buy a Highlander? 16:48 - Question #1: What’s top tier gas and is it important? 20:50 - Question #2: What’s launch control and is it necessary? LINKS: 2023 Toyota Highlander: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/toyota/highlander/2023/overview/ Top Tier Gasoline Worth the Extra Price; Study Shows: https://www.consumerreports.org/fuel-economy-efficiency/top-tier-gasoline-

You'd be forgiven for thinking that if a car is electric, it has to have a minimalist design, with weird door handles and every function controlled through a touchscreen. But the BMW i4 both looks and feels very much like a traditional sports car. But is that a good thing? We discuss the BMW i4 M50 we purchased for our test program, how it performs on our track, its questionable range, whether it carries on the "ultimate driving machine" lineage of its parent company, and how it compares to EV competitors from Tesla, Genesis, and Hyundai.       ----------------------------------- 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 TalkingCars@icloud.com 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/4Jr8wJRJyN9v8T6LC

Become a member at https://CR.org/joinviaYT to find out more about our tests. On this episode, we recap 2022 and share our personal picks for the best and worst cars we tested this year. We also discuss the biggest trends in the auto industry, including the evolution of electric vehicles, infotainment customization and smartphone apps that enhance the ownership experience. We share what we're most looking forward to in the year ahead. SHOW NOTES: 0:00 - Intro 1:18 - Favorite car tested in 2022 4:54 - Least favorite care tested in 2022 9:49 - Biggest surprise or disappointment 13:40 - Best looking test car of 2022 17:36 - Vehicle most likely to succeed 20:27 - Best/worst interior 22:16 - Best/worst infotainment 24:37 - Favorite trend of the year 27:28 - Cars we wish would come back 29:40 - Car the we wish would go away 33:23 - Most sought after test car among CR staff 34:05 - Which test car spent the most time at the dealer?   35:59 - Looking ahead to 2023 LINKS: Top Picks in Autos for 2022: https://www.consum

Become a member at https://CR.org/joinviaYT to find out how each vehicle we purchase performs in our tests. The Lucid Air is an ultra-luxury, all-electric sedan, built by the fledgling EV automaker to compete with other high-end EVs like the Tesla Model S and Porsche Taycan. We discuss its driving dynamics, interior quality, what technical improvements it adds to electric vehicles as a whole, and whether it might be worth its six-figure price tag. We also discuss the role low-rolling-resistance tires play in extending the range of an EV, and if it's a good idea to use regular tires on an electric car. SHOW NOTES: :15 - Lucid Air first impressions 14:40 - how much do low-rolling-resistance tires contribute to an EV's overall range? LINKS: Streamlined Lucid Air is an Electric Rocketship: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/lucid-air-review-a3737716714/ Electric Vehicles That Can Go More Than 250 Miles on a Charge: https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/electric-vehicles-that-can-go-more-than-2

The 2023 BMW X1 redesign brings more features, room, and power, but does it have enough to compete with the Audi Q3, Lexus NX, Mercedes-Benz GLA, and other competitors in the entry-level luxury SUV segment? We discuss its driving characteristics, updated technology, cabin, and how much utility an SUV this size can really provide. Our experts also share tips on how to avoid MSRP dealer markups when car shopping, and give our picks for a reliable and fuel efficient family vehicle.       ----------------------------------- 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 TalkingCars@icloud.com 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

Become a member at https://CR.org/joinviaYT to find out how this car performs in our tests. This week we discuss the all-new 2023 Nissan Ariya, the second electric vehicle to join the automaker's EV roster behind the Leaf. We discuss the extensive Ariya model lineup, how it stacks up against other electric car competitors like the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, Volkswagen ID.4, and Subaru Solterra. We also debate how future-proof the new Nissan may be, and answer an audience question about backup camera design. SHOW NOTES: 0:00 - Intro 0:15 - Nissan EV History 4:41 - 2023 Nissan Ariya powertrains, range and charging 7:07 - Driving experience 13:31 - Interior 16:21 - Controls 20:39 - Nissan Ariya trim levels 25:22 - Question - Brian from Boston: Can backup camera design improve so that the camera lenses stay clean? LINKS: Preview: All-Electric 2023 Nissan Ariya Priced at $46,000: https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/2023-nissan-ariya-review-a7460569915/ 2023 Nissan Ariya: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars