Fri, 30 September 2022
Ford has transformed the nation's best-selling pickup truck into a quick and capable EV. We share our first impressions of the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning, and discuss its prodigious power, swift acceleration, strong towing capability, and impressive electric range. We also talk about whether the new Lighting is a truck for the new, greener era. Plus, we help an audience member with some tire-buying advice and explain the importance of changing out your car's summer tires when the weather starts getting frigid.
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SHOW NOTES ----------------------------------- 00:00 - Introduction 00:15 - First Impressions: 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning 15:06 - Question: At what temperature should you change your car’s summer tires for all-season?
---------------------------------- Smokin’ Fast 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning Ushers in a New Era of EV Pickup Trucks https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/2022-ford-f-150-lightning-review-a4084273266/
Which EVs Qualify for the New Electric Vehicle Tax Credit? It’s Complicated https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/electric-vehicles-that-qualify-for-new-ev-tax-credit-a9310530660/
2022 Rivian R1T Electric Pickup Truck Wows Us as It Lives Up to the Hype https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/2022-rivian-r1t-electric-pickup-truck-review-a3029848158/
Guide to Car Safety https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-guide-to-car-safety/
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Fri, 2 September 2022
Bike racks are a lot like cars, with new styles and brands available to consumers each year. And while we love cars at CR, we're also avid cycling enthusiasts, and recently performed evaluations on hitch-mounted bike racks, as well as pickup-truck tailgate pads, from brands like Kuat, Yakima, Thule, Bell, Allen, and Race Face. We discuss which ones performed best, how they compare to roof and trunk mounted racks, and what to look for if you need to transport an electric bike (e-bike).
----------------------------------- 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/
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SHOW NOTES ----------------------------------- 00:00 - Introduction 00:14 - Our biking background. 03:47 - Bike rack evaluations 20:37 - Question: If continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) provide so many benefits to a vehicle, why are they so reviled by many?
---------------------------------- Best Bike Racks https://www.consumerreports.org/bike-racks-carriers/best-bike-racks-a8073136271/
How to Choose and Use the Right Bike Rack https://www.consumerreports.org/bike-racks-carriers/how-to-choose-and-use-the-right-bike-rack-a1180679643/
How Bike Racks Affect a Car’s Fuel Economy https://www.consumerreports.org/fuel-economy-efficiency/how-bike-racks-affect-car-fuel-economy/
How Rooftop Carriers Affect Fuel Economy for Cars and SUVs https://www.consumerreports.org/fuel-economy-efficiency/how-rooftop-carriers-affect-fuel-economy/
Best Electric Bikes From Consumer Reports’ Test https://www.consumerreports.org/electric-bikes/best-electric-bikes-e-bike-review-a2596703950/
Guide to Car Safety https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-guide-to-car-safety/
----------------------------------- Check out http://www.ConsumerReports.org for the latest reviews, tips, and recommendations and subscribe to our YouTube Channel: http://bit.ly/1Nlb1Ez
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Fri, 19 August 2022
This week we share our first impressions of the 2023 Honda HR-V. We discuss how the HR-V improved over the first generation model and why it feels more robust in comparison to competing small SUVs. Plus, we answer an audience question that compares an all-wheel drive Mazda 3 to the new Acura Integra. SHOW NOTES: 0:00-10:39: 2023 Honda HR-V 10:39-18:08: Question: Which would you choose; the Mazda 3 AWD or the new Acura Integra? LINKS: Redesigned 2023 Honda HR-V Grows in Size and Sophistication: https://www.consumerreports.org/suvs/2023-honda-hr-v-review-a5649305775/ 2022 Mazda 3: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/mazda/3/2022/overview/ 2023 Acura Integra Tries to Recapture ‘80s and ‘90s Magic With Help of Civic Si: https://www.consumerreports.org/small-cars/2023-acura-integra-review-a1115778934/ |
Fri, 12 August 2022
On this episode, we discuss the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid. Find out how the Sportage Hybrid compares to the gasoline Sportage we tested and why hybrid versions of small SUVs often improve a model overall. We also answer a question about all-wheel drive and determine whether it can be considered a safety feature or convenience feature. SHOW NOTES: 0:00 - 11:48 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid 11:50 - 20:34 Question: Is all-wheel drive a safety feature, a nice-to-have-perk, or over-hyped? LINKS: 2023 Kia Sportage Is Long on Style and Room, Short on Verve: https://www.consumerreports.org/suvs/2023-kia-sportage-review-a1593140021/ |
Fri, 5 August 2022
This week, we share our impressions of the all-electric Mazda MX-30, the automaker’s first EV to hit the market. Find out why we think the MX-30 is behind the times and why only 560 vehicles are planned to be sold in the US. We also answer an audience question about the legality of LED replacement headlights. SHOW NOTES: 0:00-12:22 - 2022 Mazda MX-30 12:22-19:27 - Video Question: Are LED replacement bulbs legal? LINKS: Frustrating Mazda MX-30 Can’t Match Other Modern EVs: https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/2022-mazda-mx-30-review-a1201295576/ Smart Adaptive Headlights Will Soon Brighten U.S. Roads: https://www.consumerreports.org/car-safety/smart-adaptive-headlights-will-soon-brighten-us-roads-a8128257819/
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Tue, 21 June 2022
This week, we give our first impressions of the all-electric Genesis G80 (officially called the Electrified G80). We discuss the styling, electric range, driving dynamics, and luxurious interior of the EV sedan, and how it compares to the gas powered version. Also, with so many electric vehicles on the market, we debate which used EV we would recommend to a first time buyer.
----------------------------------- 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/
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SHOW NOTES ----------------------------------- 00:00 - Introduction 00:57 - First Impressions : 2023 Genesis G80 EV 14:30 - Question: Which used electric vehicle is best suited for a first time EV buyer?
---------------------------------- 2022 Genesis G80 https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/genesis/g80/2022/overview
Electric Cars Are Becoming Less Expensive https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/electric-cars-are-becoming-less-expensive-a6548270716/
Most Satisfying New Compact Hybrid Cars https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/most-satisfying-new-hybrid-cars-a5029804171/
How to Choose a Fuel-Efficient New Car https://www.consumerreports.org/fuel-economy-efficiency/how-to-choose-a-fuel-efficient-new-car-a6176139178/
Guide to Car Safety https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-guide-to-car-safety/
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Fri, 17 June 2022
Nissan draws from its 50-plus-year history in resurrecting the Z, a sports car that the automaker calls "all-new" (but is it though??) We debate the provenance of this iteration of the Z, as well as share our first impressions of its performance, interior, and what you might lose by opting for the automatic transmission. We also debate which is the ultimate driving machine: the BMW M550i xDrive, or the Mercedes-Benz AMG E53.
----------------------------------- 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 ----------------------------------- 00:00 - Introduction 00:58 - First Impressions : 2023 Nissan Z 20:55 - Question: Which is the ultimate driving machine: the BMW 550i xDrive, or the Mercedes-Benz AMG E53?
---------------------------------- Preview: All-New 2023 Nissan Z Combines Classic Cues, Modern Performance https://www.consumerreports.org/sports-cars/nissan-z-preview-a2145463162/
2022 New York Auto Show: Nissan Z https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pNp1KyxJv80
Nissan Z Road Test https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yAndC05ZXzY
2023 Nissan Z https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/nissan/z/2023/overview
Guide to Car Safety https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-guide-to-car-safety/
----------------------------------- Check out http://www.ConsumerReports.org for the latest reviews, tips, and recommendations and subscribe to our YouTube Channel: http://bit.ly/1Nlb1Ez
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Fri, 3 June 2022
The Ford Maverick hybrid promises superior fuel economy and pickup utility at a price that's thousands of dollars less than the more common standard-sized truck. But will the availability of the hybrid powertrain as front-wheel drive only be a deal-breaker for buyers? Can this small pickup handle truck duties, and how does it compare to the standard engine version? Also, we explain the science behind regenerative braking, and how it works in both hybrid and electric vehicles.
----------------------------------- 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 ----------------------------------- 00:00 - Introduction 00:52 - First Impressions : 2022 Ford Maverick Hybrid 13:39 - Question: Please explain the science behind regenerative braking, and how it works in both hybrid and electric vehicles?
---------------------------------- First Drive: 2022 Ford Maverick Is a Throwback to the Era of Small, Simple Pickup Trucks https://www.consumerreports.org/pickup-trucks/2022-ford-maverick-review-a1068008639/
2022 Ford Maverick https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/ford/maverick/2022/overview/
How to Decide If a Hybrid, Plug-In Hybrid, or Fully Electric Car Is Right for You https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/how-to-decide-if-a-hybrid-plug-in-hybrid-or-fully-electric-car-is-right-for-you/
Guide to Car Safety https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-guide-to-car-safety/
----------------------------------- Check out http://www.ConsumerReports.org for the latest reviews, tips, and recommendations and subscribe to our YouTube Channel: http://bit.ly/1Nlb1Ez
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Tue, 17 May 2022
This week, we give our first impressions of the all-new GV60, the first fully-electric vehicle from Genesis. We discuss styling, driving dynamics, and interior storage-- and compare the GV60 to the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6 which are built on the same platform. We also answer an audience question about the legality of driving with fog lights in everyday situations.
----------------------------------- 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 ----------------------------------- 00:00 - Intro 00:16 - First Impressions: 2023 Genesis GV60 14:30 - Question: Is there any danger or law against driving with fog lights on during clear weather?
---------------------------------- Preview: Electric 2023 Genesis GV60 Charges to Production https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/genesis-gv60-review-a2697188686/
2023 Genesis GV60 https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/genesis/gv60/2023/overview/?pagestop
First Drive: 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Can Play in the Big League https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/2022-hyundai-ioniq-5-review-a4449361814/
First Drive: 2022 Kia EV6 Debuts With Plenty of Power and Engaging Handling https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/2022-kia-ev6-review-a1953327658/
Guide to Car Safety https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-guide-to-car-safety/
-----------------------------------
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Fri, 29 April 2022
This week we talk about Chevrolet's announcement of an electrified, all-wheel-drive Corvette. We cover Corvette history, the evolution of car enthusiast culture and the future of powerful supercars that are entering the EV space. We also answer an audience question that asks how automated and electrified vehicles will affect the traditional driving experience as we know it. SHOW NOTES: 0:25 - Ford Lightning Announcement 0:43 - Electrified Chevrolet Corvette Announcement 7:30 - Question #1: With the advent of full autonomous vehicles, will there still be space for car enthusiasts who enjoy vehicles with traditional ICEs? LINKS: Chevrolet Corvette to Go Hybrid and Eventually Electric: https://www.consumerreports.org/sports-cars/chevrolet-corvette-hybrid-electric-review-a2522443606/ Chevrolet Corvette: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/chevrolet/corvette/ Ford F-150 Lightning: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/ford/f-150-lightning/ Hot, New Electric Cars That Are Coming Soon: https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/hot-new-electric-cars-are-coming-soon-a1000197429/ |