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 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Jr8wJRJyN9v8T6LC1fQQ6

SHOW NOTES

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

00:00 - Introduction

00:14 - First Impressions: 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid

23:19 - Question: Should you bother your dealer to check and perform software updates on your vehicle?

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2023 Lexus RX Hybrid

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/lexus/rx-hybrid/2023/overview/

Redesigned 2023 Lexus RX Ticks Up on Luxury and Sport

https://www.consumerreports.org/suvs/2023-lexus-rx-review-a9838921352/

Electric Cars and Plug-In Hybrids That Qualify for Tax Credits Under the Inflation Reduction Act

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/electric-cars-plug-in-hybrids-that-qualify-for-tax-credits-a7820795671/

Guide to Car Safety

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-guide-to-car-safety/

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

To find out how products scored in CR’s rigorous lab tests—and to access our comprehensive ratings for items you use every day—become a member. CR is a mission-driven, independent, nonprofit organization. Join now at https://www.CR.org/join

Check out https://www.ConsumerReports.org for the latest reviews, tips, and recommendations and subscribe to our YouTube Channel: http://bit.ly/1Nlb1Ez 

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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 Lineups. Here’s What’s Coming: https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/why-electric-cars-may-soon-flood-the-us-market-a9006292675/#7

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-worth-the-extra-price-a7682471234/

Top Tier Detergent Gasoline Brands: https://toptiergas.com/licensed-brands/

Why You Might Not actually Need Premium Gas: https://www.consumerreports.org/fuel-economy-efficiency/why-you-might-not-actually-need-premium-gas-a6382185831/

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/4Jr8wJRJyN9v8T6LC1fQQ6

SHOW NOTES

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

00:00 - Introduction

00:13 - First Impressions: 2023 BMW i4

15:12 - Question: Why is there an additional plastic cover on all DC fast charging ports?

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2023 BMW i4

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/bmw/i4/2023/overview/

Move Over Tesla, the Electric 2022 BMW i4 Is Impressive

https://www.consumerreports.org/hybridsevs/2022-bmw-i4-review-a6698677397/

Electric Cars and Plug-In Hybrids That Qualify for Tax Credits Under the Inflation Reduction Act

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/electric-cars-plug-in-hybrids-that-qualify-for-tax-credits-a7820795671/

Guide to Car Safety

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-guide-to-car-safety/

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

To find out how products scored in CR’s rigorous lab tests—and to access our comprehensive ratings for items you use every day—become a member. CR is a mission-driven, independent, nonprofit organization. Join now at https://www.CR.org/join

Check out https://www.ConsumerReports.org for the latest reviews, tips, and recommendations and subscribe to our YouTube Channel: http://bit.ly/1Nlb1Ez 

Follow Us on Social:

TikTok: https://bit.ly/3BVzGR9

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Pinterest: http://bit.ly/1P37mM9

2022 Year in Review

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.consumerreports.org/cars/top-picks-in-autos-2022-a2329638847/

10 Most Reliable Cars: consumerreports.org/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/10-most-reliable-cars-a6569295379/

Gift guide for Car Lovers: https://www.consumerreports.org/gift-giving/gift-guide-for-car-lovers-a9537905852/

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-250-miles-on-a-full-charge-a2189661367/

Low-Rolling-Resistance Tires Can Save You Money at the Pump: https://www.consumerreports.org/tires/low-rolling-resistance-tires-can-save-you-money-at-pump-a1547901110/

Check out https://www.CR.org for the latest reviews, tips, and recommendations and subscribe to our YouTube Channel: http://bit.ly/1Nlb1Ez

Follow Us on Social:

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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

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

00:00 - Introduction

00:14 - First Impressions: 2023 BMW X1

19:33 - Question: What is the best way to avoid MSRP dealer markups when shopping for a car?

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Redesigned 2023 BMW X1 Grows in Size and Technology

https://www.consumerreports.org/suvs/2023-bmw-x1-review-a7535685549/

2023 BMW X1

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/bmw/x1/2023/overview/

How to Negotiate a New-Car Price Effectively

https://www.consumerreports.org/car-pricing-negotiation/how-to-negotiate-a-new-car-price-effectively-a8596856299/

How to Avoid Car-Buying Fees

https://www.consumerreports.org/fees-billing/how-to-avoid-car-buying-fees-a7209896255/

Guide to Car Safety

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-guide-to-car-safety/

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

To find out how products scored in CR’s rigorous lab tests—and to access our comprehensive ratings for items you use every day—become a member. CR is a mission-driven, independent, nonprofit organization. Join now at https://www.CR.org/join

Check out https://www.ConsumerReports.org for the latest reviews, tips, and recommendations and subscribe to our YouTube Channel: http://bit.ly/1Nlb1Ez 

Follow Us on Social:

TikTok: https://bit.ly/3BVzGR9

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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 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/nissan/ariya/

Electric Cars 101: The Answers to All Your EV Questions: https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/electric-cars-101-the-answers-to-all-your-ev-questions-a7130554728/

Become a member at https://CR.org/joinviaYT to find out how this car performs in our tests.

On this episode, we share our first impressions of the 2023 Honda CR-V. We cover the details of the CR-V’s redesign, its role in Honda’s vehicle lineup and how its understated nature fits into a consumer's life. We also answer a question about catalytic converter theft, and what you can do to protect your own vehicle.

SHOW NOTES:

0:00 - Intro

0:15 - Welcome Michael Crossen

1:07 - 2023 Honda CR-V

2:23 - First Impressions

4:42 - CR-V Evolution

5:55 - Vehicle controls

6:44 - Fit and finish

9:02 - Cabin and seating

12:15 - CR-V vs. HR-V

14:19 - Question: Can owners or automakers do more to deter catalytic converter theft?

LINKS:

First Drive: Redesigned 2023 Honda CR-V Sticks With Winning Formula: https://www.consumerreports.org/suvs/2023-honda-cr-v-review-a1196843568/

Redesigned 2023 Honda HR-V Grows in Size and Sophistication: https://www.consumerreports.org/suvs/2023-honda-hr-v-review-a5649305775/

SUV Buying Guide: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/buying-guide/

How to Prevent Catalytic Converter Theft: https://www.consumerreports.org/theft/how-to-prevent-catalytic-converter-theft-a6785016673/

Become a member at https://CR.org/joinviaYT to find out how each vehicle we purchase performs in our tests.

What's the difference between all-season and all-weather tires? How are they different from winter tires? And do I need to bother if my car has all-wheel drive? On this episode, we explain the differences between each of these types of tires, which conditions they work best in, and offer Consumer Reports buying advice on how to make sure you're prepared for driving in icy, snowy weather. We also discuss the rising average price of a new car, and what role advanced safety features play in making vehicles more expensive.

SHOW NOTES:

:44 - what's the difference between each type of tire?

7:33 - how we test winter tires

12:25 - the best time to buy winter tires

15:04 - audience question: driving fatalities are up, why aren't advanced safety features helping?

LINKS:

Best Winter Tires from CR's Tests: https://www.consumerreports.org/winter-snow-tire/best-winter-snow-tires-a1191260310/

Best All-Season Tires: https://www.consumerreports.org/tires/best-all-season-tires-a9794563815/

Make Sure Your Tires Have Enough Tread for a Snowy Winter: https://www.consumerreports.org/tires/make-sure-your-tires-have-enough-tread-for-winter-a6082176624/

Check out https://www.CR.org for the latest reviews, tips, and recommendations and subscribe to our YouTube Channel: http://bit.ly/1Nlb1Ez 

Follow Us on Social:

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Pinterest: http://bit.ly/1P37mM9