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Talking Cars (MP3): Daily Summaries Delivered
by Consumer Reports
Join our experts at the Consumer Reports Test Track as they discuss cars, answer buying questions, and share insights on everything automotive.
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- 5 days ago48 min
The 2026 Lexus ES Hybrid is an Endangered Species
This week, we're talking all about the 2026 Lexus ES Hybrid. We share our first impressions of this perennial CR favorite, discuss how it stacks up against its all-new EV twin, the Lexus ES 500e, and debate whether the 2026 redesign offers enough improvements over older, popular (and reliable) models from Toyota/Lexus. We also answer questions about the risks of buying a redesigned car in its first production year and about how child seat technology, seat belts, and driving habits have changed over the last 60 years. SHOW NOTES: 0:10 - Intro 0:25 - 2026 Lexus ES Hybrid, Overview 1:30 - Pricing 1:55 - First Impressions 7:13 - Hybrid system quirks 11:20 - Driving & Interior characteristics 16:00 - Infotainment system 19:05 - Beeps & safety systems 22:26 - Lexus ES 350 Hybrid vs. Toyota Avalon 34:02 - Question #1: Is it safe to buy a vehicle in the first year of production? 42:02 - Question #2 (video): How have cars become safer for child passengers when you compare data from the 1960's to today? LINKS: Review: The Redesigned Lexus ES Hybrid Is in Its Soft Era: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/lexus-es-hybrid-review-a1014364803/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT 2026 Lexus ES Hybrid: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/lexus/es-hybrid/2026/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT 2026 Lexus ES EV: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/lexus/es/2026/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT Test Results: 2026 Toyota Crown: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/toyota/crown/2026/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT Test Results: 2026 Mazda CX-5: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/mazda/cx-5/2026/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT Test Results: 2026 BMW X3: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/bmw/x3/2026/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
- 1 weeks ago45 min
Toyota RAV4 Woodland; Dealer Add-Ons That Are Actually Worth It
On this episode we share our first impressions of the 2026 Toyota RAV4 Woodland, the new hybrid SUV with all-terrain tires, extra ground clearance, and a more outdoorsy look. Is it a smart upgrade for rough roads and city potholes—or mostly a styling package? Plus, we answer an audience question about which dealership add-ons are worth considering and which ones you should skip. 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 00:16 Overview: 2026 Toyota RAV4 Woodland 02:10 What Is an "Off-Road" SUV Trim? 05:08 How the RAV4 Woodland Drives 06:00 Hybrid Powertrain, Performance & Fuel Economy 09:46 All-Terrain Tires: Handling, Noise & Ride 14:15 Driver Comfort 15:49 Infotainment and Controls 18:20 Driver-Monitoring System 20:31 Woodland Styling 23:59 Is the Woodland Worth the Extra Cost? 29:02 Audience Question: Are Dealer Add-Ons Worth It? ---------------------------------- Test Results: 2026 Toyota RAV4 https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/toyota/rav4/2026/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 How to Find the Best SUV https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/buying-guide/?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 7 Questions to Ask at the Dealership https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/buying-a-car/questions-to-ask-before-you-buy-a-car-a6387933582/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT How to Avoid Unnecessary Car-Buying Fees https://www.consumerreports.org/money/fees-billing/how-to-avoid-car-buying-fees-a7209896255/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT Just Say No to These Car Dealership Extras https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/buying-a-car/just-say-no-to-these-car-dealership-extras-a9471188276/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT TalkingCars@consumer.org https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/cars-driving/talking-cars-podcast-archive-a1439738009/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT ----------------------------------- Consumer Reports experts: Mike Monticello, Mike Crossen, Jeff Bartlett
- 2 weeks ago35 min
2026 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness: Worth the Extra Cost?
On this week's episode, we discuss the Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness to find out whether its rugged styling, lifted suspension, all-terrain tires, and added features are worth paying $7,000 more than a base Crosstrek. We examine its off-road capability, on-road compromises, fuel economy, noise, safety features, and whether this soft-roader is actually the right choice. Plus, we answer an audience question about whether a lightly used Volvo EX90 at half its original price is a bargain—or a risky bet. 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 00:37 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness Overview 01:43 What Makes the Wilderness Different? 03:17 Road Noise, Ride & Handling 05:16 Off-Road Capability 07:11 Fuel Economy, Towing & Trade-Offs 08:06 Wilderness Price and Features 09:27 Safety Features and What's Missing 11:03 Crosstrek Wilderness Styling 13:16 Why Soft-Roaders Are So Popular 14:24 Is the Crosstrek Good for Camping? 15:41 Is the Wilderness Worth the Extra Money? 18:49 Audience Question: Used Volvo EX90 Bargain? ---------------------------------- Test Results: 2026 Subaru Crosstrek https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/subaru/crosstrek/2026/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/subaru/crosstrek-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 How to Find the Best SUV https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/buying-guide/?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 TalkingCars@consumer.org https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/cars-driving/talking-cars-podcast-archive-a1439738009/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT ----------------------------------- Consumer Reports experts: Jon Linkov, Avri Wyshogrod, Maddie McCarty
- 3 weeks ago42 min
Yes, You Need Winter Tires: All-Season vs. All-Weather, Top Rated Winter Tires, and More
In this episode, Consumer Reports' resident 'tire guys' break down everything you need to know about winter tires. We discuss the differences among every tire category on the market, the conditions best suited to each segment, how to prep your vehicle for winter, and how our test program works. Find out which tires will work best for you and what to avoid when it's time to buy new tires for your car. We also answer a question about the use case for studded snow tires and how tire chains can help drivers in extreme climates. SHOW NOTES: 0:36 - Intro 1:12 - Winter car prep tips 5:17 - When is it time for new tires? 7:00 - Tire buying tips 9:50 - Winter tire availability & installation 12:17 - Winter tires and road noise 13:09 - Tire categories 18:51 - Tire replacement & rotation 20:25 - Winter traction evaluation 23:48 - Ice testing 35:09 - Audience question: Are studded snow tires worth it? LINKS: Send a Question to Talking Cars: https://www.consumerreports.org/talkingcars/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT Winter Car Prep Tips: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-repair-maintenance/keep-car-in-peak-condition-during-freezing-winter-weather-a5638747903/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT Winter Driving Survival Guide: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/winter-driving/winter-driving-tips-from-consumer-reports-experts-a8223951679/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT When to Replace Your Tires: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/tires/when-to-replace-your-tires-a3107469842/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT Best All-Weather Tires: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/tires/best-all-weather-tires-a8621335540/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT Best SUV & Truck Tires: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/tires/best-suv-and-truck-tires-a3436694441//?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
- Sep 30, 202637 min
2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid: More Power, Way Less Drama
This week, we share our first impressions of the 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid—the first hybrid version of Kia's popular three-row SUV. We discuss its 329-hp hybrid powertrain, improved fuel economy, quiet and comfortable ride, controls, front-seat comfort, and how it compares with the closely related Hyundai Palisade Hybrid. Plus, we answer an audience question about choosing a luxurious, fuel-efficient three-row SUV for long highway trips. 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 00:47 - 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid Overview 03:30 - Hybrid Powertrain 08:13 - Telluride Hybrid vs. Hyundai Palisade Hybrid 09:56 - Low-Speed Hybrid Hiccups and Transmission Behavior 12:43 - Fuel Economy: 31 MPG vs. 20 MPG 13:43 - Ride Comfort, Handling, and Wheel Size 15:46 - Interior Storage and Everyday Usability 16:54 - Climate Controls and Infotainment 20:57 - Roomy Cabin, Convenient Features, and Door Handles 23:00 - Front-Seat Comfort and Driving Position 27:32 - Which Hyundai/Kia Three-Row SUV Would We Choose? 30:55 - Audience Question: Best Luxury Three-Row SUV for Long Commutes ---------------------------------- Test Results: 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/kia/telluride-hybrid/2027/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT 2027 Kia Telluride https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/kia/telluride/2027/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT Most and Least Satisfying Hybrids, Plug-In Hybrids, and EVs https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/most-and-least-satisfying-electric-vehicles-and-hybrids-a2825600877/?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 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 Find an Efficient Vehicle That's Right for You https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/buying-guide/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT ----------------------------------- Consumer Reports experts: Mike Monticello, Joe Veselak, Jeff Bartlett
- Sep 23, 202627 min
Selling Your Car Privately, Fuel Stabilizer in a PHEV, When Is CR Testing a VinFast?
In this all-questions episode of Talking Cars, our experts answer questions on selling a used car online, how to get the most life out of directional tires, storing fuel in a plug-in hybrid, how hybrid engines work, and more. Plus, the rear-wiper saga continues, and we explain why most rear wipers are mounted below the glass on vehicle hatches. Have a question for our experts? Send it to TalkingCars@iCloud.com to be featured on a future episode. SHOW NOTES: 0:00 - Intro 1:16 - Question #1 (video): How to sell your car online 6:39 - Question #2: What's the best strategy to get the most mileage out of directional tires? 8:39 - Question #3: Should you use fuel stabilizer in a PHEV? 11:10 - Question #4 (video): What is the Atkinson cycle and how does it work? 16:54 - Question #5: Will CR ever buy and test a VinFast? 22:17 - Question #6: Why are rear-mounted wipers attached to the bottom of the rear glass? LINKS: Send a Question to Talking Cars: https://www.consumerreports.org/talkingcars/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT How To Sell Your Car Online: https://www.consumerreports.org/money/selling-a-car/how-to-sell-your-car-to-an-online-retailer-a2790904993/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT First Drive: VinFast VF8: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/vinfast/vf-8/2025/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT VinFast Brand Overview: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/vinfast/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
- Sep 16, 202650 min
The 2026 Toyota RAV4 PHEV Is Great—but Is It $50,000 Great?
On this week's episode, we share our first impressions of the 2026 Toyota RAV4 PHEV and explore whether the plug-in hybrid is worth its sizable price premium. With up to 54 miles of electric range, 324 horsepower, impressive fuel economy, and no EV range anxiety, it may be the most versatile RAV4 yet—but it still has a few frustrating compromises. Plus, we answer an audience question about whether a reliable, high-mileage vehicle is a smart choice for a teen driver. 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 0:37 Overview: 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid 1:23 Is the PHEV Worth It? 6:14 Electric Range and Efficiency 9:31 Charging at Home 13:07 Ride and Handling 15:36 Acceleration and Power 19:15 Controls and Technology 27:02 Interior and Comfort 31:59 Reliability 35:45 Final Verdict 42:43 Viewer Question: Are High-Mileage Cars Safe for Teens? ---------------------------------- Test Results: 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/toyota/rav4-plug-in-hybrid/2026/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT First Drive: 2026 Toyota RAV4 PHEV Is Quick, Efficient, and Packed with Useful Tech https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/2026-toyota-rav4-phev-review-a1016340226/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT Most and Least Satisfying Hybrids, Plug-In Hybrids, and EVs https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/most-and-least-satisfying-electric-vehicles-and-hybrids-a2825600877/?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 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 Find an Efficient Vehicle That's Right for You https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/buying-guide/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT Safest Car Brands Ranked by CR's Safety Verdict https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-safety/safest-car-brands-a1065426408/?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 Best Used Cars and SUVs Under 10K https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/best-used-cars-suvs-under-10000-dollars-a8966344858/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT ----------------------------------- Consumer Reports experts: Jon Linkov, Jake Fisher, Alex George
- Sep 9, 202630 min
Say It to Me Seltos: First Impressions of the 2027 Kia Seltos
On this week's episode, we share our first impressions of the redesigned 2027 Kia Seltos, Kia's least expensive SUV. Its roomy interior, comfortable ride, bold styling, and user-friendly controls make it feel surprisingly mature—but the sluggish 147-hp base engine is a major disappointment. We discuss whether the pricey turbo is worth the upgrade or if buyers should wait for the upcoming hybrid. Plus, we answer an audience question about balancing the financial benefits of keeping an older car with the safety improvements found in newer models. Consumer Reports experts: Alex Knizek, Jeff Bartlett, John Williams 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 00:37 Overview: 2027 Kia Seltos 02:12 Mature Subcompact SUV 04:26 Ride Comfort and Handling 07:20 The Engine 08:43 Is the Turbo Worth it? 09:58 Upcoming Hybrid 12:39 Infotainment 14:23 Climate Controls and Interior Design Quirks 18:13 Door Handles 20:27 Interior Space, Cargo Room, and Rear Seats 22:12 Seat Comfort and Head Restraint Problems 25:29 Interior Quality 27:22 Audience Question: When Should You Replace an Older Car? ---------------------------------- Test Results: 2027 Kia Seltos https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/kia/seltos/2027/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT Most and Least Satisfying Hybrids, Plug-In Hybrids, and EVs https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/most-and-least-satisfying-electric-vehicles-and-hybrids-a2825600877/?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 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 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 Find the Safest New Car Using CR's Safety Verdict https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-safety/how-to-find-safest-new-car-using-crs-safety-verdict-a3169270635/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT Safest Car Brands Ranked by CR's Safety Verdict https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-safety/safest-car-brands-a1065426408/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
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