Talking Cars (Video‪)‬ Consumer Reports

The redesigned 2024 BMW X2 boasts more cargo room, expanded voice-activated controls, and standard driver assistance features. In this episode, we share our first impressions and discuss the changes, including its powertrain, and we compare the X2 to other BMW models, including its close sibling, the X1. We also answer audience questions, including whether or not stop/start systems are worth it, what happened to cornering headlights found on vehicles from the '70s, and options for a reliable small car for a fan with a short commute.
More info on the 2024 BMW X2 here: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/2024-bmw-x2-review-a4458650358/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
Ratings and test results on every car CR purchases and tests: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
 
 
SHOW NOTES
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00:00 - Introduction
00:16 - Overview: 2024 BMW X2
01:18 - Why a X2
03:18 - Driving Dynamics
05:23 - The Ride
07:10 - The Handling
07:53 - Inside the Vehicle
10:05 - Comfort
11:17 - Controls
15:35 - Highs and Lows
17:05 - Question #1: Are stop/start systems worth it, or is it just another point of failure?
21:38 - Question #2: Why cars today don’t have cornering headlights such found on 1978 Buick Electra?
24:59 - Question #3: What is a good option for small, reliable, and reasonably priced car to handle small commute?
 
 
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Preview: Redesigned 2024 BMW X2 Grows Larger and Gains More Tech
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/2024-bmw-x2-review-a4458650358/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
 
Redesigned 2023 BMW X1 Grows in Size and Technology
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/2023-bmw-x1-review-a7535685549/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
 
2024 BMW X2
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/bmw/x2/2024/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
 
 
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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
 
 
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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://CR.org/joinviaYT

This week, we share our early impressions of the 2025 Toyota Camry. While Toyota didn’t revolutionize the 2025 model, it gets a big powertrain update, as every Camry will only come as a hybrid. We discuss why this change shouldn’t scare longtime Camry lovers and why Toyota’s reliability record should boost buyers’ confidence. Plus, we answer questions about legacy CR vehicle tests and EV home chargers.
Check out CR's complete vehicle ratings and test results: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
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SHOW NOTES:
0:00 - Intro
0:27 - 2025 Toyota Camry Overview
0:47 - Hybrid powertrain
2:23 - Fuel economy
3:20 - 2025 model updates
4:32 - Driving impressions
8:30 - Infotainment and usability
10:00 - Seat comfort
12:23 - Toyota reliability
14:09 -  Maintenance, 0W8 motor oil
17:40 - Question #1: CR Ratings, ‘Not Recommended vs. Not Acceptable’
24:55 - Question #2: EV Home charging options
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LINKS:
Toyota Camry: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/toyota/camry/
First Drive: 2025 Toyota Camry Proves a Bit Better in Many Ways: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/2025-toyota-camry-hybrid-review-a1114602128/

For decades, Consumer Reports has been at the forefront of advocating for automotive safety, collaborating closely with the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) to continually elevate safety standards in cars.  In this episode, we take you behind the scenes of the IIHS auto crash test facility in central Virginia. Our experts talk with David Aylor, the Vice President of Active Safety at IIHS, discussing the significance of crash safety and detailing the collaborative efforts between IIHS and Consumer Reports in advancing automotive safety standards.
 
SHOW NOTES
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00:00 - Introduction
00:49 - Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)
01:04 - Side Impact Crash Test
02:21 - How CR incorporates IIHS Data into the rating
03:16 - What is Car Safety
04:42 - Crash Avoidance Systems
07:25 - What is HLDI
08:47 - How CR and IIHS are raising the bar for car safety
10:05 - How our work benefits consumers
10:41 - IIHS ratings
12:05 - Understanding CR’s safety ratings
13:04 - Difference between IIHS and NHTSA
13:53 - How we are all working together for the consumer
15:08 - Looking forward
 
 
-----------------------------------
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://CR.org/joinviaYT
 
Check out https://www.ConsumerReports.org for the latest reviews, tips, and recommendations and subscribe to our YouTube Channel: http://bit.ly/1Nlb1Ez

Our experts share their first impressions of the 2024 Tesla Model 3. For 2024, the Model 3 gets a major freshening with updated styling, acoustic glass for all of the windows, an 8-inch touchscreen for rear passengers, and a softer ride. While these are all good changes, we also talk about how the controls and updated blind spot warning system leave us wanting more. We also answer audience questions about the lack of van-like vehicles on the market and which safety systems we'd design for future vehicles.
For more information on the Tesla Model 3: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/tesla/model-3/2024/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT 
Check out CR's complete vehicle ratings and test results: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
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SHOW NOTES:
0:00 - Intro
1:16 - Tesla redesign vs. refresh
2:39 - First impressions
3:45 - 2024 Model 3 updates
8:26 - Regenerative braking
12:58 - New features/controls we’re on the fence about
22:14 - Features we still like
23:30 - Tesla Supercharger layoffs
24:41 - Why we bought the Full Self-Driving capability
27:03 - CR/Tesla Histroy
30:46 - Question 1: Where did all the vans go?
35:43 - Question 2: What vehicle safety system would you design?
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LINKS:
First Drive: Refreshed 2024 Tesla Model 3 Improves Upon Its Winning Formula: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/2024-tesla-model-3-review-a1206367267/
Automakers Move to a Common Plug Standard to Allow Their EVs to Use Tesla Superchargers: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/tesla-superchargers-open-to-other-evs-what-to-know-a9262067544/
Best Bike Racks: https://www.consumerreports.org/health/bike-racks-carriers/best-bike-racks-a8073136271/
How to Choose and Use the Right Bike Rack: https://www.consumerreports.org/health/bike-racks-carriers/how-to-choose-and-use-the-right-bike-rack-a1180679643/
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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
----------------------------------------------
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://CR.org/joinviaYT

The redesigned 2023 Chevrolet Colorado offers noticeable improvements throughout the truck. We share our first impressions of this midsized pickup truck, exploring its modern convenience features, off-road prowess, improved ride quality, and evaluating if the redesign truly paid off. Additionally, we debate regarding the impact of Toyota's renowned reliability on its overall greatness, and provide insights on combating excessive tire wear in EVs.
 
More info on the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado here: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/pickup-trucks/2023-chevrolet-colorado-review-a6426754407?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
 
Ratings and test results on every car CR purchases and tests: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
 
 
SHOW NOTES
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00:00 - Introduction
00:15 - First Impressions: 2023 Chevrolet Colorado
02:01 - How it Drives
03:25 - The Size
07:17 - Safety Features
09:01 - Controls
10:24 - Small Trucks Demand
12:58 - Question #1:Do rear-wheel drive EVs require snow tires for winter driving, and are there EV models with reduced tire wear impact?
18:28 - Question #2: Would Toyotas still be as great without their stellar reliability?
 
 
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First Drive: Redesigned 2023 Chevrolet Colorado Is Improved Throughout
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/pickup-trucks/2023-chevrolet-colorado-review-a6426754407/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
 
2023 Chevrolet Colorado
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/chevrolet/colorado/2023/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
 
Face-Off: Chevrolet Colorado vs. Ford Ranger
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/pickup-trucks/chevrolet-colorado-vs-ford-ranger-compact-pickup-truck-review-a8869698832/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
 
SUV or Pickup: Which to Choose?
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/buying-a-car/suv-or-pickup-which-to-choose-a6547142065/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
 
 
-----------------------------------
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
 
 
-----------------------------------
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://CR.org/joinviaYT

In this supersized episode, we share our very unusual experience purchasing, receiving, and driving our 2023 Fisker Ocean Ultra; there are so many twists and turns to this story, we can’t summarize them here, you’ll just have to listen to the entire wild experience! We also answer audience questions about how to store an EV for long periods of time, and the best car for road trips: the Ford Maverick, Subaru Forester, or Toyota Camry.
 
More info on the 2023 Fisker Ocean here: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/fisker-ocean-electric-suv-review-a2735159415/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
Ratings and test results on every car CR purchases and tests: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
 
 
SHOW NOTES
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00:00 - Introduction
00:15 - Our Fisker Ocean
01:53 - Buying & Delivery Experience
06:19 - Issue with the Ocean
09:16 - Payment
09:53 - Driving Experience
10:46 - Software Versions
12:19 - Customer Service
14:41 - Experiencing The Car
21:12 - Missing Safety Features
23:02 - Features we liked
23:43 - Range & Charging
27:49 - Regenerative Braking
31:25 - Controls
33:34 - ABS Issue
34:59 - Cabin
37:09 - SDV - Software Defined Vehicle
39:18 - State of Fisker
43:26 - Price Drop
45:06 - The Paint
47:50 - Inventory
51:37 - Consumer Take Aways
54:22 - Question #1: What is the best way to store an electric vehicle  for a long period of time?
57:34 - Question #2: What is the best car for road trips: the Ford Maverick, Subaru Forester, or Toyota Camry?
 
 
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First Drive: 2023 Fisker Ocean Electric SUV Proves to Be Unfinished Business
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/fisker-ocean-electric-suv-review-a2735159415/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
 
2023 Fisker Ocean
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/fisker/ocean/2023/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
 
Electric Cars and Plug-In Hybrids That Qualify for Federal Tax Credits
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/electric-cars-plug-in-hybrids-that-qualify-for-tax-credits-a7820795671/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
 
Hot, New Electric Cars That Are Coming Soon
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/hot-new-electric-cars-are-coming-soon-a1000197429/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
 
 
-----------------------------------
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
 
 
-----------------------------------
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://CR.org/joinviaYT