Talking Cars (MP3) Consumer Reports
-
- Ocio
Join our experts at the Consumer Reports Test Track as they discuss cars, answer buying questions, and share insights on everything automotive.
-
2024 Hyundai Kona Electric
Hyundai brings significant improvements to the Kona EV over the previous-generation model. We share our first impressions of the 2024 Hyundai Kona Electric, the power plant, driving dynamics, controls, and what it has to offer for buyers looking to purchase a sensible electric vehicle. Also, we discuss why it is important for EV owners to pay close attention to the 12-volt battery in their electric cars. Our experts had fun making up their own frankencar, choosing the motor, transmission, chassis, interior, and body from any car they wished and making their own creation.
More info on the 2024 Hyundai Kona here: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/2024-hyundai-kona-review-a8558776955/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
Ratings and test results on every car CR purchases and tests: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
SHOW NOTES
-----------------------------------
00:00 - Introduction
00:16 - First Impressions: 2024 Hyundai Kona Electric
01:57 - Cabin and Controls
03:07 - Compared to Gas Powered Vehicle
04:00 - Driving and Power
04:55 - Some Compromises
05:38 - Powertrain
06:19 - Regenerative Braking
08:42 - Cabin Noise
10:26 - Charging Systems
14:18 - Question #1: Do EVs have 12-volt batteries like regular cars, and do they need to be serviced?
18:18 - Question #2: If you could design a car where you source the powertrain, infotainment, interior, chassis, etc from any automaker, what would you make?
----------------------------------
First Drive: Redesigned 2024 Hyundai Kona Has Grown Larger and Gained New Features
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/2024-hyundai-kona-review-a8558776955/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
2024 Hyundai Kona Electric
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hyundai/kona-electric/2024/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
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/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
How to Find All the Available Electric Car Incentives
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/how-to-find-all-the-available-electric-car-incentives-a5786754228/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
Hybrids/EV Buying Guide
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/buying-guide/?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 -
The Best Cars of 2024
More info on the 10 Top Picks of 2024 here: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/best-cars-of-the-year-10-top-picks-of-2024-a4675085257/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
Consumer Reports annual Top Picks list is out. In this episode we clarify what the Top Picks is and how vehicles get awarded this highly regarded designation. Our experts discuss the 10 cars that made it to the top of the list, trends we're noticing in the automotive industry, and explain what a Brand Report Card is. We also debate which would be the ultimate food delivery vehicle, the Toyota Prius or the Corolla Hybrid.
Ratings and test results on every car CR purchases and tests: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
SHOW NOTES
-----------------------------------
00:00 - Introduction
00:17 - What is the Top Picks List
01:29 - Auto Market Shift
03:52 - Car Categories in Top Picks
05:13 - Question #1: When looking at CR’s reliability rating, why are hybrids are among the most reliable vehicles, but plug-in hybrids are among the least?
11:10 - 10 Top Picks of 2024
11:34 - EVs
12:48 - Plug-in Hybrids
16:07 - Hybrids
18:48 - Gas Powered Vehicles
22:54 - Brand Report Card
25:46 - Question #2: Which car is the ultimate food delivery vehicle: the Toyota Corolla Hybrid or the Prius AWD?
----------------------------------
Best Cars of the Year: 10 Top Picks of 2024
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/best-cars-of-the-year-10-top-picks-of-2024-a4675085257/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
Which Car Brands Make the Best Vehicles
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/cars-driving/which-car-brands-make-the-best-vehicles-a6159221985/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
Hybrids/EV Buying Guide
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/buying-guide/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
Mazda3
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/mazda/3/2024/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
Subaru Crosstrek
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/subaru/crosstrek/2024/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
Subaru Forester
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/subaru/forester/2024/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
Toyota Camry Hybrid
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/toyota/camry-hybrid/2024/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
Toyota Prius/Prius Prime
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/toyota/prius/2024/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
Ford Maverick/Maverick Hybrid
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/ford/maverick/2024/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
Toyota RAV4 Prime
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/toyota/rav4-prime/2024/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
Toyota Highlander Hybrid
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/toyota/highlander-hybrid/2024/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
BMW X5/X5 PHEV
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/bmw/x5/2024/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
Tesla Model Y
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/tesla/model-y/2024/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
-----------------------------------
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?mt=2
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 -
2024 Kia EV9
Kia takes the three-row SUV EV Mainstream with its all-new EV9. We share our first impressions of the 2024 Kia EV9, how it handled around our test track, the third-row seats, controls, and if this newest kia is the best midsized SUV EV or not. And, our experts give advice on what to look for when buying tires to maximize vehicle MPG. We also explain IIHS' updated moderate overlap crash test, and why some vehicles get a poor rating.
More info on the 2024 Kia EV9 here: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/2024-kia-ev9-review-a4079455654/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
Ratings and test results on every car CR purchases and tests: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
SHOW NOTES
-----------------------------------
00:00 - Introduction
00:15 - First Impressions: 2024 Kia EV9 ll
01:05 - What is the EV9?
02:17 - How it Drives
03:43 - The Third-Row Seats
05:09 - Power & Range
06:55 - Controls
10:21 - Fit and Finish
12:11 - Question #1: Do hybrid vehicles need specific tires to maintain its fuel efficiency?
14:59 - Question #2: Why some vehicles are getting a poor rating on the IIHS updated moderate overlap crash test
----------------------------------
First Drive: 2024 Kia EV9 Takes the Three-Row EV Mainstream
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/2024-kia-ev9-review-a4079455654/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
2024 Kia EV9
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/kia/ev9/2024/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
Electric Vehicles That Can Go More Than 250 Miles on a Charge
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/electric-vehicles-that-can-go-more-than-250-miles-on-a-full-charge-a2189661367/?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
Popular Midsized SUVs to Avoid and What to Buy Instead
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/popular-midsized-suvs-to-avoid-and-what-to-buy-instead-a7341748420/?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 -
2024 Lexus TX
Lexus has expanded its SUV line with the all-new TX, a three-row model that shares its dimensions and many mechanical bits with the new Toyota Grand Highlander. On this episode we share our initial impressions of the 2024 Lexus TX and discuss its driving characteristics, luxurious interior, controls, and three different powertrains offered by Lexus, including a V6 plug-in hybrid. We give advice on what to do when a car lease comes to an end: buy the car out; trade it in for a new model; or walk away. Also, we answer if PHEVs (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles) are cheaper or more expensive to operate and maintain than the all-electric and internal combustion engine vehicles.
More info on the 2024 Lexus TX here: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/2024-lexus-tx-review-a1128675523/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
Ratings and test results on every car CR purchases and tests: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
SHOW NOTES
-----------------------------------
00:00 - Introduction
00:16 - First Impressions: 2024 Lexus TX
02:06 - 3 Powertrain Options
04:32 - Plug-in Hybrid Version
06:03 - 4-Cylinder Engine Performance
08:47 - Ride and Handling
11:14 - Dynamic Steering
12:23 - 3rd-Row Seats
13:34 - 2nd-Row Seats
14:07 - Cargo and Space
15:51 - Controls, Fit and Finish
18:36 - Safety Systems
20:13 - Lexus TX vs. Toyota Grand Highlander
22:49 - Electronic Door Release
24:19 - Question #1: What to do at the end of a vehicle lease: buy the car out; trade it in; or walk away?
28:16 - Question #2: Are PHEVs more expensive to operate and maintain than all-electric and internal combustion vehicles?
----------------------------------
First Drive: All-New 2024 Lexus TX Delivers Modern Luxury for the Whole Family
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/2024-lexus-tx-review-a1128675523/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
2024 Lexus TX
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/lexus/tx/2024/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
First Drive: 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Shines Brightest With Hybrid Max Engine
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/2024-toyota-grand-highlander-review-a7963942236/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
10 Best Luxury SUVs You Can Buy Right Now
https://www.consumerreports.org/search/?query=three-row%20SUVs?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
Popular Midsized SUVs to Avoid and What to Buy Instead
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/popular-midsized-suvs-to-avoid-and-what-to-buy-instead-a7341748420/?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 -
2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV
The 2024 Blazer EV is the first Chevrolet vehicle on General Motors’ new Ultium electric platform, which is shared by the Honda Prologue EV and Cadillac Lyriq. We offer our first impressions of the new Blazer, including its driving dynamics, build quality, and why GM ordered dealers to stop selling it. We also discuss the future of internal combustion engines and whether or not EVs will dominate the car market in the next decade. Also, we debate whether the 2025 Toyota Camry hybrid is worth the wait, or is the recently updated 2024 Honda Accord hybrid.
More info on the 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV here: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/2024-chevrolet-blazer-ev-review-a1328332871/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
Ratings and test results on every car CR purchases and tests: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
SHOW NOTES
-----------------------------------
00:00 - Introduction
00:15 - First Impressions: 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV
01:26 - Issues we encountered
02:58 - Lack of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
06:16 - Charging
06:40 - Interior Quality
07:08 - Driving Dynamics
10:14 - The Brakes
11:49 - Design oddities
12:35 - Controls
13:26 - Stop Sale Order
14:39 - More issues
16:43 - Things we liked
17:20 - Visibility
18:00 - Seat Comfort
19:44 - Question #1: What will be the prevalent fuel source for vehicles in the next decade?
25:26 - Question #2: Is the 2025 Toyota Camry worth the wait?
----------------------------------
First Drive: 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV Is a Bumpy Ride
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/2024-chevrolet-blazer-ev-review-a1328332871/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/chevrolet/blazer-ev/2024/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
Hybrid & EV Ratings
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
Preview: 2024 Honda Prologue Electric Vehicle Is Sensible and Roomy
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/2024-honda-prologue-review-a8015429336/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
Preview: 2023 Cadillac Lyriq Shows GM’s Commitment to Electric Cars
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/cadillac-lyriq-review-a5185208455/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
Car Safety Guide
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-safety/car-safety-guide-a6462424223/?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 -
AI Really, REALLY Wants to Be in Your Next Car
We're at CES in Las Vegas, where much of the hype has been around introducing artificial intelligence into your car's infotainment system. But is AI in your vehicle actually going to be useful, or is it just hype? The EV market is maturing, and we got to see where automakers are going to take the unique abilities that electric vehicles are afforded with fewer moving parts and more space-efficient layouts, including a rebrand of the minivan form factor. We also discuss why hydrogen might be a viable alternative to battery-electric vehicles in the future, and try to figure out why anyone would want a large LED screen built into their bumper.
See our car ratings and reviews at: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
SHOW NOTES
-----------------------------------
00:00 - Introduction
00:17 - Why is CR at CES 2024?
01:30 - Who was not at CES 2024?
03:46 - AI in your next car
11:10 - Automakers Reimagining EVs
14:30 - Large LED Screens inside and outside of vehicles
17:11 - Hydrogen Vehicles
21:03 - New EV concepts
----------------------------------
First Drive: Toyota Mirai, the Hydrogen-Powered Luxury Cruiser
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/2021-toyota-mirai-fuel-cell-vehicle-review-a6180665724/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
Hybrid & EV Ratings
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
Futuristic EQS Proves Mercedes-Benz’s Commitment to EVs
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/2022-mercedes-benz-eqs-review-a2271854355/?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