Talking Cars (MP3‪)‬ Consumer Reports

One of the primary questions drivers have about EVs is how long do their batteries last, and how much would a replacement cost in the future. We share our expert information on if electric car batteries are expensive to replace, as well as: where more expensive tires wear slower than cheaper alternatives; why a car in Europe might have a better warranty or more features than its US counterpart; warranty coverage for 48V mild hybrid batteries; whether standard, gas-powered vehicles lose range in cold weather like all-electric cars; and how to change the radio station preset on the 2023 Honda CR-V.
 
 
 
SHOW NOTES
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00:00 - Introduction
00:45 - Question #1: Are EV batteries expensive to replace?
05:11 - Question #2: Why does it seem that European countries have better car warranties and features than the US?
09:14 - Question #3: How can you tell whether a tire will retain good performance over the its life?
12:40 - Question #4: What are the warranty coverages like for 48V mild hybrid batteries?
17:06 - Question #5: Is the drop in range on an EV in cold weather about the same as gas-powered vehicles?
22:10 - Question #6: Is it possible to delete a radio station preset from the favorites list on a 2023 Honda CR-V?
 
 
 
LINKS
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What Happens to the Old Batteries in Electric Cars?
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/what-happens-to-the-old-batteries-in-electric-cars-a1091429417/
 
Will an Electric Car Save You Money?
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/will-an-electric-car-save-you-money-a9436870083/
 
How Temperatures Affects Electric Vehicle Range
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/how-temperature-affects-electric-vehicle-range-a4873569949/
 
Best Tire Values Based on Consumer Reports’ Tests
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/tires/best-tire-values-most-performance-for-the-money-a8831427537/
 
Best Tire Brands of 2023
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/tires/best-tire-brands-a2990346660/
 
How Well Can an Electric Pickup Truck Tow?
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/how-well-can-an-electric-pickup-truck-tow-a1149286680/?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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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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More of CR's coverage on Hybrids and EVs:  https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
The 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE electric sedan joins the growing EV market. Equipped with a 90-kWh battery, the EQE promises 305 miles of range with the rear-wheel drive, and 260 miles with the all-wheel drive. Our experts share their first impressions and discuss the EQE’s livability and usability. Plus, we answer on how to understand EV range ratings, like MPGe. 
SHOW NOTES:
0:00 - Intro
0:14 - 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE
3:44 - Infotainment screen, controls
8:00 - Navigation features
9:24 - Pricing and options
11:53 - Driving position
12:42 - Styling, fit and finish
13:58 - Driving impressions
18:12 EV alternatives
21:42 - Question: What’s MPGe and how do you convert it to kWh/100miles?
LINKS:
Mercedes-Benz EQE: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/mercedes-benz/eqe/2023/overview/
Hybrids & EVs: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/
Futuristic EQS Proves Mercedes-Benz's Commitment to EVs: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/2022-mercedes-benz-eqs-review-a2271854355/
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/

More of CR's coverage on the Nissan Z here: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/sports-cars/2023-nissan-z-review-a2145463162/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
The 2023 Nissan Z enters the sports car marketplace as one of the few remaining models available today as a manual, competing for attention with the Toyota Supra, Subaru BRZ, and Toyota GR86. We bought a Performance model with a manual transmission for our test program, and share our first impressions of this resurrected nameplate, comparing its styling, gearbox, and driving dynamics with its contemporaries, as well as legacy Z models. And is higher octane gas combined with fuel stabilizer better for a car that will not be driven for a few months? Our experts answer this, as well as whether newer cars need an engine block heater in cold climates.
Toyota GR86 First Drive: https://www.consumerreports.org/sports-cars/2022-toyota-gr86-review-a7782593291/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
Top Tier Gas Worth the Extra Price: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/fuel-economy-efficiency/top-tier-gasoline-worth-the-extra-price-a7682471234/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
:00 - Nissan Z introduction
1:50 - New features
4:20 - Styling
5:25 - Driving impressions
8:15 - Turbo sound/whine
9:39 - Manual transmission
12:39 - Handling impressions
15:20 - Interior impressions
22:39 - Should you use an engine block heater on a newer car?
25:31 - Should you use higher octane gas combined with fuel stabilizer for a car not driven often?
See more car ratings and reviews at https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Find out more about the Honda Accord at: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/sedans/2023-honda-accord-review-a4740920658/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
On this episode, we discuss the 2023 Honda Accord Sport Hybrid that we purchased for our test program. Our experts talk about Honda’s new approach to vehicle trim levels and how the Accord Hybrid has evolved since its introduction. We also cover safety improvements, usability and how the Accord can stay competitive in a market flooded with SUVs. Plus, we answer questions about window tinting and crash ratings for the Jeep Gladiator.
SHOW NOTES:
0:00 - Intro
0:19 - Vehicle specs
1:32 - Available safety features
4:00 - Accord trim lines 
7:57 - Interior space
12:42 - Powertrain
15:00 - Seat comfort
18:57 - Driving impressions
21:33 - Question #1: What’s better; ceramic window tint or non-ceramic window tint?
25:37 - Question #2: Why isn’t the Jeep Gladiator subject to all of the crash test categories? 
LINKS:
2023 Honda Accord Hybrid: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/honda/accord-hybrid/2023/overview/
2023 Honda Accord: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/honda/accord/2023/overview/
The New 2023 Honda Accord Is Easy to Like and Easy to Live With: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/sedans/2023-honda-accord-review-a4740920658/
Why Hybrid Vehicles Are a Smart Choice Right Now: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/why-hybrid-vehicles-are-a-smart-choice-right-now-a2736240282/

Find out more about the Rivian R1S at: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/rivian-r1s-review-a1186513155/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
CR recently took delivery of the 2022 Rivian R1S we purchased for testing at our track. We share our first impressions of this all-electric 3-row SUV, and how it compares to the other major three-row EVs on the market, the Tesla Model X, and well as its pickup truck sibling, the Rivian R1T. We also help a viewer search for a truck that is more fuel efficient than a Toyota Highlander, but also can tow 5,000 lbs - does such a vehicle actually exist??
SHOW NOTES
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00:00 - Introduction
00:16 - Highlights: 2022 Rivian R1S
02:15 - Who Are The Competitors
04:44 - Unique Features
08:14 - The Power
12:47 - Regenerative Braking
17:42 - Driving Dynamics
19:49 - The Ride
20:30 - The Controls
24:17 - Question - Does a reliable and fuel efficient midsize SUV that can tow 5k pounds exist?
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First Drive: Rivian R1S Proves to Be a Roomy, Quick All-Electric Three-Row SUV
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/rivian-r1s-review-a1186513155/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
 
2022 Rivian R1S
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/rivian/r1s/2022/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
 
2022 Rivian R1T Electric Pickup Truck Wows Us as It Lives Up to the Hype
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/2022-rivian-r1t-electric-pickup-truck-review-a3029848158/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
 
2023 Rivian R1T
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/rivian/r1t/2023/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
 
How Well Can an Electric Pickup Truck Tow?
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/how-well-can-an-electric-pickup-truck-tow-a1149286680/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
 
2023 Tesla Model X
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/tesla/model-x/2023/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
 
Longer 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Boasts Big Power
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/2024-toyota-grand-highlander-review-a7963942236/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
 
2023 Toyota Highlander
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/toyota/highlander/2023/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
 
Guide to Car Safety
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-guide-to-car-safety/?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
 
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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See our car ratings and reviews at: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
 
The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid looks to build on the legacy of fuel economy, utility, and value of its predecessors. We bought a CR-V Hybrid Sport AWD for our test program, and we share our first impressions of its redesigned interior, transmission, and fuel efficiency, and how it stacks up against the Toyota RAV4, and the traditional gas-powered version. And what would be the best car for a new dad that wants to drive something sporty? Our experts share their personal picks for keeping driving exciting while staying family friendly.
 
 
SHOW NOTES
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00:00 - Introduction
00:17 - Highlights: 2023 Honda CR-V
01:14 - Fuel Economy
02:40 - Hybrid vs. Non-Hybrid Comparison
06:04 - Inside the Cabin & Controls
09:50 - Wrap Up: Hybrid or Regular
11:32 - Question: What would be the best car for a new dad that wants to drive something sporty?
 
 
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First Drive: Redesigned 2023 Honda CR-V Sticks With Winning Formula
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/2023-honda-cr-v-review-a1196843568/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
 
2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/honda/cr-v-hybrid/2023/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
 
2023 Honda CR-V
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/honda/cr-v/2023/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
 
2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid Early Review
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDU8P6YlQq0
 
2023 Toyota RAV4
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/toyota/rav4/2023/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
 
Quietest Compact SUVs From Consumer Reports’ Tests
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/quietest-compact-suvs-from-consumer-reports-tests-a6460127872/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
 
2023 Kia Telluride
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/kia/telluride/2023/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
 
First Drive: The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI and Golf R Build on Hot-Hatch Fundamentals
https://www.consumerreports.org/sports-cars/2022-volkswagen-gti-golf-r-review-a6013272130/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
 
2023 Honda Civic
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/honda/civic/2023/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
 
First Drive: 300-HP 2023 Toyota GR Corolla Proves Both Fast and Furious
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/sports-cars/2023-toyota-gr-corolla-review-a7360611291/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
 
Guide to Car Safety
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-guide-to-car-safety/?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://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