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Talking Cars (MP3)

Consumer Reports
Talking Cars (MP3)
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503 episodes

  • Talking Cars (MP3)

    2026 Nissan Leaf SV+

    2/18/2026 | 42 mins.
    This week, we cover the all-new 2026 Nissan Leaf SV+. No longer "just a commuter car," the Leaf offers increased range, updated SUV styling, a new NACS charge port, and a suite of standard advanced safety equipment, including Nissan's Pro Pilot Assist. We share our first impressions of the Leaf and discuss whether Nissan's improvements to its original EV make it a competitive option. We also talk about how to shop for the best car insurance and answer a question about how the weather can affect your car's advanced driver-assistance systems.
     
    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
     
    0:30 - 2026 Nissan Leaf SV+ Overview
     
    1:08 - What we like about the 2026 Nissan Leaf
     
    12:00 - What we dislike about the 2026 Nissan Leaf
     
    25:36 - How to find the best car insurance
     
    37:51 - Audience Question: Does inclement weather affect a vehicle's radar and safety systems?
     
    LINKS:
     
    Nissan Leaf Model History: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/nissan/leaf/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
     
    Test Results: 2026 Nissan Leaf: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/nissan/leaf/2026/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
     
    CR Guide to Advanced Car-Safety Features: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-safety/clearing-confusion-about-advanced-car-safety-feature-names-a1035752654/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
     
    Best Car Insurance Companies: https://www.consumerreports.org/money/car-insurance/best-car-insurance-companies-a8534720090/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
     
    Car Insurance Ratings: https://www.consumerreports.org/money/car-insurance/c34685/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
     
    Car Insurance Buying Guide: https://www.consumerreports.org/money/car-insurance/buying-guide/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
     
    Car Safety Guide: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/safety-guide/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
  • Talking Cars (MP3)

    2026 Toyota bZ

    2/11/2026 | 30 mins.
    We share our first impressions of the all-new Toyota bZ. Formerly known as the bZ4X, it shares much of its DNA with the Subaru Solterra. Our experts share the best and worst parts of the bZ and discuss how the name, powertrain, and new NACS charging port increase its appeal. We also debate how much center console is too much, and whether dual wireless phone chargers are actually an asset. Plus, we answer an audience question about the Hyundai Ioniq 9's reliability.
     
    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
     
    0:17 - 2026 Toyota bZ Overview
     
    0:55 - What we like about the Toyota bZ
     
    8:13 - What we dislike about the Toyota bZ
     
    18:35 - What EV would we buy?
     
    23:19 - Audience Question: How does Consumer Reports score and weight vehicle reliability year-to-year?
     
    LINKS:
     
    Model Overview; Toyota bZ : https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/toyota/bz/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
     
    Test Results: Toyota bZ4X: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/toyota/bz4x/2025/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
     
    Tesla Superchargers vs. Non-Tesla TVs: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/ev-chargers/how-well-do-tesla-superchargers-work-for-non-tesla-evs-a4713673565/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
     
    2026 Nissan Leaf: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/nissan/leaf/2026/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

    Model Overview; Hyundai Ionia 5: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hyundai/ioniq-5/?EXTKEY=SOCIAL_YT
     
    Test Results: Hyundai Ionia 9: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hyundai/ioniq-9/2026/overview/?EXTKEY=SOCIAL_YT
     
    Test Results: Cadillac Vistiq: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/cadillac/vistiq/2026/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
  • Talking Cars (MP3)

    2026 Top Picks

    2/04/2026 | 33 mins.
    Shopping for a new car? Consumer Reports' Top Picks highlight the best cars, SUVs, and trucks you can buy right now—standouts for performance, reliability, owner satisfaction, and safety. In this episode, we break down this year's winners across key segments, from sedans and small SUVs to three-row SUVs, featuring brands like Toyota, Honda, Ford, Tesla, BMW, Lexus, and Subaru.
     
     
    SHOW NOTES
    -----------------------------------
    00:00 - Introduction
    00:15 - 2026 Top Picks
    23:57 - Safety Verdict
    29:27 - Question: What's the best way to buy a car located too far away to inspect in person?
     
     
    ---------------------------------- 
    Best Cars of 2026 — CR Top Picks
    https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/best-cars-of-the-year-10-top-picks-of-2025-a1930591024/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
     
    Safety Verdict
    https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/safety-guide/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
     
    The Safest Cars You Can Buy Right Now
    https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/the-safest-cars-you-can-buy-right-now-a6584555585/?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
     
    Which Brands Make the Best Cars?
    https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/cars-driving/which-car-brands-make-the-best-vehicles-a6159221985/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
     
    How Car Brands Stack Up On Lifetime Repair Cost
    https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-maintenance/the-cost-of-car-ownership-a1854979198/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
     
    10 Best SUVs You Can Buy Right Now
    https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/10-best-suvs-you-can-buy-right-now-a8518508556/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
     
    Consumerreports.org/Talkingcars
    https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/cars-driving/talking-cars-podcast-archive-a1439738009/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
     
    The Weekly Cars Newsletter: Shop Smarter. Drive Smarter.
    https://www.consumerreports.org/email-newsletters/cars/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
     
    Lock in savings with a better way to buy a car.
    https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-prices-build-buy-service/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
  • Talking Cars (MP3)

    2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid

    1/28/2026 | 32 mins.
    Subaru is back with a hybrid Crosstrek—will this one finally get it right? For our test program, we purchased a 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Sport Hybrid, and in this episode we share our first impressions. We cover ride comfort, handling, controls, safety technology, and take a close look at Subaru's new hybrid powertrain. We also answer audience questions about repairing older vehicles versus upgrading—and whether buying a first-year redesigned model is a good idea, even when it comes from a reliable manufacturer like Subaru.
     
    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 - Introduction
    00:16 - Overview: 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid
    02:14 - What we liked
    10:16 - What we did not like
    25:15 - Question #1: Is it worth repairing an older vehicle versus upgrading to a newer one?
    29:32 - Question #2: Should you still avoid buying a first-year redesign if the powertrain carries over from the previous generation?
     
     
    ---------------------------------- 
    Full Test Results: 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid
    https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/subaru/crosstrek-hybrid/2026/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
     
    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
     
    Which Brands Make the Best Cars?
    https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/cars-driving/which-car-brands-make-the-best-vehicles-a6159221985/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
     
    10 Most Reliable Cars
    https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/10-most-reliable-cars-a6569295379/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
     
    How Car Brands Stack Up On Lifetime Repair Cost
    https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-maintenance/the-cost-of-car-ownership-a1854979198/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
     
    10 Best SUVs You Can Buy Right Now
    https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/10-best-suvs-you-can-buy-right-now-a8518508556/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
     
    Car Reliability and Owner Satisfaction Guide
    https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/guide-to-car-reliability-owner-satisfaction-a9213219653/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
     
    Consumerreports.org/Talkingcars
    https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/cars-driving/talking-cars-podcast-archive-a1439738009/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
  • Talking Cars (MP3)

    2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid

    1/14/2026 | 41 mins.
    We bought a 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid Calligraphy AWD for our test program—Hyundai's first model to use its new hybrid system based on a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder. We share our first impressions of this three-row family hauler, covering performance, fuel economy, interior space, cabin luxury, daily usability, and how the hybrid stacks up against the gas-only Palisade. Plus, we answer viewer questions about our All-Season vs. All-Season SUV tire ratings and whether Nissan's "Zero Gravity" seats deliver real comfort or just marketing hype.
     
    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 - Introduction
    00:16 - Overview: 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid
    00:52 - What we liked
    13:59 - What we did not like
    28:48 - Question #1: Do Nissan's "Zero Gravity" seats actually deliver any comfort or is it just marketing hype?
    34:10 - Question #2: What is the difference between the All-Season and All-Season SUV category in CR's tire ratings?
     
     
    ---------------------------------- 
    Full Test Results: 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid
    https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hyundai/palisade-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
     
    Which Brands Make the Best Cars?
    https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/cars-driving/which-car-brands-make-the-best-vehicles-a6159221985/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
     
    Reliability of 5-10 year old cars
    https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/which-brands-make-the-best-used-cars-a2811658468/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
     
    10 Most Reliable Cars
    https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/10-most-reliable-cars-a6569295379/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
     
    How Car Brands Stack Up On Lifetime Repair Cost
    https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-maintenance/the-cost-of-car-ownership-a1854979198/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
     
    10 Best SUVs You Can Buy Right Now
    https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/10-best-suvs-you-can-buy-right-now-a8518508556/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
     
    Car Reliability and Owner Satisfaction Guide
    https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/guide-to-car-reliability-owner-satisfaction-a9213219653/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
     
    Consumerreports.org/Talkingcars
    https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/cars-driving/talking-cars-podcast-archive-a1439738009/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

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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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