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2025 Toyota Crown Signia
Toyota is expanding its SUV portfolio by transforming the Crown sedan into a bold new model, the Crown Signia. In this episode, we dive into our first impressions of this reimagined vehicle, exploring its ride quality, hybrid powertrain, design, and functional shape. We also discuss how the Signia differentiates itself from the original Crown. Plus, we tackle audience questions, including: why EV batteries tend to drain faster in the winter than in the summer, and if you're only able to replace two tires on your car, which ones should you choose—front or rear? 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. More info on the 2025 Toyota Crown Signia here: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/toyota/crown-signia/2025/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT SHOW NOTES ----------------------------------- 00:00 - Introduction 00:15 - Overview: 2025 Toyota Crown Signia 02:15 - Wagon or SUV? 04:42 - Driving Dynamics 07:13 - Interior Fit & Finish 08:38 - Exterior 10:01 - Ride and Handling 11:04 - Hybrid Powertrain 14:01 - Who is it for? 16:44 - Question #1: Is it normal for EVs to have a lower driving range in winter than in summer? 20:50 - Question #2: Which car tires should you prioritize replacing: the front or the rear? ---------------------------------- First Drive: 2025 Toyota Crown Signia Hybrid SUV Shines https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/2025-toyota-crown-signia-hybrid-review-a8708955858/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT Best Deals on Fuel-Efficient Cars and SUVs https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/buying-a-car/best-deals-on-fuel-efficient-cars-a4329802409/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT Most Fuel-Efficient Cars https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/fuel-economy-efficiency/the-most-fuel-efficient-cars-best-mpg-a1198903400/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT Are Hybrids a Smart Choice Right Now? https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/why-hybrid-vehicles-are-a-smart-choice-right-now-a2736240282/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
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24:54
2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz
In 2017 Volkswagen announced the electrified ID. Buzz at the Detroit Auto Show. Now, seven years later, we’ve driven the real thing. In this episode, we share our first impressions of the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz, diving into its iconic retro-styling, driving dynamics, electric drivetrain, utility, and infotainment system. Plus, we also answer audience questions, including how to make the most of local mechanics when a dealership isn’t nearby and how to find the perfect manual transmission convertible for under $10k. Exclusive CR discount for Talking Cars viewers at: https://www.consumerreports.org/jointalkingcars?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT More info on the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz Hybrid here: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/volkswagen/id-buzz/2025/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT SHOW NOTES ----------------------------------- 00:00 - Introduction 00:15 - Overview: 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz 02:41 - Every Day Usability 05:31 - Electric Range 09:04 - Driving Dynamics 10:44 - Brakes 13:30 - Controls 18:20 - Accessibility 21:08 - Window Controls 22:52 - Driving Position 25:19 - Small Item Storage 26:50 - Cabin Room 27:19 - Would You Buy It? 30:14 - Advanced Driver Assistance System 32:58 - Question #1: Is it safe to rely on local mechanics for vehicle repairs? 39:08 - Question #2: What is a perfect manual transmission convertible for under $10K? ---------------------------------- First Drive: Volkswagen ID. Buzz Is Practical Nostalgia at a High Price https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/volkswagen-id-buzz-minivan-review-a4884016168/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/volkswagen/id-buzz/2025/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT Secrets to Electric Car Charging Revealed https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/secrets-to-electric-car-charging-a1611903912/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT Most and Least Satisfying Luxury Hybrids, Plug-In Hybrids, and Electric Vehicles https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/most-and-least-satisfying-luxury-hybrids-evs-phevs-a8977712677/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT EVs Are Getting More Reliable, but They Still Lag Behind Hybrids and Gas-Only Cars https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/electric-vehicles-are-less-reliable-than-conventional-cars-a1047214174/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT ----------------------------------- 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.
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47:05
2025 Top Picks
Our experts reveal CR’s 2025 Top Picks, featuring the best vehicles that stand out in our rigorous tests. Find out which cars, trucks, and SUVs made the list and why some fan favorites didn't. Plus, we answer audience questions about CR member surveys, hybrid brake tests, and SUV cargo measurement tests. See our Top Picks list for free at: http://cr.org/toppicks/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT SHOW NOTES: 0:00 - Intro 0:39 - Consumer Reports 2025 Top Picks are free! 1:00 - How CR compiles the Top Picks lis 11:56 - 2025 Top Picks, vehicles 28:15 - Audience Question #1: How does CR calibrate member survey responses? 34:07 - Audience Question #2: Does CR test hybrid brakes in, “B” mode? 36:33 - Audience Question #3: Does CR measure the floor-to-ceiling height for vehicle cargo space? LINKS: 2025 Top Picks: http://cr.org/toppicks/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT Consumer Reports Vehicle Ratings: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/
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42:16
2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid
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. Mazda has partnered with Toyota to create the 2025 CX-50 Hybrid. Although it's branded as a Mazda, the CX-50 Hybrid has the heart of a Toyota. In this episode, we share our first impressions of the CX-50 Hybrid and discuss its driving characteristics, steering dynamics, and the Toyota drivetrain that powers it. We also address questions about whether it's still wise to purchase a Nissan, given its current financial issues, and whether Lexus is living up to its reputation as the most reliable automaker. SHOW NOTES ----------------------------------- 00:00 - Introduction 00:16 - Overview: 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid 01:34 - Mazda & Toyota Collaboration 07:14 - Driving Dynamics 09:31 - Styling 11:45 - Front Seats 15:20 - The Controls 18:56 - CX-50 vs. RAV4 23:54 - CX-50 vs. CX-50 Hybrid 26:15 - Question #1: Given the current state of Nissan, is it still wise to purchase a vehicle from the manufacturer? 33:40 - Question #2: Is Lexus still living up to its reputation as the most reliable automaker? ---------------------------------- Mazda CX-50 Hybrid First Drive: Power Couple or Odd Couple? https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/2025-mazda-cx-50-hybrid-review-a9123627508/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/mazda/cx-50-hybrid/2025/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT Compact SUVs From $25,000 to $35,000 With Standard Active Safety Systems https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/affordable-suvs-from-25000-to-35000-dollars-with-safety-systems-standard-a2484348806/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT Quietest Midsized SUVs From Consumer Reports’ Tests https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/quietest-midsized-suvs-from-consumer-reports-tests-a5278786319/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT Best Hybrid SUVs for Less Than $35,000 https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/best-hybrid-suvs-for-less-than-35000-dollars-a6380868399/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
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43:21
The State of EVs in 2025 - Live!
Exclusive CR discount for Talking Cars viewers at: https://www.cr.org/jointalkingcars There's been a lot of change in the US recently! And it will likely have a big impact on the automotive market, particularly when it comes to electric vehicles. On this episode of Talking Cars, we discussed the current state of the EV market, taking questions live from our YouTube audience! We discussed current government policy and regulation regarding EVs, charging infrastructure, market demand, competition in the industry, and more. Consumer Reports EV Hub: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT CR Cars: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT Have a question for our experts? Leave a comment on this episode, or reach out to us directly! Send us a text at [email protected] to send a photo, video, or text directly to the Talking Cars team!
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