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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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1:00:00
2025 Nissan Kicks
Nissan redesigned the 2025 Kicks compact SUV--now larger, more powerful, and available with all-wheel drive. We put its driving performance to the test, evaluate its active safety and driver-assistance features, and discuss whether or not its "upscale" design elements deliver on the hype. Plus, we answer questions about our favorite infotainment systems and offer advice before buying extended warranties and maintenance contracts. More info on the 2025 Nissan Kicks here: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/2025-nissan-kicks-review-a9588794667/?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 - Overview: 2025 Nissan Kicks 01:16 - Price 02:24 - Interior and Styling 04:02 - Driving Performance 05:18 - Competition 10:10 - Nissan 11:51 - Question #1: What are the best and worst car infotainment systems on the market today? 17:38 - Question #2: What is CR’s advise regarding extended warranties and maintenance contracts? ---------------------------------- First Drive: 2025 Nissan Kicks Grows Into Feature-Rich SUV https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/2025-nissan-kicks-review-a9588794667/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT 2025 Nissan Kicks https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/nissan/kicks/2025/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT 10 Cheap Cars That CR Recommends https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/cheap-cars-recommended-by-consumer-reports-a1059266229/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT Best New Cars and SUVs for Under $30,000 https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/best-new-cars-under-30000-dollars-a6574737993/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT Popular Compact Cars to Avoid and What to Buy Instead https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/buying-a-car/popular-compact-cars-to-avoid-what-to-buy-instead-a1188453224/?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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22:46
Best & Worst Cars of 2024
Of the dozens of new cars Consumer Reports tested this year, these are the best (and worst) according to the entire staff of CR’s Auto Test Center. This team not only keeps the track up and running, but we’re all part of the evaluation process - see what our Talking Cars crew, as well as those behind the scenes, thought were the best and worst cars we tested in 2024! 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 00:46 - Mike Monticello 05:24 - Jennifer Stockburger 07:06 - Anatoliy Shumskiy 10:59 - Joe Veselak 12:56 - Ben Preston 15:07 - Maddie McCarty 18:55 - John Williams 22:49 - Mike Quincy 28:16 - Alex Knizek 31:55 - Avri Wyshogrod 34:55 - Emily Thomas 39:46 - Andrew Balise 42:49 - Mary Reed 45:36 - Jeff Bartlett 49:27 - Alex George 52:38 - Gabe Shenhar 55:24 - James McQueen 58:02 - Jake Fisher 01:02:54 - Jon Linkov 01:06:14 - Mike Crossen
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1:11:18
2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV
Chevrolet has expanded its EV lineup with the addition of the 2024 Equinox EV. In this episode, we share our first impressions of the small electric SUV, covering its driving dynamics, power capabilities, key features, and how it stacks up against the Blazer EV and the gas-powered Equinox. We also address audience questions, including whether it's normal to need frequent brake service and why car manufacturers aren’t making electric vehicles with upgradable and replaceable batteries. More info on the 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV here: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/2024-chevrolet-equinox-ev-review-a7430613629/?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. SHOW NOTES ----------------------------------- 00:00 - Introduction 00:40 - Overview: 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV 02:25 - Driving Characteristics 03:44 - How it Compares to Blazer EV 06:26 - Is it Family Friendly Enough 08:54 - Charging Capabilities 10:48 - Infotainment System 15:37 - The Price 16:48 - Question #1: Are auto dimming rear-view mirrors in vehicles less safe than the old-school flip-up ones? 20:20 - Question #2: Is it normal to frequently need to service the brakes on your car? 25:24 - Question #3: Why car manufacturers aren’t making electric vehicles with upgradable and replaceable batteries? ---------------------------------- New 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV Will Start at $34,995, Eventually https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/2024-chevrolet-equinox-ev-review-a7430613629/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/chevrolet/equinox-ev/2024/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT 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 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 Guide to Car Reliability & Owner Satisfaction https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/guide-to-car-reliability-owner-satisfaction-a9213219653/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
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29:07