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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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Why Do Cars Do This?? The Little Things That Irritate CR Experts
On this week's episode, the Consumer Reports auto team shares its biggest pet peeves about modern cars—from giant touchscreens, distracting alerts, and complicated door handles to cramped back seats, fake interior materials, missing Apple C
The 2026 Lexus ES Hybrid is an Endangered Species
This week, we're talking all about the 2026 Lexus ES Hybrid. We share our first impressions of this perennial CR favorite, discuss how it stacks up against its all-new EV twin, the Lexus ES 500e, and debate whether the 2026 redesign offers
Toyota RAV4 Woodland; Dealer Add-Ons That Are Actually Worth It
On this episode we share our first impressions of the 2026 Toyota RAV4 Woodland, the new hybrid SUV with all-terrain tires, extra ground clearance, and a more outdoorsy look. Is it a smart upgrade for rough roads and city potholes—or mostly
2026 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness: Worth the Extra Cost?
On this week's episode, we discuss the Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness to find out whether its rugged styling, lifted suspension, all-terrain tires, and added features are worth paying $7,000 more than a base Crosstrek. We examine its off-road
Yes, You Need Winter Tires: All-Season vs. All-Weather, Top Rated Winter Tires, and More
In this episode, Consumer Reports' resident 'tire guys' break down everything you need to know about winter tires. We discuss the differences among every tire category on the market, the conditions best suited to each segment, how to prep y
2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid: More Power, Way Less Drama
This week, we share our first impressions of the 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid—the first hybrid version of Kia's popular three-row SUV. We discuss its 329-hp hybrid powertrain, improved fuel economy, quiet and comfortable ride, controls, front-
Selling Your Car Privately, Fuel Stabilizer in a PHEV, When Is CR Testing a VinFast?
In this all-questions episode of Talking Cars, our experts answer questions on selling a used car online, how to get the most life out of directional tires, storing fuel in a plug-in hybrid, how hybrid engines work, and more. Plus, the rear
The 2026 Toyota RAV4 PHEV Is Great—but Is It $50,000 Great?
On this week's episode, we share our first impressions of the 2026 Toyota RAV4 PHEV and explore whether the plug-in hybrid is worth its sizable price premium. With up to 54 miles of electric range, 324 horsepower, impressive fuel economy, a
Say It to Me Seltos: First Impressions of the 2027 Kia Seltos
On this week's episode, we share our first impressions of the redesigned 2027 Kia Seltos, Kia's least expensive SUV. Its roomy interior, comfortable ride, bold styling, and user-friendly controls make it feel surprisingly mature—but the slu
Is the 2026 Toyota bZ Woodland EV the Golden Child of the Toyota-Subaru Marriage?
On this week's episode, we share our first impressions of the 2026 Toyota BZ Woodland, a 375-hp all-wheel-drive EV that promises more space, extra ground clearance, and a little off-road attitude. But is the Woodland really built for the wi
I Bought 171 Cars for Consumer Reports. Here's What I Learned.
On this week's episode, after 30 years and roughly $6 million spent buying cars for Consumer Reports, Mike Quincy shares his best car-buying advice, worst dealership experiences, and the tricks and fees buyers should watch out for. Plus, a
The Ineos Grenadier Might Be the Perfect Backcountry Vehicle
This week we drive the 2026 Ineos Grenadier on pavement, dirt roads, and CR's challenging Rock Hill to see whether this purpose-built, BMW-powered SUV is worth nearly $90,000. We discuss the driving experience, its unusual steering, noisy c
All-Weather vs. All-Season Tires; Should I Buy My Own Spare?
We answer viewer questions this week, including: the best vehicle for a 14-hour road trip, why automakers have eliminated spare tires, debunk a myth about self-driving cars, and explore the pros and cons of all-weather tires. We also discus
Lexus Finally Gets Electric Right: 2026 Lexus ES 500e
Is the all-new 2026 Lexus ES EV the luxury electric sedan we've been waiting for? On this week's episode we share our first impressions of the Lexus' newest electric sedan, discussing its whisper-quiet ride, comfort-first philosophy, real-w
Save the Manuals: Driving the New 2026 VW Jetta GLI
Is the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI the last great affordable sports sedan? On this week's episode, we debate whether Volkswagen's final manual-transmission sedan is destined to become a future classic—or if the DSG automatic is actually the b
Will Your Next Car Come With a 'Kill Switch'? | Talking Cars with Consumer Reports #516
In this episode, we separate fact from fiction about viral claims that a government-mandated "kill switch" for cars is coming in 2027. Our experts explain what the law actually says, how alcohol-impairment detection technology is being deve
Why Does Every New Car Feel Like a Smartphone?
In this episode of Talking Cars, we discuss why modern vehicles rely so heavily on software, apps, over-the-air updates, and smartphone integration. We compare the pros and cons of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, discuss the learning curve
Small Trucks Are the Perfect Size for Nobody: 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz
In this episode, we take an in-depth look at the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz, which, ironically, was officially discontinued days after we bought one for testing. We talk about the history and future of small trucks, discuss why Hyundai decided
Everything That's Wrong with the American Auto Industry
This week's episode tackles a long-running debate: are American cars inferior to their Asian and European counterparts? We break down the truth about Ford, GM, Stellantis, and Tesla, and how they stack up to Toyota, Honda, and other top aut
The 2026 Subaru Uncharted's Identity Crisis
Is the all-new Subaru Uncharted a rugged Subaru, a rebadged Toyota, or something in between? We share our first impressions of the compact EV's strong performance, comfortable ride, confusing ergonomics, and missing EV features. Plus, we an
Get a Job As a CR Tester, Rivian vs. Lucid, Unfair Minivan Bias
Consumer Reports experts discuss the financial viability of EV startups like Rivian and Lucid, share EV charging best practices, give advice for hauling large audio equipment, the future of the minivan, vehicle-to-vehicle communication. We
2026 Dodge Charger R/T
In this episode, we share our first impressions of the all-new 2026 Dodge Charger. The Charger features new styling and a hatchback design, a twin-turbo inline-six-cylinder engine, all-wheel drive, and an updated interior that feels small,
How to Survive High Gas Prices
As gas prices fluctuate and drivers look for ways to cut costs, on this week's episode we answer the questions drivers are asking most: Is premium fuel worth the extra cost? Does ethanol save money? Do Eco modes actually improve fuel econom
Are Off-Road Trims for SUVs Worth the Extra Money?
On this episode of Talking Cars, we discuss our recent evaluation of popular rugged SUV trims, sometimes called "soft roader" SUVs—including the Subaru Forester Wilderness, Honda Passport TrailSport, Toyota RAV4 Woodland, Ford Explorer Trem
2026 Mazda Miata Is Still the Answer
On this episode we share our impressions of the 2026 Mazda Miata and take a joyride through Miata history. We explain why the 2026 model remains one of the purest sports cars you can buy, and weigh its sublime manual transmission, lightweig
2027 Kia Telluride EX AWD
The 2027 Kia Telluride gets a major redesign, but is it enough to keep this three-row SUV among the best in its class? On this week's episode, we discuss the Telluride's powertrain, styling, comfort, and biggest competitor. We also answer a
Best Used EVs, Renting with Turo + Sixt, Rivian Reliability + Owner Satisfaction
Consumer Reports experts answer audience questions about CVTs and electric vehicles, including why simulated shifting exists, why the experts at Consumer Reports enjoy it, and how it affects performance and efficiency. We also explore the g
2026 Jeep Cherokee Laredo
We share our first impressions of Jeep's all-new and first-ever hybrid Cherokee, including cabin and cargo space, design, and safety. We discuss its refinement, fuel economy, and how it compares to competitors in a crowded field. We also an
2026 Honda Prelude
This week, we cover the all-new 2026 Honda Prelude. We reminisce about past Preludes, discuss the 2026 model's hybrid-only powertrain and redesigned styling, and try to figure out who the Prelude is for: it's not sporty enough to be called
2026 Subaru Outback Premium & Touring XT
This week, it's all about the 2026 Subaru Outback. We bought two trims of the Outback: Premium and Touring XT. We discuss its radical redesign from a wagon to an SUV, talk about why we bought two trims and the differences between them, and
