More info on the 10 Top Picks of 2024 here: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/best-cars-of-the-year-10-top-picks-of-2024-a4675085257/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

 

Consumer Reports annual Top Picks list is out. In this episode we clarify what the Top Picks is and how vehicles get awarded this highly regarded designation. Our experts discuss the 10 cars that made it to the top of the list, trends we're noticing in the automotive industry, and explain what a Brand Report Card is. We also debate which would be the ultimate food delivery vehicle, the Toyota Prius or the Corolla Hybrid. 

 

Ratings and test results on every car CR purchases and tests: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

 

 

SHOW NOTES

-----------------------------------

00:00 - Introduction

00:17 - What is the Top Picks List

01:29 - Auto Market Shift

03:52 - Car Categories in Top Picks

05:13 - Question #1: When looking at CR’s reliability rating, why are hybrids are among the most reliable vehicles, but plug-in hybrids are among the least?

11:10 - 10 Top Picks of 2024

11:34 - EVs

12:48 - Plug-in Hybrids

16:07 - Hybrids

18:48 - Gas Powered Vehicles

22:54 - Brand Report Card

25:46 - Question #2: Which car is the ultimate food delivery vehicle: the Toyota Corolla Hybrid or the Prius AWD?

 

 

----------------------------------  

Best Cars of the Year: 10 Top Picks of 2024

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/best-cars-of-the-year-10-top-picks-of-2024-a4675085257/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

 

Which Car Brands Make the Best Vehicles

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/cars-driving/which-car-brands-make-the-best-vehicles-a6159221985/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

 

Hybrids/EV Buying Guide

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/buying-guide/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

 

Mazda3

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/mazda/3/2024/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

 

Subaru Crosstrek

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/subaru/crosstrek/2024/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

 

Subaru Forester

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/subaru/forester/2024/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

 

Toyota Camry Hybrid

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/toyota/camry-hybrid/2024/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

 

Toyota Prius/Prius Prime

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/toyota/prius/2024/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

 

Ford Maverick/Maverick Hybrid

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/ford/maverick/2024/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

 

Toyota RAV4 Prime

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/toyota/rav4-prime/2024/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

 

Toyota Highlander Hybrid

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/toyota/highlander-hybrid/2024/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

 

BMW X5/X5 PHEV

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/bmw/x5/2024/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

 

Tesla Model Y

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/tesla/model-y/2024/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

 

 

-----------------------------------

Subscribe to Talking Cars on Apple Podcasts!

 

Video version: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/talking-cars-hq/id630839767?mt=2

 

Audio version: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/talking-cars-mp3/id630831189?mt=2

 

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

Kia takes the three-row SUV EV Mainstream with its all-new EV9. We share our first impressions of the 2024 Kia EV9, how it handled around our test track, the third-row seats, controls, and if this newest kia is the best midsized SUV EV or not. And, our experts give advice on what to look for when buying tires to maximize vehicle MPG. We also explain IIHS' updated moderate overlap crash test, and why some vehicles get a poor rating.

 

More info on the 2024 Kia EV9 here: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/2024-kia-ev9-review-a4079455654/?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 - First Impressions: 2024 Kia EV9 ll

01:05 - What is the EV9?

02:17 - How it Drives

03:43 - The Third-Row Seats

05:09 - Power & Range

06:55 - Controls

10:21 - Fit and Finish

12:11 - Question #1: Do hybrid vehicles need specific tires to maintain its fuel efficiency?

14:59 - Question #2: Why some vehicles are getting a poor rating on the IIHS updated moderate overlap crash test

 

 

----------------------------------  

First Drive: 2024 Kia EV9 Takes the Three-Row EV Mainstream

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/2024-kia-ev9-review-a4079455654/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

 

2024 Kia EV9

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/kia/ev9/2024/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

 

Electric Vehicles That Can Go More Than 250 Miles on a Charge

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/electric-vehicles-that-can-go-more-than-250-miles-on-a-full-charge-a2189661367/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

 

Hot, New Electric Cars That Are Coming Soon

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/hot-new-electric-cars-are-coming-soon-a1000197429/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

 

Popular Midsized SUVs to Avoid and What to Buy Instead

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/popular-midsized-suvs-to-avoid-and-what-to-buy-instead-a7341748420/?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

Lexus has expanded its SUV line with the all-new TX, a three-row model that shares its dimensions and many mechanical bits with the new Toyota Grand Highlander. On this episode we share our initial impressions of the 2024 Lexus TX and discuss its driving characteristics, luxurious interior, controls, and three different powertrains offered by Lexus, including a V6 plug-in hybrid. We give advice on what to do when a car lease comes to an end: buy the car out; trade it in for a new model; or walk away. Also, we answer if PHEVs (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles) are cheaper or more expensive to operate and maintain than the all-electric and internal combustion engine vehicles.

 

More info on the 2024 Lexus TX here: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/2024-lexus-tx-review-a1128675523/?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

00:16 - First Impressions: 2024 Lexus TX

02:06 - 3 Powertrain Options

04:32 - Plug-in Hybrid Version

06:03 - 4-Cylinder Engine Performance

08:47 - Ride and Handling

11:14 - Dynamic Steering

12:23 - 3rd-Row Seats

13:34 - 2nd-Row Seats

14:07 - Cargo and Space

15:51 - Controls, Fit and Finish

18:36 - Safety Systems

20:13 - Lexus TX vs. Toyota Grand Highlander

22:49 - Electronic Door Release

24:19 - Question #1: What to do at the end of a vehicle lease: buy the car out; trade it in; or walk away?

28:16 - Question #2: Are PHEVs more expensive to operate and maintain than all-electric and internal combustion vehicles?

 

 

----------------------------------  

First Drive: All-New 2024 Lexus TX Delivers Modern Luxury for the Whole Family

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/2024-lexus-tx-review-a1128675523/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

 

2024 Lexus TX

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/lexus/tx/2024/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

 

First Drive: 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Shines Brightest With Hybrid Max Engine

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/2024-toyota-grand-highlander-review-a7963942236/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

 

10 Best Luxury SUVs You Can Buy Right Now

https://www.consumerreports.org/search/?query=three-row%20SUVs?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

 

Popular Midsized SUVs to Avoid and What to Buy Instead

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/popular-midsized-suvs-to-avoid-and-what-to-buy-instead-a7341748420/?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