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

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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

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

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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?

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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

Exclusive CR discount for Talking Cars viewers at: https://www.cr.org/jointalkingcars

Which brands make the most reliable cars, trucks, and SUVs in 2025? The answer may surprise you! CR surveyed owners about any problems they have experienced with their new and used cars, and we share the results! Find out where brands like Toyota, Tesla, Subaru, BMW, Jeep, Honda, and more stack up; how the reliability of EVs and plug-in hybrids compares to standard gas-powered vehicles; who makes the most reliable used cars; and whether an automakers luxury brands hold up better than their less expensive counterparts.

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

Join the Talking Cars community on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@consumerreports/community

Which Car Brands Make the Best Vehicles? https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/cars-driving/which-car-brands-make-the-best-vehicles-a6159221985/

Which Brands Make the Best Used Cars? https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/used-car-brand-reliability-a2811658468/

Maintenance and Repair Cost by Brand for 2025: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-maintenance/the-cost-of-car-ownership-a1854979198/

Who Makes the Most Reliable New Cars? https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/who-makes-the-most-reliable-cars-a7824554938/

Which Car Brands Have the Highest Road Test Scores? https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/what-car-brands-have-the-highest-road-test-scores-a6759602787/

Most and Least Loved Car Brands: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/most-and-least-liked-car-brands-a1291429338/

Consumer Reports' Car Reliability FAQ: https://www.consumerreports.org/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/consumer-reports-car-reliability-faq-a1099917197/

Have a question for our experts? Leave a comment on this episode, or reach out to us directly! Send us a text at TalkingCars@icloud.com to send a photo, video, or text directly to the Talking Cars team!