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/

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

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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?

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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