The redesigned 2026 Audi A6 is here — and we purchased a Premium Plus S-Line trim for our test program. In this episode, we break down everything you need to know about the new A6, including turbo V6 engine performance, transmission pros and cons, driving characteristics, and infotainment and control frustrations. We also answer an audience question about whether it’s time to replace the battery in a 2014 Toyota Prius — or replace the whole car.

SHOW NOTES

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00:00 - Introduction

00:26 - Overview: 2026 Audi A6

01:00 - What We Loved

11:40 - What We Did Not Like

22:28 - Question: When should you replace the hybrid battery on a Toyota Prius?

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Full Test Results: 2026 Audi A6

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/audi/a6/2026/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Who Makes the Most Reliable New Cars?

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/who-makes-the-most-reliable-cars-a7824554938/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Which Brands Make the Best Cars?

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

How Car Brands Stack Up on Repair Costs

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-maintenance/the-cost-of-car-ownership-a1854979198/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

This week, we cover the all-new 2026 Nissan Leaf SV+. No longer “just a commuter car,” the Leaf offers increased range, updated SUV styling, a new NACS charge port, and a suite of standard advanced safety equipment, including Nissan’s Pro Pilot Assist. We share our first impressions of the Leaf and discuss whether Nissan’s improvements to its original EV make it a competitive option. We also talk about how to shop for the best car insurance and answer a question about how the weather can affect your car’s advanced driver-assistance systems.

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:

0:00 - Intro

0:30 - 2026 Nissan Leaf SV+ Overview

1:08 - What we like about the 2026 Nissan Leaf

12:00 - What we dislike about the 2026 Nissan Leaf

25:36 - How to find the best car insurance

37:51 - Audience Question: Does inclement weather affect a vehicle’s radar and safety systems?

LINKS:

Nissan Leaf Model History: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/nissan/leaf/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Test Results: 2026 Nissan Leaf: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/nissan/leaf/2026/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

CR Guide to Advanced Car-Safety Features: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-safety/clearing-confusion-about-advanced-car-safety-feature-names-a1035752654/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Best Car Insurance Companies: https://www.consumerreports.org/money/car-insurance/best-car-insurance-companies-a8534720090/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Car Insurance Ratings: https://www.consumerreports.org/money/car-insurance/c34685/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Car Insurance Buying Guide: https://www.consumerreports.org/money/car-insurance/buying-guide/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Car Safety Guide: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/safety-guide/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

We share our first impressions of the all-new Toyota bZ. Formerly known as the bZ4X, it shares much of its DNA with the Subaru Solterra. Our experts share the best and worst parts of the bZ and discuss how the name, powertrain, and new NACS charging port increase its appeal. We also debate how much center console is too much, and whether dual wireless phone chargers are actually an asset. Plus, we answer an audience question about the Hyundai Ioniq 9’s reliability.

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:

0:00 - Intro

0:17 - 2026 Toyota bZ Overview

0:55 - What we like about the Toyota bZ

8:13 - What we dislike about the Toyota bZ

18:35 - What EV would we buy?

23:19 - Audience Question: How does Consumer Reports score and weight vehicle reliability year-to-year?

LINKS:

Model Overview; Toyota bZ : https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/toyota/bz/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Test Results: Toyota bZ4X: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/toyota/bz4x/2025/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Tesla Superchargers vs. Non-Tesla TVs: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/ev-chargers/how-well-do-tesla-superchargers-work-for-non-tesla-evs-a4713673565/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

2026 Nissan Leaf: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/nissan/leaf/2026/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Model Overview; Hyundai Ionia 5: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hyundai/ioniq-5/?EXTKEY=SOCIAL_YT

Test Results: Hyundai Ionia 9: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hyundai/ioniq-9/2026/overview/?EXTKEY=SOCIAL_YT

Test Results: Cadillac Vistiq: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/cadillac/vistiq/2026/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Shopping for a new car? Consumer Reports’ Top Picks highlight the best cars, SUVs, and trucks you can buy right now—standouts for performance, reliability, owner satisfaction, and safety. In this episode, we break down this year’s winners across key segments, from sedans and small SUVs to three-row SUVs, featuring brands like Toyota, Honda, Ford, Tesla, BMW, Lexus, and Subaru.

SHOW NOTES

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00:00 - Introduction

00:15 - 2026 Top Picks

23:57 - Safety Verdict

29:27 - Question: What’s the best way to buy a car located too far away to inspect in person?

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Best Cars of 2026 — CR Top Picks

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/best-cars-of-the-year-10-top-picks-of-2025-a1930591024/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Safety Verdict

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/safety-guide/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

The Safest Cars You Can Buy Right Now

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/the-safest-cars-you-can-buy-right-now-a6584555585/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Who Makes the Most Reliable New Cars?

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/who-makes-the-most-reliable-cars-a7824554938/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Which Brands Make the Best Cars?

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

How Car Brands Stack Up On Lifetime Repair Cost

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-maintenance/the-cost-of-car-ownership-a1854979198/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

10 Best SUVs You Can Buy Right Now

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/10-best-suvs-you-can-buy-right-now-a8518508556/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Consumerreports.org/Talkingcars

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/cars-driving/talking-cars-podcast-archive-a1439738009/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

The Weekly Cars Newsletter: Shop Smarter. Drive Smarter.

https://www.consumerreports.org/email-newsletters/cars/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Lock in savings with a better way to buy a car.

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-prices-build-buy-service/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT