Talking Cars (MP3)

Is the all-new 2023 Toyota Sequoia just a Tundra with a cap on the back? We share our first impressions of Toyota's largest SUV, how it compares to competitors like the Chevrolet Tahoe and Cadillac Escalade (or even the 4Runner!), and if it can carry the torch for the dearly departed Land Cruiser. We also discuss whether using a different octane gas, for example 87 vs. 88 octane, can harm your car's engine.

SHOW NOTES:

0:00: 2023 Toyota Sequoia first impressions

15:59: Can using a higher octane gas than is recommended in your owner’s manual harm your engine?

LINKS:

Toyota Sequoia - https://www.consumerreports.org/suvs/2023-toyota-sequoia-review-a6124360768/

Toyota Land Cruiser - https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/toyota/land-cruiser/2021/overview/

Toyota Tundra - https://www.consumerreports.org/pickup-trucks/2022-toyota-tundra-review-a1706208187/

Chevrolet Tahoe - https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/chevrolet/tahoe/2022/overview/

Toyota 4Runner - https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/toyota/4runner/2022/overview/

Cadillac Escalade - https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/cadillac/escalade/2022/overview/

Gas octane - https://www.consumerreports.org/fuel-economy-efficiency/why-you-might-not-actually-need-premium-gas-a6382185831/

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Direct download: 2208CRO_Talking_Cars_Episode_374.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 3:00pm EDT

This week we share our first impressions of the 2023 Honda HR-V. We discuss how the HR-V improved over the first generation model and why it feels more robust in comparison to competing small SUVs. Plus, we answer an audience question that compares an all-wheel drive Mazda 3 to the new Acura Integra.

SHOW NOTES:

0:00-10:39: 2023 Honda HR-V

10:39-18:08: Question: Which would you choose; the Mazda 3 AWD or the new Acura Integra? 

LINKS:

Redesigned 2023 Honda HR-V Grows in Size and Sophistication: https://www.consumerreports.org/suvs/2023-honda-hr-v-review-a5649305775/

2022 Mazda 3: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/mazda/3/2022/overview/

2023 Acura Integra Tries to Recapture ‘80s and ‘90s Magic With Help of Civic Si: https://www.consumerreports.org/small-cars/2023-acura-integra-review-a1115778934/

Direct download: 2208CRO_Talking_Cars_Episode_373.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00pm EDT

On this episode, we discuss the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid. Find out how the Sportage Hybrid compares to the gasoline Sportage we tested and why hybrid versions of small SUVs often improve a model overall. We also answer a question about all-wheel drive and determine whether it can be considered a safety feature or convenience feature.

SHOW NOTES:

0:00 - 11:48: 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid

11:50 - 20:34: Question: Is all-wheel drive a safety feature, a nice-to-have-perk, or over-hyped?

LINKS:

2023 Kia Sportage Is Long on Style and Room, Short on Verve: https://www.consumerreports.org/suvs/2023-kia-sportage-review-a1593140021/

Direct download: 2208CRO_Talking_Cars_Episode_372.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00pm EDT

This week, we share our impressions of the all-electric Mazda MX-30, the automaker’s first EV to hit the market. Find out why we think the MX-30 is behind the times and why only 560 vehicles are planned to be sold in the US. We also answer an audience question about the legality of LED replacement headlights.

SHOW NOTES:

0:00-12:22 - 2022 Mazda MX-30

12:22-19:27 - Video Question: Are LED replacement bulbs legal? 

LINKS:

Frustrating Mazda MX-30 Can’t Match Other Modern EVs: https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/2022-mazda-mx-30-review-a1201295576/

Smart Adaptive Headlights Will Soon Brighten U.S. Roads: https://www.consumerreports.org/car-safety/smart-adaptive-headlights-will-soon-brighten-us-roads-a8128257819/

 

Direct download: 2208CRO_Talking_Cars_Episode_371.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00pm EDT

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