Become a member at https://CR.org/joinviaYT to find out how each vehicle we purchase performs in our tests.

The Lexus RX has served as a benchmark for refined, stress-free, midsized luxury SUVs for more than two decades. We recently purchased our own to put through our tests at the Consumer Reports Auto Test track, and share our first impressions of its driving characteristics, controls, how it stacks up against competitors like the BMW X5 and Audi Q7, and whether it maintains its solid reputation. We also discuss whether you should bring your vehicle to the dealer for software updates.

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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

SHOW NOTES

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00:00 - Introduction

00:14 - First Impressions: 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid

23:19 - Question: Should you bother your dealer to check and perform software updates on your vehicle?

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2023 Lexus RX Hybrid

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/lexus/rx-hybrid/2023/overview/

Redesigned 2023 Lexus RX Ticks Up on Luxury and Sport

https://www.consumerreports.org/suvs/2023-lexus-rx-review-a9838921352/

Electric Cars and Plug-In Hybrids That Qualify for Tax Credits Under the Inflation Reduction Act

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/electric-cars-plug-in-hybrids-that-qualify-for-tax-credits-a7820795671/

Guide to Car Safety

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-guide-to-car-safety/

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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://www.CR.org/join

Check out https://www.ConsumerReports.org for the latest reviews, tips, and recommendations and subscribe to our YouTube Channel: http://bit.ly/1Nlb1Ez 

Follow Us on Social:

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Become a member at https://CR.org/joinviaYT to find out how each vehicle we purchase performs in our tests.

On this episode, we share our first impressions of the 2023 Kia Niro Electric. Find out how the Niro compares to its corporate EV siblings, the Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5, and how subtle changes affect the driver’s experience. We also answer a question about all-wheel-drive EVs in winter driving conditions.

SHOW NOTES:

0:00 - Intro

0:15 - 2023 Kia Niro Electric

3:34 - Driving impressions

6:54 - Regenerative braking

8:47 - Visibility and the Aeroblade

10:43 - Interior controls

13:18 - Accommodations/floor height

15:22 - Which Kia EV/hybrid would we choose?

18:20 - Question: Which EV system has better traction in winter driving conditions?

LINKS:

Preview: 2023 Kia Niro Trio Make Evolutionary Advancements: https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/2023-kia-niro-review-a1734527338/

Kia Niro Electric: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/kia/niro-electric/

Automakers Are Adding Electric Vehicles to Their Lineups. Here’s What’s Coming: https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/why-electric-cars-may-soon-flood-the-us-market-a9006292675/#7

Become a member at https://CR.org/joinviaYT to find out how each vehicle we purchase performs in our tests.

This week, we discuss the new Toyota Highlander. Our experts share their first impressions of the three-row SUV and talk about how the Highlander sticks to what it does best, despite its 2023 refresh. We also answer audience questions about top tier gasoline and why the Genesis GV70 SUV comes with a launch control feature.

SHOW NOTES:

0:00 - Intro

0:21 - 2023 Toyota Highlander

2:12 - Highlander trims

4:34 - Our first impressions

8:28 - Powertrain

10:19 - Interior/seats

12:18 - Infotainment system

13:27 - Cargo capacity

15:03 - Would you buy a Highlander?

16:48 - Question #1: What’s top tier gas and is it important?

20:50 - Question #2: What’s launch control and is it necessary?

LINKS:

2023 Toyota Highlander: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/toyota/highlander/2023/overview/

Top Tier Gasoline Worth the Extra Price; Study Shows: https://www.consumerreports.org/fuel-economy-efficiency/top-tier-gasoline-worth-the-extra-price-a7682471234/

Top Tier Detergent Gasoline Brands: https://toptiergas.com/licensed-brands/

Why You Might Not actually Need Premium Gas: https://www.consumerreports.org/fuel-economy-efficiency/why-you-might-not-actually-need-premium-gas-a6382185831/

You'd be forgiven for thinking that if a car is electric, it has to have a minimalist design, with weird door handles and every function controlled through a touchscreen. But the BMW i4 both looks and feels very much like a traditional sports car. But is that a good thing? We discuss the BMW i4 M50 we purchased for our test program, how it performs on our track, its questionable range, whether it carries on the "ultimate driving machine" lineage of its parent company, and how it compares to EV competitors from Tesla, Genesis, and Hyundai.

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

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

SHOW NOTES

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

00:00 - Introduction

00:13 - First Impressions: 2023 BMW i4

15:12 - Question: Why is there an additional plastic cover on all DC fast charging ports?

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2023 BMW i4

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/bmw/i4/2023/overview/

Move Over Tesla, the Electric 2022 BMW i4 Is Impressive

https://www.consumerreports.org/hybridsevs/2022-bmw-i4-review-a6698677397/

Electric Cars and Plug-In Hybrids That Qualify for Tax Credits Under the Inflation Reduction Act

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/electric-cars-plug-in-hybrids-that-qualify-for-tax-credits-a7820795671/

Guide to Car Safety

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-guide-to-car-safety/

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

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://www.CR.org/join

Check out https://www.ConsumerReports.org for the latest reviews, tips, and recommendations and subscribe to our YouTube Channel: http://bit.ly/1Nlb1Ez 

Follow Us on Social:

TikTok: https://bit.ly/3BVzGR9

Instagram: http://bit.ly/1I49Bzo

Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1IQ2w5q

Twitter: http://bit.ly/1Yf5Fh2

Pinterest: http://bit.ly/1P37mM9