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Talking Cars 468: Driving the Toyota Crown Signia
Main theme: In this podcast episode, we give our first driving impressions of the all-new 2025 Toyota Crown Signia, which we recently purchased for CR’s auto test program. As the name suggests, this new model is based on the Toyota Crown sedan. Where it differs from the sedan is that it doesn’t just look like a hatchback, it actually is…
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Talking Cars 467: Driving the Volkswagen ID. Buzz
Main theme: This week our panel discusses the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz that we bought for our test program. Our first drive video on the all-electric van we rented from Volkswagen five months ago was so popular that we decided to dedicate this episode to our own test model. We cover the experiences each driver had with the ID. Buzz: taking it…
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Talking Cars 466: 10 Top Picks of 2025
Main theme: In this episode of the “Talking Cars” video podcast, we discuss what it takes for a vehicle to reach the vaunted Top Picks podium. The panel notes the surprising number of electrified models on the list for 2025—that would be, hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and pure electric. And even the wide variety of vehicles brought out a lively discussion,…
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Talking Cars 465: Driving the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid
Main theme: In this podcast episode, we give our first driving impressions of the all-new 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid, which we recently purchased for CR’s auto test program. The CX-50 Hybrid is a collaboration between Mazda and Toyota. On the surface, it’s a CX-50 with a RAV4 Hybrid powertrain, although it’s a little more involved than that, and our panelists…
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Talking Cars 464: Live From CR’s Auto Test Center
This special “Talking Cars” podcast serves as a “recap” of our first-ever live episode of a show focused on the state of electric vehicles in 2025. We welcomed live viewers and listeners who shared questions for real-time engagement with the panel. As you might imagine, there was plenty to talk about. Conversation focused on whether or not the EV products…
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Talking Cars 463: Driving the Nissan Kicks
Keith Barry Keith Barry has been an auto reporter at Consumer Reports since 2018. He focuses on safety, technology, and the environmental impact of cars. Previously, he led home and appliance coverage at Reviewed; reported on cars for USA Today, Wired, and Car & Driver; and wrote for other publications as well. Keith earned a master’s degree in public health…
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Talking Cars 462: The Best and Worst Cars of 2024
Main theme: As we draw to the close of 2024, we thought we would mix things up a bit. As per tradition, we still take a moment to reflect on the past year and to select those cars that we liked the best and those that we found most disappointing. But instead of hearing solely from the normal Talking Cars…
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Talking Cars 461: Driving the Chevrolet Equinox EV
Main theme: The Equinox is Chevrolet’s entry-level electric, with a tempting starting price of about $35,000 for the front-wheel LT version that offers 319 miles of range. We bought an all-wheel-drive 2LT model that gets an estimated 285 miles of range, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. The 2LT starts at $41,900, and with a few options, such as AWD…
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Talking Cars 459: Driving the 2025 Hyundai Sonata
Main theme: Contrary to popular belief, we don’t buy and test every model year of every vehicle. Typically, we only buy a car when it’s a brand-new model or redesigned. However, if a car gets a significant refresh, which automakers typically do partway into a vehicle’s life to boost sales, it may warrant a test to keep our results current.…
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Talking Cars 458: Driving the 2025 Jeep Compass
Main theme: The Jeep Compass is the brand’s only compact or subcompact SUV. The podcast panel members look at changes to the 2025 model and share their driving impressions. In particular, they discuss the new 200-hp powertrain, answering the question: Do the latest engine and other updates give this Jeep an edge over its competitors? Read CR’s First Drive review of the…
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