This week, we cover the all-new 2026 Honda Prelude. We reminisce about past Preludes, discuss the 2026 model's hybrid-only powertrain and redesigned styling, and try to figure out who the Prelude is for: it's not sporty enough to be called a sports car, but it falls short on luxury touches to be considered a grand touring coupe. We also answer a question about Consumer Reports' EV Highway Range Test and explore why a buyer might need 300+ miles of driving range. 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: 00:00 Intro & Why We Bought the Honda Prelude 00:57 What the New Prelude Is (and Isn't) 03:35 Design, Features & First Impressions 06:00 Driving Experience & Everyday Usability 08:21 How It Compares to Other Cars (Civic, Prius, Z) 10:50 The Identity Problem & Who It's For 12:58 Styling, Practicality & Value Debate 16:03 Final Thoughts on the Prelude 19:38 Audience Question: EV Range vs Real Driving Needs 22:12 Why EV Range Testing Still Matters LINKS: 2026 Honda Prelude: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/honda/prelude/2026/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT First Drive: Who is the Honda Prelude For?: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/2026-honda-prelude-review-a7655687395/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT 2025 Honda Civic Adds Hybrid, Hatchback, Google, and More Power: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/small-cars/2025-honda-civic-hybrid-review-a1056711696/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT Consumer Reports' Real-World Electric Car Range Comparison: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/real-world-ev-range-tests-models-that-beat-epa-estimates-a1103288135/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

This week, it's all about the 2026 Subaru Outback. We bought two trims of the Outback: Premium and Touring XT. We discuss its radical redesign from a wagon to an SUV, talk about why we bought two trims and the differences between them, and how Subaru's omission of a hybrid powertrain may be a mistake. Plus, we answer a question about EV replacement tires.   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 ----------------------------------- 00:00 - Introduction 00:15 - Overview: 2026 Subaru Crosstrek 01:10 - 180hp Non-Turbo vs 260hp Turbo engine 08:19 - Premium vs Touring XT Seats 11:25 - Fit and Finish Differences 13:50 - Wheels and Tires 14:59 - Cabin Noise 17:56 - Controls 19:58 - No Hybrid Option? 20:37 - New, Bold Styling 22:49 - Wrap up 25:49 - Question: Is it necessary to use EV-specific tires when replacing the tires on an electric vehicle?   ----------------------------------  Test Results: 2026 Subaru Outback https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/subaru/outback/2026/overview/?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   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   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

On this episode, we share our first impressions of the 2026 Mazda CX-5. We cover the CX-5's redesign, including its new, large touchscreen infotainment system, mourn its lack of physical climate controls, and discuss how the top trim model we rented doesn't feel that special. We also answer a question about 360 cameras and how to keep the lenses clean in rainy places like Oregon. 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 Mazda CX-5 Overview 1:18 - What we love about the 2026 Mazda CX-5 7:05 - What we dislike on the 2026 Mazda CX-5 30:50 - Is it worth buying top trim vehicles? 36:05 - What we'd buy instead of a 2026 Mazda CX-5 39:10 - Audience Question: What's the best way to keep a vehicle's 360º camera clean? LINKS: Mazda CX-5 Model History: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/mazda/cx-5/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT Redesigned 2026 Mazda CX-5: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/2026-mazda-cx-5-review-a2402724881/EXTKEY=SOCIAL_YT Mazda CX-50 Hybrid: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/mazda/cx-50-hybrid/2026/overview/EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT Compact SUV Ratings: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/types/new/suvs/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

We're live from the floor of the 2026 New York Auto Show, and sharing our first impressions of the vehicles announced at the show, including the Genesis G90 Wingback and Hyundai Boulder concept cars, the Subaru Getaway 3-row EV SUV, Kia Seltos Hybrid, Volkswagen Atlas, Kia EV3 all-electric compact SUV, and the rise of the softroader!   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 ----------------------------------- 00:00 - Introduction 00:56 - NYAS Show Floor 02:43 - Softroaders 08:17 - Subaru Trailseeker 08:29 - Subaru Uncharted 09:59 - Jeep Recon 10:58 - Subaru Getaway 11:53 - Hyundai Boulder 13:46 - Genesis G90 Wingback 14:07 - Our Favorites 16:23 - Best of Show 18:07 - Most Absurd 20:19 - Minivans 21:26 - Fuel Economy     ----------------------------------  Preview: 2026 Jeep Recon Electric SUV https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/2026-jeep-recon-electric-suv-review-a1341965777/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT   Preview: 2026 Subaru Uncharted Electric SUV https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/2026-subaru-uncharted-review-a1017237029/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT   Preview: 2026 Subaru Trailseeker https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/2026-subaru-trailseeker-review-a5418969450/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT   Preview: Next-Gen 2027 Kia Seltos https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/2027-kia-seltos-review-a1747520334/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT   Preview: All-New 2027 Subaru Getaway https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/2027-subaru-getaway-review-a5360151843/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

We purchased a 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander SE for our test program and share our first impressions of the updated compact SUV, including its new 48-volt mild-hybrid turbo engine, improved interior controls, and why the tiny third row and rough ride may give shoppers pause. We also discuss whether a hybrid system may harm the gas engine if short trips prevent it from fully warming up?   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 ----------------------------------- 00:00 - Introduction 00:16 - Overview: 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander SE 02:10 - What we liked 07:39 - What we disliked 18:16 - Would you buy it? 25:07 - Question: Could the hybrid system harm the gas engine if short trips prevent it from fully warming up?   ----------------------------------  Test Results: 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/mitsubishi/outlander/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   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   Which Brands Make the Best Cars? https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/cars-driving/which-car-brands-make-the-best-vehicles-a6159221985/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT   Hybrids Are Still the Most Reliable Cars https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/electric-vehicles-are-less-reliable-than-conventional-cars-a1047214174/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

This week, we share the results of Consumer Reports' EV Range Test. Find out which vehicles have the longest all-electric driving range, how CR's 70-mph highway range test differs from EPA range testing, and what happens when you completely deplete an EV battery while driving. We also explore our range-test methodology and answer a question about the evolution of vehicle headlights. 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 1:30 - Consumer Reports' 70-mph highway range test 6:04 - Consumer Reports range test vs. EPA range test 8:00 - Test Conditions: EV driving range 13:22 -  How the brands stack up 14:38 -  Recovering GM Ultium vehicles 22:17 - Why vehicle efficiency matters 28:35 - Audience Question: When did turn signals become a design accent?/What's the deal with all these new-fashioned headlights?   LINKS: EV Range Test Results: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/electric-vehicles-with-the-longest-range-a2189661367/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT Fastest Charging EVs: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/fastest-charging-electric-vehicles-a4112188427/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT Complete EV Ratings: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/types/new/hybrids-evs/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT Hybrid & EV Buying Gude: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/buying-guide/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

This week, we go through the mailbag and answer audience questions, including: Is driving 55 mph really more fuel-efficient—even in a 10-speed like the Acura TLX? We break down the science behind highway MPG, explain how regenerative braking affects brake light activation in EVs like the Hyundai Kona Electric, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and Kia Niro EV, compare jump-starting with cables vs. lithium battery boosters, dig into timing chain vs. timing belt replacement costs in models like the Honda CR-V, and help you decide whether to buy or lease a Honda Ridgeline. Plus, we highlight the best used cars for easier entry and exit, including the Toyota Crown and Subaru Crosstrek.   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 ----------------------------------- 00:00 - Introduction 01:39 - Question #1: Does the old '55 mph is best' rule still work with 10-speed transmissions? 05:51 - Question #2: Can jump-starting hurt electronics—or is a lithium booster safer? 10:08 - Question #3: Timing chain vs. timing belt: why aren't chains standard? 13:36 - Question #4: Does regen braking trigger the brake lights? 17:54 - Question #5: Keep my Honda Ridgeline or wait for a hybrid version? 21:05 - Question #6: What's the best used car that's easy for seniors to get in and out of?     ----------------------------------  Most Fuel-Efficient Cars https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/fuel-economy-efficiency/the-most-fuel-efficient-cars-best-mpg-a1198903400/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT   Jump Starter Test Results https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/jump-starters/c37102/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT   How to Find a Great Mechanic https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-repair-shops/buying-guide/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT   Brake Lights Can Fail to Provide Fair Warning on Some Electric Vehicles https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-safety/brake-lights-can-fail-to-provide-fair-warning-on-some-evs-a9533519285/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT   How to Make Your Car More Accessible for Aging, Injury, Disability, or Pregnancy https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/cars-driving/how-to-make-your-car-more-accessible-a9092978287/?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   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

In this episode, we break down everything you need to know about the 2026 Nissan Sentra SV we purchased for our test program. We cover everything that matters: real-world driving characteristics, engine performance, cabin quality, infotainment usability, and the control frustrations. We also address the big question: why there's still no hybrid version — and whether that's a dealbreaker in today's market. Plus, we answer an audience question about those increasingly massive Yeti, Owala, and Stanley tumblers. Where's the safest place to store them in your car? Are they actually a projectile hazard in a crash?    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 ----------------------------------- 00:00 - Introduction 00:16 - Overview: 2026 Nissan Sentra SV 01:40 - What We Liked 09:12 - What We Did Not Like 30:50 - Question: What is the safest place to store large water bottles in your car?     ----------------------------------  Test Results: 2026 Nissan Sentra https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/nissan/sentra/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

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 ----------------------------------- 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?     ----------------------------------  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