TALKING CARS WITH CONSUMER REPORTS #251

EV Channels Review

This episode of Talking Cars features Consumer Reports' auto experts answering listener questions remotely due to the coronavirus pandemic. Key topics covered include car maintenance during lockdown, the effectiveness of fog light colors (concluding color is less important than placement), recommendations for a small hybrid first car (Honda Insight Touring or Toyota Corolla Hybrid), and advice on comfortable seating for long-term drivers (suggesting the Toyota Prius XLE with power lumbar). The discussion also touches on tire health when a car is idle, the future of automotive safety tech like pedestrian detection, and a detailed explanation of why Toyota prioritizes hybrids over pure EVs, focusing on their hybrid technology's efficiency and environmental impact. Finally, the experts address car disposal and recycling, and suggest the Toyota 86, Subaru BRZ, or Mazda Miata as modern replacements for a Toyota Celica GT-S.