QUESTIONS, COFFEE & CARS #123 // WHAT HAS IMPRESSED US THE MOST THIS YEAR?

EV Channels Review

This episode of 'Questions, Coffee & Cars' from Motormouth features a lively discussion addressing viewer questions on a variety of vehicles. The hosts provide insights on upgrading from a Toyota RAV4 Hybrid to a Venza or Lexus, generally advising to wait for the next RAV4 generation or consider a Lexus for a more significant improvement. For those seeking more capability and a touch of luxury beyond a Honda Civic, the Acura RDX, Subaru Outback (especially the turbo or Wilderness models), and Mazda CX-50 are recommended. The hosts also touch upon the evolving interior designs of popular models like the RAV4, anticipating more modern screens and digital clusters. They address concerns about moonroof reliability, noting improvements but cautioning about potential drain clogs. The Ford Escape Hybrid is highlighted as a strong contender in the compact SUV segment, praised for its fuel economy and smooth ride, though the RAV4 and CR-V hybrid are also acknowledged. Lease buyout versus new lease decisions are framed around current interest rates and personal preference for ownership versus continuous upgrades. The upcoming 2025 BMW X3 is mentioned as being larger but with a polarizing interior design. The hosts express enthusiasm for the Honda Civic Hybrid, calling it a "masterclass" in hybrid technology, and also note the Crown Signia as impressive. Finally, the discussion touches on the diminishing relevance of traditional fog lamps and speculates on the future of Mazda's CX-5, with rumors of an EV variant or replacement by the CX-60.