This week, we're talking all about the 2026 Lexus ES Hybrid. We share our first impressions of this perennial CR favorite, discuss how it stacks up against its all-new EV twin, the Lexus ES 500e, and debate whether the 2026 redesign offers enough improvements over older, popular (and reliable) models from Toyota/Lexus. We also answer questions about the risks of buying a redesigned car in its first production year and about how child seat technology, seat belts, and driving habits have changed over the last 60 years.

SHOW NOTES:

0:10 - Intro

0:25 - 2026 Lexus ES Hybrid, Overview

1:30 - Pricing

1:55 - First Impressions

7:13 - Hybrid system quirks

11:20 - Driving & Interior characteristics

16:00 - Infotainment system

19:05 - Beeps & safety systems

22:26 - Lexus ES 350 Hybrid vs. Toyota Avalon

34:02 - Question #1: Is it safe to buy a vehicle in the first year of production?

42:02 - Question #2 (video): How have cars become safer for child passengers when you compare data from the 1960's to today?

LINKS:

Review: The Redesigned Lexus ES Hybrid Is in Its Soft Era: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/lexus-es-hybrid-review-a1014364803/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

2026 Lexus ES Hybrid: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/lexus/es-hybrid/2026/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

2026 Lexus ES EV: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/lexus/es/2026/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Test Results: 2026 Toyota Crown: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/toyota/crown/2026/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Test Results: 2026 Mazda CX-5: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/mazda/cx-5/2026/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Test Results: 2026 BMW X3: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/bmw/x3/2026/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

On this episode we share our first impressions of the 2026 Toyota RAV4 Woodland, the new hybrid SUV with all-terrain tires, extra ground clearance, and a more outdoorsy look. Is it a smart upgrade for rough roads and city potholes—or mostly a styling package? Plus, we answer an audience question about which dealership add-ons are worth considering and which ones you should skip.

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

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00:00 - Intro

00:16 Overview: 2026 Toyota RAV4 Woodland

02:10 What Is an "Off-Road" SUV Trim?

05:08 How the RAV4 Woodland Drives

06:00 Hybrid Powertrain, Performance & Fuel Economy

09:46 All-Terrain Tires: Handling, Noise & Ride

14:15 Driver Comfort

15:49 Infotainment and Controls

18:20 Driver-Monitoring System

20:31 Woodland Styling

23:59 Is the Woodland Worth the Extra Cost?

29:02 Audience Question: Are Dealer Add-Ons Worth It?

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Test Results: 2026 Toyota RAV4

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/toyota/rav4/2026/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

How to Find the Best SUV

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/buying-guide/?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

7 Questions to Ask at the Dealership

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/buying-a-car/questions-to-ask-before-you-buy-a-car-a6387933582/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

How to Avoid Unnecessary Car-Buying Fees

https://www.consumerreports.org/money/fees-billing/how-to-avoid-car-buying-fees-a7209896255/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Just Say No to These Car Dealership Extras

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/buying-a-car/just-say-no-to-these-car-dealership-extras-a9471188276/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

TalkingCars@consumer.org

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/cars-driving/talking-cars-podcast-archive-a1439738009/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

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Consumer Reports experts: Mike Monticello, Mike Crossen, Jeff Bartlett

On this week's episode, we discuss the Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness to find out whether its rugged styling, lifted suspension, all-terrain tires, and added features are worth paying $7,000 more than a base Crosstrek. We examine its off-road capability, on-road compromises, fuel economy, noise, safety features, and whether this soft-roader is actually the right choice. Plus, we answer an audience question about whether a lightly used Volvo EX90 at half its original price is a bargain—or a risky bet.

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

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0:00 - Intro

00:37 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness Overview

01:43 What Makes the Wilderness Different?

03:17 Road Noise, Ride & Handling

05:16 Off-Road Capability

07:11 Fuel Economy, Towing & Trade-Offs

08:06 Wilderness Price and Features

09:27 Safety Features and What's Missing

11:03 Crosstrek Wilderness Styling

13:16 Why Soft-Roaders Are So Popular

14:24 Is the Crosstrek Good for Camping?

15:41 Is the Wilderness Worth the Extra Money?

18:49 Audience Question: Used Volvo EX90 Bargain?

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Test Results: 2026 Subaru Crosstrek

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/subaru/crosstrek/2026/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/subaru/crosstrek-hybrid/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

How to Find the Best SUV

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/buying-guide/?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

TalkingCars@consumer.org

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/cars-driving/talking-cars-podcast-archive-a1439738009/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

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Consumer Reports experts: Jon Linkov, Avri Wyshogrod, Maddie McCarty