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    Talking Cars 439: 2024 Top Picks

    We also discuss the changing automotive market and how CR is adapting its car testing program

    Main theme: In this episode of the Talking Cars video podcast, we discuss what it takes to qualify as a Consumer Reports Top Pick in 2024 and what earned each car a spot on the list. The mix of vehicles looks a little different this year as the automotive market transforms with new options for electrification. We discuss how CR’s car testing program is adapting to these new choices for consumers and what we have been up to at the track over the last year.

    Top Picks is part of Consumer Reports’ perennial autos moment that casts a spotlight on our latest data for both new and used vehicles, including the latest scoring changes and reliability and owner satisfaction data from members. It is part of the annual April auto issue.

    See the complete 2024 Autos Spotlight guide.

    Audience Questions 
    • Why is the reliability of hybrids and plug-in hybrids so much different if they are similar technologies?
    • I drive for various food delivery apps. Should I get a Toyota Corolla Hybrid or Toyota Prius for my next vehicle? 

    Talking Cars 439 panel
    “Talking Cars” panelists (from left):Alex Knizek, Jake Fisher, and Jen Stockburger.

    Photo: Consumer Reports Photo: Consumer Reports

    As with other “Talking Cars With Consumer Reports” episodes, this one is available free through Apple Podcasts. (Subscribe to the audio or video.) You’ll also find the audio on Spotify (log-in required) and video on YouTube.

    Driving the Kia EV9, episode 438
    Driving the Lexus TX, episode 437
    Chevrolet Blazer EV Woes, episode 436
    Highlights, Hype, and AI From CES 2024, episode 435
    The Best and Worst Cars We Tested in 2023, episode 434

    Have a Question?

    We’d love to include it in a future show. Upload your video questions to our Dropbox folder. Please send high-definition (1920x1080) MP4 video files with high-quality audio. Or send an iMessage question to our TalkingCars@icloud.com account.

    Talking Cars Archive

    Browse the complete podcast archive for past shows.


    Headshot of CRO Cars engineer Alex Knizek

    Alex Knizek

    Alex Knizek is an automotive engineer at Consumer Reports. He has been with CR since 2020 and works on the vehicle testing program, technical reporting, and tracking automotive trends and technology. Alex earned a master’s degree in automotive engineering from Clemson University, where he led a team that designed and built a fully functional prototype vehicle. Previously, he was an ergonomics engineer at Ford Motor Company.