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    Talking Cars 290: Toyota RAV4 Prime and the Apple Car

    Plus questions about bike racks, adaptive cruise control, and the Toyota Yaris GR

    Main theme: After reports that Apple and Hyundai are in talks to build a car together, we discuss how the consumer technology and automotive industries are converging. (Apple didn’t respond to our request for comment, and Hyundai declined to comment.) Then we share our experiences testing the Toyota RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid SUV, and talk about whether a plug-in hybrid might be right for you. Finally, it’s time for audience questions—including one about forbidden hatchbacks.

    Audience Questions
    • Do you wish the Toyota Yaris GR was available in the U.S.?

    • How does adaptive cruise control affect fuel economy?

    • Can my bike rack hurt my car’s suspension?

    Talking Cars 290
    Talking Cars panelists Jake Fisher, Keith Barry, and Mike Quincy.

    Consumer Reports Consumer Reports

    As with other “Talking Cars” 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.

    We Answer Your Questions, episode 289
    Favorite Cars of 2020, episode 288
    Tesla Model Y Test Results, episode 287
    BMW 4 Series and Electric Cadillacs, episode 286
    Ram 1500, Redesigned New Cars and SUVs, episode 285

    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.


    Keith Barry

    Keith Barry

    Keith Barry has been an auto reporter at Consumer Reports since 2018. He focuses on safety, technology, and the environmental impact of cars. Previously, he led home and appliance coverage at Reviewed; reported on cars for USA Today, Wired, and Car & Driver; and wrote for other publications as well. Keith earned a master’s degree in public health from Tufts University. Follow him on Twitter @itskeithbarry.