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    Talking Cars 409: Driving the 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid

    Plus, we discuss family-friendly vehicles that are both fun and safe

    This week we give our first impressions of the 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid. While we find that most vehicles improve with the addition of a hybrid powertrain, we discuss whether this addition is a benefit or detriment to the venerable CR-V. And we explore whether it will meet Honda’s goal of half of all CR-Vs sold being hybrids. We also debate whether changes in the 2023 model will continue to please loyal CR-V fans of this fourth-best-selling vehicle in the U.S. (based on 2022 sales numbers). Finally we weigh in on how the refreshing simplicity of the cabin compares in a world of vehicles with complicated controls and new technology.

    Audience question: What are the options for vehicles that combine driving engagement and safety with the daily functionality of a growing family?

    Talking Cars 409 panel
    "Talking Cars" panelists Jen Stockburger, Mike Crossen, and Steven Elek.

    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.

    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.

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    Jen Stockburger

    Jennifer Stockburger is the director of operations at the Consumer Reports Auto Test Center, focusing on the day-to-day operations of CR’s 327-acre testing facility as well as overseeing the child seat and tire test programs and contributing to CR’s comprehensive vehicle ratings. Jennifer joined CR in 2000; before that she gained auto industry experience as a tire test and fuel systems engineer, and has been a certified child passenger safety technician (CPST) since 2001.