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    Talking Cars 296: Driving the 2021 Ford F-150 Hybrid

    We also discuss Consumer Reports’ new Green Choice designation

    Main theme: We discuss our first impressions of the 2021 Ford F-150 Hybrid. This popular truck gains a new hybrid engine for 2021 as well as a number of other upgrades. We give our early thoughts on whether traditional truck buyers will embrace the hybrid, how such a big vehicle rides and handles, and a number of new amenities that may appeal to those using the F-150 for work or play.

    We also talk about CR’s new Green Choice designation for cars and how it should help those looking for vehicles that produce less greenhouse gas and smog-forming emissions.

    Audience Questions
    • Why don’t vehicles alert you when you have a headlight or taillight out?
    • Is it better to rent or buy if you’re using a car only for weekend recreation?
    • Will seat covers affect the safety or effectiveness of heated seats?
    • How seriously should you consider the visibility of your license plate when using a rear-mounted bike rack?

    Talking Cars 296
    Talking Cars panelists Jon Linkov, Jen Stockburger, 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.

    Driving the Ford Bronco Sport, episode 295
    Nissan Frontier, Polestar 2, episode 294
    Ford Mustang Mach-E, episode 293
    Toyota Sienna, episode 292
    Hyundai Elantra, episode 291

    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.


    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.