#290 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime Test Results; How Big Tech is Influencing the Auto Industry

We've completed testing of our 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime, and discuss how this plug-in hybrid performed, and why it might outshine the Subaru Crosstrek Plug-in Hybrid. Apple made automotive news recently concerning the potential development of an Apple-branded car produced by Hyundai; we discuss these reports, and consider the many ways the auto industry and big tech companies are converging to impact the car market. Other topics include the Toyota Yaris GR, if a hitch-mounted bike rack could prematurely age your car's springs, and whether adaptive cruise control has an impact on fuel efficiency.     ----------------------------------- Have a question for our experts? Leave a comment on this episode, or reach out to us directly!   From your iOS device, iMessage us at [email protected] to send a photo, video, or text directly to the Talking Cars team!   We love to feature our viewers on the show, so submit video questions at https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-talking-cars/   Subscribe to Talking Cars on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Jr8wJRJyN9v8T6LC1fQQ6     SHOW NOTES ----------------------------------- 00:00 - Introduction 00:34 - News of potential Apple-branded car produced by Hyundai. 09:19 - 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime Test Results 19:41 - Question #1: Why is the Toyota Yaris GR AWD not available in the US? 25:17 - Question #2: Does adaptive cruise control have an effect on fuel efficiency? 26:37 - Question #3: Could having a hitch mounted bike rack over an extended period of time have negative impact on the car’s springs?     ----------------------------------  First Drive: 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime Is Powerful and Luxurious https://www.consumerreports.org/suvs/2021-toyota-rav4-prime-review/   2019 LA Auto Show: 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VyucrV_maH8   2019 Toyota RAV4 Quick Drive https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fSAuvdH_oGQ   4K Review: 2018 Subaru Crosstrek Quick Drive https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4J005E_TMeY   2020 Toyota Yaris Hatchback Gets Bigger and Adds Features https://www.consumerreports.org/small-cars/2020-toyota-yaris-hatchback-preview/   Cadillac’s Super Cruise Outperforms Other Driving Assistance Systems https://www.consumerreports.org/car-safety/cadillac-super-cruise-outperforms-other-active-driving-assistance-systems/   Coronavirus Resource Hub https://www.consumerreports.org/coronavirus/coronavirus-covid-19-updates/     ----------------------------------- Check out http://www.ConsumerReports.org for the latest reviews, tips, and recommendations and subscribe to our YouTube Channel: http://bit.ly/1Nlb1Ez    Follow Us on Social: Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1IQ2w5q Twitter: http://bit.ly/1Yf5Fh2 Pinterest: http://bit.ly/1P37mM9 Instagram: http://bit.ly/1I49Bzo Google+: http://bit.ly/1Md3gfQ