#296 2021 Ford F-150 Hybrid First Impressions; CR's New Green Choice Program

This week we share our first impressions of the redesigned 2021 Ford F-150 Hybrid. We talk about all the new features that the F-150 has to offer, including the built-in generator, hybrid powertrain performance, and the sizable touch screen. Consumer Reports recently released a new auto designation called Green Choice, which spotlights the more environmentally friendly vehicles on the market. We explain the purpose of the Green Choice designation, and which criteria vehicles need to meet to earn the distinction. Other topics include why headlight or taillight warnings are virtually nonexistent, if renting a car only when needed makes more financial sense than owning, and why you should pay attention to your license plate when using a hitch-mounted bike rack.     ----------------------------------- 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 01:24 - CR’s Green Choice Designation 06:04 - 2021 Ford F-150 Hybrid First Impressions 18:18 - Question #1: Why automakers don’t put a headlight or taillight failure warning light in cars? 20:19 - Question #2: Is renting a car when you need one makes more financial sense than owning one? 23:05 - Question #3: Would seat covers on heated seats have any negative impact? 25:20 - Question #4: Can you get pulled over by the police for obstructing your car’s license plate with a hitch-mounted bike rack?     ----------------------------------  How Your Car Can Make the Air Cleaner https://www.consumerreports.org/emissions/how-your-car-can-make-the-air-cleaner/   7 Reasons the New Ford F-150 Is the Most Advanced Version Ever https://www.consumerreports.org/pickup-trucks/new-ford-150-is-the-most-advanced-version-of-this-pickup-truck-ever/   Preview: All-New 2021 Ford F-150 Is a High-Tech Workhorse https://www.consumerreports.org/pickup-trucks/2021-ford-f-150-review/   How to Avoid Sneaky Car-Rental Fees https://www.consumerreports.org/fees-billing/how-to-avoid-sneaky-car-rental-fees/   How to Stay Safe From Coronavirus in an Uber, a Lyft, or a Rental Car https://www.consumerreports.org/ride-hailing/stay-safe-from-coronavirus-in-an-uber-lyft-rental-car/   How Bike Racks Affect a Car’s Fuel Economy https://www.consumerreports.org/fuel-economy-efficiency/how-bike-racks-affect-car-fuel-economy/   Guide to Car Safety https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-guide-to-car-safety/   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