#260 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid First Impressions; Why Small Car Fuel Economy Isn't Improving

This week we share our first impressions of the 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, and how it stacks up against the standard version. We also discuss why fuel economy numbers in small and compact cars don't seem to be improving at the rate of larger vehicles, whether someone entering the auto industry should forego an education in conventional cars in favor of electric vehicle (EV) specialization, and learn all about Jake's abundant tomato garden in his remote workplace.     -----------------------------------   Subscribe to Talking Cars on Apple Podcasts!   Video version: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/talking-cars-hq/id630839767?mt=2   Audio version: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/talking-cars-mp3/id630831189?mt=2   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 ----------------------------------- 00:34 - 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid First Impressions 10:52 - Question #1: Whether someone entering the auto industry should forego an education in conventional cars in favor of electric vehicle (EV) specialization? 14:03 - Question #2: Why fuel economy numbers in small and compact cars don't seem to be improving at the rate of larger vehicles? 18:42 - Question #3: What is going on with Jake's abundant tomato garden in his remote workplace? 21:08 - Question #4: Which car would be large enough to fit a string bass plus two passenger, and that is not too tall, delivers good gas mileage, and has good handling?   ----------------------------------    2019 New York Auto Show: 2020 Toyota Highlander https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hfQ7Kq-pflc   4K Review: 2017 Toyota Highlander Quick Drive https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ic5Obebxcv8   2019 New York Auto Show: 2020 Ford Escape https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SrwNxWFsBFQ   Coronavirus Resource Hub https://www.consumerreports.org/coronavirus/coronavirus-covid-19-updates/   2018 LA Auto Show: 2019 Toyota Prius AWD https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_uuYO8OIjl8   2015 Honda Fit review https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tJwKgKunkAQ   -----------------------------------   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