This week we discuss the test results of the Hyundai Elantra Hybrid. We also discuss the Hyundai Tucson and Santa Fe and debate whether the hybrid versions of these SUVs make them better vehicles overall. The IIHS has updated crash test standards for small SUVs; find out why few vehicles performed well in the new test and what that means for consumers. Plus, we share our worst car buying experiences and answer questions on electric vehicle prices, and how CR evaluates new vehicles. SHOW NOTES: 0...
Nov 05, 2021•39 min•Season 9Ep. 332
This week we share our first impressions of the 2022 Lexus NX, discuss its available powertrains including a plug-in hybrid, completely redesigned infotainment, and our experience using its unique gear selector. Hertz "shocked" the rental car market by ordering 100,000 Tesla Model 3s for its fleet, and we talk about the possible pros and cons of renting an electric vehicle for a first-time EV driver, and how it might impact the industry. Also, Halloween night can have a high risk of pedestrian f...
Oct 29, 2021•37 min•Season 9Ep. 331
This week is an all questions episode. We discuss if electric vehicles will depreciate quicker than gas powered cars; why newer transmissions have so many gears; what makes a good retirement vehicle; the difference between all-season and all-weather tires; and our choice for the best do-it-all vehicle under $35K. ----------------------------------- 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 TalkingCars@iclou...
Oct 22, 2021•30 min•Season 9Ep. 330
This week, we share our first impressions of the 2022 Subaru BRZ. We discuss the BRZ's performance and handling capabilities, and how it's fun-to-drive character rivals sports cars like the Chevrolet Corvette. We also talk about General Motors' new driver assistance system, Ultra Cruise, which will debut on some 2023 Cadillacs. And, we answer audience questions about CR's fuel economy score for hybrid vehicles; whether panoramic sunroofs are safe in a rollover crash; and what buying strategies t...
Oct 15, 2021•29 min•Season 9Ep. 329
This week, we share our test results of the 2021 Ford F-150 and F-150 hybrid pickup trucks, comparing the performance of the two different powertrains and some of their more interesting features. We also talk about the all-electric 2023 Genesis GV60, including its eye-catching styling, motor options, and predicted electric range. A dealer told someone in our Talking Cars audience, "You can't rustproof an EV." Is that true? We do some mythbusting, and share tips on how to avoid falling into sales...
Oct 08, 2021•39 min•Season 9Ep. 328
In this week's episode, we feature special guest Elizabeth Blackstock, breaking news editor at Jalopnik and managing editor of A Girl's Guide to Cars. We discuss a number of topics, including the challenges women face in the auto industry; which stories interest us most in the industry; and why it might be tough for a car today to be considered a classic in the future. ----------------------------------- Subscribe to Talking Cars on Apple Podcasts! Video version: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podc...
Oct 01, 2021•38 min•Season 9Ep. 327
This week we share our test results of the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid, discuss the performance of its hybrid powertrain versus the regular gas engine, and how it compares to class leaders like the Toyota Highlander Hybrid. We also talk about the all-new for 2022 Toyota Tundra, including its highly anticipated hybrid power plant, aggressive styling, and what improvements we anticipate to arrive with the new redesign. Other topics include: which tires are best suited for improving fuel economy o...
Sep 24, 2021•35 min•Season 9Ep. 326
Consumer Reports recently purchased a 2021 Tesla Model S for our test program, which now features a steering yoke rather than a traditional circular steering wheel. We share our first impressions on what it is like to use this steering input on the highway, in the driveway, and in crowded parking lots. We also discuss the other big changes to this vehicle, including its lack of directional and wiper stalks (now a touch-sensitive button on the yoke), horn placement (also a touch button), and touc...
Sep 17, 2021•30 min•Season 9Ep. 325
This week we share our first impressions of the 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross; how it drove on our track, its long roster of advanced safety features, and who this small SUV might appeal to. With major flooding affecting many parts of the country, we discuss all the ways water can damage a car, and give tips on how to spot and avoid a waterlogged vehicle when buying a used car. Other topics this week include: what is the difference between a vehicle refresh and redesign; if bright LED daytime runnin...
Sep 10, 2021•38 min•Season 9Ep. 324
This week we dive into audience questions and cover what you can do when an electric-vehicle's battery runs out on the road; why rearranging second row seats is a safety risk; how always driving in four-wheel drive can damage your vehicle; and tips on what to do when deer cross the road. — SHOW NOTES: 1:04 - Question #1: What can you do if an EV runs out of power while driving? 5:35 - Question #2: How many miles does the average windshield last? 8:57 - Question #3: Can you reconfigure the second...
Sep 03, 2021•30 min•Season 9Ep. 323
We share our first impressions of the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, discussing its performance on our track, and how it stacks up to competitors like the Toyota Highlander, Kia Telluride, and Honda Pilot. We preview the newly announced 2023 Nissan Z, including its highly anticipated 3.0L Twin Turbo V6 engine. Chevrolet has expanded its battery recall on the Bolt EV and EUV models, and what owners should do to stay safe until a fix is available. We also share audience feedback on their "Forever" ca...
Aug 30, 2021•41 min•Season 9Ep. 322
This week we share our first impressions of the 2022 Toyota GR86, discussing how it performed on our track, and how it compares to the previous generation Scion FR-S, Toyota 86, and Subaru BRZ. If you had to pick one car to drive for the rest of your life, what would you choose? Our experts share their choices! Other topics include: can you replace just two tires, or should you buy four new ones each time; why turn signals can be either amber or red in North America, and which color is proven to...
Aug 20, 2021•37 min•Season 9Ep. 321
This week we share our first impressions of the 2022 Nissan Frontier and 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz, and discuss which consumers each might appeal to. We talk about how Consumer Reports testing methods are evolving as electric vehicles become more prominent; if spare tires expire, and when you might want to consider a replacement; if "skateboard-style" EVs weight distribution improves its traction performance; and if the Toyota Prius' shifter design shortcomings are overlooked in CR's ratings. ----...
Aug 13, 2021•38 min•Season 9Ep. 320
This week we share test results for the 2021 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid and debate its appeal amidst newer, all-electric Hyundais that go by the same name. We also reveal which cars from CR's test program we consider guilty pleasures and we answer audience questions about tire warranties, unique paint colors and what happens to frunk cargo in a crash. — SHOW NOTES: 0:30 - Emily tests new rear seat reminders 2:16 - 2021 Hyundai Ioniq test results 10:00 - Our guilty pleasure cars 19:24 - Question #1: Ho...
Aug 06, 2021•30 min•Season 9Ep. 319
On this episode we share our driving impressions of the 2022 Genesis GV70, and how it compares to its larger sibling the GV80, as well as others in the small luxury SUV segment. We also share a story about how a question from a Talking Cars viewer led to a change in the IIHS' ratings for the Mazda CX-5. Other topics include: how you can save money when getting brakes replaced at a dealership; if driving a car in Sport mode will wear out an engine faster; whether vehicle undercoating is worth the...
Jul 30, 2021•38 min•Season 9Ep. 318
This week we talk about Jeep's plug-in hybrid version of the Wrangler, the 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe, and share our driving impressions, as well as what it is like to go off-road on pure electric power. We also discuss the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's recall of the 2017 - 2019 Chevrolet Bolt due to the potential of a battery fire, and what you need to know if you own one. Other topics include: whether a Nissan Leaf is a good first car for a teen driver; why you need to be sure y...
Jul 23, 2021•38 min•Season 9Ep. 317
This week we share our driving impressions of the 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness, and discuss how this all-terrain SUV's off-road credentials compare to the standard Outback. We also talk about NHTSA's (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) new requirements for automakers to report all automated driving related crashes, and how this could benefit drivers. We share news from the Stellantis auto conglomerate (which owns Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, Fiat, and Alfa Romeo in the US,) and its...
Jul 16, 2021•36 min•Season 9Ep. 316
The 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV joins our test fleet and we share our first impressions. Find out how the all-electric EUV compares to the original Bolt and if the inclusion of GM's Super Cruise system makes or breaks this all-new vehicle. We also debate what makes a vehicle 'American' and answer audience questions about EV battery life, tire degradation and predicted reliability. — SHOW NOTES: 0:24 - Favorite ‘American’ car 6:22 - 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV 15:55 - Super Cruise 18:35 - Question #1: Do...
Jul 09, 2021•29 min•Season 9Ep. 315
This week we share our first impressions of the 2022 Volkswagen Taos small SUV; its variety of powertrains, driving characteristics, and quality of cabin materials. NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) updated its recommendations regarding the Tesla Model 3's camera-based AEB system, and we provide an update on CR's scoring of the vehicle. Other topics include: the best new or used cars for under $25k; how to diagnose your car battery's health; and what (if anything) consumers ...
Jul 02, 2021•31 min•Season 9Ep. 314
This week we review GM's automated driving enhanced Super Cruise system, tested on the 2021 Cadillac Escalade we purchased for our test program, and discuss how it compares to the previous version, as well as competitors like Tesla's Autopilot. With the arrival of summer and temperatures rising across the US, we share tips on how to keep your family safe and cool your car quickly. We also share how to keep kids occupied during long road trips; whether older, rare cars like the Chevrolet SSR coul...
Jun 25, 2021•27 min•Season 9Ep. 313
On this week's episode, we talk about the redesigned 2022 Honda Civic, and share our first impressions on its driving characteristics, styling, and comfort. Ford has announced an all-new small pickup, the Maverick, and we discuss how it might fit into a market dominated by oversized vehicles. We also give a glimpse into our headlight testing at the track, and how halogen lights compare to LEDs. Other topics include why a truck's hood height can pose a risk to pedestrians and drivers of smaller c...
Jun 18, 2021•40 min•Season 9Ep. 312
This week we share our first impressions of the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder, and discuss whether its driving dynamics and redesigned interior give it an edge in the competitive midsized three-row SUV segment. Fuel prices are going up nationwide, so we share some tips on how to maximize your car's fuel economy. Other topics include whether switching between premium and regular fuel may damage a car's engine, should Tesla disabling advanced safety features in some of its vehicles keep drivers from purc...
Jun 11, 2021•35 min•Season 9Ep. 311
This week we discuss a variety of topics, including why a car manufacturer would change the recommended motor oil specification on a vehicle; does modifying ride height and wheel size of a vehicle affect its performance and safety; should you rush to buy a new car because the semiconductor chip shortage could leave dealer lots empty; if there's any truth to the theory that some vehicle colors are safer than others in inclement weather, and more! ----------------------------------- Have a questio...
Jun 04, 2021•28 min•Season 9Ep. 310
This week we discuss our test results of the 2021 Nissan Rogue, share a surprising issue our testing uncovered, and why Nissan might finally be ready to compete with rivals like Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Subaru Forester, and Mazda CX-5. Ford recently announced its fully electric F-150 Lightning pickup truck, and we talk about its capabilities, characteristics, and why it could signal a profound change in the truck market and culture. We also answer questions about how to deal with a car's fluctua...
May 28, 2021•35 min•Season 9Ep. 309
On this episode we share our first impressions of the 2022 Acura MDX, and how this long standing name plate competes with other three-row SUVs in its segment. Consumer Reports, in collaboration with IIHS, recently released a list of safe and reliable new and used cars for teen drivers, and we discuss the criteria to make the list, as well as share our personal picks for which vehicles we would recommend. Other topics include: Electric vehicles for post-covid commuting; why the auto industry lack...
May 21, 2021•33 min•Season 9Ep. 308
This week we talk about our test results of the 2021 Kia Sorento: how it handled on our track, as a family car, and how it compares to others in its class, such as the Toyota Highlander and Kia Telluride. We also talk to CR investigative reporter Ryan Felton about his findings regarding an RV and camper tire made by Goodyear that has been linked to numerous crashes and deaths, and offers advice on how to identify an old tire, and when they must be replaced. We also cover whether a dealer can ter...
May 14, 2021•32 min•Season 9Ep. 307
We recently welcomed the 2021 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray into our test fleet, and we share our first impressions on its driving dynamics, styling, and interior drawbacks. Also, with Corvette always giving buyers more performance per dollar than other automakers, we compare how this first ever mid-engine Corvette compares to other, more exotic sports cars, like Ferraris and Lamborghinis. We also discuss whether Rivian's new Adventure charging network will accommodate other manufacturer's EVs, or...
May 07, 2021•37 min•Season 9Ep. 306
This week, we address some of the comments posted online about our experiment to see if a Tesla would drive with no one in the driver's seat. We also share our test results of the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, discuss the scarcity of the Kia Telluride, if owners are able to replace LED daytime running lights on their own, a smart maintenance schedule for a car driven 4 miles a day in an urban environment, and why new cars aren't as inexpensive as the Ford Model T was in the 1920s. -------------...
Apr 30, 2021•44 min•Season 9Ep. 305
We share our first impressions of the 2022 Hyundai Tucson, discussing how much this 4th-generation compact SUV has evolved, and if it is a worthy competitor to the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V. Also, Hyundai has unveiled its all-new compact pickup-truck this week, the 2022 Santa Cruz, and we discuss where this tiny truck fits within the pickup segment, and which demographic Hyundai is targeting. This week's topics also include whether retreading tires is a greener choice than purchasing new ones; ...
Apr 23, 2021•30 min•Season 9Ep. 304
We recently completed testing on the 2021 Genesis GV80, and this week we share how this all-new SUV from Hyundai's luxury brand performed. What keeps you comfortable when you're behind the wheel? This week we discuss our comfort must-haves when driving, as well as our personal pet peeves that drive us crazy! Other topics on this episode include crash testing on female body types, potential safety hazards when driving an electric vehicle through a flooded road, and whether buying a used upscale c...
Apr 16, 2021•28 min•Season 9Ep. 303
