Consumer Reports recently rented a 2020 Mazda CX-30, the carmaker's latest small SUV, and purchased the all-new 2020 Hyundai Venue small SUV, and we give our first impressions on what it's like to be behind the wheel of these new cars in this growing segment. We also discuss used car buying sites like Carvana and Vroom, and what you can do to protect yourself when purchasing a car online. In addition, we answer audience questions about the scarcity of the Volkswagen eGolf in the US, how to prope...
Dec 13, 2019•27 min•Season 7Ep. 233
We’ve completed testing of the 2020 Toyota Supra. Find out how it performed and if its BMW-based platform lives up to the hype. We also talk about CR’s joint effort with AAA, J.D. Power, and the National Safety Council to develop common terms for advanced driver safety systems. Plus, we answer audience questions about crash tests, the performance of different size winter tires, and if leaving a sunroof cracked open will help keep a car cool. ————————————————— Subscribe to Talking Cars on Apple P...
Dec 09, 2019•29 min•Season 7Ep. 232
When it comes to cars, what happens in California doesn't stay in California. In fact, the most populated state in the US has a history of affecting changes in car culture and trends around the rest of the country (if not the world!) We speak to CA residents in person during this live recording of Talking Cars from the LA Auto Show, and discuss how issues like emissions regulations, fuel economy legislation, and alternative fuel adoption began here, and have had an impact around the rest of the ...
Nov 28, 2019•1 hr•Season 7Ep. 231
We're on location at the LA Auto Show where we discuss three of the big trends we saw on the show floor — the continuation of all-electric debuts, including the Ford Mustang Mach-E, the Mercedes-Benz EQC, and the Audi e-tron Sportback; The explosion of all-new small and compact SUVs, like the Kia Seltos, Mazda CX-30, and Chevrolet Trailblazer; and the changing perception of what's considered a performance car, with examples such as the Audi RS6 Avant, Toyota Avalon TRD, and the Tesla Model 3. We...
Nov 22, 2019•20 min•Season 7Ep. 230
We've completed our testing on the 2020 Subaru Outback, and share the results of this popular crossover. Every year, hundreds of thousands of CR's members take part in our annual reliability survey, answering questions about how well the vehicles they drive every day are holding up, or if they are experiencing issues. We discuss our survey methods, and give advice on making a wise car buying decision. Also, we answer audience questions about why the Toyota Hilux is not available in North America...
Nov 14, 2019•22 min•Season 7Ep. 229
We recently rented two very expensive cars to try out at our test track: the 2019 BMW M850i, and the 2020 Bentley Bentayga. While these high-end cars are too rare for CR to purchase and formally enter into our test program, we share our impressions of these cars, and whether these six figure vehicles deliver an experience worthy of their sky high price tags. We also discuss the possible merger of Fiat Chrysler with French automaker Peugeot, and how past automaker mergers and alliances have affec...
Nov 08, 2019•29 min•Season 7Ep. 228
We give our first impressions of the 2020 Lincoln Corsair SUV, which we recently bought for our testing program, including how it compares to the platforming-sharing 2020 Ford Escape. We also discuss our recent investigation into how male-focused crash test dummies put female drivers at risk. And we answer your questions about compact SUVs under $10,000, Apple CarPlay subscriptions, and the science behind anti-whiplash seats. ----------------------------------- Have a question for our experts? L...
Nov 01, 2019•32 min•Season 7Ep. 227
New at the track this week is the 2020 Nissan Versa we recently purchased for our test program. We share our first impressions, and discuss the struggles of the subcompact sedan segment. We also talk about NHTSA's (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) new initiative to overhaul its vehicle crash test program, and how this will benefit consumers. In our Q&A segment, we answer audience questions about the long-term reliability of Ford's Ecoboost engines, if there are too many safety fea...
Oct 25, 2019•25 min•Season 7Ep. 226
We've completed testing of the 2019 Mercedes A-Class, and discuss how it performed at our track; does the small sedan live up to the luxury nameplate? We also discuss Ford's issues with its Explorer and Aviator models, and why problems with a brand new car aren't as uncommon as you might think. And why are windshield replacements becoming more expensive? We answer that, as well as questions about our tire testing, and the lack of Japanese cars on European roads in our audience Q&A segment. —————...
Oct 18, 2019•27 min•Season 7Ep. 8
Tesla's latest vehicle software update includes a feature called Smart Summon. We talk about the use and effectiveness of this autonomous feature and share our experiences of how it performed on our Model 3. Plus, we completed testing on the 2020 Hyundai Palisade, find out how it stacks up against its sister SUV, the Kia Telluride. And, we answer audience questions about head-gasket replacement, run-flat winter tires and Autobahn-worthy convertibles. ----------------------------------- Have a qu...
Oct 11, 2019•25 min•Season 7Ep. 224
This week we share our first impressions on the 2020 Ford F-150 Raptor that we rented, discuss its impressive off-road capabilities and who is this unique machine targeted towards. We also examine AAA's new study on vehicle pedestrian detection systems, and talk about the importance of these safety features and how they can save lives. We also answer audience questions about when is the right time to change your car's brake fluid, what is the proper way to match a new replacement tire to other w...
Oct 04, 2019•21 min•Season 7Ep. 223
We drive the all-new 2020 Ford Escape at the Consumer Reports test track, and share our first impressions of the redesigned small SUV. Plus, we discuss the latest developments in in California’s emissions regulations , and what it all means for consumers. We also answer audience questions about car subscription programs, solutions for fixing a rough ride in your car or truck, and use our testing expertise to determine the most fuel efficient speed for highway driving. ————————————————— Subscribe...
Sep 27, 2019•31 min•Season 7Ep. 222
The 2020 Lincoln Aviator is the newest addition to our test fleet. We share our first impressions of the 3-row SUV and how it stacks up to its competitors. Plus, what car that would fulfill your every need? Our experts choose one car currently on the market and explain how it will fit their current lifestyle. We also answer questions about how CR manages vehicle driving modes during testing, if car and roadside speedometers are accurate, and recommend a manual transmission car for a tall driver....
Sep 20, 2019•24 min•Season 7Ep. 221
This week is dedicated to your questions! We discuss if worn brake pads affect adaptive cruise control and AEB systems, how to improve your headlights, why some turn signals are red while others are yellow, plus tips on winter wheel packages. ————————————————— 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 e...
Sep 13, 2019•31 min•Season 7Ep. 220
This week we share our first impressions of the Audi A6 including its all-new drivetrain and the waning relevance of sedans in the luxury market. Plus, our experts talk about the impact of Ford announcing plans for an all-electric F-150 pickup and a newly released NTSB report on a Tesla crash in California. We also answer your questions about bumper-to-bumper warranties and maintenance tips to keep your car running over 200K miles. ————————————————— Subscribe to Talking Cars on Apple Podcasts! V...
Sep 06, 2019•25 min•Season 7Ep. 219
This week we discuss the 2020 Subaru Legacy, and share our first impressions on the all-wheel drive sedan. We also discuss the controversy surrounding changing emissions and fuel economy standards. And we answer audience questions about the risk of buying a car without a maintenance history, a replacement for a beloved Ford Flex, if driving habits should change when switching from all-wheel drive gas vehicle to a rear wheel drive electric car, and if driving a manual during a long commute is a g...
Aug 29, 2019•25 min•Season 7Ep. 218
This week our experts share their first impressions of the 2020 Subaru Outback, discussing the latest iteration of Subaru's EyeSight advanced safety system, the available turbo four-cylinder engine, and the large touch screen. We also answer audience questions, including what to do when a dealer marks up the price of a popular, hard to find vehicle like the Kia Telluride; is there a significant reliability difference in the first year of a new or redesigned car; and can premium fuel boost your e...
Aug 23, 2019•26 min•Season 7Ep. 217
On this episode, we talk about the 2020 Ford Explorer we've purchased for our test program, and discuss how this midsized three-row SUV stacks up against the some of the better competitors. Also, our experts discuss how emerging technology is playing a role in preventing a child from being left in a hot car, and give tips on what any driver can do to help prevent a tragedy. We wrap up with questions from our audience, including the difference between CR's and IIHS' headlight testing, how Consume...
Aug 15, 2019•27 min•Season 7Ep. 216
This week we dip into the mailbag to answer audience questions, including ways to improve the car buying experience at the dealer, whether all-season or winter tires are better for wet (but not snowy) driving conditions, and if pressing your accelerator will override automatic emergency braking (AEB) in a crash situation, and many more! ----------------------------------- Have a question for our experts? Leave a comment on this episode, or reach out to us directly! From your iOS device, iMessage...
Aug 09, 2019•30 min•Season 7Ep. 215
This week we give our first impressions on the all-new 2019 Volkswagen Arteon, and discuss the evolution of this hatchback sedan. Then, our experts each select a car on the market today that they think will become a classic show car in the future. Also, we dip into the mailbag to answer audience questions, including why you should not try to test automatic emergency braking at home, if low-profile tires serve any function on a pickup truck, and if the BMW-powered Toyota Supra will maintain Toyot...
Aug 03, 2019•23 min•Season 7Ep. 214
We just bought a 2020 Cadillac XT6 for testing at the track, and we give our first impressions on the midsized SUV, including how it stacks up against other 3-row competitors (including its big brother, the Escalade.) Volkswagen has ended production on some of the last station wagons in the US market, the Golf Alltrack and SportWagen; we analyze why many wagons are being discontinued, and what they are being replaced with. We also answer audience questions about the ideal driving conditions for ...
Jul 26, 2019•27 min•Season 7Ep. 213
This week we share our test results on the 2019 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, and how it stacks up compared to the standard RAV4. We also look at CR's exclusive survey on our member’s tire purchasing experiences, and discuss some of the most effective tire buying techniques. We end the episode with audience questions, including whether or not a car with dark paint gets hotter than a lighter one when left in the sun, the pros and cons of the various transmission systems available on the market, and if SUVs...
Jul 19, 2019•23 min•Season 7Ep. 212
This week our team shares their first impressions on the 2019 Audi E-Tron, the German automaker's first electric vehicle, and discusses how it compares to other luxury EVs. We also talk about the passing of Lee Iacocca, a legendary automotive executive, and share some of the highlights (and lowlights) from his time in the automotive industry. We end the episode with audience questions, touching on topics like the availability of car parts when a vehicle is discontinued, whether or not headlights...
Jul 12, 2019•32 min•Season 7Ep. 211
This week, we give our first impressions of the 2020 Palisade, Hyundai's all-new upscale three-row SUV. Summer is road trip season, and we choose the best car in the CR Auto Test fleet for one of our panelists to take on a trip to Montreal. We also answer audience questions about the 2019 Kia Niro's loss in recommendation from CR, and whether or not a teenager should learn to drive on a manual transmission car rather than an automatic. ----------------------------------- Have a question for our ...
Jul 08, 2019•28 min•Season 7Ep. 210
We talk electric this week, sharing the test results of the Jaguar's all-new I-Pace EV and compare it with the Tesla Model X and other electric vehicles. We then discuss our first impressions of the 2019 Kia Soul and the Soul EV. Plus, we wrap up the episode with audience questions. ----------------------------------- 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, o...
Jun 28, 2019•25 min•Season 7Ep. 209
This week our expert panelists answer as many questions as time allows. We discuss the best time of year to buy a car, whether or not to ever turn off an automatic emergency braking system, and does an $8,000 cut in price make the new Chevrolet Blazer a viable choice. Plus, many more. -------------------------------------------- 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 phot...
Jun 21, 2019•25 min•Season 7Ep. 208
It's a head-to-head this week! We just finished testing the 2019 BMW 330i and Volvo S60 and we compare the results of these two luxury sport sedans. We wrap up the episode with some interesting questions about how we test seating position, if we recommend the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, are all-weather tires worth your while, and why the Volkswagen TDis still on the road? ---------------------------------------- Have a question for our experts? Leave a comment on this episode, or reach out to us d...
Jun 13, 2019•22 min•Season 7Ep. 207
We just bought a 2019 Subaru Crosstrek Plug-in Hybrid, and share our first impressions of how it drives. We also answer quite a few audience questions this week, ranging from why we don't have Japanese Kei cars in the US market, how to find out if the car you are purchasing has unresolved manufacturer recalls, and can you put a child in the front seat. ------------------------------------- Have a question for our experts? Leave a comment on this episode, or reach out to us directly! From your iO...
Jun 07, 2019•29 min•Season 7Ep. 206
We share our first impressions on our very own Kia Niro Electric and discuss the growing EV market. Also, Honda has finally announced that it will begin fixin g the 2017 and 2018 Honda CR-Vs with the troubled 1.5-liter turbo engines . We end with audience questions, including whether there should be regulations for headlight/brake light sensors , what to know about your advanced safety system sensors in poor driving conditions, and weighing the options when purchasing a car with no spare tire. -...
May 31, 20190•Season 7Ep. 205
We tried out an updated setting on Tesla’s Navigate on Autopilot that allows the car to automatically make lane changes without any additional input from the driver. We also discuss the state of other partially automated driving systems on the market and share our concerns on what this trend means for the future. Plus, we answer questions about octane ratings, in-car controls, and vehicle data loggers. ------------------------------------------ Have a question for our experts? Leave a comment on...
May 23, 2019•25 min•Season 7Ep. 204
