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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Ep 219•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Ep 218•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Ep 214•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Ep 210•Transcript available on Metacast 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 TalkingCars@icloud.com to send a photo, video, o...
Jun 28, 2019•25 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 TalkingCars@icloud.com to send a phot...
Jun 21, 2019•25 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Ep 207•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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, 2019•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast We give our first impressions of the much anticipated return of the Toyota Supra, and discuss how to compares with the Supras of the past. Testing is complete on the 2019 BMW Z4, and we talk about how it performed in the tests here at our track. We also answer audience questions about the Hyundai sunroof class action lawsuit, heavy duty pickup trucks, and why new cars are ditching the traditional emergency brake for an electronic e-brake. ————————————————— Subscribe to Talking Cars on Apple Podc...
May 17, 2019•28 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week it’s another all questions episode! We talk about everything from the best all-wheel drive cars for winter commutes, why 4x4 trucks tow less weight than you may think, new car buying advice and we try to locate a ‘unicorn’ vehicle for $35K. ————————————————— 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 f...
May 09, 2019•34 min•Transcript available on Metacast We rented Jeep's all-new 2020 Gladiator and share our first impressions, discussing its place in the market, and if it has what it takes to succeed as a truck. Also, our experts weigh in on the Mercedes-Benz announcement discontinuing the Smart car brand of small vehicles in the US. Finally, we answer audience questions, including the high price for windshield replacement in cars with modern safety features, and why electric vehicle chargers aren't universal (or even cross-compatible.) ---------...
May 03, 2019•28 min•Transcript available on Metacast We celebrate our milestone 200th episode of the podcast with a live audience in New York City, discussing the evolution of Talking Cars over the years, how our team of experts got started at Consumer Reports, and what we see in the future for the automobile industry. We wrap this special episode with questions from our audience members. ------------------------------------ Have a question for our experts? Leave a comment on this episode, or reach out to us directly! From your iOS device, iMessag...
Apr 26, 2019•57 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week we're on the floor of the 2019 New York International Auto Show, giving our take on the big reveals and announcements from the automakers, including the Toyota Highlander, Subaru Outback, Ford Escape, Hyundai Venue and Sonata, Lincoln Corsair, Mercedes GLS, Cadillac CT5, and 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 TalkingCars@icloud.com to send a photo,...
Apr 19, 2019•23 min•Transcript available on Metacast 
