For all the warnings on today's modern vehicles, why don't cars have an alert that a headlight or taillight is out? In the new 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander with a Max powertrain, is there risk of the hybrid battery depleting when carrying a large payload? And if it seems like your EV tires wear much faster than you'd expect, you're not alone. We give expert insight into these questions, as well as the availability of active head restraints, a replacement vehicle for an Audi A3 convertible, and if the days of the local gas station are numbered.

How CR Tests Headlights: https://www.consumerreports.org/video/view/cars/car-safety/6060466527001/headlight-testing/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Early Review: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/2024-toyota-grand-highlander-review-a7963942236/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

When to Replace Your Tires: https://www.consumerreports.org/video/view/cars/car-care/6258106759001/when-to-replace-your-tires/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Audi A3 Road Test Results: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/audi/a3/2023/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

EVs vs. Gasoline: Which is Right for Your Life: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Ratings and test results on every car CR purchases and tests: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Subscribe to Talking Cars on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@consumerreports/podcasts

Have a question for our experts? Leave a comment on this episode, or reach out to us directly! Send us a text at TalkingCars@icloud.com to send a photo, video, or text directly to the Talking Cars team!

:47 - are gas stations in danger of disappearing?

6:20 - why do EV tires seem to wear out so fast?

12:34 - why is there no head light/tail light out warning?

17:50 - are active head restraints still available on new cars?

21:07 - what's a good replacement for a 2015 Audi A3 convertible?

28:00 - what happens if you drain the hybrid battery on a Toyota Grand Highlander Max while towing a heavy load uphill?

CR is known for its extensive testing of child seats. But did you know we also perform a crash test on each seat we review? We visit our secret crash lab to give you a behind-the-scenes look at how we go beyond the government standards to test each child seat, why our tests better reflect the circumstances of a real world car crash than what is currently required, and share the top 5 tips for making sure your car seat is installed safely and correctly.

Consumer Reports all-new baby experience: https://www.consumerreports.org/babies/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Ratings and test results on every car CR purchases and tests: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Subscribe to Talking Cars on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@consumerreports/podcasts

Have a question for our experts? Leave a comment on this episode, or reach out to us directly!

Send us a text at TalkingCars@icloud.com to send a photo, video, or text directly to the Talking Cars team!

See our car ratings and reviews at: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

 

We drove the new 2024 Kona 2.0 and 1.6T at our test track, and share our first impressions on the driving dynamics of the standard and turbo versions, redesigned infotainment system, and how it stacks up against its predecessor. How does it stack up against leaders in the subcompact SUV segment like the Subaru Crosstrek and Honda HR-V? Will the EV version fill the affordable electric car void? Later, we talk about why some driving positions feel "off", and the importance of a symmetrical driving position for a vehicle's driving comfort.

 

 

SHOW NOTES

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00:00 - Introduction

00:15 - First Impressions: 2024 Hyundai Kona

01:06 - The Subcompact Segment

03:19 - The Version to Buy

07:17 - Hyundai’s New Design

07:54 - The Competition

10:02 - Electric Version

12:16 - Question: How does CR assess the driving position and vehicle comfort?

 

 

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2024 Hyundai Kona Breaks Cover as an EV

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/2024-hyundai-kona-review-a8558776955/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

 

2024 Hyundai Kona

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hyundai/kona/2024/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

 

Electric Cars and Plug-In Hybrids That Qualify for Federal Tax Credits

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/electric-cars-plug-in-hybrids-that-qualify-for-tax-credits-a7820795671/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

 

Vehicles With the Best Combination of Fuel Economy and Acceleration

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/fuel-economy-efficiency/vehicle-fuel-economy-vs-performance-a2066683994/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

 

Car Safety Guide

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-safety/car-safety-guide-a6462424223/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

 

 

-----------------------------------

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, 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

 

 

-----------------------------------

To find out how products scored in CR’s rigorous lab tests—and to access our comprehensive ratings for items you use every day—become a member. CR is a mission-driven, independent, nonprofit organization. Join now at https://CR.org/joinviaYT

 

Check out https://www.ConsumerReports.org for the latest reviews, tips, and recommendations and subscribe to our YouTube Channel: http://bit.ly/1Nlb1Ez

 

Follow Us on Social:

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Pinterest: http://bit.ly/1P37mM9

See our car ratings and reviews at: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

 

2024 Grand Highlander is all-new for Toyota, as the name suggests it's bigger than the Highlander and slots beneath the larger Sequoia. The Grand Highlander shares powertrains with its namesake while borrowing a performance-oriented turbocharged hybrid from the Lexus RX and Toyota Crown. We share our first impressions of the Grand Highlander, its driving dynamics, the HybridMAX engine, controls, and if the bigger size will help Toyota to stave off competition from the redesigned Honda Pilot and the new Mazda CX-90, as well as against current formidable competition from the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride. Also, we discuss whether removing doors on a Jeep Wrangler or the Ford Bronco is safe.

 

SHOW NOTES

-----------------------------------

00:00 - Introduction

00:16 - First Impressions: 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander

01:16 - Engine Options

03:28 - Highlander vs. The Grand Highlander

06:44 - The Size

09:36 - Interior Styling

11:46 - Controls

13:06 - Driving Characteristics

16:25 - Toyota’s 3-row SUV lineup

19:42 - Question: Is it safe to drive a Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco without any doors?

 

 

----------------------------------  

Longer 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Boasts Big Power

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/2024-toyota-grand-highlander-review-a7963942236/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

 

2023 Toyota Grand Highlander

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/toyota/grand-highlander/2024/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

 

Many Popular SUVs Lag Behind in Rear Seat Safety, New Crash Tests Show

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-safety/many-popular-suvs-lag-behind-in-rear-seat-safety-a6607362245/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

 

SUV and Truck Buyers May Pay Thousands More for Life-Saving Feature, CR Study Shows

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-safety/consumers-may-pay-thousands-more-for-life-saving-feature-cr-a8886263392/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

 

Car Safety Guide

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-safety/car-safety-guide-a6462424223/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

 

 

-----------------------------------

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, 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

 

 

-----------------------------------

To find out how products scored in CR’s rigorous lab tests—and to access our comprehensive ratings for items you use every day—become a member. CR is a mission-driven, independent, nonprofit organization. Join now at https://CR.org/joinviaYT

 

Check out https://www.ConsumerReports.org for the latest reviews, tips, and recommendations and subscribe to our YouTube Channel: http://bit.ly/1Nlb1Ez

 

Follow Us on Social:

TikTok: https://bit.ly/3BVzGR9

Instagram: http://bit.ly/1I49Bzo

Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1IQ2w5q

Twitter: http://bit.ly/1Yf5Fh2

Pinterest: http://bit.ly/1P37mM9