We recently purchased a 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid for our test program, and our experts discuss how it compares to the regular Sonata, as well as competitors like the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord hybrids. Ford has announced an EV F-150 pickup, and we talk about whether truck buyers are ready to embrace electric trucks like the Rivian R1T and Tesla Cybertruck, and if they can meet towing needs. Volkswagen and Electrify America announced an agreement providing unlimited charging for owners of the all-new 2021 ID.4 electric SUV. We touch on a new line of electric vehicles from Hyundai called i-oniq: the i-oniq 5 crossover, i-oniq 6 sedan, and the i-oniq 7 SUV. We also answer questions about prepping a Miata (or any car) for track days, and why it might be difficult to pre-order a new Kia K5 GT to your exact specifications.

 

 

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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

 

 

SHOW NOTES

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

 

00:00 - Introduction

00:32 - 2021 Ford F-150 Electric 

05:51 - Electrify America and Volkswagen Free Charging Agreement for ID.4

07:52 - Hyundai’s New I-oniq Line of Electric Vehicles

08:45 - 2020 Hyundai Santa Hybrid First Impressions

15:49 - Question #1: How to prepare a Mazda Mita (or any other car) for track day?

20:45 - Question #2: What could the strange noise and tire rubbing sensation when turning be in a AWD vehicle?

22:46 - Question #3: Why it might be difficult to pre-order a new Kia K5 GT to your exact specs?

25:04 - Question #4: What is a suitable replacement for a 2004 Toyota Prius with 260 miles?

 

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Coronavirus Resource Hub

https://www.consumerreports.org/coronavirus/coronavirus-covid-19-updates/

 

Preview: All-New 2021 Ford F-150 Is a High-Tech Workhorse

https://www.consumerreports.org/pickup-trucks/2021-ford-f-150-review/

 

Electric Cars 101: The Answers to All Your EV Questions

https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/electric-cars-101-the-answers-to-all-your-ev-questions/

 

Preview: Sleek and Sporty 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 Electric SUV Revealed

https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/2021-volkswagen-id4-review/

 

2019 New York Auto Show: 2020 Hyundai Sonata

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-CL_zbxHhs

 

First Drive: 2021 Kia K5 Is Packed With Plenty of Tech and Turbo Power

https://www.consumerreports.org/sedans/2021-kia-k5-review/

 

2018 LA Auto Show: 2019 Toyota Prius AWD

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_uuYO8OIjl8

 

2019 Toyota RAV4 Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fSAuvdH_oGQ

 

4K Review: 2018 Subaru Crosstrek Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4J005E_TMeY

 

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

 

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This week we share our first impressions of the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe SUV, how it measures up to competitors like the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade, and whether it is suited for towing and hauling a lot of cargo and people. CR has completed its review of Tesla's Full Self-Driving Capability package in our Model 3 and Model Y; we share what we found, and how CR is adapting testing at the Auto Test track to evaluate autonomous driving features now and in the future. We also answer questions about the proper way to break-in a new vehicle, what is covered under Volkswagen's PZEV (Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle) warranty, and why a car's air conditioner can develop a musty smell, and how to make the AC fresh once again!

 

 

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

 

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

 

 

SHOW NOTES

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

 

00:00 - Introduction

00:30 - Tesla Full Self-Driving Capability Package Review

08:47 - 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe First Impressions

16:37 - Question #1: How to properly break-in a new vehicle?

20:02 - Question #2: What is covered under Volkswagen’s PZEV warranty?

22:41 - Question #3: What is the best way to get rid of a musty smell from a car’s AC?

 

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Coronavirus Resource Hub

https://www.consumerreports.org/coronavirus/coronavirus-covid-19-updates/

 

Tesla’s ‘Full Self-Driving Capability’ Falls Short of Its Name

https://www.consumerreports.org/autonomous-driving/tesla-full-self-driving-capability-review-falls-short-of-its-name/

 

Tesla Full Self-Driving Review

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQOf_F6hibk

 

2018 Tesla Model 3 Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0VlwLRJFAo

 

2015 Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmTXLmKoYP4

 

2018 LA Auto Show: 2020 Hyundai Palisade

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uFbbBDcCYYg

 

2020 Kia Telluride Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBNhy1Putrs

 

How to Cool Your Car Like a Pro

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4XnoSRtSAo

 

Electric Cars 101: The Answers to All Your EV Questions

https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/electric-cars-101-the-answers-to-all-your-ev-questions/

 

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

 

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

 

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We wrapped up testing on our 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport and share the results. Jeep has resurrected an iconic name plate with its newly unveiled Wagoneer, we talk about the nostalgia associated with this large SUV and go through the specs.  Also Mercedes-Benz has redesigned its flagship S-Class sedan for 2021, and we discuss some of the new technology that the luxury sedan will feature.  And we tackle a few audience questions about electric vehicles including one about how EVs' high performance affects tire wear.

 

 

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

 

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

 

 

SHOW NOTES

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

 

00:00 - Introduction

01:39 - Jeep unveils the 2021 Wagoneer

06:25 - 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

9:35 - 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport Test Results

13:57 - Question #1: Is the Mini Cooper SE a viable electric vehicle?

17:04 - Question #2: Is it a good idea to import the Hyundai Ioniq Electric to Iowa from a different state?

20:14 - Question #3: Do high performance vehicles have a shorter tire life than regular gas powered cars?

 

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Coronavirus Resource Hub

https://www.consumerreports.org/coronavirus/coronavirus-covid-19-updates/

 

2019 LA Auto Show: 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Niy-WZzl3zQ

 

4K Review: 2018 Volkswagen Atlas Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CYG_5qJZXqw

 

Jeep Unveils New Plug-In Hybrid SUVs and Grand Wagoneer Concept

https://www.consumerreports.org/suvs/jeep-plug-in-hybrid-suvs-grand-wagoneer-concept/

 

Preview: High-Tech 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Ultra-Luxury Sedan

https://www.consumerreports.org/luxury-cars/2021-mercedes-benz-s-class-review/

 

2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Review

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ojfBQEZ8jo

 

10 Things You Didn’t Know About The Tesla Model S

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJXPBKr4gvA

 

Electric Cars 101: The Answers to All Your EV Questions

https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/electric-cars-101-the-answers-to-all-your-ev-questions/

 

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

 

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

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We touch on a number of topics this week, including if a used Subaru Ascent is a good replacement for an Audi A4, why your infotainment system might not play nice with your Apple iPhone or Android phone, the right way to tie down an object to your roof, and how Consumer Reports headlight testing differs from that of IIHS. We also discuss routine maintenance that is unique to EVs, why an automatic emergency braking system might give a driver false positives, how car designs might be affected with a move to "skateboard" or modular architectures, using a child seat with an inflatable seat belt, and why you might not be able to tow a hybrid vehicle behind your RV.

 

 

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

 

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

 

 

SHOW NOTES

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

 

00:00 - Introduction

01:45 - Question #1: Is a Subaru Ascent a good replacement for an Audi A4?

06:02 - Question #2: Which automatic emergency braking system works best: camera-based or radar?

9:34 - Question #3: Why are there connectivity issues between phones and car infotainment systems?

11:46 - Question #4: What is the proper way to secure cargo to a car’s roof?

14:22 - Question #5: What is the difference between CR’s and IIHS’ headlight test?

17:23 - Question #6: What are the required maintenance items from the latest EVs?

20:08 - Question #7: Why does the forward-collision warning activate when there is nothing on the road?

22:50 - Question #8: What common parts are shared between “modular architectures” or “shared platform” on vehicles?

25:14 - Question #9: Is it potentially dangerous to install a forward facing child seat using an inflatable seat belt?

27:14 - Question #10: What small car is best suited for flat towing with a RV?

 

---------------------------------- 

 

Coronavirus Resource Hub

https://www.consumerreports.org/coronavirus/coronavirus-covid-19-updates/

 

2017 Audi A4 Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=khXQj4tCxxI

 

2019 Subaru Ascent Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tCgPso_jBDk

 

Self-Driving System Ranking

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X06tXpg7yiA

 

The Myth of the “Self-Driving” Car

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TpHdq7S65Io

 

How to Transport a Christmas Tree Safely

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-driving/how-to-transport-a-christmas-tree-safely/

 

Headlight Testing

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hOr0gqWYIu8

 

Headlight Cleaning Tips

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abaCMHqCCzk

 

Electric Cars 101: The Answers to All Your EV Questions

https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/electric-cars-101-the-answers-to-all-your-ev-questions/

 

Consumer Reports’ Car Reliability FAQ

https://www.consumerreports.org/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/consumer-reports-car-reliability-faq/

 

How to Avoid Common Car-Seat Installation Mistakes

https://www.consumerreports.org/car-seats/how-to-avoid-common-car-seat-installation-mistakes/

 

Autos Tips: Child-Seat Installation

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-I4UvS9Ob1Y

 

Is Now the Right Time to Buy a Car?

https://www.consumerreports.org/buying-a-car/is-now-the-right-time-to-buy-a-car/

 

How to Buy Your First New or Used Car

https://www.consumerreports.org/buying-a-car/how-to-buy-your-first-new-or-used-car/

 

Tips for Buying a New Car

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8XR-_rhLzeY

 

Tips for Buying a Used Car

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4cGStXBAwFg

 

 

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

 

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