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 fluctuating reliability score, the best way to care for foggy, yellowing headlight lenses, if a used Lexus LS is a smart choice for teen drivers, and share our favorite cars we've ever owned.

 

 

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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

01:30 - 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning Preview

09:28 - 2021 Nissan Rogue Test Results

18:58 - Favorite Cars We Have Ever Owned

24:09 - Question #1: How to deal with a car’s fluctuating reliability score? 

25:57 - Question #2: What is the best way to care for foggy, yellowing headlight lenses?

28:41 - Question #3: Is a used Lexus LS a wise choice for a teen driver?

 

 

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First Drive: Redesigned 2021 Nissan Rogue Edges Upscale

https://www.consumerreports.org/suvs/2021-nissan-rogue-review/

 

Ford F-150 Lightning EV Has a 300-Mile Range and Could Power Your Home

https://www.consumerreports.org/hybridsevs/2022-ford-f-150-lightning-review-a4084273266/

 

Shorter days mean it’s time to repair hazy headlights

https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/news/2012/10/shorter-days-mean-it-s-time-to-repair-hazy-headlights/index.htm

 

Best Cars for Teens Under $20,000

https://www.consumerreports.org/teen-driving/best-cars-for-teens/

 

Guide to Car Safety

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-guide-to-car-safety/

 

Coronavirus Resource Hub

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

 

 

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

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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 lacks standardization for manual modes on shifters; why some car manufacturers are more proactive in implementing new technology and making updates to their vehicles than others; and how to safely transport a pet in a vehicle.

 

 

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

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 - Intro

00:31 - Welcome Alex Knizek: CR’s Auto Engineer

02:23 - Testing at The Track

04:23 - Best Used and New Cars for Teens

09:27 - 2022 Acura MDX First Impressions

16:44 - Question #1: Which electric vehicle is best suited for post-covid work commuting?

20:32 - Question #2: Why does the auto industry lack standardization for manual modes on shifters?

23:05 - Question #3: Why some car manufacturers are more proactive in implementing new technology and making updates to their vehicles than others?

27:16 - Question #4: What is the safest way to transport your pet in a vehicle?

 

 

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First Drive: 2022 Acura MDX Luxury SUV Adds Refinement and Tech

https://www.consumerreports.org/suvs/acura-mdx-suv-review/

 

Best New Cars for Teens

https://www.consumerreports.org/new-cars/best-new-cars-for-teens/

 

Best Cars for Teens Under $20,000

https://www.consumerreports.org/teen-driving/best-cars-for-teens/

 

2016 Toyota RAV4 Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gEnMo_G7eM8

 

4K Review: 2017 Mazda CX-5 Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmTVgcuD2V4

 

2018 Mazda6 Quick Drive

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

 

2017 Chevrolet Bolt Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIYG0NR42LU

 

2018 LA Auto Show: Audi E-Tron

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uBV9nrd6_mo

 

How to Keep Your Pets Safe in a Car

https://www.consumerreports.org/car-safety/keep-pets-safe-in-the-car/

 

Center for Pet Safety

https://www.centerforpetsafety.org/

 

Guide to Car Safety

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-guide-to-car-safety/

 

Coronavirus Resource Hub

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

 

 

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

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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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 terminate the manufacturer's warranty on a vehicle if it is not serviced by the dealership, if recalls are signs of a car to avoid, or indicate a responsible automaker, and how safe are 3rd row seats in modern cars.

 

 

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

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 - Gas Shortage

01:23 - Goodyear G159 RV Tire Investigation

07:41 - How to Inspect Older Tires

10:12 - 2021 Kia Sorento Test Results

16:20 - Question #1: What sports car would Talking Cars

20:39 - Question #2: Can a dealer terminate the manufacturer’s warranty  on a vehicle if it is not serviced at the dealership?

25:31 - Question #3: Are recalls a sign of a car to avoid, or indicate a responsible automaker?

28:18 - Question #4: How safe are 3rd row seats in modern cars, are they crash tested at all?

 

 

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10 Tips to Get the Most Out of a Tank of Gas

https://www.consumerreports.org/fuel-economy-efficiency/10-tips-to-get-the-most-out-of-a-tank-of-gas-a2642110189/

 

Goodyear RV Tire Linked to Multiple Deaths Is Still on Motorhomes, Listings Indicate

https://www.consumerreports.org/product-safety/goodyear-rv-tire-linked-to-multiple-deaths-is-still-on-motorhomes/

 

How to Keep Your Tires Looking Good

https://www.consumerreports.org/tires/how-to-keep-your-tires-looking-good/

 

Tire Tips for Safe RV Travel

https://www.consumerreports.org/tires/tire-tips-for-safe-rv-travel-a1058289855/

 

Beginner’s Guide to Motorhomes

https://www.consumerreports.org/other-motor-vehicles/beginners-guide-to-motorhomes-rvs/

 

Beginners Guide to RV Trailers

https://www.consumerreports.org/search/?query=RV%20Tires

 

First Drive: Not All Changes on the Redesigned 2021 Kia Sorento Are Improvements

https://www.consumerreports.org/suvs/2021-kia-sorento-review/

 

2020 Kia Telluride Quick Drive

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

 

2017 Porsche 718 Boxster Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDyiuHMyB3c

 

2019 Detroit Auto Show: 2020 Toyota Supra

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MdtL8brC3Bw

 

2017 Kia Niro Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UA7DkF_I0jA

 

Guide to Car Safety

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-guide-to-car-safety/

 

Coronavirus Resource Hub

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

 

 

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

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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Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1IQ2w5q

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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 be proprietary like Tesla Superchargers. Other topics include: which SUV is best suited for an adventurous family; is it wise to replace original larger wheels on a vehicle with a smaller size; and if a Smart car is capable of towing.

 

 

 

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

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

23:24 - Question #1: Will Rivian’s Adventure charging network other EVs or be proprietary like Tesla?

26:22 - Question #2: Which SUV is best suited for an adventurous family?

30:24 - Question #3: Is a Smart car capable of towing anything at all?

33:02 - Question #4: Would it be wise to replace original equipment larger wheels for a smaller size?

 

 

---------------------------------- 

Midengine 2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Impresses at the Consumer Reports Track

https://www.consumerreports.org/sports-cars/2020-chevrolet-corvette-stingray-review/

 

2014 Chevrolet Corvette first drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4l84rkxwqx4

 

Low-profile Tires vs. Potholes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FBdRy0utyaM

 

2020 Kia Telluride Quick Drive

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

 

2018 LA Auto Show: 2020 Hyundai Palisade

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

 

Guide to Car Safety

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-guide-to-car-safety/

 

Coronavirus Resource Hub

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

 

 

 

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

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