On this episode we share our driving impressions of the 2022 Genesis GV70, and how it compares to its larger sibling the GV80, as well as others in the small luxury SUV segment. We also share a story about how a question from a Talking Cars viewer led to a change in the IIHS' ratings for the Mazda CX-5. Other topics include: how you can save money when getting brakes replaced at a dealership; if driving a car in Sport mode will wear out an engine faster; whether vehicle undercoating is worth the investment; and our experts suggest reliable, fun used 4x4 SUVs under 10k that are great for tackling rutted dirt roads.

 

 

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

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

00:31 - IIHS Ratings Adjustment on Mazda CX-5 Active Safety Systems

02:45 - Future SUV Classic Follow-up

08:05 - 2022 Genesis GV70 First Impressions

20:47 - Question #1: Should vehicle brakes be only serviced at the dealer?

26:30 - Question #2: Will driving in sport mode wear out the car’s engine prematurely? 

27:23 - Question #3: Are vehicle undercoatings worth the investment or a waste of money?

31:05 - Question #4: What reliable, fun used 4x4 SUV under 10K is best suited for tackling rutted dirt roads?

 

 

----------------------------------  

First Drive: All-New 2022 Genesis GV70 SUV Delivers Comfort, Agility, and Luxury

https://www.consumerreports.org/suvs/2022-genesis-gv70-review/

 

Talking Cars 303: Driving the 2021 Genesis GV80

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-driving/talking-cars-303-2021-genesis-gv80-driving-comfort/

 

IIHS - 2021 Mazda CX-5

https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/mazda/cx-5-4-door-suv/2021

 

Guide to Rear-Seat Reminder Systems

https://www.consumerreports.org/car-safety/guide-to-rear-seat-reminder-systems/

 

Heatstroke Deaths of Children on Vehicles

https://www.noheatstroke.org/

 

How to Protect Your Car From Rodents

https://www.consumerreports.org/car-maintenance/how-to-protect-your-car-from-rodents/

 

Guide to Car Safety

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

How to Safely Work on Your Car at Home

https://www.consumerreports.org/car-repair-maintenance/how-to-safely-work-on-your-car-at-home/

 

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

This week we talk about Jeep's plug-in hybrid version of the Wrangler, the 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe, and share our driving impressions, as well as what it is like to go off-road on pure electric power. We also discuss the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's recall of the 2017 - 2019 Chevrolet Bolt due to the potential of a battery fire, and what you need to know if you own one. Other topics include: whether a Nissan Leaf is a good first car for a teen driver; why you need to be sure your tires aren't inside out when you have them mounted by a professional; if engine braking can damage a vehicle's transmission; and we choose our favorite SUVs that could become classics in the future.

 

 

 

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

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

00:29 - Chevrolet Bolt EV Recall

03:37 - 2022 Jeep Wrangler 4xe First Impressions

16:18 - Future SUV Classics

22:43 - Question #1: Are soap and water okay to wash your car?

26:08 - Question #2: Why is it important to make sure your tires aren’t inside out 29:19 - Question #3: Does engine braking take a toll on your vehicle’s transmission?

32:45 - Question #4: Is a Nissan Leaf a good used car for a new teen driver?

 

 

----------------------------------  

Chevrolet Bolt EVs Should Be Parked Outdoors Due to Fire Risk, Government Agency Warns

https://www.consumerreports.org/car-recalls-defects/chevrolet-bolt-evs-should-be-parked-outdoors-fire-risk-a9383743446/

 

Bolt EV Recall

https://my.chevrolet.com/how-to-support/safety/boltevrecall

 

Automakers Are Adding Electric Vehicles to Their Lineups. Here’s What’s Coming.

https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/why-electric-cars-may-soon-flood-the-us-market/

 

Top Car-Washing Strategies

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HHeAomlE5F4

 

How to Wash Your Car

https://www.consumerreports.org/car-repair-maintenance/how-to-wash-your-car/

 

Nissan Leaf review

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E70dfFK0HPI

 

Toyota Prius Road Test

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

 

How well does the Toyota Prius hold up

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8DRQEusvNis

 

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

This week we share our driving impressions of the 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness, and discuss how this all-terrain SUV's off-road credentials compare to the standard Outback. We also talk about NHTSA's (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) new requirements for automakers to report all automated driving related crashes, and how this could benefit drivers. We share news from the Stellantis auto conglomerate (which owns Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, Fiat, and Alfa Romeo in the US,) and its plans for the electrification of its fleet, and some interesting slogans to market its new EVs. Other topics include: which vehicles would be best suited for areas with high potential for hurricanes; how to properly maintain a car's A/C unit in the peak of summer; and if you should hold off on purchasing a used vehicle with outstanding recalls. 

 

 

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

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 - NHTSA Requires Automakers to Report Automation-Related Crashes 

03:45 - Stellantis Reveals Plans for Vehicle Electrification 

07:46 - Best Vehicles to Survive a Severe Storm

19:12 - Question #1: What is the proper way to maintain your car’s A/C unit?

22:11 - Question #2: Is it possible to put the Toyota Supra’s transmission into neutral without starting it?

25:41 - Question #3: Which advanced safety gear is better, camera or radar based?
32:05 - Question #4: Is it safe to purchase a vehicle with outstanding recalls?

 

 

----------------------------------  

2020 Subaru Outback Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ovW5kMBdLB0

 

Automakers Now Required to Report Automation-Related Crashes

https://www.consumerreports.org/car-safety/automakers-now-required-to-report-automation-related-crashes-a3894720173/

 

Prepare Now for Hurricanes and Severe Storms

https://www.consumerreports.org/emergency-preparedness/prepare-now-for-hurricanes-and-storms/

 

Why Flooded Roads Are More Dangerous Than They May Appear

https://www.consumerreports.org/car-safety/why-flooded-roads-are-more-dangerous-than-they-may-appear/

 

Automakers Are Adding Electric Vehicles to Their Lineups. Here’s What’s Coming.

https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/why-electric-cars-may-soon-flood-the-us-market/

 

What’s Next in Car Safety

https://www.consumerreports.org/car-safety/whats-next-in-car-safety/

 

Car Recall Guide: Your Questions Answered

https://www.consumerreports.org/car-recalls-defects/car-recall-guide-questions-answered/

 

Car Recall Tracker

https://www.consumerreports.org/mycr/benefits/car-recall-tracker?searchToken=Car%20recall

 

How to Choose the Best Home Wall Charger for Your Electric Vehicle

https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/how-to-choose-the-best-home-wall-charger-for-your-electric-vehicle/

 

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

The 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV joins our test fleet and we share our first impressions. Find out how the all-electric EUV compares to the original Bolt and if the inclusion of GM's Super Cruise system makes or breaks this all-new vehicle. We also debate what makes a vehicle 'American' and answer audience questions about EV battery life, tire degradation and predicted reliability.

—

SHOW NOTES:

0:24 - Favorite ‘American’ car

6:22 - 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV

15:55 - Super Cruise

18:35 - Question #1: Do high temperatures hurt turbo powered engines?

20:58 - Question #2: Can hot temperatures reduce the range of battery-powered cars?

23:22 - Question #3: What scientifically happens to tires when they age?

25:50 - Question #4: Does CR consider the Toyota Venza a new production vehicle since it has been built in Japan for four years? What does that mean for its predicted reliability?

—

LINKS:

Talking Cars 306: Our first Impression of the 2021 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Coupe: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-driving/talking-cars-306-our-first-impressions-of-the-2021-chevrolet-a1148941883/

Best American Cars, SUVs, and Trucks: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-best-american-cars-suvs-trucks/

2017 Acura NSX Hybrid Is the Friendly Supercar: https://www.consumerreports.org/sports-cars/2017-acura-nsx-first-drive-review-video/

First Drive: Big, Burly 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD and GMC Sierra 2500HD: https://www.consumerreports.org/pickup-trucks/2020-chevrolet-silverado-gmc-sierra-2500-hd-review/

Preview: Chevrolet Introduces a Freshened Electric Bolt and Bolt EUV: https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/2022-chevrolet-bolt-euv-and-bolt-review/

This week we share our first impressions of the 2022 Volkswagen Taos small SUV; its variety of powertrains, driving characteristics, and quality of cabin materials. NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) updated its recommendations regarding the Tesla Model 3's camera-based AEB system, and we provide an update on CR's scoring of the vehicle. Other topics include: the best new or used cars for under $25k; how to diagnose your car battery's health; and what (if anything) consumers can do about rising destination fees.

 

 

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

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

00:27 - Tesla Model 3 Advanced Safety Update

02:21 - Best Used and New Cars For Under 25K

10:35 - 2022 Volkswagen Taos First Impressions

17:25 - Question #1: How can you tell your car’s battery needs to be replaced?

20:30 - Question #2: Does CR intend to test how EVs perform on long trips?

24:40 - Question #3: Why are car destination and delivery charges going through the roof?
27:32 - Question #4: Do vinyl wraps and ceramic coating work, or are they just another gimmick?

 

 

----------------------------------  

Preview: 2022 Volkswagen Taos SUV Squeezes Signature Brand Features Into a Small Package

https://www.consumerreports.org/suvs/2022-volkswagen-taos-review/

 

Tesla Model 3 Regains CR Top Pick Status and IIHS Safety Award

https://www.consumerreports.org/car-safety/tesla-model-3-regains-cr-top-pick-status-iihs-safety-award-a1085318072/

 

How to Choose the Best Home Wall Charger for Your Electric Vehicle

https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/how-to-choose-the-best-home-wall-charger-for-your-electric-vehicle/

 

Sticker Shock: The Truth About Destination Fees

https://www.consumerreports.org/buying-a-car/the-truth-about-destination-fees/

 

CR’s Guide to Vacation and Travel 

https://www.consumerreports.org/travel/guide-to-vacation-travel/

 

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