Talking Cars (MP3)

This week we share our test results of the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid, discuss the performance of its hybrid powertrain versus the regular gas engine, and how it compares to class leaders like the Toyota Highlander Hybrid. We also talk about the all-new for 2022 Toyota Tundra, including its highly anticipated hybrid power plant, aggressive styling, and what improvements we anticipate to arrive with the new redesign. Other topics include: which tires are best suited for improving fuel economy on EVs and hybrids; whether using the LATCH system or a seat belt is better when installing a child seat; how long can oil last in the trunk of a car before expiring; and our team shares the funny, weird, and wild stories of getting their drivers’ licenses. 

 

 

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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

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00:00 - Introduction

00:29 - Child Seat Safety

03:04 - 2022 Toyota Tundra Preview

08:29 - 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Test Results

13:56 - Driver’s License Test Memories  

22:39 - Question #1: Which tires are best suited for improving fuel economy on EVs and hybrids?

26:13 - Question #2: Is it safer to use LATCH system or a seat belt when installing  child seat?

29:17 - Question #3: How does CR choose which cars to put through the Rock Hill test?

31:51 - Question #4: How long can motor oil last in the trunk of a car before expiring?

 

 

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How to Avoid Common Car-Seat Installation Mistakes

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

 

Choosing the Best Car Seat

https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/car-seats/buying-guide/index.htm

 

Preview: 2022 Toyota Tundra Boasts Hybrid Powertrain, Key Safety Features

https://www.consumerreports.org/pickup-trucks/2022-toyota-tundra-review-a1706208187/

 

2014 Toyota Tundra first drive

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

 

First Drive: 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Gets New Styling and Updated Technology

https://www.consumerreports.org/suvs/2021-hyundai-santa-fe-review-a9539318353/

 

2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ZYJyewVP0I

 

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/

 

 

 

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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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Direct download: 2109CRO_Talking_Cars_Episode_326.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 3:00pm EDT

Consumer Reports recently purchased a 2021 Tesla Model S for our test program, which now features a steering yoke rather than a traditional circular steering wheel. We share our first impressions on what it is like to use this steering input on the highway, in the driveway, and in crowded parking lots. We also discuss the other big changes to this vehicle, including its lack of directional and wiper stalks (now a touch-sensitive button on the yoke), horn placement (also a touch button), and touchscreen/predictive gear shifting mechanism.

 

 

 

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

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

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00:00 - Introduction

00:29 - 2021 Tesla Model S Steering Yoke Impressions

06:17 - Driving Tesla Model S

12:11 - Steering Wheel Controls

15:01 - Gear Selector  

18:00 - Safety Pitfalls of Unintuitive Controls

 

 

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Why We Think Tesla’s New Steering Yoke Shows Little Benefit

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWtJu0q3sBQ

 

Tesla’s New Steering Yoke Shows Little Benefit and Potential Safety Pitfalls

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-driving/tesla-steering-yoke-little-benefit-potential-safety-pitfalls-a1034204120/

 

4K Review: 2016 Tesla Model S Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t9cT_mIff-Q

 

Tesla Model S 2013 quick take

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=458TLFRkAlk

 

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

Direct download: 2109CRO_Talking_Cars_Episode_325.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00pm EDT

This week we share our first impressions of the 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross; how it drove on our track, its long roster of advanced safety features, and who this small SUV might appeal to. With major flooding affecting many parts of the country, we discuss all the ways water can damage a car, and give tips on how to spot and avoid a waterlogged vehicle when buying a used car. Other topics this week include: what is the difference between a vehicle refresh and redesign; if bright LED daytime running lights can cause drivers to not turn on their car's headlights; why EVs seem to have less space for tall drivers; and how Consumer Reports decides which vehicles to buy for our test program, and what happens to our cars after testing is completed.

 

 

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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 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

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00:00 - Introduction

00:35 - How To Avoid Buying a Flooded Car

08:17 - 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross First Impressions

17:46 - Question #1: What is the difference between a vehicle refresh and a redesign?  

26:00 - Question #2: Are bright LED daytime running lights causing drivers to not turn on their car’s headlights?

29:24 - Question #3: Why does it seem that new EVs have less space for taller drivers?

32:59 - Question #4: How does Consumer Reports decide which vehicles to buy for their test program?

 

 

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Beware a Flood of Flooded Cars

https://www.consumerreports.org/buying-a-car/beware-the-flood-of-flood-cars/

 

Flooded Cars: How to Spot One Before You Buy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LT-WtAltmK8

 

Car Title Resources: 

     National Motor Vehicle Title Information System

      https://vehiclehistory.bja.ojp.gov/

 

     VinCheck

      https://www.nicb.org/vincheck

 

     CarFax

      https://www.carfax.com/press/resources/flooded-cars

 

 

First Drive: 2022 Toyota Corolla CROss Is a Sensible SUV

https://www.consumerreports.org/suvs/2022-toyota-corolla-cross-suv-review-a9535254586/

 

Best Cars for Tall People

https://www.consumerreports.org/buying-a-car/best-cars-and-suvs-for-tall-people-a7931047074/

 

Headlight Testing

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

 

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

Direct download: 2109CRO_Talking_Cars_Episode_324.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00pm EDT

This week we dive into audience questions and cover what you can do when an electric-vehicle's battery runs out on the road; why rearranging second row seats is a safety risk; how always driving in four-wheel drive can damage your vehicle; and tips on what to do when deer cross the road.

SHOW NOTES:

1:04 - Question #1: What can you do if an EV runs out of power while driving?

5:35 - Question #2: How many miles does the average windshield last?

8:57 - Question #3: Can you reconfigure the second row seats in the 2022 Kia Carnival and is it safe?

14:58 - Question #4: In inclement weather, can you drive in 4WD all the time?

16:07 - Question #5: What are some tips to avoid deer in the road?

17:52 - Question #6 - Should you use fuel stabilizer to prolong fuel life in the ICE engine of a plug-in hybrid?

22:26 - Question #7: Is it time to raise the speed limits on highways?

LINKS:

Electric Vehicles That Can Go More Than 250 Miles on a Charge: consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/electric-vehicles-that-can-go-more-than-250-miles-on-a-full-charge-a2189661367/

First Drive: 2022 Kia Carnival Delivers on Comfort and Practicality: https://www.consumerreports.org/minivans/2022-kia-carnival-review-a1152822932/

How It Works: 2WD vs. AWD vs. 4WD: https://www.consumerreports.org/automotive-technology/2wd-vs-awd-vs-4wd-a5663578720/

How to Avoid a Deer Strike: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nIuuuZqhOTM

UN Global Road Safety Week: https://www.unroadsafetyweek.org/en/home

Direct download: 2109CRO_Talking_Cars_Episode_323.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 3:00pm EDT

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