On this episode, we share our first impressions of the 2021 Honda Ridgeline. We discuss whether or not the Ridgeline has improved and if its trucky-enough compared to its competitors. We also choose and outfit the perfect pickup and learn about Mike Monticello's "rules of trucking.” Plus, we answer an audience question about commuting in an electric-vehicle in Alaska.

SHOW NOTES:

0:00 - 2021 Honda Ridgeline First Impressions

16:21 - Question #1: What’s the best type of EV to drive in Alaska?

LINKS:

Honda Ridgeline: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/honda/ridgeline/

2017 Honda Ridgeline Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJJeNbqaQAM

What’s New in Small Pickup Trucks: https://www.consumerreports.org/pickup-trucks/whats-new-in-small-pickup-trucks/

Preview: 2022 Ford Maverick Priced Under $20,000 With Standard Hybrid: https://www.consumerreports.org/pickup-trucks/2022-ford-maverick-review-a1068008639/

First Drive: 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz Pickup Proves Ready for Pint-Sized Adventures: https://www.consumerreports.org/pickup-trucks/2022-hyundai-santa-cruz-review-a1110360813/

2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nhZafWI1d4E

This week we take a first look at the 2022 Infiniti QX60. We discuss how the three-row luxury SUV has evolved over the years and how some elements of the redesign made the controls less user-friendly. We also share some buying advice for a viewer who wants to drive a convertible, all-year round in Canada.

SHOW NOTES:

0:00-18:23 - 2022 Infiniti QX60 First Impressions

18:25-21:35  - Question #1: What’s the best advice on driving a rear-drive convertible in the winter months?

LINKS:

Preview: 2022 Infiniti QX60 Transforms the Luxury SUV: https://www.consumerreports.org/suvs/2022-infiniti-qx60-review-a1137839766/

First Drive: Redesigned 2022 Nissan Pathfinder Is a Modern Take on the Original Truck: https://www.consumerreports.org/suvs/2022-nissan-pathfinder-review-a6941815821/

2019 BMW Z4 Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t1FVQ49MazE

2016 Audi TT Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ORjmK_4svA0

Best Winter/Snow Tires From Consumer Reports’ Tests: https://www.consumerreports.org/winter-snow-tire/best-winter-snow-tires-a1191260310/

This week we share the test results of the 2021 Chevrolet Corvette. We talk about how the drastic redesign of this American icon has propelled the Corvette into supercar territory, putting it on par with European competitors that cost double the price. We also answer an audience question about tire pressure.

SHOW NOTES:

0:00 - 2021 Chevrolet Corvette discussion

17:25 - Question #1: When replacing OEM tires, do you still follow the tire pressure on the placard located on the door jamb?

LINKS:

2021 Chevrolet Corvette: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/chevrolet/corvette/

2021 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray First Impressions; Talking Cars #306: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HJELAAnxnDo

This week we discuss the test results of the Hyundai Elantra Hybrid. We also discuss the Hyundai Tucson and Santa Fe and debate whether the hybrid versions of these SUVs make them better vehicles overall. The IIHS has updated crash test standards for small SUVs; find out why few vehicles performed well in the new test and what that means for consumers. Plus, we share our worst car buying experiences and answer questions on electric vehicle prices, and how CR evaluates new vehicles.

SHOW NOTES:

0:37 - New IIHS Crash Standards

6:56 - 2021 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid. Tucson Hybrid & Santa Fe Hybrid

16:25 - Our Worst Car Buying Experiences

27:24 - Question #1: Has CR ever changed positions on a vehicle after initial impressions?

31:40 - Question #2: Should I be concerned about parts shortages and the reliability of vehicles be manufactured now?

35:27 - Question #3: Why do EV prices seem to fluctuate at random?

LINKS:

2 Small SUVs Earn Poor Score in Tough New IIHS Side Crash Test: https://www.consumerreports.org/car-safety/iihs-small-suv-side-crash-test-a1228339113/

2021 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hyundai/elantra/2021/overview/

2022 Hyundai Tucson: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hyundai/tucson/2022/overview/

2021 Hyundai Santa Fe: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hyundai/santa-fe/2021/overview/

2017 Chevrolet Bolt Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIYG0NR42LU

2018 Nissan Leaf Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBAB7sZj0Fo

2020 Ford Escape: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/ford/escape/2020/overview/