Exclusive CR discount for Talking Cars viewers at https://www.cr.org/jointalkingcars

The Mini Cooper has been the cornerstone of the brand since its inception and has been redesigned for 2025. Our experts share their first impressions of the 2025 Mini Cooper S two-door, discussing its performance and whether this fifth-generation model retains the classic British styling, minimalist interior, and unique agility that fans have cherished in previous versions. We also answer viewer questions about DIY insulation for reducing engine noise in older vehicles and the reliability of infotainment touch screens in new cars.

More info on the 2025 Mini Cooper here: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/sports-cars/2025-mini-cooper-review-a4730724572/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Ratings and test results on every car CR purchases and tests: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

SHOW NOTES

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00:00 - Introduction

00:16 - Overview: 2025 Mini Cooper S

02:19 - Classic British Styling

03:38 - Infotainment Touchscreen

07:20 - Driving Experience

09:06 - Stop/Start System

10:34 - Reliability

11:47 - Livability

14:41 - Question #1: How reliable and future-proof are infotainment touchscreens in new cars?

17:30 - Question #2: Is it safe to add insulation to the engine bay of an older vehicle to reduce noise?

21:35 - Question #3: Is the Mini Cooper a practical choice for the Kenyan car market?

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First Drive: Next-Gen 2025 Mini Cooper Is Still Quirky, But Less Fun

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/sports-cars/2025-mini-cooper-review-a4730724572/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

2025 Mini Cooper

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/mini/cooper/2025/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Preview: Mini Continues Its All-Electric March With the Aceman Small Crossover

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/mini-aceman-review-a5304694715/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Cars and SUVs With the Easiest Controls

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/automotive-technology/cars-and-suvs-with-the-easiest-controls-a7135184399/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Guide to Car Reliability & Owner Satisfaction

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/guide-to-car-reliability-owner-satisfaction-a9213219653/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

We recently purchased a 2024 Chevrolet Traverse LT AWD for testing. In this episode, we share our first impressions of the four-cylinder turbo engine, infotainment usability, and whether the Traverse works as a family hauler compared to the Kia Telluride, Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, and Hyundai Palisade. And, with recent hurricanes hitting the U.S., we discuss whether a flooded electric vehicle is more prone to becoming a fire hazard and if there are specific steps an owner should take to break in a hybrid car, truck, or SUV.

More info on the 2024 Chevrolet Traverse here: https://www.consumerreports.org/search/?query=Chevrolet%20traverse

Ratings and test results on every car CR purchases and tests: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

SHOW NOTES

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00:00 - Introduction

00:16 - Overview: 2024 Chevrolet Traverse

02:24 - The Engine

08:48 - How It Drives

12:33 - 2nd & 3rd Row Seats

19:02 - The Drive Seat

23:03 - The Controls

28:51 - Standard Safety Features

33:28 - GM Super Cruise

37:04 - Cargo Area

38:51 - Would You Buy It?

43:13 - Question #1: Are flooded electric vehicles really prone to becoming a fire hazard?

46:16 - Question #2: Are there specific steps an owner should take to break in a hybrid car, truck, or SUV?

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First Drive: 2024 Chevrolet Traverse Proves to Be a Balanced 3-row SUV, with One Exception

https://www.consumerreports.org/search/?query=Chevrolet%20traverse

2024 Chevrolet Traverse

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/chevrolet/traverse/2024/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Cars and SUVs With the Easiest Controls

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/automotive-technology/cars-and-suvs-with-the-easiest-controls-a7135184399/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

SUVs and Minivans With the Best Third-Row Seats

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs-and-minivans-with-the-best-third-row-seats-a6809768331/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Guide to Car Reliability & Owner Satisfaction

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/guide-to-car-reliability-owner-satisfaction-a9213219653/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Consumer Reports has finally taken delivery of the long-awaited and much-hyped Tesla Cybertruck. We highlight many of its innovative features, polarizing styling, and driving characteristics. Additionally, we address audience questions, including how CR manages to purchase so many cars each year anonymously without staff being recognized by dealerships, and why some car manufacturers, even those known for safety like Subaru, do not make Consumer Reports' safe car list.

More info on the 2024 Tesla Cybertruck here: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/tesla-cybertruck-review-a4750335741/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Ratings and test results on every car CR purchases and tests: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

SHOW NOTES

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

00:00 - Introduction

00:16 - Overview: 2024 Tesla Cybertruck

01:38 - Styling & Design

06:07 - Purchase Experience

08:43 - Driving Dynamics

11:51 - Steer-by-Wire System

13:57 - Visibility

15:57 - Utility

19:21 - The Issues

21:34 - Reliability

24:12 - How CR will test the Cybertruck

26:13 - Custom Care

28:07 - Living with it

29:37 - Question #1: Why some car manufacturers do not make the Consumer Reports safe car list?

33:55 - Question #2: How does CR keep its anonymity while buying so many cars each year?

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First Drive: Is Tesla Cybertruck Worth the Hype?

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/tesla-cybertruck-review-a4750335741/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

2024 Tesla Cybertruck

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/tesla/cybertruck/2024/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Hot, New Electric Cars That Are Coming Soon

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/hot-new-electric-cars-are-coming-soon-a1000197429/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Electric Cars and Plug-In Hybrids That Qualify For Federal Tax Credits

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/electric-cars-plug-in-hybrids-that-qualify-for-tax-credits-a7820795671/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Guide to Car Reliability & Owner Satisfaction

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/guide-to-car-reliability-owner-satisfaction-a9213219653/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT