Volkswagen gives the 2025 Taos a fresh look and updated tech. We share our first impressions of its performance, redesigned interior, and revamped infotainment system—and whether this update is enough to keep the Taos competitive. We also answer audience questions, including: When is it okay to buy a first model year redesign vehicle? Why are EV charging networks—aside from Tesla’s Supercharger—so frustrating to use? And should buyers be concerned about the Hyundai Ioniq 5 due to issues with its Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU)?

More info on the 2025 Volkswagen Taos here: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/volkswagen/taos/2025/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Join CR at https://CR.org/joinviaYT to access our comprehensive ratings for items you use every day. CR is a mission-driven, independent, nonprofit organization.

SHOW NOTES

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00:00 - Introduction

00:15 - Overview: 2025 Volkswagen Taos

01:09 - The Powertrain

02:50 - Driving Dynamics

06:17 - Lack of Hybrid Model

08:47 - Reliability

11:28 - Competition

13:24 - Cargo Space

14:18 - Controls

15:28 - Would You Buy It?

20:09 - Question #1: Is it sensible to purchase a first year model redesign?

23:01 - Question #2: Why EV chargers are so frustrating to use?

27:28 - Question #3: Should you avoid buying an Ioniq 5 due to ICCU issues?

Join us on the floor of the 2025 New York Auto Show. We cover the trends, or lack thereof, among automakers in attendance, the debut of several new Subaru models, and talk about which vehicles have the best chance of success in the market. Plus, we share our favorite vehicles from the show floor.

SHOW NOTES

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00:00 - Introduction

00:15 - Lots of Nostalgia

01:24 - This Year’s Theme

02:35 - New Launches

14:04 - Marketing Choices

20:19 - Flash of Fun

21:15 - Success or Failure?

22:45 - Our Favorites

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Preview: The 2026 Subaru Outback Is Truly an SUV Now

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/2026-subaru-outback-review-a9885722682/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Preview: 2026 Hyundai Palisade Is Larger, More Powerful, and More Upscale

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/2026-hyundai-palisade-review-a7560459286/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Preview: 2026 Honda Passport Gets Tougher Looks and an Updated V6 Engine

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/2026-honda-passport-review-a2462413763/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Preview: 2026 Subaru Trailseeker Is a Bigger, Better Solterra EV

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/2026-subaru-trailseeker-review-a5418969450/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Preview: 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid Brings More Power, Greater Efficiency

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/2025-subaru-forester-hybrid-review-a4285500200/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Preview: 2026 Kia EV4 Has a Long Range and Angular Styling

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/2026-kia-ev4-review-a3005904446/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Preview: 2025 Ford Expedition Brings Off-Road Tech to the Three-Row SUV

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/2025-ford-expedition-review-a6764495550/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

The 2025 Nissan Murano gets a bold new look and a revamped powertrain, marking a fresh start for this midsized SUV. In this episode, we share our first impressions of the redesigned Murano, including its refreshed styling, appealing interior, engine performance, and driving dynamics. We also discuss who this SUV is best suited for. We also answer audience questions about the reliability and maintenance of high-voltage hybrid batteries. Plus, we explore why European cars often get advanced safety features years before they become standard in the U.S.

More info on the 2025 Nissan Murano here: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/nissan/murano/2025/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Join CR at https://CR.org/joinviaYT to access our comprehensive ratings for items you use every day. CR is a mission-driven, independent, nonprofit organization.

SHOW NOTES

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00:00 - Introduction

00:16 - Overview: 2025 Nissan Murano

02:49 - Murano History

03:17 - Driving Dynamics

08:09 - What Is It?

09:12 - Front Seats

10:09 - Controls

16:08 - Pro Pilot Assist

18:04 - Access

18:49 - Rear Seats

20:37 - Cargo Space

21:05 - Who Is This Car For?

25:43 - Question #1: How long does the high-voltage hybrid battery last, how should it be maintained, and what is the cost of replacement?

32:03 - Question #2: Why are advanced safety features in European vehicles approved years before in the U.S., and what can be done to speed up U.S. approvals?

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First Drive: 2025 Nissan Murano Is Reinvented, But Is It Still Relevant?

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/2025-nissan-murano-review-a6988352928/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Most Reliable and Fuel-Efficient New Midsized SUVs

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/new-midsized-suvs-most-reliable-fuel-efficient-a2811867777/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

New Cars on the Horizon

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/new-cars-on-the-horizon-a1920770135/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

These SUVs, Cars, and Minivans Are the Easiest to Get Into and Out Of

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs-cars-minivans-that-are-easiest-to-get-in-and-out-of-a1450236794/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT