We recently got a chance to drive the 2021 Genesis G80 at our test track, and we share our impressions on how the sedan from Hyundai's luxury brand performed, as well as how it compares to other vehicles in its class, like the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and Volvo S90. Filling your tires with nitrogen is an option offered by many dealerships and mechanics these days, usually for an added expense. We talk about whether this is something to consider, as well as if it's safe to put regular air into a tire filled with nitrogen. Winter weather is on its way (if it hasn't already arrived where you are!), so we discuss the best way to prep your car for hitting the road when there's ice and snow. We also give advice about replacing a Hyundai Elantra with an Audi A4 (or other alternatives like the Mazda3, Honda Civic Sport, or Toyota Camry?!) And with an increasing number of cars on the road having the ability to update their software, how is Consumer Reports adjusting its testing program to stay on top of the latest versions and features? Do the scores change when a car with GM's Super Cruise or vehicles from Tesla receive a new update? We discuss how we are adapting our testing to account for these new technologies, and more.

 

 

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

 

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

00:33 - Vehicle Winter Prep and Winter Driving Tips

06:53 - 2021 Genesis G80 First Impressions

13:30 - Question #1: Is an Audi A4 a good replacement for a Hyundai Elantra ?

19:41 - Question #2: What are the advantages of filling up tires with nitrogen instead of air?

23:42 - Question #3: How is CR adapting its test to account for new technologies? 

 

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Coronavirus Resource Hub

https://www.consumerreports.org/coronavirus/coronavirus-covid-19-updates/

 

Winter Driving Tips

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

 

Essential Winter Driving Tips

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIWVRbr15ek

 

Prep Your Car for Winter

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3rczMZsN0g

 

6 Safety Sensors to Clean on Your Car This Winter

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

 

Getting your tires ready for winter: Advice from Consumer Reports

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hixD6srMlP0

 

First Drive: 2021 Genesis G80 Ramps Up Styling and Tech

https://www.consumerreports.org/luxury-cars/2021-genesis-g80-review/

 

2017 Audi A4 Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=khXQj4tCxxI

 

2018 Hyundai Elantra GT Quick Drive

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

 

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

 

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This week we give our first impressions of the 2021 Lexus IS, discuss what has changed from the previous model and if the redesign is adequate to make this compact sports sedan stand out against rivals like the BMW 3 series, Audi A4, and Mercedes-Benz C class. GMC revealed its all-new fully electric 2022 Hummer EV, we discuss some of its glamorous features and if it's enticing enough to steal the spotlight from the Tesla Cybertruck and Rivian R1T. Also we breakdown CR's new study on EV wall chargers and provide tips on how to improve the charging experience. 

 

 

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

 

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

00:34 - 2022 GMC Hummer EV Preview

03:05 - CR’s Wall-mounted Car Charger Study

08:56 - 2021 Lexus IS First Impressions

15:43 - Question #1: Is now a good time to sell an unneeded vehicle?

19:02 - Question #2: Is the Toyota Avalon Hybrid as reliable as the regular Avalon?

23:05 - Question #3: Is leasing a Subaru Crosstrek, Hyundai Venue, or Kia Seltos a good idea? 

 

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Coronavirus Resource Hub

https://www.consumerreports.org/coronavirus/coronavirus-covid-19-updates/

 

Preview: 2022 GMC Hummer EV Turns an Off-Road Legend Into a Green Machine

https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/2022-gmc-hummer-ev-review/

 

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/

 

EVs Offer Big Savings Over Traditional Gas-Powered Cars

https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/evs-offer-big-savings-over-traditional-gas-powered-cars/

 

First Drive: 2021 Lexus IS Makes Evolutionary Improvements

https://www.consumerreports.org/sedans/2021-lexus-is-review/

 

2016 Lexus IS300 Quick Drive

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

 

2019 Toyota Avalon Quick Drive

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

 

4K Review: 2018 Subaru Crosstrek Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4J005E_TMeY

 

2019 LA Auto Show: 2021 Kia Seltos

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DzEQGzQ1WwM

 

2019 New York Auto Show: 2020 Hyundai Venue

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vg_FiOaMc0Y

 

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

 

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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This week we share our first impressions of the 2021 Genesis GV80, we go through the specs  and talk about whether this luxury SUV has what it takes to challenge some of the highly established competitors like the Audi Q7, BMW X5, Volvo XC90, and Cadillac XT6. Also Volkswagen recently announced the all-new Taos for 2022, our experts discuss where it fits within the Volkswagen SUV lineup and if the automotive industry needs another small SUV. We also answer audience questions about whether or not it's possible to purchase a vehicle directly from the manufacturer and bypass the dealer, how to prepare a car for a long trip after its been sitting in a garage for half a year, as well as how maintenance costs compare between plug-in hybrid, pure electric, and gas-only vehicles.

 

 

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

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

00:41 - 2022 Volkswagen Taos Preview

05:55 - 2021 Genesis GV80 First Impressions

14:53 - Question #1: Is it possible to purchase a car directly from the manufacturer?

19:43 - Question #2: Does CR data suggest that after sorting out big issues on an unreliable vehicle that the car will last for some time after?

21:00 - Question #3: How to prepare a car for a long trip after it has been sitting in a garage for half a year?

22:26 - Question #4: How does maintenance cost compare between plug-in hybrid, pure electric, and gas-only vehicles.   

 

 

---------------------------------- 

 

Coronavirus Resource Hub

https://www.consumerreports.org/coronavirus/coronavirus-covid-19-updates/

 

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

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

 

Preview: Sleek and Sporty 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 Electric SUV Revealed

https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/2021-volkswagen-id4-review/

 

New 2021 Genesis GV80 Is a Stylish 3-Row Luxury SUV

https://www.consumerreports.org/suvs/2021-genesis-gv80-is-stylish-three-row-luxury-suv/

 

First Drive: Freshened, Swanky Audi Q7 Is Brimming With Technology

https://www.consumerreports.org/suvs/2020-audi-q7-review/

 

2019 BMW X5 Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X3jBWOUPsfA

 

2016 Volvo XC90 Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jyQWKK3nUlw

 

2019 Detroit Auto Show: 2020 Cadillac XT6

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YL0Z8wAgBkY

 

2019 Detroit Auto Show: 2020 Lincoln Aviator

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

 

2018 Lexus RX350L Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pTrmC8jw57o

 

Prep Your Car for Winter

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3rczMZsN0g

 

2018 Mazda6 Quick Drive

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

 

2017 Audi A4 Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=khXQj4tCxxI

 

2018 LA Auto Show: 2019 Mazda3

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iRfZ-oO3qpM

 

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

 

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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With winter on its way, many people are asking: what are the benefits of winter tires vs. a set of all-seasons? The popularity of online, no-haggle car services like Carvana, CarMax, and CarSense has grown in recent months, but can you really get a good deal without visiting a car dealership and negotiating on price? We discuss using these services to buy a new or used car, as well as the high cost of replacement key fobs; the benefits of using premium fuel over regular in cars like the Volkswagen GTI and Mazda CX-9; the emergence of sometimes confusing electronic shifters from carmakers like BMW, Volvo, and Genesis; how CR awards points for standard advanced safety features, and if a Mazda6 is a good replacement for a dad who is losing his Acura TL to his teenage drivers.

 

 

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

 

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

00:47 - Question #1: What are the benefits of winter tires vs. all-seasons?

05:45 - Question #2: Why key fobs are so expensive to replace?

10:08 - Question #3: Is it possible to get a good deal with no-haggle service like CarSense and CarMax?

13:57 - Question #4: What are the benefits of using premium fuel over regular?

16:26 - Question #5: Why car manufacturers are moving towards push-button shifters?

20:57 - Question #6: How does CR award points for safety features to various car models? 

23:41 - Question #7: Is Mazda6 a good replacement for an Acura TL?

 

---------------------------------- 

 

Coronavirus Resource Hub

https://www.consumerreports.org/coronavirus/coronavirus-covid-19-updates/

 

New All-Weather Tires Outperform Some Snow Tires

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JfEcVZvQEA

 

Consumer Reports 2016 Tire Top Picks

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ofmriTaWL8

 

Getting your tires ready for winter

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hixD6srMlP0

 

Winter Driving Tips

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

 

Essential Winter Driving Tips

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIWVRbr15ek

 

Prep Your Car for Winter

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3rczMZsN0g

 

How to Replace Your Car’s Key Fob

https://www.consumerreports.org/car-maintenance/how-to-replace-your-car-key-fob/

 

Does Car Buying Make Your Head Spin?

https://www.consumerreports.org/buying-a-car/does-car-buying-make-your-head-spin/

 

Regular Gas vs. Premium Gas

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TdcPEk3ldzc

 

When It Comes to Gear Selectors, Drivers Prefer the Simplicity of Old-School Shifters

https://www.consumerreports.org/automotive-technology/car-gear-selector-satisfaction-survey/

 

Best Car Safety Features

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=46trYHfg5-k

 

Two Advanced Safety Features Every Cr Should Have

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8H5s6WvOUeo

 

2018 Mazda6 Quick Drive

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

 

2017 Audi A4 Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=khXQj4tCxxI

 

2017 Honda Civic Si

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JyKF6jsVIug

 

2018 LA Auto Show: 2019 Mazda3

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iRfZ-oO3qpM

 

2015 Volkswagen GTI first drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVL-IczHyl8

 

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

 

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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This week we share our first impressions of the 2021 Acura TLX sports sedan, and discuss whether it's size and performance gives it an edge over competitors like the BMW 3 and 5 Series (or even a Toyota Camry?!) We also provide options for exchanging out the all-season tires that come on a new car for something better suited to cold climates, like all-weather or winter tires. Our experts give advice on why a Ford Mustang GT might not be the best car for a new driver, and share some RWD alternatives; why bright DLRs (daytime running lights) might keep someone from turning on their headlights at night; and give a primer on everything you wanted to know about motor oil (but were afraid to ask!)

 

 

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

 

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 - Motor Oil 101 

07:53 - 2021 Acura TLX First Impressions

15:09 - Question #1: Are drivers forgetting to turn on their headlights more and more these days?

17:36 - Question #2: What are the options for replacing OEM all-season tires for winter or all-weather tires?

21:01 - Question #3: Which AWD vehicles behave more like a rear-wheel drive?

 

---------------------------------- 

 

Coronavirus Resource Hub

https://www.consumerreports.org/coronavirus/coronavirus-covid-19-updates/

 

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/

 

First Drive: 2021 Acura TLX Reborn With Performance in Mind

https://www.consumerreports.org/sedans/2021-acura-tlx-review/

 

2015 Acura TLX Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cmWBctJ08w0

 

2017 BMW 330i Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-o99R0RgD8

 

4K Review: 2017 BMW 5 Series Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TiwxPdHQU0M

 

First Drive: 2021 Kia K5 Is Packed With Plenty of Tech and Turbo Power

https://www.consumerreports.org/sedans/2021-kia-k5-review/

 

Winter Driving Tips

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

 

Essential Winter Driving Tips

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIWVRbr15ek

 

Prep Your Car for Winter

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3rczMZsN0g

 

2020 Kia Telluride Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBNhy1Putrs

 

 

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

 

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

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