Talking Cars (Video)
452 episodes - English - Latest episode: 19 days ago - ★★★★ - 6 ratingsJoin our experts at the Consumer Reports Test Track as they discuss cars, answer buying questions, and share insights on everything automotive.
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Episodes
CR Experts Live From Their Living Rooms
April 17, 2020 16:00 - 27 minutes - 236 MB VideoThe gang's all here! This week, our CR auto experts answer your questions from the comfort of their homes. We reach out to the entire Talking Cars team to see what they have been doing to keep busy during the quarantine, and answer your questions about maintaining your car during the coronavirus crisis, why Toyota isn't building electric vehicles, whether a white or yellow fog light is more effective, a fun replacement for a Toyota Celica GT-S, and more. SHOW NOTES ----------------------...
#250 Keep Gasoline In Your Tank From Going Stale; 2020 Volkswagen Passat Test Results
April 11, 2020 03:29 - 34 minutes - 825 MB VideoThis week we discuss our test results of the 2020 Volkswagen Passat, and how it stacks up against its competitors in the midsized segment. We share tips on how to keep your car’s fuel fresh while it is (likely) being driven fewer miles during the coronavirus pandemic. We also discuss if a plug-in hybrid version of the Jeep Gladiator is on the horizon, how effective a load leg is on a child seat, and whether the tachometer is still necessary in modern vehicles. ---------------------...
#249 2021 Genesis G80 Debut; Coronavirus Car Seat Care
April 04, 2020 00:32 - 27 minutes - 460 MB VideoWe discuss the digital debut of the 2120 Genesis G80. Find out how we think the sedan will stack up against its more established luxury competitors. We also cover the best way to clean your child seat during the COVID-19 pandemic and answer questions. Check out https://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/1Yf5Fh...
#248 2020 Hyundai Sonata Test Results; Staying Safe at The Pump
March 27, 2020 21:00 - 28 minutes - 485 MB VideoThis week, we discuss how to protect yourself against the coronavirus when pumping gas. Plus, we share test results on our 2020 Hyundai Sonata, looking at how it stacks up against the heavyweights in the category such as Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, and the Subaru Legacy. We finish the episode with audience questions about whether car buying incentives get better during an economic shakeup (like the coronavirus pandemic), and whether CR engineers use decibel meters when evaluating cabin noise...
#247 2020 Toyota Highlander Test Results; Cleaning Your Car of Coronavirus
March 20, 2020 19:48 - 25 minutes - 385 MB VideoThis week we cover tips on how to keep your car clean during the Coronavirus outbreak. Find out which cleaners work best to kill the virus while preserving the interior of your car. Plus, we discuss our test results of the 2020 Toyota Highlander and answer audience questions about CR Top Picks and the reliability of American made cars. Check out http://www.ConsumerReports.org for the latest reviews, tips, and recommendations and subscribe to our YouTube Channel: http://bit.ly/1Nlb1Ez F...
#246 Buying vs Leasing an Electric Car; Stuck with Large Rims & Low Profile Tires?
March 14, 2020 02:44 - 32 minutes - 542 MB VideoThis week we cover a wide range of topics, including comparing Consumer Reports’ ratings across car categories; installing a front-facing child seat in the rear seat of a sports car; why higher-level trim cars come with larger wheels and low profile tires; how CR tests the subject aspects of a tire’s performance, and which would be a better 3-row SUV for a growing family: the Acura MDX, or Mazda CX-9. ----------------------------------- Have a question for our experts? Leave a co...
#245 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport; Coronavirus Affecting Auto Shows
March 06, 2020 22:00 - 30 minutes - 484 MB VideoConsumer Reports has rented a 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, and we give our first impressions on this 2-row midsize SUV, compare it to the regular Atlas, as well as other 5-seat SUVs. With the cancellation of the Geneva Auto Show due to the outbreak of the coronavirus, we discuss the future of auto shows worldwide, and whether they make practical sense for manufacturers anymore. We also answer audience questions about how CR car experts are able to retain information to compare differen...
#244 Rising Vehicle Repair Costs; Hybrid vs. Regular Car Debate; Car Buying Advice
February 28, 2020 22:00 - 30 minutes - 484 MB VideoThis week is an all-questions episode, where we answer as many audience questions as possible. Topics include recommending a vehicle to a first-time car buyer moving to the U.S. from Switzerland; what is the future of tire-pressure monitoring systems; can the higher price tag of a Corolla Hybrid be made back pretty quickly with fuel savings vs. the regular Corolla; why fender-benders are getting pricier to repair; and we end by giving advice about which vehicles are best-suited to elderly dr...
#243 2020 Ford Escape Hybrid Test Results; CR Autos Spotlight
February 20, 2020 17:00 - 24 minutes - 720 MB VideoWe’ve completed testing the 2020 Ford Escape Hybrid. Find out how this version of the small SUV tops the traditionally powered Escape in our tests. We also break down how we rate the best and worst vehicles and brands for CR’s 2020 Autos Spotlight, clear up some confusion about EV ownership and answer your questions. Check out https://www.ConsumerReports.org for the latest reviews, tips, and recommendations and subscribe to our YouTube Channel: http://bit.ly/1Nlb1Ez Follow Us on Social: ...
#242 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB First Impressions; Replacing Run-Flats with Standard Tires | Talking Cars #242
February 14, 2020 17:00 - 22 minutes - 444 MB VideoWe just purchased the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB250 for our test program, and discuss its driving characteristics, controls, and where this compact SUV fits into the Mercedes lineup. We also dip into our mail bag and answer questions about replacing run-flats with regular tires, recommend a compact luxury sport sedan for city driving in Canada, and suggest a CUV (crossover utility vehicle) that is capable of fitting 3 child seats in the second row. ----------------------------------- ...
#241 2020 Cadillac CT5 First Impressions; ‘Super’ Car Ads
February 07, 2020 18:37 - 28 minutes - 434 MB VideoWe bought the all-new Cadillac CT5 for our test program and share our first impressions. Find out if we think this sports sedan has what it takes to challenge European competitors. Plus, we recap Super Bowl car ads that caught our attention and answer audience questions about traveling with pets and how vehicles earn a CR Recommendation. Check out https://www.ConsumerReports.org for the latest reviews, tips, and recommendations and subscribe to our YouTube Channel: http://bit.ly/1Nlb1Ez ...
#240 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS Test Results; Captain's Chairs vs Bench Seats
January 31, 2020 22:17 - 22 minutes - 451 MB VideoThis week, we discuss the test results of the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS450, and we share how this luxurious 3-row SUV performed at our track. We also answer questions about the likelihood of LED headlights getting covered by snow and ice (and what to do about it,) why the captain's chairs on higher trim level 3-row CUVs and SUVs might not be preferable to a standard bench seat, and if the new Honda Accord's 4-cylinder turbo engine is reliable. ----------------------------------- Hav...
#239 2020 Chevrolet Silverado Diesel Test Results; Do Tires Ever Expire?
January 27, 2020 22:00 - 19 minutes - 457 MB VideoThis week, we reveal the test results of the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado Diesel, which leads us to ask what does the future of the pickup truck look like? We also talk about the legality, drivability, and safety concerns surrounding lifted pickup trucks, if tires can expire with age rather than wear, and why Consumer Reports' fuel test results differ from the EPA's numbers. ----------------------------------- Have a question for our experts? Leave a comment on this episode, or reach...
#238 2020 Hyundai Sonata First Impressions; Audience Questions
January 17, 2020 16:50 - 23 minutes - 869 MB VideoThe 2020 Hyundai Sonata joins our test fleet and we discuss the redesigned car's bold new styling, the role sedans play in a market dominated by SUVs and how Hyundai packed the latest safety and convenience technology into an affordable vehicle. Plus, we answer your questions about run-flat tire tread wear, CR's stance on hard buttons versus touchscreens and how seats that lack lumbar adjustment can be a dealbreaker. Check out https://www.ConsumerReports.org for the latest reviews, tips, ...
#237 2020 Nissan Sentra; CES Concept Cars; Are Re-Tread Tires a Good Option?
January 10, 2020 19:34 - 28 minutes - 466 MB VideoThis week, we rented the 2020 Nissan Sentra, and give our first impressions on how this compact sedan drives, handles, and has evolved since it was introduced way back in 2013. We also discuss some of the concept cars that were unveiled at CES (including a car from Sony??) We also talk about whether re-tread tires are a good choice when shopping for a new set of wheels for your vehicle, as well as the viability of street parking (and only occasionally charging) a Tesla Model 3 in Boston, wha...
Best Autos Moments of the Decade
December 30, 2019 17:00 - 29 minutes - 485 MB VideoAs we wrap up the final days of the decade, we look back on our favorite moments of the last ten years: our favorite vehicles of the 2010s, the most important innovations in the automotive space, and how Consumer Reports has adapted to this rapidly changing industry. We also discuss our predictions and wishes for what's to come in 2020 and beyond! SHOW NOTES ----------------------------------- 0:43 - how testing has changed at CR in the last ten years 3:15 - the cars CR was testing i...
2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA Test Results; 2019 Automotive Naughty & Nice List
December 27, 2019 17:00 - 26 minutes - 443 MB VideoWe have completed testing on Mercedes' 4-door coupe (or is it a sedan?), the 2020 CLA, and discuss whether its lower price makes it worthy of being a "gateway Benz." We celebrate this festive season and the end of 2019 with our own naughty and nice lists, and share our personal highlights and lowlights from the past year. We also talk about the nuances of finding the right adaptive cruise control system, how CR awards points for advanced safety gear across model lines, and the benefits of al...
2020 Toyota Highlander First Impressions; Studded Tires & Rustproofing for Winter Driving
December 20, 2019 18:10 - 22 minutes - 346 MB VideoWe rented the all-new 2020 Toyota Highlander SUV this week, and give you our first impressions after taking it for a spin at the Consumer Reports test track. We also discuss whether underbody rustproofing and studded tires (or lack thereof) are must-have equipment for driving in the snow and ice this winter. Other topics include how manufacturers determine their original equipment tires, the importance of proper child seat fitment, and what is one car we would love, if not for a critical mis...
2020 Mazda CX-30 & 2020 Hyundai Venue; Is It Smart to Buy a Used Car Online?
December 13, 2019 17:00 - 27 minutes - 455 MB VideoConsumer Reports recently rented a 2020 Mazda CX-30, the carmaker's latest small SUV, and purchased the all-new 2020 Hyundai Venue small SUV, and we give our first impressions on what it's like to be behind the wheel of these new cars in this growing segment. We also discuss used car buying sites like Carvana and Vroom, and what you can do to protect yourself when purchasing a car online. In addition, we answer audience questions about the scarcity of the Volkswagen eGolf in the US, how to p...
#232: 2020 Toyota Supra Test Results; Confusing Names for Safety Features
December 09, 2019 11:06 - 29 minutes - 1.06 GB VideoWe’ve completed testing of the 2020 Toyota Supra. Find out how it performed and if its BMW-based platform lives up to the hype. We also talk about CR’s joint effort with AAA, J.D. Power, and the National Safety Council to develop common terms for advanced driver safety systems. Plus, we answer audience questions about crash tests, the performance of different size winter tires, and if leaving a sunroof cracked open will help keep a car cool. ————————————————— Subscribe to Talking Cars on ...
#231 Live from Los Angeles; How CA Guides the Auto Industry
November 28, 2019 17:30 - 1 hour - 1.31 GB VideoWhen it comes to cars, what happens in California doesn't stay in California. In fact, the most populated state in the US has a history of affecting changes in car culture and trends around the rest of the country (if not the world!) We speak to CA residents in person during this live recording of Talking Cars from the LA Auto Show, and discuss how issues like emissions regulations, fuel economy legislation, and alternative fuel adoption began here, and have had an impact around the rest of ...
#230: 2019 Los Angeles Auto Show
November 22, 2019 19:27 - 19 minutes - 301 MB VideoWe're on location at the LA Auto Show where we discuss three of the big trends we saw on the show floor — the continuation of all-electric debuts, including the Ford Mustang Mach-E, the Mercedes-Benz EQC, and the Audi e-tron Sportback; The explosion of all-new small and compact SUVs, like the Kia Seltos, Mazda CX-30, and Chevrolet Trailblazer; and the changing perception of what's considered a performance car, with examples such as the Audi RS6 Avant, Toyota Avalon TRD, and the Tesla Model 3...
#229 2020 Subaru Outback; Consumer Reports’ Reliability Survey Results
November 14, 2019 22:00 - 21 minutes - 490 MB VideoWe've completed our testing on the 2020 Subaru Outback, and share the results of this popular crossover. Every year, hundreds of thousands of CR's members take part in our annual reliability survey, answering questions about how well the vehicles they drive every day are holding up, or if they are experiencing issues. We discuss our survey methods, and give advice on making a wise car buying decision. Also, we answer audience questions about why the Toyota Hilux is not available in North Ame...
#228: BMW M850i & Bentley Bentayga Review; FCA/Peugeot Merger
November 08, 2019 17:01 - 28 minutes - 440 MB VideoWe recently rented two very expensive cars to try out at our test track: the 2019 BMW M850i, and the 2020 Bentley Bentayga. While these high-end cars are too rare for CR to purchase and formally enter into our test program, we share our impressions of these cars, and whether these six figure vehicles deliver an experience worthy of their sky high price tags. We also discuss the possible merger of Fiat Chrysler with French automaker Peugeot, and how past automaker mergers and alliances have a...
#227 2020 Lincoln Corsair First Impressions; How Crash Test Dummies Can Cause Injuries
November 01, 2019 19:00 - 31 minutes - 485 MB VideoWe give our first impressions of the 2020 Lincoln Corsair SUV, which we recently bought for our testing program, including how it compares to the platforming-sharing 2020 Ford Escape. We also discuss our recent investigation into how male-focused crash test dummies put female drivers at risk. And we answer your questions about compact SUVs under $10,000, Apple CarPlay subscriptions, and the science behind anti-whiplash seats. ----------------------------------- Have a questio...
#226 2020 Nissan Versa First Impressions; What Are The Right Safety Features?
October 25, 2019 20:00 - 24 minutes - 443 MB VideoNew at the track this week is the 2020 Nissan Versa we recently purchased for our test program. We share our first impressions, and discuss the struggles of the subcompact sedan segment. We also talk about NHTSA's (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) new initiative to overhaul its vehicle crash test program, and how this will benefit consumers. In our Q&A segment, we answer audience questions about the long-term reliability of Ford's Ecoboost engines, if there are too many safet...
#225: 2019 Mercedes A-Class Test Results; Why Windshield Replacements Are More Expensive
October 18, 2019 18:21 - 26 minutes - 603 MB VideoWe've completed testing of the 2019 Mercedes A-Class, and discuss how it performed at our track; does the small sedan live up to the luxury nameplate? We also discuss Ford's issues with its Explorer and Aviator models, and why problems with a brand new car aren't as uncommon as you might think. And why are windshield replacements becoming more expensive? We answer that, as well as questions about our tire testing, and the lack of Japanese cars on European roads in our audience Q&A segment. ...
#224 Tesla Smart Summon; 2020 Hyundai Palisade Test Results
October 11, 2019 16:00 - 25 minutes - 418 MB VideoTesla's latest vehicle software update includes a feature called Smart Summon. We talk about the use and effectiveness of this autonomous feature and share our experiences of how it performed on our Model 3. Plus, we completed testing on the 2020 Hyundai Palisade, find out how it stacks up against its sister SUV, the Kia Telluride. And, we answer audience questions about head-gasket replacement, run-flat winter tires and Autobahn-worthy convertibles. -------------------------------...
#223 2020 Ford F-150 Raptor First Impressions; Should I Trust My Mechanic Over the Car's Manual?
October 04, 2019 21:00 - 21 minutes - 322 MB VideoThis week we share our first impressions on the 2020 Ford F-150 Raptor that we rented, discuss its impressive off-road capabilities and who is this unique machine targeted towards. We also examine AAA's new study on vehicle pedestrian detection systems, and talk about the importance of these safety features and how they can save lives. We also answer audience questions about when is the right time to change your car's brake fluid, what is the proper way to match a new replacement tire to ot...
#222 2020 Ford Escape First Impressions; California Emissions Update
September 27, 2019 15:15 - 30 minutes - 468 MB VideoWe drive the all-new 2020 Ford Escape at the Consumer Reports test track, and share our first impressions of the redesigned small SUV. Plus, we discuss the latest developments in in California’s emissions regulations, and what it all means for consumers. We also answer audience questions about car subscription programs, solutions for fixing a rough ride in your car or truck, and use our testing expertise to determine the most fuel efficient speed for highway driving. ————————————————— Su...
#221 2020 Lincoln Aviator First Impressions; Are Roadside Speedometers Accurate?
September 20, 2019 16:00 - 24 minutes - 367 MB VideoThe 2020 Lincoln Aviator is the newest addition to our test fleet. We share our first impressions of the 3-row SUV and how it stacks up to its competitors. Plus, what car that would fulfill your every need? Our experts choose one car currently on the market and explain how it will fit their current lifestyle. We also answer questions about how CR manages vehicle driving modes during testing, if car and roadside speedometers are accurate, and recommend a manual transmission car for a tall dri...
#220 Are Used EVs a Safe Bet; Aftermarket Rustproofing; Best First Cars For Teens
September 13, 2019 16:18 - 31 minutes - 478 MB VideoThis week is dedicated to your questions! We discuss if worn brake pads affect adaptive cruise control and AEB systems, how to improve your headlights, why some turn signals are red while others are yellow, plus tips on winter wheel packages. ————————————————— 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 ques...
#219 2019 Audi A6 First Look; All-Electric Ford F-150
September 06, 2019 19:18 - 24 minutes - 386 MB VideoThis week we share our first impressions of the Audi A6 including its all-new drivetrain and the waning relevance of sedans in the luxury market. Plus, our experts talk about the impact of Ford announcing plans for an all-electric F-150 pickup and a newly released NTSB report on a Tesla crash in California. We also answer your questions about bumper-to-bumper warranties and maintenance tips to keep your car running over 200K miles. ————————————————— Subscribe to Talking Cars on Apple Pod...
#218 2020 Subaru Legacy First Impressions; Should You Buy a Vehicle with No Maintenance History?
August 29, 2019 19:08 - 24 minutes - 378 MB VideoThis week we discuss the 2020 Subaru Legacy, and share our first impressions on the all-wheel drive sedan. We also discuss the controversy surrounding changing emissions and fuel economy standards. And we answer audience questions about the risk of buying a car without a maintenance history, a replacement for a beloved Ford Flex, if driving habits should change when switching from all-wheel drive gas vehicle to a rear wheel drive electric car, and if driving a manual during a long commute is...
#217 2020 Subaru Outback First Impressions; Dealer Markups on Popular Cars
August 23, 2019 17:27 - 25 minutes - 390 MB VideoThis week our experts share their first impressions of the 2020 Subaru Outback, discussing the latest iteration of Subaru's EyeSight advanced safety system, the available turbo four-cylinder engine, and the large touch screen. We also answer audience questions, including what to do when a dealer marks up the price of a popular, hard to find vehicle like the Kia Telluride; is there a significant reliability difference in the first year of a new or redesigned car; and can premium fuel boost yo...
#216 2020 Ford Explorer First Impressions; How Are CUVs and SUVs Different?
August 15, 2019 18:13 - 26 minutes - 407 MB VideoOn this episode, we talk about the 2020 Ford Explorer we've purchased for our test program, and discuss how this midsized three-row SUV stacks up against the some of the better competitors. Also, our experts discuss how emerging technology is playing a role in preventing a child from being left in a hot car, and give tips on what any driver can do to help prevent a tragedy. We wrap up with questions from our audience, including the difference between CR's and IIHS' headlight testing, how Con...
#215 Rising Car Battery Prices; Stressful Car Buying Situations; Replacement for Ultra High Mileage Toyota Camry
August 09, 2019 16:30 - 30 minutes - 462 MB VideoThis week we dip into the mailbag to answer audience questions, including ways to improve the car buying experience at the dealer, whether all-season or winter tires are better for wet (but not snowy) driving conditions, and if pressing your accelerator will override automatic emergency braking (AEB) in a crash situation, and many more! ----------------------------------- Have a question for our experts? Leave a comment on this episode, or reach out to us directly! From your iOS...
#214 2019 Volkswagen Arteon First Impressions; Which Modern Car Will Become A Future Classic?
August 03, 2019 12:00 - 23 minutes - 440 MB VideoThis week we give our first impressions on the all-new 2019 Volkswagen Arteon, and discuss the evolution of this hatchback sedan. Then, our experts each select a car on the market today that they think will become a classic show car in the future. Also, we dip into the mailbag to answer audience questions, including why you should not try to test automatic emergency braking at home, if low-profile tires serve any function on a pickup truck, and if the BMW-powered Toyota Supra will maintain T...
#213 2020 Cadillac XT6 First Impressions; Why Are Wagons Going Away?
July 26, 2019 16:58 - 26 minutes - 408 MB VideoWe just bought a 2020 Cadillac XT6 for testing at the track, and we give our first impressions on the midsized SUV, including how it stacks up against other 3-row competitors (including its big brother, the Escalade.) Volkswagen has ended production on some of the last station wagons in the US market, the Golf Alltrack and SportWagen; we analyze why many wagons are being discontinued, and what they are being replaced with. We also answer audience questions about the ideal driving conditions ...
#212 2019 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Test Results; CR's Tire Purchasing Survey Results
July 19, 2019 14:26 - 22 minutes - 345 MB VideoThis week we share our test results on the 2019 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, and how it stacks up compared to the standard RAV4. We also look at CR's exclusive survey on our member’s tire purchasing experiences, and discuss some of the most effective tire buying techniques. We end the episode with audience questions, including whether or not a car with dark paint gets hotter than a lighter one when left in the sun, the pros and cons of the various transmission systems available on the market, and if ...
#211 2019 Audi E-Tron First Impressions; Lee Iacocca Automotive Career Highlights
July 12, 2019 14:03 - 31 minutes - 486 MB VideoThis week our team shares their first impressions on the 2019 Audi E-Tron, the German automaker's first electric vehicle, and discusses how it compares to other luxury EVs. We also talk about the passing of Lee Iacocca, a legendary automotive executive, and share some of the highlights (and lowlights) from his time in the automotive industry. We end the episode with audience questions, touching on topics like the availability of car parts when a vehicle is discontinued, whether or not headli...
#210 2020 Hyundai Palisade First Impressions; Should a Teen Learn to Drive on a Manual?
July 08, 2019 17:10 - 27 minutes - 418 MB VideoThis week, we give our first impressions of the 2020 Palisade, Hyundai's all-new upscale three-row SUV. Summer is road trip season, and we choose the best car in the CR Auto Test fleet for one of our panelists to take on a trip to Montreal. We also answer audience questions about the 2019 Kia Niro's loss in recommendation from CR, and whether or not a teenager should learn to drive on a manual transmission car rather than an automatic. ----------------------------------- Have a q...
#209 2019 Jaguar I-Pace Test results; 2019 Kia Soul First Impressions
June 28, 2019 15:29 - 24 minutes - 379 MB VideoWe talk electric this week, sharing the test results of the Jaguar's all-new I-Pace EV and compare it with the Tesla Model X and other electric vehicles. We then discuss our first impressions of the 2019 Kia Soul and the Soul EV. Plus, we wrap up the episode with audience questions. ----------------------------------- 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 [email protected] to send...
#208 We Answer Audience Questions
June 21, 2019 19:56 - 24 minutes - 378 MB VideoThis week our expert panelists answer as many questions as time allows. We discuss the best time of year to buy a car, whether or not to ever turn off an automatic emergency braking system, and does an $8,000 cut in price make the new Chevrolet Blazer a viable choice. Plus, many 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....
#207 2019 BMW 330i and 2019 Volvo S60 Matchup
June 13, 2019 17:50 - 22 minutes - 338 MB VideoIt's a head-to-head this week! We just finished testing the 2019 BMW 330i and Volvo S60 and we compare the results of these two luxury sport sedans. We wrap up the episode with some interesting questions about how we test seating position, if we recommend the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, are all-weather tires worth your while, and why the Volkswagen TDis still on the road? ---------------------------------------- Have a question for our experts? Leave a comment on this episode, or reach...
#206 2019 Subaru Crosstrek Plug-in Hybrid First Impressions; Audience Questions
June 07, 2019 15:59 - 28 minutes - 437 MB VideoWe just bought a 2019 Subaru Crosstrek Plug-in Hybrid, and share our first impressions of how it drives. We also answer quite a few audience questions this week, ranging from why we don't have Japanese Kei cars in the US market, how to find out if the car you are purchasing has unresolved manufacturer recalls, and can you put a child in the front seat. ------------------------------------- Have a question for our experts? Leave a comment on this episode, or reach out to us directly!...
#205 2019 Kia Niro EV First Impressions; Honda Fixing Its CR-V's Troubled Engines
May 31, 2019 19:42 - 160 KB VideoWe share our first impressions on our very own Kia Niro Electric and discuss the growing EV market. Also, Honda has finally announced that it will begin fixing the 2017 and 2018 Honda CR-Vs with the troubled 1.5-liter turbo engines. We end with audience questions, including whether there should be regulations for headlight/brake light sensors, what to know about your advanced safety system sensors in poor driving conditions, and weighing the options when purchasing a car with no spare tire. ...
#204 Partially Automated Driving Systems and Tesla's New Autopilot Update
May 23, 2019 21:42 - 25 minutes - 569 MB VideoWe tried out an updated setting on Tesla’s Navigate on Autopilot that allows the car to automatically make lane changes without any additional input from the driver. We also discuss the state of other partially automated driving systems on the market and share our concerns on what this trend means for the future. Plus, we answer questions about octane ratings, in-car controls, and vehicle data loggers. ------------------------------------------ Have a question for our experts? Le...
#203 2020 Toyota Supra; 2019 BMW Z4 Test Results; Exploding Sunroofs
May 17, 2019 18:16 - 27 minutes - 419 MB VideoWe give our first impressions of the much anticipated return of the Toyota Supra, and discuss how to compares with the Supras of the past. Testing is complete on the 2019 BMW Z4, and we talk about how it performed in the tests here at our track. We also answer audience questions about the Hyundai sunroof class action lawsuit, heavy duty pickup trucks, and why new cars are ditching the traditional emergency brake for an electronic e-brake. ————————————————— Subscribe to Talking Cars on Ap...
#202 Audience Questions; Best AWD Vehicles, Tow Ratings, Unicorn Vehicles
May 09, 2019 15:42 - 34 minutes - 527 MB VideoThis week it’s another all questions episode! We talk about everything from the best all-wheel drive cars for winter commutes, why 4x4 trucks tow less weight than you may think, new car buying advice and we try to locate a ‘unicorn’ vehicle for $35K. ————————————————— 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 Hav...