This week we share our first impressions of the 2022 Nissan Frontier and 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz, and discuss which consumers each might appeal to. We talk about how Consumer Reports testing methods are evolving as electric vehicles become more prominent; if spare tires expire, and when you might want to consider a replacement; if "skateboard-style" EVs weight distribution improves its traction performance; and if the Toyota Prius' shifter design shortcomings are overlooked in CR's ratings.

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SHOW NOTES

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00:00 - Introduction

00:29 - New York Auto Show Cancelled

02:28 - Audience Picks for "Guilty Pleasure Vehicles"

08:27 - 2022 Nissan Frontier First Impressions

18:04 - 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz First Impressions

27:45 - Question #1: When should you replace a spare tire?

28:58 - Question #2: How will CR's testing methods change when electric vehicles become more prominent?

30:28 - Question #3: Does the even battery weight distribution on a "skateboard-style" EV improve its traction performance?

31:26 - Question #4: Does the Prius' efficiency and reliability wash out its unique shifter design shortcomings?

34:16 - Question #5: How to choose a car with optimal seat comfort?

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First Drive: The 2022 Nissan Frontier Is More Than Just a New Look

https://www.consumerreports.org/pickup-trucks/2022-nissan-frontier-review/

First Drive: 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz Pickup Proves Ready for Pint-Sized Adventures

https://www.consumerreports.org/pickup-trucks/2022-hyundai-santa-cruz-review/

Electric Cars 101: The Answers to All Your EV Questions

https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/electric-cars-101-the-answers-to-all-your-ev-questions/

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/

When to Replace Your Tires

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n98VF8kb7mQ

Low-Profile Tires vs. Potholes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n98VF8kb7mQ

2016 Toyota Prius Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6GwUY0-gB0Q

Guide to Car Safety

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-guide-to-car-safety/

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/

Coronavirus Resource Hub

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

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