Talking Cars (SD)

The 2021 Chevy Suburban is one of the latest additions to our testing fleet, and we give our first impressions on what it’s like to drive this big SUV, both on the open road, as well as in urban environments. The subscription model is common with many services these days, yet is still fairly uncommon in the automotive world. However, recent announcements by Tesla and GM may change this, and could introduce the concept of charging a monthly fee for access to important safety features. We talk about how these programs will work, and why they might not be in the best interest of consumers. We also discuss the long-term reliability of turbos and direct-injection vehicles, the best way to store your winter or summer tires, and if a dealership might allow you to learn to drive a manual transmission with one of their vehicles (spoiler alert: probably not.)

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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 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

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00:00 - Introduction

00:29 - Monthly Subscription Fees for Vehicle Safety Features

05:53 - 2021 Chevrolet Suburban First Impressions

13:36 - Question #1: Are turbocharged engines less reliable than non-turbos?

16:35 - Question #2: Which Toyota vehicle would have the best resale value?

19:41 - Question #3: What is the best practice for storing a set of tires?

22:24 - Question #4: Would a car dealer allow an inexperienced operator test drive a manual transmission vehicle?

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Coronavirus Resource Hub

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

Why You Might Need to Subscribe to Get Certain Features on Your Next Car

https://www.consumerreports.org/automotive-industry/why-you-might-need-to-subscribe-to-get-certain-features-on-your-next-car/

2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban Grow in Size and Features

https://www.consumerreports.org/suvs/2021-chevrolet-tahoe-suburban-preview/

Prep Your Car for Winter

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

Getting your tires ready for winter: Advice from Consumer Reports

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

2016 Toyota Tacoma Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHnpNycnJ1s

2017 Honda CR-V Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CwN2Tl1A5Z4

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

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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 [email protected] 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

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

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 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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.   

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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 [email protected] 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?

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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 [email protected] 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?

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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:

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We recently purchased a 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid for our test program, and our experts discuss how it compares to the regular Sonata, as well as competitors like the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord hybrids. Ford has announced an EV F-150 pickup, and we talk about whether truck buyers are ready to embrace electric trucks like the Rivian R1T and Tesla Cybertruck, and if they can meet towing needs. Volkswagen and Electrify America announced an agreement providing unlimited charging for owners of the all-new 2021 ID.4 electric SUV. We touch on a new line of electric vehicles from Hyundai called i-oniq: the i-oniq 5 crossover, i-oniq 6 sedan, and the i-oniq 7 SUV. We also answer questions about prepping a Miata (or any car) for track days, and why it might be difficult to pre-order a new Kia K5 GT to your exact specifications.

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

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 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

00:32 - 2021 Ford F-150 Electric 

05:51 - Electrify America and Volkswagen Free Charging Agreement for ID.4

07:52 - Hyundai’s New I-oniq Line of Electric Vehicles

08:45 - 2020 Hyundai Santa Hybrid First Impressions

15:49 - Question #1: How to prepare a Mazda Mita (or any other car) for track day?

20:45 - Question #2: What could the strange noise and tire rubbing sensation when turning be in a AWD vehicle?

22:46 - Question #3: Why it might be difficult to pre-order a new Kia K5 GT to your exact specs?

25:04 - Question #4: What is a suitable replacement for a 2004 Toyota Prius with 260 miles?

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Coronavirus Resource Hub

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

Preview: All-New 2021 Ford F-150 Is a High-Tech Workhorse

https://www.consumerreports.org/pickup-trucks/2021-ford-f-150-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/

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

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

2019 New York Auto Show: 2020 Hyundai Sonata

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-CL_zbxHhs

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

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

2018 LA Auto Show: 2019 Toyota Prius AWD

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_uuYO8OIjl8

2019 Toyota RAV4 Quick Drive

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

4K Review: 2018 Subaru Crosstrek Quick Drive

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

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

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:

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This week we share our first impressions of the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe SUV, how it measures up to competitors like the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade, and whether it is suited for towing and hauling a lot of cargo and people. CR has completed its review of Tesla's Full Self-Driving Capability package in our Model 3 and Model Y; we share what we found, and how CR is adapting testing at the Auto Test track to evaluate autonomous driving features now and in the future. We also answer questions about the proper way to break-in a new vehicle, what is covered under Volkswagen's PZEV (Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle) warranty, and why a car's air conditioner can develop a musty smell, and how to make the AC fresh once again!

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

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 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

00:30 - Tesla Full Self-Driving Capability Package Review

08:47 - 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe First Impressions

16:37 - Question #1: How to properly break-in a new vehicle?

20:02 - Question #2: What is covered under Volkswagen’s PZEV warranty?

22:41 - Question #3: What is the best way to get rid of a musty smell from a car’s AC?

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Coronavirus Resource Hub

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

Tesla’s ‘Full Self-Driving Capability’ Falls Short of Its Name

https://www.consumerreports.org/autonomous-driving/tesla-full-self-driving-capability-review-falls-short-of-its-name/

Tesla Full Self-Driving Review

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQOf_F6hibk

2018 Tesla Model 3 Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0VlwLRJFAo

2015 Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmTXLmKoYP4

2018 LA Auto Show: 2020 Hyundai Palisade

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

2020 Kia Telluride Quick Drive

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

How to Cool Your Car Like a Pro

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4XnoSRtSAo

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/

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

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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We wrapped up testing on our 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport and share the results. Jeep has resurrected an iconic name plate with its newly unveiled Wagoneer, we talk about the nostalgia associated with this large SUV and go through the specs.  Also Mercedes-Benz has redesigned its flagship S-Class sedan for 2021, and we discuss some of the new technology that the luxury sedan will feature.  And we tackle a few audience questions about electric vehicles including one about how EVs' high performance affects tire wear.

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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 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

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00:00 - Introduction

01:39 - Jeep unveils the 2021 Wagoneer

06:25 - 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

9:35 - 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport Test Results

13:57 - Question #1: Is the Mini Cooper SE a viable electric vehicle?

17:04 - Question #2: Is it a good idea to import the Hyundai Ioniq Electric to Iowa from a different state?

20:14 - Question #3: Do high performance vehicles have a shorter tire life than regular gas powered cars?

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Coronavirus Resource Hub

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

2019 LA Auto Show: 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Niy-WZzl3zQ

4K Review: 2018 Volkswagen Atlas Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CYG_5qJZXqw

Jeep Unveils New Plug-In Hybrid SUVs and Grand Wagoneer Concept

https://www.consumerreports.org/suvs/jeep-plug-in-hybrid-suvs-grand-wagoneer-concept/

Preview: High-Tech 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Ultra-Luxury Sedan

https://www.consumerreports.org/luxury-cars/2021-mercedes-benz-s-class-review/

2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Review

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ojfBQEZ8jo

10 Things You Didn’t Know About The Tesla Model S

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJXPBKr4gvA

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/

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We touch on a number of topics this week, including if a used Subaru Ascent is a good replacement for an Audi A4, why your infotainment system might not play nice with your Apple iPhone or Android phone, the right way to tie down an object to your roof, and how Consumer Reports headlight testing differs from that of IIHS. We also discuss routine maintenance that is unique to EVs, why an automatic emergency braking system might give a driver false positives, how car designs might be affected with a move to "skateboard" or modular architectures, using a child seat with an inflatable seat belt, and why you might not be able to tow a hybrid vehicle behind your RV.

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

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 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

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00:00 - Introduction

01:45 - Question #1: Is a Subaru Ascent a good replacement for an Audi A4?

06:02 - Question #2: Which automatic emergency braking system works best: camera-based or radar?

9:34 - Question #3: Why are there connectivity issues between phones and car infotainment systems?

11:46 - Question #4: What is the proper way to secure cargo to a car’s roof?

14:22 - Question #5: What is the difference between CR’s and IIHS’ headlight test?

17:23 - Question #6: What are the required maintenance items from the latest EVs?

20:08 - Question #7: Why does the forward-collision warning activate when there is nothing on the road?

22:50 - Question #8: What common parts are shared between “modular architectures” or “shared platform” on vehicles?

25:14 - Question #9: Is it potentially dangerous to install a forward facing child seat using an inflatable seat belt?

27:14 - Question #10: What small car is best suited for flat towing with a RV?

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Coronavirus Resource Hub

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

2017 Audi A4 Quick Drive

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

2019 Subaru Ascent Quick Drive

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

Self-Driving System Ranking

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X06tXpg7yiA

The Myth of the “Self-Driving” Car

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TpHdq7S65Io

How to Transport a Christmas Tree Safely

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-driving/how-to-transport-a-christmas-tree-safely/

Headlight Testing

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hOr0gqWYIu8

Headlight Cleaning Tips

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

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/

Consumer Reports’ Car Reliability FAQ

https://www.consumerreports.org/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/consumer-reports-car-reliability-faq/

How to Avoid Common Car-Seat Installation Mistakes

https://www.consumerreports.org/car-seats/how-to-avoid-common-car-seat-installation-mistakes/

Autos Tips: Child-Seat Installation

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-I4UvS9Ob1Y

Is Now the Right Time to Buy a Car?

https://www.consumerreports.org/buying-a-car/is-now-the-right-time-to-buy-a-car/

How to Buy Your First New or Used Car

https://www.consumerreports.org/buying-a-car/how-to-buy-your-first-new-or-used-car/

Tips for Buying a New Car

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8XR-_rhLzeY

Tips for Buying a Used Car

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

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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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