Talking Cars (Video)

In this episode, we separate fact from fiction about viral claims that a government-mandated "kill switch" for cars is coming in 2027. Our experts explain what the law actually says, how alcohol-impairment detection technology is being developed, and what that means for you when you make your next car purchase. We also answer an audience question about whether newer cars are really safer than older models and how advanced safety systems differ from driver convenience features.

SHOW NOTES:

0:00 - Intro

1:10 - The 2027 Car 'Kill Switch' myth

2:05 - What is the HALT Drunk Driving Act?

7:51 - Direct Driver Monitoring Systems (DDMS)

10:30 - Audience Question: Are newer cars really safer?

13:03 - How Advanced Driver Safety Systems help prevent crashes

15:54 - Convenience Features vs. Real Safety Technology

24:03 - Why Modern Safety Features Matter

LINKS:

No, Your Car Isn't Getting a 'Kill Switch' in 2027: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-safety/2027-car-kill-switch-explained-a2146992793/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Driver Monitoring Systems Can Help You Be Safer on the Road: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-safety/driver-monitoring-systems-ford-gm-earn-points-in-cr-tests-a6530426322/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Consumer Reports' Car Safety Guide: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/safety-guide/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Find the Safest New Car Using Consumer Reports' Safety Verdict: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-safety/how-to-find-safest-new-car-using-crs-safety-verdict-a3169270635/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

In this episode of Talking Cars, we discuss why modern vehicles rely so heavily on software, apps, over-the-air updates, and smartphone integration. We compare the pros and cons of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, discuss the learning curve of built-in infotainment systems, and explore personal data privacy and how you can best protect your information while using a vehicle.

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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0:00 - Intro

01:20 - CarPlay vs. Native Infotainment Systems

02:20 - Why Connectivity Still Fails

03:40 - Software Updates, Over-the-Air updates

07:04 - Why EVs Depend on Advanced Software

10:50 - Common Infotainment Frustrations

18:20 - What Makes a Good Infotainment System?

20:25 - Privacy, Data Collection & Connected Cars

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How Do In-Car Infotainment Systems Compare to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?: https://www.consumerreports.org/infotainment-systems/in-car-infotainment-systems-vs-apple-carplay-android-auto/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

How Do Over-the-Air Update Work: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-maintenance/ota-car-software-updates-are-they-safe-how-they-work-a4081157745/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

How Long Does It Take to Charge These Popular Electric Cars?: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/fastest-charging-electric-vehicles-a4112188427/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Get the Most From Your Car's Infotainment System: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/automotive-technology/get-the-most-from-your-cars-infotainment-system-a1056374937/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

How to Clear Your Personal Data From a Car: https://www.consumerreports.org/electronics/personal-information/how-to-clear-your-personal-data-from-a-car-before-selling-a2082502452/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

In this episode, we take an in-depth look at the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz, which, ironically, was officially discontinued days after we bought one for testing. We talk about the history and future of small trucks, discuss why Hyundai decided to end production of the Santa Cruz, and answer a question from a Santa Cruz owner about why the Santa Cruz returned low scores in our cargo capacity assessment.

SHOW NOTES:

0:00 - Introduction & Why We Bought Another Santa Cruz

1:03 - Why Hyundai discontinued the Santa Cruz

3:03 - Is a small truck enough for most people?

7:05 - What we dislike about the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz

13:35 - Best Small Truck Alternatives

19:50 - Audience Question: How Does CR Score the Bed Size of a truck?

27:15 - Audience Question Follow up: Favorite cars purchased by Ernie from North Carolina

LINKS:

2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hyundai/santa-cruz/2026/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Test Results: Ford Maverick: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/ford/maverick/2026/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Model History: Honda Ridgeline: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/honda/ridgeline/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Test Results: Ford Maverick Hybrid: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/ford/maverick-hybrid/2026/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Test Results: Ford F-150 Hybrid: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/ford/f-150-hybrid/2026/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

6 Most Reliable Used Pickup Trucks, According to Consumer Reports' Experts: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/pickup-trucks/most-reliable-used-pickup-trucks-a7737894754/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

This week's episode tackles a long-running debate: are American cars inferior to their Asian and European counterparts? We break down the truth about Ford, GM, Stellantis, and Tesla, and how they stack up to Toyota, Honda, and other top automakers, revealing how performance and reliability drive our ratings. Plus: why the American dealership model is still so frustrating, Chinese EV competition, expert tips for negotiating the best price on a new or used car, and how to avoid costly add-ons. We also answer a viewer question about what we think American cars do better than the competition.

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 Intro

00:15 Do Consumer Reports Hate American Cars?

00:55 The Myth About American Car Reliability

03:56 What Is an "American-Made" Car?

09:33 Why Consumer Choice Matters

12:37 Chinese EVs and the Future of the Auto Industry

20:26 Why Do Detroit Automakers Struggle With Reliability?

28:05 EVs vs. Hybrids: What's Next?

33:16 Why Buying a Car Is Still So Hard

35:42 Dealership Tips: Avoid Costly Add-Ons

42:06 The Future of the U.S. Auto Market

51:13 Audience Question: What Do American Cars Do Better?

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Best cars, SUVs, and Trucks from American Brands

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/cars-best-american-cars-suvs-trucks-a1034107548/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Best cars made in the USA

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/best-cars-made-in-the-usa-a7966845571/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Who Makes the Most Reliable New Cars?

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/who-makes-the-most-reliable-cars-a7824554938/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Which Brands Make the Best Cars?

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/cars-driving/which-car-brands-make-the-best-vehicles-a6159221985/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

How to buy a new car in today's high-priced market

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/buying-a-car/how-to-buy-a-car-in-todays-challenging-market-a7648220054/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Chinese-made cars are already here.

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/automotive-industry/chinese-made-cars-in-us-market-a3786571662/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Most and least satisfying hybrids, PHEVs, and EVs

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/most-and-least-satisfying-electric-vehicles-and-hybrids-a2825600877/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

How do hybrid cars work?

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/how-do-hybrid-cars-work-a1034181509/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Find an efficient vehicle that's right for you

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/buying-guide/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

What to know when buying a new car

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/new-cars/buying-guide/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Best Cars Under $30K

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/best-new-cars-under-30000-dollars-a6574737993/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Best new-car deals for July Fourth

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/buying-a-car/best-new-car-deals-for-july-4th-a1191663902/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Is the all-new Subaru Uncharted a rugged Subaru, a rebadged Toyota, or something in between? We share our first impressions of the compact EV's strong performance, comfortable ride, confusing ergonomics, and missing EV features. Plus, we answer a viewer's question about the best fun-to-drive car for a college student with a $35,000 budget.

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

00:23 2026 Subaru Uncharted Overview

01:36 Subaru-Toyota Relationship Explained

03:25 What We Like: Performance & Driving Experience

05:23 What We Like: Ride Comfort, Space & Seats

08:59 What We Like: Infotainment & Interior Features

11:42 Handling Impressions

13:39 What We Don't Like: Driver Display & Ergonomics

18:04 What We Don't Like: Center Console & Shifter

23:45 Is the Uncharted Behind the Competition?

27:37 Final Thoughts: Who Should Buy the Uncharted?

39:19 Audience Question: Best Fun Car Under $35K

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Model History: Toyota C-HR

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/toyota/c-hr/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Test Results: Subaru Solterra

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/subaru/solterra/2026/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Test Results: 2026 Nissan Leaf

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/nissan/leaf/2026/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Test Results: Hyundai Ioniq5

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hyundai/ioniq-5/2026/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Test Results: 2026 Kia K4

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/kia/k4/2026/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Test Results: 2026 Acura Integra

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/acura/integra/2026/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

2026 Toyota GR Corolla

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/toyota/gr-corolla/2026/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Best Cars Under $30K

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/best-new-cars-under-30000-dollars-a6574737993/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Model History: Kia Stinger

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/kia/stinger/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Consumer Reports experts discuss the financial viability of EV startups like Rivian and Lucid, share EV charging best practices, give advice for hauling large audio equipment, the future of the minivan, vehicle-to-vehicle communication. We also discuss what it takes to become a Consumer Reports vehicle tester, and compare the real-world costs of driving EVs vs. hybrids and gas-powered vehicles.

Have a question for a future episode? Send us your questions or a 30-second video to [email protected]

SHOW NOTES:

0:00 - Intro

0:37 - Question #1: What's the best vehicle for hauling DJ equipment (no minivans please)?

5:17 - Question #2: Are we likely to see automakers produce more minivans like the Kia Carnival?

8:13- Question #3: Why does Rivian seem more financially successful than Lucid? What should you study to become a CR Tester?

13:34 - Question #4: What are the best practices for charging an EV?

15:31 - Question #5: Is it possible to calculate the cost-per-mile of an EV vs. a gas-powered vehicle?

18:13 - Question #6: What happened to vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2X) technology that was being developed by the federal government?

LINKS:

Will an Electric Car Save You Money?: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/will-an-electric-car-save-you-money-a9436870083/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Test Results: Toyota Grand Highlander: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/toyota/grand-highlander/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Test Results: Kia Carnival: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/kia/carnival/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

10 SUVs and Minivans With the Most Usable Cargo Space: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/top-10-suvs-and-minivans-with-the-most-cargo-space-a6572456101/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Owner Satisfaction: Best & Worst Car Brands: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/most-and-least-liked-car-brands-a1291429338/top-10-suvs-and-minivans-with-the-most-cargo-space-a6572456101/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

CR Survey: Hybrids Are Still The Most Reliable Cars: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/electric-vehicles-are-less-reliable-than-conventional-cars-a1047214174/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

In this episode, we share our first impressions of the all-new 2026 Dodge Charger. The Charger features new styling and a hatchback design, a twin-turbo inline-six-cylinder engine, all-wheel drive, and an updated interior that feels small, despite the vehicle's overall size. We also discuss what Dodge got right, where the Charger falls short, and whether we'd recommend it over other enthusiast-focused vehicles. Plus, we answer a question about the differences between racing fuel and premium gas, and how octane ratings and ethanol-free fuel can affect performance in regular vehicles.

SHOW NOTES:

0:00 - Intro

0:19 - 2026 Dodge Charger R/T Blacktop Overview

1:18 - What we like about the 2026 Dodge Charger

04:51 - Ride, Performance, Comfort & Daily Driving

17:46 - The Downsides: Interior, Controls & Practicality

36:05 - Would We Buy the New Dodge Charger?

41:12 - Audience Question: Is Racing Fuel Worth It?

LINKS:

Review: 2026 Dodge Charger R/T: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/sports-cars/dodge-charger-review-a9212537968/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Test Results: 2026 Ford Mustang: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/ford/mustang/2026/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Why You might Not Need Premium Fuel: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/fuel-economy-efficiency/why-you-might-not-actually-need-premium-gas-a6382185831/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

As gas prices fluctuate and drivers look for ways to cut costs, on this week's episode we answer the questions drivers are asking most: Is premium fuel worth the extra cost? Does ethanol save money? Do Eco modes actually improve fuel economy? And should high fuel prices push you toward a hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or EV? From choosing the right fuel and finding the best prices at the pump to understanding the long-term costs of different vehicle types, we separate fact from fiction and share practical strategies to help drivers spend less on fuel without sacrificing performance or reliability.

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 Intro

00:15 Gas prices

00:51 Ethanol fuel blends

08:30 Premium vs. regular gas

17:04 Real ways to save at the pump

18:47 Hybrids, EVs, and PHEVs

29:08 Oil shortages, diesel, and alternative fuel

34:17 Eco mode and fuel-saving driving tips

37:06 The future of fuel efficiency and electrification

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Best deals on fuel-efficient cars & SUVs

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/buying-a-car/best-deals-on-fuel-efficient-cars-a4329802409/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Expert fuel-saving tips

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/fuel-economy-efficiency/expert-fuel-saving-tips-how-to-get-more-miles-per-dollar-a1096060259/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

10 tips to get the most out of a tank of gas

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/fuel-economy-efficiency/10-tips-to-get-the-most-out-of-a-tank-of-gas-a2642110189/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Most fuel-efficient SUVs

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/the-most-fuel-efficient-suvs-best-mpg-a5599990140/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Cars with the best gas Mileage

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/fuel-economy-efficiency/the-most-fuel-efficient-cars-best-mpg-a1198903400/

Will a hybrid, PHEV, or EV save me money?

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/buying-guide/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Top Tier gas is worth the extra price

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/fuel-economy-efficiency/top-tier-gasoline-worth-the-extra-price-a7682471234/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Find the best hybrids and EVs

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Most reliable used electric vehicles

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/most-reliable-used-electric-vehicles-a8864540677/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

10 best deals on electric vehicles

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/best-deals-on-electric-vehicles-a1198228201/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Popular EVs to avoid and what to get instead

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/electric-vehicles-to-avoid-and-the-evs-to-get-instead-a6654236864/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Should you use synthetic oil in your car?

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-maintenance/should-you-use-synthetic-oil-in-your-car-a9220487946/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

CR's real-world electric car range comparison

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/real-world-ev-range-tests-models-that-beat-epa-estimates-a1103288135/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Tested: Does eco mode really save gas?

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/fuel-economy-efficiency/does-eco-mode-really-save-gas-a6653523930/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

On this episode of Talking Cars, we discuss our recent evaluation of popular rugged SUV trims, sometimes called "soft roader" SUVs—including the Subaru Forester Wilderness, Honda Passport TrailSport, Toyota RAV4 Woodland, Ford Explorer Tremor, and more—to see whether they add real capability or mostly rugged styling. Plus, we answer a viewer's question about whether roof crossbars hurt fuel economy on SUVs like the Toyota RAV4 Prime.

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 Intro

00:16 Soft Roaders Explained

00:47 What Makes an SUV a "Soft Roader"

01:44 Why CR Doesn't Do Formal Off-Road Ratings

03:56 Building and Driving the Off-Road Evaluation Course

04:56 Vehicles Evaluated

06:13 On-Road Compromises

10:26 Off-Road Impressions

12:44 The Big Role Tires Play

16:28 Should You Buy an Off-Road Trim?

20:06 Can You Add All-Terrain Tires Yourself?

21:14 Should CR Fully Test These Off-Road Trims?

21:58 Audience Question: Do Roof Crossbars Hurt Fuel Economy?

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10 Best SUVs You Can Buy Right Now

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/10-best-suvs-you-can-buy-right-now-a8518508556/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Who Makes the Most Reliable New Cars?

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/who-makes-the-most-reliable-cars-a7824554938/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Best SUV and Truck Tires of 2026

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/tires/best-suv-and-truck-tires-a3436694441/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Choose the Right Tires for Your Vehicle

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/tires/buying-guide/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

10 Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Gas Tank

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/fuel-economy-efficiency/10-tips-to-get-the-most-out-of-a-tank-of-gas-a2642110189/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

On this episode we share our impressions of the 2026 Mazda Miata and take a joyride through Miata history. We explain why the 2026 model remains one of the purest sports cars you can buy, and weigh its sublime manual transmission, lightweight feel, reliability, and real-world compromises. Plus, we answer an audience question about Tesla Full Self-Driving—and whether human-driven Miatas are really at risk of disappearing.

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 Intro00:15 2026 Mazda Miata: Why We're Revisiting It

02:54 History of the Miata

05:29 Why "Miata Is Always the Answer"

08:57 What Makes the Miata So Fun to Drive

17:01 Miata Reliability, Ownership, and Common Issues

19:56 Miata Stays Lightweight

24:49 The Downsides

31:30 Our Favorite Miata Generations

34:38 Audience Question: Self-Driving Cars vs. Human Drivers

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Test Results: Mazda Miata

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/mazda/mx-5-miata/2026/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Who Makes the Most Reliable New Cars?

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/who-makes-the-most-reliable-cars-a7824554938/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Mazda MX-5 Miata Generations

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/mazda/mx-5-miata/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Find the Best Sports Cars & Convertible

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/sports-cars/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT