Nissan redesigned the 2025 Kicks compact SUV--now larger, more powerful, and available with all-wheel drive. We put its driving performance to the test, evaluate its active safety and driver-assistance features, and discuss whether or not its "upscale" design elements deliver on the hype. Plus, we answer questions about our favorite infotainment systems and offer advice before buying extended warranties and maintenance contracts.

More info on the 2025 Nissan Kicks here: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/2025-nissan-kicks-review-a9588794667/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Ratings and test results on every car CR purchases and tests: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

SHOW NOTES

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

00:00 - Introduction

00:15 - Overview: 2025 Nissan Kicks

01:16 - Price

02:24 - Interior and Styling

04:02 - Driving Performance

05:18 - Competition

10:10 - Nissan

11:51 - Question #1: What are the best and worst car infotainment systems on the market today?

17:38 - Question #2: What is CR’s advise regarding extended warranties and maintenance contracts?

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First Drive: 2025 Nissan Kicks Grows Into Feature-Rich SUV

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/2025-nissan-kicks-review-a9588794667/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

2025 Nissan Kicks

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/nissan/kicks/2025/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

10 Cheap Cars That CR Recommends

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/cheap-cars-recommended-by-consumer-reports-a1059266229/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Best New Cars and SUVs for Under $30,000

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

Popular Compact Cars to Avoid and What to Buy Instead

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/buying-a-car/popular-compact-cars-to-avoid-what-to-buy-instead-a1188453224/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

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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.

Of the dozens of new cars Consumer Reports tested this year, these are the best (and worst) according to the entire staff of CR’s Auto Test Center. This team not only keeps the track up and running, but we’re all part of the evaluation process - see what our Talking Cars crew, as well as those behind the scenes, thought were the best and worst cars we tested in 2024!

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

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

00:00 - Introduction

00:46 - Mike Monticello

05:24 - Jennifer Stockburger

07:06 - Anatoliy Shumskiy

10:59 - Joe Veselak

12:56 - Ben Preston

15:07 - Maddie McCarty

18:55 - John Williams

22:49 - Mike Quincy

28:16 - Alex Knizek

31:55 - Avri Wyshogrod

34:55 - Emily Thomas

39:46 - Andrew Balise

42:49 - Mary Reed

45:36 - Jeff Bartlett

49:27 - Alex George

52:38 - Gabe Shenhar

55:24 - James McQueen

58:02 - Jake Fisher

01:02:54 - Jon Linkov

01:06:14 - Mike Crossen

Chevrolet has expanded its EV lineup with the addition of the 2024 Equinox EV. In this episode, we share our first impressions of the small electric SUV, covering its driving dynamics, power capabilities, key features, and how it stacks up against the Blazer EV and the gas-powered Equinox. We also address audience questions, including whether it's normal to need frequent brake service and why car manufacturers aren’t making electric vehicles with upgradable and replaceable batteries.

More info on the 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV here: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/2024-chevrolet-equinox-ev-review-a7430613629/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

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

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

00:00 - Introduction

00:40 - Overview: 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV

02:25 - Driving Characteristics

03:44 - How it Compares to Blazer EV

06:26 - Is it Family Friendly Enough

08:54 - Charging Capabilities

10:48 - Infotainment System

15:37 - The Price

16:48 - Question #1: Are auto dimming rear-view mirrors in vehicles less safe than the old-school flip-up ones?

20:20 - Question #2: Is it normal to frequently need to service the brakes  on your car?

25:24 - Question #3: Why car manufacturers aren’t making electric vehicles with upgradable and replaceable batteries?

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New 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV Will Start at $34,995, Eventually

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/2024-chevrolet-equinox-ev-review-a7430613629/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/chevrolet/equinox-ev/2024/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

First Drive: 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV Is a Bumpy Ride

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/2024-chevrolet-blazer-ev-review-a1328332871/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

EVs are Getting More Reliable, but They Still Lag Behind Hybrids and Gas-Only Cars

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/electric-vehicles-are-less-reliable-than-conventional-cars-a1047214174/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Guide to Car Reliability & Owner Satisfaction

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/guide-to-car-reliability-owner-satisfaction-a9213219653/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Exclusive CR discount for Talking Cars viewers at: https://www.cr.org/jointalkingcars

Which brands make the most reliable cars, trucks, and SUVs in 2025? The answer may surprise you! CR surveyed owners about any problems they have experienced with their new and used cars, and we share the results! Find out where brands like Toyota, Tesla, Subaru, BMW, Jeep, Honda, and more stack up; how the reliability of EVs and plug-in hybrids compares to standard gas-powered vehicles; who makes the most reliable used cars; and whether an automakers luxury brands hold up better than their less expensive counterparts.

Ratings and test results on every car CR purchases and tests: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Join the Talking Cars community on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@consumerreports/community

Which Car Brands Make the Best Vehicles? https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/cars-driving/which-car-brands-make-the-best-vehicles-a6159221985/

Which Brands Make the Best Used Cars? https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/used-car-brand-reliability-a2811658468/

Maintenance and Repair Cost by Brand for 2025: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-maintenance/the-cost-of-car-ownership-a1854979198/

Who Makes the Most Reliable New Cars? https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/who-makes-the-most-reliable-cars-a7824554938/

Which Car Brands Have the Highest Road Test Scores? https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/what-car-brands-have-the-highest-road-test-scores-a6759602787/

Most and Least Loved Car Brands: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/most-and-least-liked-car-brands-a1291429338/

Consumer Reports' Car Reliability FAQ: https://www.consumerreports.org/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/consumer-reports-car-reliability-faq-a1099917197/

Have a question for our experts? Leave a comment on this episode, or reach out to us directly! Send us a text at [email protected] to send a photo, video, or text directly to the Talking Cars team!

This week, we discuss the 2025 Hyundai Sonata. The all-new Sonata gets drastic, updated styling, Hyundai’s latest infotainment system, a ton of standard advanced safety gear, and an improved ride. We also answer audience questions about towing capacity, vehicles with unlabeled controls, and the best type of car for commuting in Utah.

SHOW NOTES:

0:00 - Intro

1:14 - 2025 Hyundai Sonata Overview

3:25 - What’s new for the 2025 model year

5:26 - Ride quality

7:36 - Infotainment system

10:20 - Adaptive driver assistance systems (ADAS), Safety features

12:12 -  Day-to-day usability

15:58 -  Audience questions

16:22 - Question #1: Tips for shopping for a vehicle that can tow 5000 lbs.

19:20 - Question #2: Why do new vehicles have a steep learning curve in terms of usability?

25:10 -  Question #3: Shopping for a Subaru Outback replacement (Experts pick)

LINKS:

Hyundai Sonata Oveview: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hyundai/sonata/

2024 Hyundai Sontata: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hyundai/sonata/2024/overview/

Find the Best Sedans & Hatchbacks: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/sedans/

The Jeep Compass is the brand's only compact or subcompact SUV. We look at changes to the 2025 Compass, notably a new 200-hp powertrain since the next generation isn't slated to arrive in North America until 2026. Do the latest engine and other updates give this Jeep an edge over its competitors? We also answer viewer questions, including whether tire siping has any downsides. This process involves cutting thin, perpendicular slits into the tire tread to enhance traction in wet conditions. Additionally, our experts reveal their favorite parts of CR's test track.

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

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

00:00 - Introduction

00:15 - Overview: 2025 Jeep Compass

01:43 - The Compass Halo Effect

03:48 - Power Delivery

07:32 - Infotainment Touchscreen

08:28 - The Ride

10:01 - Livability

11:42 - Interior Details

12:44 - The Engine

13:54 - Driving Position

16:22 - Fit and Finish

19:21 - How It Stacks Up to the Competition

26:43 - Question #1: What are the benefits of cutting extra grooves in tires, aka tire siping?

30:21 - Question #2: What is the best used car for teen drivers under $10,000?

34:47 - Question #3: Which part of the track CR’s testers enjoy most?

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First Drive: 2025 Jeep Compass Still Trails the Best Compact SUVs

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/2025-jeep-compass-review-a1044361232/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

2025 Jeep Compass

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/jeep/compass/2025/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Best Used Cars for Teens Under $20,000

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/teen-driving/best-cars-for-teens-a2115540753/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Best Used Cars and SUVs for Less Than $5,000

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/best-used-cars-suvs-under-5000-dollars-a4731293141/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Best New Cars for Teens

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/best-new-cars-for-teens-a8314221512/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Guide to Car Reliability & Owner Satisfaction

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/guide-to-car-reliability-owner-satisfaction-a9213219653/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

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

Ratings and test results on every car CR purchases and tests: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Exclusive CR discount for Talking Cars viewers at https://www.cr.org/jointalkingcars

The Mini Cooper has been the cornerstone of the brand since its inception and has been redesigned for 2025. Our experts share their first impressions of the 2025 Mini Cooper S two-door, discussing its performance and whether this fifth-generation model retains the classic British styling, minimalist interior, and unique agility that fans have cherished in previous versions. We also answer viewer questions about DIY insulation for reducing engine noise in older vehicles and the reliability of infotainment touch screens in new cars.

More info on the 2025 Mini Cooper here: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/sports-cars/2025-mini-cooper-review-a4730724572/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Ratings and test results on every car CR purchases and tests: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

SHOW NOTES

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

00:00 - Introduction

00:16 - Overview: 2025 Mini Cooper S

02:19 - Classic British Styling

03:38 - Infotainment Touchscreen

07:20 - Driving Experience

09:06 - Stop/Start System

10:34 - Reliability

11:47 - Livability

14:41 - Question #1: How reliable and future-proof are infotainment touchscreens in new cars?

17:30 - Question #2: Is it safe to add insulation to the engine bay of an older vehicle to reduce noise?

21:35 - Question #3: Is the Mini Cooper a practical choice for the Kenyan car market?

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First Drive: Next-Gen 2025 Mini Cooper Is Still Quirky, But Less Fun

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/sports-cars/2025-mini-cooper-review-a4730724572/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

2025 Mini Cooper

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/mini/cooper/2025/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Preview: Mini Continues Its All-Electric March With the Aceman Small Crossover

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/mini-aceman-review-a5304694715/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Cars and SUVs With the Easiest Controls

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/automotive-technology/cars-and-suvs-with-the-easiest-controls-a7135184399/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Guide to Car Reliability & Owner Satisfaction

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/guide-to-car-reliability-owner-satisfaction-a9213219653/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

We recently purchased a 2024 Chevrolet Traverse LT AWD for testing. In this episode, we share our first impressions of the four-cylinder turbo engine, infotainment usability, and whether the Traverse works as a family hauler compared to the Kia Telluride, Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, and Hyundai Palisade. And, with recent hurricanes hitting the U.S., we discuss whether a flooded electric vehicle is more prone to becoming a fire hazard and if there are specific steps an owner should take to break in a hybrid car, truck, or SUV.

More info on the 2024 Chevrolet Traverse here: https://www.consumerreports.org/search/?query=Chevrolet%20traverse

Ratings and test results on every car CR purchases and tests: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

SHOW NOTES

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

00:00 - Introduction

00:16 - Overview: 2024 Chevrolet Traverse

02:24 - The Engine

08:48 - How It Drives

12:33 - 2nd & 3rd Row Seats

19:02 - The Drive Seat

23:03 - The Controls

28:51 - Standard Safety Features

33:28 - GM Super Cruise

37:04 - Cargo Area

38:51 - Would You Buy It?

43:13 - Question #1: Are flooded electric vehicles really prone to becoming a fire hazard?

46:16 - Question #2: Are there specific steps an owner should take to break in a hybrid car, truck, or SUV?

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First Drive: 2024 Chevrolet Traverse Proves to Be a Balanced 3-row SUV, with One Exception

https://www.consumerreports.org/search/?query=Chevrolet%20traverse

2024 Chevrolet Traverse

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/chevrolet/traverse/2024/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Cars and SUVs With the Easiest Controls

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/automotive-technology/cars-and-suvs-with-the-easiest-controls-a7135184399/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

SUVs and Minivans With the Best Third-Row Seats

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs-and-minivans-with-the-best-third-row-seats-a6809768331/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Guide to Car Reliability & Owner Satisfaction

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/guide-to-car-reliability-owner-satisfaction-a9213219653/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Consumer Reports has finally taken delivery of the long-awaited and much-hyped Tesla Cybertruck. We highlight many of its innovative features, polarizing styling, and driving characteristics. Additionally, we address audience questions, including how CR manages to purchase so many cars each year anonymously without staff being recognized by dealerships, and why some car manufacturers, even those known for safety like Subaru, do not make Consumer Reports' safe car list.

More info on the 2024 Tesla Cybertruck here: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/tesla-cybertruck-review-a4750335741/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Ratings and test results on every car CR purchases and tests: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

SHOW NOTES

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

00:00 - Introduction

00:16 - Overview: 2024 Tesla Cybertruck

01:38 - Styling & Design

06:07 - Purchase Experience

08:43 - Driving Dynamics

11:51 - Steer-by-Wire System

13:57 - Visibility

15:57 - Utility

19:21 - The Issues

21:34 - Reliability

24:12 - How CR will test the Cybertruck

26:13 - Custom Care

28:07 - Living with it

29:37 - Question #1: Why some car manufacturers do not make the Consumer Reports safe car list?

33:55 - Question #2: How does CR keep its anonymity while buying so many cars each year?

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First Drive: Is Tesla Cybertruck Worth the Hype?

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/tesla-cybertruck-review-a4750335741/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

2024 Tesla Cybertruck

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/tesla/cybertruck/2024/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Hot, New Electric Cars That Are Coming Soon

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/hot-new-electric-cars-are-coming-soon-a1000197429/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Electric Cars and Plug-In Hybrids That Qualify For Federal Tax Credits

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/electric-cars-plug-in-hybrids-that-qualify-for-tax-credits-a7820795671/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Guide to Car Reliability & Owner Satisfaction

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/guide-to-car-reliability-owner-satisfaction-a9213219653/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Exclusive CR discount for Talking Cars viewers at https://www.cr.org/jointalkingcars

By redesigning the 2024 Land Cruiser, Toyota reinforces its commitment to off-road excellence. In this episode, we share our first impressions of the new Land Cruiser, highlighting its hybrid powertrain, nostalgic design elements, and off-road capabilities. We also explore how Consumer Reports' new CR Recommended initiative enhances value for car buyers. Additionally, we look at whether front-wheel-drive EVs offer any real benefit. 

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

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

00:00 - Introduction

00:16 - Overview: 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser

03:09 - Land Cruiser’s History

04:38 - New and Different

06:56 - Driving

09:45 - Things We Dislike

14:18 - The Ride

15:08 - Interior

15:48 - Controls

16:27 - Visibility

17:03 - Do We Like It?

18:59 - Would We Buy It?

23:33 - Question #1: What is CR Recommended?

28:19 - Question #2: Are there any significant benefits to using a front-wheel-drive configuration for EVs?

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First Drive: 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser Is a Charming Throwback With a Touch of Modernity

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/2024-toyota-land-cruiser-review-a1224835552/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

2024 Toyota Land Cruiser

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/toyota/land-cruiser/2024/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

First Drive: The Ford Bronco Was Worth the Wait

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/2021-ford-bronco-review-a5117557548/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

First Drive: 2020 Land Rover Defender Pilots Adventure

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/2020-land-rover-defender-review-a8392726114/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

First Drive: 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Offers Silent Off-Roading for a Price

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/2021-jeep-wrangler-4xe-plug-in-review-a3421634098/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT