Talking Cars (MP3)

This week we give our first impressions of the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer, and talk about how it compares to the last outgoing model, and why this small SUV might have created a new size category for Chevy. Consumer Reports has teamed up with the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (or IIHS for short) to recommend safe, reliable used cars and SUVs that are well-suited for teenage drivers, and cost $20k or less; our panel explains why this is an important market for buyers today, and which cars they would choose off the list. Also, we help a viewer decide between a new Toyota Venza hybrid and Toyota RAV4 Prime to replace his high-mileage Toyota Highlander, explain why all-wheel drive (AWD) vehicles require all four tires to be changed at the same time, and pick a car we think would be perfect for a long trip to Mars.

 

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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 TalkingCars@icloud.com 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

01:34 - Best Cars for Teens Under $20,000

11:33 - 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer First Impressions

18:18- Question #1: Which is a best replacement for an old Toyota Highlander, the Toyota Venza or the RAV4 Prime?

22:55 - Question #2: When replacing tires on an AWD car, why all 4 tires need to be replaced at the same time?

26:17 - Question #3: Which car would we pick to take to Mars?

 

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Coronavirus Resource Hub

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

 

Best Cars for Teens Under $20,000

https://www.consumerreports.org/teen-driving/best-cars-for-teens/

 

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/

 

What Parents Can Do to Protect Their Teen Drivers

https://www.consumerreports.org/teen-driving/what-parents-can-do-to-protect-teen-drivers/

 

2018 LA Auto Show: 2019 Mazda3

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iRfZ-oO3qpM

 

2017 BMW 330i Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-o99R0RgD8

 

2013 Subaru Legacy sneak peek

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7LqIRAHsD4

 

2013 Honda Accord first drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tjVV9YbLBIg

 

2014 Volkswagen Jetta quick take

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rcG2BT_-0T8

 

First Drive: 2021 Toyota Venza Strikes and SUV sweet Spot

https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/2021-toyota-venza-hybrid-review/

 

2020 Buick Encore GX Test Results; Toyota Unveils a New Hybrid Sienna and Venza

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JgN-PuE4YAc

 

First Drive: 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime Is Powerful and Luxurious

https://www.consumerreports.org/suvs/2021-toyota-rav4-prime-review/

 

2019 LA Auto Show: 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VyucrV_maH8

 

2019 Toyota RAV4 Quick Drive

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

 

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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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Direct download: 2007CRO_Talking_Cars_Episode_266.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:22pm EDT

We spent time behind the wheel of the all-new 2021 Kia K5 sedan, and give our first impressions on the new styling, driving characteristics, comfort, and controls. Consumer Reports recently purchased the all-electric 2020 Porsche Taycan, and we talk about how this luxury EV stacks up against its main competitor, the Tesla Model S. We also talk about advancements in electric car battery technology, how to store a set of winter tires that only gets used a few times a year, and define what it means for a car to be "fun to drive."

 

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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 TalkingCars@icloud.com 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 - Intro

1:49 - 2021 Kia K5 First Impressions

12:29 -  2020 Porsche Taycan First Impressions

21:23 - Question #1: What does it mean when CR says a car is “fun to drive?”

24:12 - Question #2: What is the best way to store winter tires that get used a few times a year?

25:49 - Question #3: Is the battery technology on the cusp of a large leap in battery capacity?

 

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Preview: All-New 2021 Kia K5 Brings Style to Midsized Sedans

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

 

2016 Kia Optima Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjpVbCmH6zk

 

First Drive: 2020 Porsche Taycan Is a High-Priced Alternative to the Tesla Model S

https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/2020-porsche-taycan-electric-vehicle-review/

 

4K Review: 2016 Tesla Model S Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t9cT_mIff-Q

 

How Consumer Reports Tests Cars

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-how-consumer-reports-tests-cars/

 

Coronavirus Resource Hub

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

 

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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 

 

Follow Us on Social:

Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1IQ2w5q

Twitter: http://bit.ly/1Yf5Fh2

Pinterest: http://bit.ly/1P37mM9

Instagram: http://bit.ly/1I49Bzo

Google+: http://bit.ly/1Md3gfQ

Direct download: 2007CRO_Talking_Cars_Episode_265.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 7:08pm EDT

This week we share our test results of the 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque, and discuss if the compact luxury SUV retains the swagger the brand is known for. Also, Ford has unveiled its brand new Bronco for 2021! We run through all the specs, pricing, the numerous trim levels (with names like Black Diamond, Badlands, and Sasquatch!) and talk about the nostalgia that the Bronco name plate brings. We wrap up with audience questions about retrofitting your vehicle with wireless Apple CarPlay, whether buying a plug-in hybrid like the Toyota RAV4 Prime is a good buy if you don't have access to a charging station, replacements for a college graduate's Hyundai Elantra (SUV or pickup truck?), and how to start a career in the automotive journalism industry.

 

 

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

 

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.com 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

01:38 - 2021 Ford Bronco Debut

08:56 - 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque Test Results

14:24 - Question #1: Deciding between a sedan, SUV, and truck for a new grad.

18:29 - Question #2: Is it possible to upgrade a regular Apple CarPlay to a wireless?

22:22 - Question #3: How practical is the Toyota RAV4 Prime, when charging is not available?

24:55 - Question #4: What is the best way to start-off a career in automotive journalism?

 

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Preview: 2021 Ford Bronco Reinvents a 4x4 Classic

https://www.consumerreports.org/suvs/2021-ford-bronco-review/

 

Preview: 2021 Ford Bronco Sport Looks Rugged and Ready for Action

https://www.consumerreports.org/suvs/2021-ford-bronco-sport-review/

 

2020 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque Looks Good but Lacks Substance

https://www.consumerreports.org/suvs/2020-land-rover-range-rover-evoque-first-drive-review/

 

Land Rover Range Rover Evoque review

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ITaZXrw4GRI

 

Android Auto and Apple CarPlay Updates Bring Major Changes

https://www.consumerreports.org/automotive-technology/android-auto-and-apple-carplay-updates-major-changes/

 

2018 Hyundai Elantra GT Quick Drive

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

 

2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ZYJyewVP0I

 

2017 Honda Ridgeline Quick Drive

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

 

First Drive: 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime Is Powerful and Luxurious

https://www.consumerreports.org/suvs/2021-toyota-rav4-prime-review/

 

2019 LA Auto Show: 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VyucrV_maH8

 

2019 Toyota RAV4 Quick Drive

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

 

Coronavirus Resource Hub

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

 

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

 

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

Twitter: http://bit.ly/1Yf5Fh2

Pinterest: http://bit.ly/1P37mM9

Instagram: http://bit.ly/1I49Bzo

Google+: http://bit.ly/1Md3gfQ

Direct download: 2007CRO_Talking_Cars_Episode_264_2.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:13pm EDT

The Tesla Model Y makes its debut at our test track. We share our first impressions on driving, styling and the suite of technology that's packed into this all-electric SUV. We discuss some safety concerns with Tesla's optional, Full Self-Driving Capability package, and how rolling changes to the beta software can alter how the Model Y behaves on the road.

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/1Yf5Fh2

Pinterest: http://bit.ly/1P37mM9

Instagram: http://bit.ly/1I49Bzo

SHOW NOTES:

0:30 - Tesla Model Y specs

1:57 - Jake’s first impressions

2:58 - Model Y styling

5:07 - Interior and controls discussion

12:54 - Safety features, Tesla’s blind-spot warning system

17:12 - Traffic light stop sign detection system and beta software

23:35 - Question: We have a Model Y on order. What other cars should we consider?

LINKS:

5 Things You Need to Know About the New Tesla Model Y: https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/tesla-model-y-things-to-know/

Direct download: 2007CRO_Talking_Cars_Episode_263.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 11:50am EDT

This week we share our first impressions of the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime, a plug-in version of the hybrid, and talk about the ups and downs of the electrification of the RAV. We discuss the newly unveiled 2021 Ford F-150 and all the changes, including a hybrid powertrain. Also, we answer audience questions about which factor is most important (mileage or age) when purchasing a used car, the mechanics of heating and cooling in electric cars, and could obstructing the A-pillar (with a dash cam power cord) potentially affect the side curtain airbag.

 

 

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

 

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.com 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

00:39 - 2021 Ford F-150 Unveiling

10:38 - 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime First Impressions

15:55 - Question #1: Which factor is more important, mileage or car’s age, when buying a used car?

20:37 - Question #2: How does the heating/cooling system work on electric cars?

22:41 - Question #3: Could wires obstructing the side curtain airbags become a hazard in case of an accident?

24:46 - Question #4: Is the Audi 3.0-liter twin supercharged V6 engine known for timing chain issues?

 

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

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

 

2018 Ford F-150 Quick Drive

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

 

First Drive: 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime Is Powerful and Luxurious

https://www.consumerreports.org/suvs/2021-toyota-rav4-prime-review/

 

2019 LA Auto Show: 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VyucrV_maH8

 

2019 Toyota RAV4 Quick Drive

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

 

Dash Cams Can Be Silent Witnesses During Police Traffic Stops and Other Incidents

https://www.consumerreports.org/law-enforcement/dash-cams-can-be-silent-witnesses-during-police-traffic-stops-and-other-incidents/

 

Coronavirus Resource Hub

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

 

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

 

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

Twitter: http://bit.ly/1Yf5Fh2

Pinterest: http://bit.ly/1P37mM9

Instagram: http://bit.ly/1I49Bzo

Google+: http://bit.ly/1Md3gfQ

Direct download: 2006CRO_Talking_Cars_Episode_262.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 12:00pm EDT

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