Are less expensive cars cool again? The prevalence of cars real people can afford is one of the trends we noticed at the 2024 New York Auto Show. We looked closely at the new Nissan Kicks, Subaru Forester, Honda Prologue, Toyota Camry, Volkswagen ID. Buzz, and many more. Our experts also share their favorite car/trend/feature from the show floor. 

 

See our car ratings and reviews at: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

 

 

SHOW NOTES

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00:00 - Introduction

00:31 - Universal Appeal

02:07 - 2025 Toyota Camry

03:30 - 2025 Kia K4

04:09 - 2025 Subaru Forester

05:10 - Manufacturer’s Presence

06:24 - EVs

09:22 - Volkswagen ID.Buzz

10:59 - Race Cars

12:32 - Pet Ownership, Mobility & Accessibility Appeal

15:47 - Color Trend

16:53 - 2025 Nissan Kicks

17:43 - 2024 Ford Bronco Heritage

 

 

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Preview: Redesigned 2025 Nissan Kicks Grows Slightly, Gains AWD

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

 

Preview: Redesigned 2025 Toyota Camry Goes Hybrid-Only, With AWD Available on All Trims

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/2025-toyota-camry-hybrid-review-a1114602128/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

 

Preview: 2025 Subaru Forester Boasts Brawny Styling, More Tech, and a Quiet Cabin

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/2025-subaru-forester-review-a4022375572/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

 

Preview: 2024 Honda Prologue Electric Vehicle Is Sensible and Roomy

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/2024-honda-prologue-review-a8015429336/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

 

Preview: 2025 Volkswagen ID.Buzz Electric Minivan Offers AWD and Nostalgia

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/volkswagen-id-buzz-minivan-review-a4884016168/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

 

 

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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

 

 

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To find out how products scored in CR’s rigorous lab tests—and to access our comprehensive ratings for items you use every day—become a member. CR is a mission-driven, independent, nonprofit organization. Join now at https://CR.org/joinviaYT

 

Check out https://www.ConsumerReports.org for the latest reviews, tips, and recommendations and subscribe to our YouTube Channel: http://bit.ly/1Nlb1Ez

Hyundai brings significant improvements to the Kona EV over the previous-generation model. We share our first impressions of the 2024 Hyundai Kona Electric, the power plant, driving dynamics, controls, and what it has to offer for buyers looking to purchase a sensible electric vehicle. Also, we discuss why it is important for EV owners to pay close attention to the 12-volt battery in their electric cars. Our experts had fun making up their own frankencar, choosing the motor, transmission, chassis, interior, and body from any car they wished and making their own creation.

 

More info on the 2024 Hyundai Kona here: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/2024-hyundai-kona-review-a8558776955/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

 

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

 

 

SHOW NOTES

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00:00 - Introduction

00:16 - First Impressions: 2024 Hyundai Kona Electric

01:57 - Cabin and Controls

03:07 - Compared to Gas Powered Vehicle

04:00 - Driving and Power

04:55 - Some Compromises

05:38 - Powertrain

06:19 - Regenerative Braking

08:42 - Cabin Noise

10:26 - Charging Systems

14:18 - Question #1: Do EVs have 12-volt batteries like regular cars, and do they need to be serviced?

18:18 - Question #2: If you could design a car where you source the powertrain, infotainment, interior, chassis, etc from any automaker, what would you make?

 

 

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First Drive: Redesigned 2024 Hyundai Kona Has Grown Larger and Gained New Features

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/2024-hyundai-kona-review-a8558776955/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

 

2024 Hyundai Kona Electric

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hyundai/kona-electric/2024/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

 

Automakers Move to a Common Plug Standard to Allow Their EVs to Use Tesla Superchargers

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/tesla-superchargers-open-to-other-evs-what-to-know-a9262067544/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

 

How to Find All the Available Electric Car Incentives

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/how-to-find-all-the-available-electric-car-incentives-a5786754228/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

 

Hybrids/EV Buying Guide

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

 

 

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

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

 

 

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

To find out how products scored in CR’s rigorous lab tests—and to access our comprehensive ratings for items you use every day—become a member. CR is a mission-driven, independent, nonprofit organization. Join now at https://CR.org/joinviaYT