Talking Cars (Video)

We recently purchased the 2020 Audi Q7, so this week we discuss what's new in the freshening of this 3-row midsize SUV, give our take on the new dual screen infotainment system, and how it compares to competitors like the Mercedes-Benz GLS and the BMW X7. Also, with hurricane season in full swing, we talk about precautions drivers should consider when driving in heavy rain, what to do if you encou...

This week we give our first impressions of the 2020 BMW 228i xDrive Gran Coupe, discuss its driving characteristics, and how it compares to its competitors, like the Genesis G70. CR has released a new study which finds that on many vehicles important advanced safety features like AEB (Automatic Emergency Braking) and FCW (Forward Collision Warning) are only available in expensive optional packages...

We recently completed testing on the 2020 Cadillac CT4 luxury sedan, and we discuss how it compares to the Audi A4, Genesis G70, and its sister sedan, the Cadillac CT5. Staying with the Cadillac, the GM's luxury brand recently made headlines with the unveiling of its all-electric Lyriq concept SUV; we talk about the rocky history of electric cars at General Motors, the interesting platform the Lyr...

On this episode we share our test results of the all-electric 2020 Nissan Leaf Plus. While it was one of the first mainstream EVs on the market, we discuss if it has kept up with its competitors in this growing market. Our experts give tips on the best way to research, negotiate, and secure the best financing when buying a car. And, we answer questions about how CR decides which models to buy for...

This week w e 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 c...

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,...

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...

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.o...

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 mechanic...

This week we share our test results of the 2020 Audi Q3. We also talk about Ford's new Co-Pilot360 and the active drive assist feature, and discuss how it compares to Tesla's Autopilot and Cadillac's Super Cruise. Also, we answer audience questions about the best way to purchase a vehicle at the end of a lease, if covering a car in rhinestones is a good idea, and choosing a first car for a 17-year...

This week we share our first impressions of the 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, and how it stacks up against the standard version. We also discuss why fuel economy numbers in small and compact cars don't seem to be improving at the rate of larger vehicles, whether someone entering the auto industry should forego an education in conventional cars in favor of electric vehicle (EV) specialization, and...

This week at the track we have the 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, we share our first impressions and discuss whether or not hybridizing the CR-V improved the model. Also we dip into the mailbag and answer audience questions about why Subarus are so popular with car reviewers and enthusiasts, whether filling up your car with lower octane fuel than recommended by the manufacturer could damage your vehicle...

This week we share our test results of the 2020 Lincoln Corsair. We discuss the effects of the coronavirus pandemic on the electric vehicle market, and whether or not it is the right time to buy an EV or a hybrid. Also we answer audience questions including whether window tint potentially reduces the heating effect of sunlight, could the summer's high heat kill off the COVID-19 virus in your vehic...

This week we discuss our test results of the 2020 Nissan Versa subcompact sedan. We also share feedback from our audience about preferences for in-car navigation: do more drivers like built-in nav systems, or mobile phone apps for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, like Waze and Google Maps? And we discuss whether a vehicle's ride height can affect passenger safety, reliability differences between th...

This week we share our test results of the 2020 Buick Encore GX and compare how this 3-cylinder SUV stacks up to its competitors in the Luxury segment. We talk about the virtual unveiling of the 2021 Toyota Sienna and Venza, both of which will only be available with a hybrid powertrain. Also, we discuss the rebates some car insurers are offering due to the reduced number of drivers on the road dur...

This week we talk about the test results of the 2020 Nissan Sentra and the progression of this compact sedan throughout its existence.  We share what precautions CR is taking in order to continue its auto test program during the COVID-19 pandemic. Also, we answer questions about swapping your car's stock infotainment system for an aftermarket in order to gain Apple CarPlay, and whether there are a...

On this week's episode we discuss the results of CR's new survey which asked drivers nationwide what improvements they would desire on their vehicles. We share our full road test results of the all-new 2021 Kia Seltos. We also answer audience questions about whether or not there is a difference in build quality of a specific vehicle model built in different countries, and if drivers are being more...

This week we share our test results of the all-new 2020 Mazda CX-30, and talk about where this compact SUV fits in the Mazda lineup. Jen Stockburger shares her personal experience purchasing a new vehicle and how the process is different due to social distancing. Also, we discuss vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication and what the future might look like for vehicle communication. We wrap up wit...

We finished testing on the 2020 Hyundai Venue and discuss our test results, and which car category this compact people mover slots into. We talk about how the car purchasing experience has changed during these strange times, and share some of the options that we've encountered buying a car while social distancing. We also answer audience questions about the accuracy of the EPA estimated fuel econo...

The gang's all here! This week, our CR auto experts answer your questions from the comfort of their homes. We reach out to the entire Talking Cars team to see what they have been doing to keep busy during the quarantine, and answer your questions about maintaining your car during the coronavirus crisis, why Toyota isn't building electric vehicles, whether a white or yellow fog light is more effect...

This week we discuss our test results of the 2020 Volkswagen Passat, and how it stacks up against its competitors in the midsized segment. We share tips on how to keep your car's fuel fresh while it is (likely) being driven fewer miles during the coronavirus pandemic. We also discuss if a plug-in hybrid version of the Jeep Gladiator is on the horizon, how effective a load leg is on a child seat, a...

We discuss the digital debut of the 2120 Genesis G80. Find out how we think the sedan will stack up against its more established luxury competitors. We also cover the best way to clean your child seat during the COVID-19 pandemic and answer questions. Check out https://www. ConsumerReports.org for the latest reviews, tips, and recommendations and subscribe to our YouTube Channel: http://bit.ly/1Nl...

This week, we discuss how to protect yourself against the coronavirus when pumping gas. Plus, we share test results on our 2020 Hyundai Sonata, looking at how it stacks up against the heavyweights in the category such as Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, and the Subaru Legacy. We finish the episode with audience questions about whether car buying incentives get better during an economic shakeup (like th...

This week we cover tips on how to keep your car clean during the Coronavirus outbreak. Find out which cleaners work best to kill the virus while preserving the interior of your car. Plus, we discuss our test results of the 2020 Toyota Highlander and answer audience questions about CR Top Picks and the reliability of American made cars. Check out http://www. ConsumerReports.org for the latest revie...

This week we cover a wide range of topics, including comparing Consumer Reports' ratings across car categories; installing a front-facing child seat in the rear seat of a sports car; why higher-level trim cars come with larger wheels and low profile tires; how CR tests the subject aspects of a tire's performance, and which would be a better 3-row SUV for a growing family: the Acura MDX, or Mazda C...