#325 2021 Tesla Model S Steering Yoke First impressions

09/17/21 • 30 min

1 Listener

Consumer Reports recently purchased a 2021 Tesla Model S for our test program, which now features a steering yoke rather than a traditional circular steering wheel. We share our first impressions on what it is like to use this steering input on the highway, in the driveway, and in crowded parking lots. We also discuss the other big changes to this vehicle, including its lack of directional and wiper stalks (now a touch-sensitive button on the yoke), horn placement (also a touch button), and touchscreen/predictive gear shifting mechanism.

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

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 [email protected] 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

00:29 - 2021 Tesla Model S Steering Yoke Impressions

06:17 - Driving Tesla Model S

12:11 - Steering Wheel Controls

15:01 - Gear Selector

18:00 - Safety Pitfalls of Unintuitive Controls

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

Why We Think Tesla’s New Steering Yoke Shows Little Benefit

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWtJu0q3sBQ

Tesla’s New Steering Yoke Shows Little Benefit and Potential Safety Pitfalls

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-driving/tesla-steering-yoke-little-benefit-potential-safety-pitfalls-a1034204120/

4K Review: 2016 Tesla Model S Quick Drive

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

Tesla Model S 2013 quick take

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=458TLFRkAlk

Guide to Car Safety

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-guide-to-car-safety/

How to Safely Work on Your Car at Home

https://www.consumerreports.org/car-repair-maintenance/how-to-safely-work-on-your-car-at-home/

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

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

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

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 [email protected] 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

00:29 - 2021 Tesla Model S Steering Yoke Impressions

06:17 - Driving Tesla Model S

12:11 - Steering Wheel Controls

15:01 - Gear Selector

18:00 - Safety Pitfalls of Unintuitive Controls

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

Why We Think Tesla’s New Steering Yoke Shows Little Benefit

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWtJu0q3sBQ

Tesla’s New Steering Yoke Shows Little Benefit and Potential Safety Pitfalls

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-driving/tesla-steering-yoke-little-benefit-potential-safety-pitfalls-a1034204120/

4K Review: 2016 Tesla Model S Quick Drive

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

Tesla Model S 2013 quick take

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=458TLFRkAlk

Guide to Car Safety

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-guide-to-car-safety/

How to Safely Work on Your Car at Home

https://www.consumerreports.org/car-repair-maintenance/how-to-safely-work-on-your-car-at-home/

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

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

Previous Episode

#324 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross; How To Avoid Buying a Flooded Car

This week we share our first impressions of the 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross; how it drove on our track, its long roster of advanced safety features, and who this small SUV might appeal to. With major flooding affecting many parts of the country, we discuss all the ways water can damage a car, and give tips on how to spot and avoid a waterlogged vehicle when buying a used car. Other topics this week include: what is the difference between a vehicle refresh and redesign; if bright LED daytime running lights can cause drivers to not turn on their car's headlights; why EVs seem to have less space for tall drivers; and how Consumer Reports decides which vehicles to buy for our test program, and what happens to our cars after testing is completed.

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

Subscribe to Talking Cars on Apple Podcasts!

Video version: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/talking-cars-hq/id630839767?mt=2

Audio version: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/talking-cars-mp3/id630831189?mt=2

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 [email protected] 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

00:35 - How To Avoid Buying a Flooded Car

08:17 - 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross First Impressions

17:46 - Question #1: What is the difference between a vehicle refresh and a redesign?

26:00 - Question #2: Are bright LED daytime running lights causing drivers to not turn on their car’s headlights?

29:24 - Question #3: Why does it seem that new EVs have less space for taller drivers?

32:59 - Question #4: How does Consumer Reports decide which vehicles to buy for their test program?

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

Beware a Flood of Flooded Cars

https://www.consumerreports.org/buying-a-car/beware-the-flood-of-flood-cars/

Flooded Cars: How to Spot One Before You Buy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LT-WtAltmK8

Car Title Resources:

National Motor Vehicle Title Information System

https://vehiclehistory.bja.ojp.gov/

VinCheck

https://www.nicb.org/vincheck

CarFax

https://www.carfax.com/press/resources/flooded-cars

First Drive: 2022 Toyota Corolla CROss Is a Sensible SUV

https://www.consumerreports.org/suvs/2022-toyota-corolla-cross-suv-review-a9535254586/

Best Cars for Tall People

https://www.consumerreports.org/buying-a-car/best-cars-and-suvs-for-tall-people-a7931047074/

Headlight Testing

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hOr0gqWYIu8

Guide to Car Safety

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-guide-to-car-safety/

How to Safely Work on Your Car at Home

https://www.consumerreports.org/car-repair-maintenance/how-to-safely-work-on-your-car-at-home/

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

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

Next Episode

#326 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Test Results; 2022 Toyota Tundra Preview

This week we share our test results of the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid, discuss the performance of its hybrid powertrain versus the regular gas engine, and how it compares to class leaders like the Toyota Highlander Hybrid. We also talk about the all-new for 2022 Toyota Tundra, including its highly anticipated hybrid power plant, aggressive styling, and what improvements we anticipate to arrive with the new redesign. Other topics include: which tires are best suited for improving fuel economy on EVs and hybrids; whether using the LATCH system or a seat belt is better when installing a child seat; how long can oil last in the trunk of a car before expiring; and our team shares the funny, weird, and wild stories of getting their drivers’ licenses.

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

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 [email protected] 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

00:29 - Child Seat Safety

03:04 - 2022 Toyota Tundra Preview

08:29 - 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Test Results

13:56 - Driver’s License Test Memories

22:39 - Question #1: Which tires are best suited for improving fuel economy on EVs and hybrids?

26:13 - Question #2: Is it safer to use LATCH system or a seat belt when installing child seat?

29:17 - Question #3: How does CR choose which cars to put through the Rock Hill test?

31:51 - Question #4: How long can motor oil last in the trunk of a car before expiring?

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

How to Avoid Common Car-Seat Installation Mistakes

https://www.consumerreports.org/car-seats/how-to-avoid-common-car-seat-installation-mistakes/

Choosing the Best Car Seat

https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/car-seats/buying-guide/index.htm

Preview: 2022 Toyota Tundra Boasts Hybrid Powertrain, Key Safety Features

https://www.consumerreports.org/pickup-trucks/2022-toyota-tundra-review-a1706208187/

2014 Toyota Tundra first drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hmMJytTx-Fs

First Drive: 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Gets New Styling and Updated Technology

https://www.consumerreports.org/suvs/2021-hyundai-santa-fe-review-a9539318353/

2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Quick Drive

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

Guide to Car Safety

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-guide-to-car-safety/

How to Safely Work on Your Car at Home

https://www.consumerreports.org/car-repair-maintenance/how-to-safely-work-on-your-car-at-home/

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

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