Talking Cars (Video)

On this episode, we share our test results of the Hyundai Santa Cruz. We discuss where the Santa Cruz fits among competing small pickup trucks, how well it performs ‘truck’ duties and why its construction benefits its livability. We also answer a question on vehicle reliability, and how CR calculates this score from year to year.

SHOW NOTES:

0:00 - Hyundai Santa Cruz

11:08 - Question: How does CR weigh and consider reliability ratings on vehicles from year to year?

LINKS:

Hyundai Santa Cruz: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hyundai/santa-cruz/2022/overview/

What’s New in Small Pickup Trucks: https://www.consumerreports.org/pickup-trucks/whats-new-in-small-pickup-trucks/

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

This week we share the test results of the 2021 Chevrolet Corvette. We talk about how the drastic redesign of this American icon has propelled the Corvette into supercar territory, putting it on par with European competitors that cost double the price. We also answer an audience question about tire pressure.

SHOW NOTES:

0:00 - 2021 Chevrolet Corvette discussion

17:25 - Question #1: When replacing OEM tires, do you still follow the tire pressure on the placard located on the door jamb?

LINKS:

2021 Chevrolet Corvette: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/chevrolet/corvette/

2021 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray First Impressions; Talking Cars #306: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HJELAAnxnDo

On this episode, we share our test results of the all-electric Volkswagen ID.4. Find out how this all-new EV stacks up against competing models from Tesla and why we think the ID.4’s redesigned controls have more flash than function. We also answer an audience question on regenerative braking and how it works on the ID.4.

SHOW NOTES:

0:00 - Volkswagen ID.4 Test results

12:46 - Question: How does regenerative braking work on the VW ID.4?

LINKS:

Volkswagen ID4: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/volkswagen/id4/2021/overview/

First Drive: 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Can Play in the Big League: https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/2022-hyundai-ioniq-5-review-a4449361814/

Automakers Are Adding Electric Vehicles to Their Lineups. Here’s What’s Coming: https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/why-electric-cars-may-soon-flood-the-us-market-a9006292675/

This week we rented the 2022 Kia Carnival, and share our first impressions on its unique styling, utility, driving dynamics, and how it compares to the Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey, and Chrysler Pacifica. We also examine why people are spending more on new vehicles, and what is driving the average car prices so high. We also discuss whether it is wise to sell an older vehicle and purchase a brand new one; if panoramic sunroofs are less safe in a rollover crash; when to consider purchasing an extended warranty on a new car; and which safety features are a must when exploring a conversion van build #VanLife.

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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 [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

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00:00 - Introduction

00:14 - High New Car Prices

05:23 - 2022 Kia Carnival First Impressions

13:24 - Question #1: Is it wise to sell an older vehicle while the used car market is hot and purchase a new one?

18:19 - Question #2: Do panoramic sunroofs make a car less safe in a rollover crash?

21:02 - Question #3: When should you consider purchasing an extended warranty on a new vehicle?

23:25 - Question #4: Which safety features are a must when exploring a conversion van build?

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People Are Spending More on New Cars, But Prices Aren’t Necessarily Rising

https://www.consumerreports.org/buying-a-car/people-spending-more-on-new-cars-but-prices-not-necessarily-rising/

Preview: 2022 Kia Carnival Is a Minivan Masquerading as a High-Tech SUV

https://www.consumerreports.org/minivans/2022-kia-carnival-review/

Should You Get an Extended Warranty for Your Car?

https://www.consumerreports.org/car-repair/get-an-extended-warranty-for-your-car/

The Most Discounted New Cars Right Now

https://www.consumerreports.org/buying-a-car/new-cars-with-biggest-savings-off-msrp-right-now/

Leasing vs. Buying a New Car

https://www.consumerreports.org/buying-a-car/leasing-vs-buying-a-new-car/

Exploding Sunroofs: Danger Overhead

https://www.consumerreports.org/car-safety/exploding-sunroofs-danger-overhead/

Here’s the Tech That Could Be on Your Next Car

https://www.consumerreports.org/automotive-technology/the-tech-that-could-be-on-your-next-car/

Beginner’s Guide to Motorhomes

https://www.consumerreports.org/other-motor-vehicles/beginners-guide-to-motorhomes-rvs/

Guide to Car Safety

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

Coronavirus Resource Hub

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

This week we take a first look at the 2022 Infiniti QX60. We discuss how the three-row luxury SUV has evolved over the years and how some elements of the redesign made the controls less user-friendly. We also share some buying advice for a viewer who wants to drive a convertible, all-year round in Canada.

SHOW NOTES:

0:00-18:23 - 2022 Infiniti QX60 First Impressions

18:25-21:35  - Question #1: What’s the best advice on driving a rear-drive convertible in the winter months?

LINKS:

Preview: 2022 Infiniti QX60 Transforms the Luxury SUV: https://www.consumerreports.org/suvs/2022-infiniti-qx60-review-a1137839766/

First Drive: Redesigned 2022 Nissan Pathfinder Is a Modern Take on the Original Truck: https://www.consumerreports.org/suvs/2022-nissan-pathfinder-review-a6941815821/

2019 BMW Z4 Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t1FVQ49MazE

2016 Audi TT Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ORjmK_4svA0

Best Winter/Snow Tires From Consumer Reports’ Tests: https://www.consumerreports.org/winter-snow-tire/best-winter-snow-tires-a1191260310/