We wrap 2021 with a roundup of our favorite, and not so favorite cars that we drove at our test track. We also discuss how the car buying market has changed over the last 12 months, share some buying advice for the future and look ahead to some vehicles we hope to buy and test in the new year.

 

SHOW NOTES:

1:13 - Our least favorite cars of 2021

9:08 - Our favorite cars of 2021

18:43 - The Automotive world in 2021

24:55 - Vehicle production in 2022 and beyond

LINKS:

First Drive: Polestar 2 Confuses and Frustrates: https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/2021-polestar-2-review-a8033018732/

First Drive: 2021 Cadillac Escalade Proves Powerful, High-Tech, and Truly Luxurious: https://www.consumerreports.org/suvs/2021-cadillac-escalade-review/

First Drive: Redesigned 2022 Subaru BRZ Proves Nimble and Fun: https://www.consumerreports.org/sports-cars/2022-subaru-brz-review-a6225692747/

We Finally Got Our Bronco. Here Are the 7 Things That Immediately Struck Us: https://www.consumerreports.org/suvs/what-to-know-about-the-all-new-ford-bronco-a3790433538/

Fun to Drive Cars We’re Thankful for This Year: https://www.consumerreports.org/sports-cars/fun-to-drive-cars-we-are-thankful-for-this-year-a2619186767/

General Motors Introduces ‘Ultra Cruise,’ an Expanded Hands-Free Driver Assistance System: https://www.consumerreports.org/driver-assistance-systems/gm-ultra-cruise-hands-free-driver-assistance-system-a4904409015/

Global Chip Shortage Makes It Tough to Buy Certain Cars: https://www.consumerreports.org/buying-a-car/global-chip-shortage-makes-it-tough-to-buy-certain-cars-a8160576456/

Some Automakers Say the Chip Shortage Is Causing the Delay of Certain Features: https://www.consumerreports.org/automotive-industry/chip-shortage-causing-automakers-to-delay-certain-features-a1131554218/

It’s finally here; the 2021 Ford Bronco joins our test fleet and we share our first impressions. We discuss everything from Bronco history, livability, off-road chops, and why it took so long for CR to buy one. Plus, we debate if the Bronco will out-Wrangler the Jeep Wrangler and win over the hearts of off-road enthusiasts. We also answer an audience question on CR’s criteria for recommended vehicles.

SHOW NOTES:

0:00 - 2021 Ford Bronco First Impression

14:33 - Question: What criteria are considered when CR recommends a vehicle?

LINKS:

Ford Bronco Overview: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/ford/bronco/2021/overview/

We Finally Got Our Bronco. Here Are the 7 Things That Immediately Struck Us: https://www.consumerreports.org/suvs/what-to-know-about-the-all-new-ford-bronco-a3790433538/

This week we share our first impressions of the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5. We discuss everything from driving, styling, control usability, vehicle structure and the Ioniq name itself. Find out what skateboards have to do with EVs and how this all-electric hatchback measures up to Hyundai's three-row SUVs. Plus, we answer a question on recycling old EV batteries.

SHOW NOTES:

0:00 - Hyundai Ioniq 5 Discussion

11:20 - Question: Is there a plan for disposing vehicle batteries?

LINKS:

Hyundai Ioniq 5: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hyundai/ioniq-5/

Preview: Hyundai Ioniq 5 EV Accelerates New Sub-Brand Into the High-Tech Future: https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/2022-hyundai-ioniq-5-review-a4449361814/

2017 Hyundai Ioniq Quick Drive: https://studio.youtube.com/video/DeYnvaqVHV0/edit

2018 Nissan Leaf Quick Drive: https://studio.youtube.com/video/PBAB7sZj0Fo/edit

On this episode, we drive the 2022 Volkswagen GTI. We discuss how this classic hatchback has evolved since the 1980s, where it fits in Volkswagen’s SUV focused lineup and the one thing that holds the GTI back from being a great all-around vehicle. We also answer a question about the safety of paddle shifters. 

SHOW NOTES:

0:00 - Volkswagen GTI discussion

12:20 - Question: Does CR consider paddle shifters a safety hazard?

LINKS:

Perview: 2022 Volkswagen GTI and Golf R Gain Power, Tech, and Sophistication: https://www.consumerreports.org/sporty-cars/2022-volkswagen-gti-gains-power-tech-sophistication-review/

Volkswagen GTI: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/volkswagen/gti/

Talking Cars with Consumer Reports #38: Volkswagen GTI: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1uGj5Cv6oY

VW Golf R vs. Golf GTI: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2uLwY-A35ko

This week we discuss our test results of the 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV. We explain what EUV means and talk about how this all-new EV compares to the original Bolt. Plus, find out why we, and other Bolt owners, have to park the vehicle outside, far away from any buildings. We also answer a question for a skier who’s looking to buy a new car.

SHOW NOTES:

0:00 - Chevrolet Bolt EUV Discussion

17:18 - Question: What’s the best type of vehicle to buy for an avid skier? How does ground clearance play a role in snow traction?

LINKS:

Chevrolet Bolt EUV: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/chevrolet/bolt-euv/

GM Announces Fix for Chevrolet Bolt EVs to Address Fire Risk: https://www.consumerreports.org/car-recalls-defects/chevrolet-bolt-recalled-again-due-to-fire-concerns-a3566085147/

2017 Chevrolet Bolt Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIYG0NR42LU

General Motors Introduces ‘Ultra-Cruise,’ an Expanded Hands-Free Driver Assistance System: https://www.consumerreports.org/driver-assistance-systems/gm-ultra-cruise-hands-free-driver-assistance-system-a4904409015/

Tire Ratings: https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/tires.htm?searchToken=tires

On this episode, we share our first impressions of the 2021 Honda Ridgeline. We discuss whether or not the Ridgeline has improved and if its trucky-enough compared to its competitors. We also choose and outfit the perfect pickup and learn about Mike Monticello's "rules of trucking.” Plus, we answer an audience question about commuting in an electric-vehicle in Alaska.

SHOW NOTES:

0:00 - 2021 Honda Ridgeline First Impressions

16:21 - Question #1: What’s the best type of EV to drive in Alaska?

LINKS:

Honda Ridgeline: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/honda/ridgeline/

2017 Honda Ridgeline Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJJeNbqaQAM

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

Preview: 2022 Ford Maverick Priced Under $20,000 With Standard Hybrid: https://www.consumerreports.org/pickup-trucks/2022-ford-maverick-review-a1068008639/

First Drive: 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz Pickup Proves Ready for Pint-Sized Adventures: https://www.consumerreports.org/pickup-trucks/2022-hyundai-santa-cruz-review-a1110360813/

2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nhZafWI1d4E

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/

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

This week we discuss the test results of the Hyundai Elantra Hybrid. We also discuss the Hyundai Tucson and Santa Fe and debate whether the hybrid versions of these SUVs make them better vehicles overall. The IIHS has updated crash test standards for small SUVs; find out why few vehicles performed well in the new test and what that means for consumers. Plus, we share our worst car buying experiences and answer questions on electric vehicle prices, and how CR evaluates new vehicles.

SHOW NOTES:

0:37 - New IIHS Crash Standards

6:56 - 2021 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid. Tucson Hybrid & Santa Fe Hybrid

16:25 - Our Worst Car Buying Experiences

27:24 - Question #1: Has CR ever changed positions on a vehicle after initial impressions?

31:40 - Question #2: Should I be concerned about parts shortages and the reliability of vehicles be manufactured now?

35:27 - Question #3: Why do EV prices seem to fluctuate at random?

LINKS:

2 Small SUVs Earn Poor Score in Tough New IIHS Side Crash Test: https://www.consumerreports.org/car-safety/iihs-small-suv-side-crash-test-a1228339113/

2021 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hyundai/elantra/2021/overview/

2022 Hyundai Tucson: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hyundai/tucson/2022/overview/

2021 Hyundai Santa Fe: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hyundai/santa-fe/2021/overview/

2017 Chevrolet Bolt Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIYG0NR42LU

2018 Nissan Leaf Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBAB7sZj0Fo

2020 Ford Escape: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/ford/escape/2020/overview/

This week we share our first impressions of the 2022 Lexus NX, discuss its available powertrains including a plug-in hybrid, completely redesigned infotainment, and our experience using its unique gear selector. Hertz "shocked" the rental car market by ordering 100,000 Tesla Model 3s for its fleet, and we talk about the possible pros and cons of renting an electric vehicle for a first-time EV driver, and how it might impact the industry. Also, Halloween night can have a high risk of pedestrian fatalities, so we provide helpful tips to be safe on this holiday. Other topics include: whether a wildfire can be caused by a vehicle; if a car needs to be warmed up before driving; and why most pickup trucks and SUVs don't automatically adjust headlight aim when carrying full loads.

 

 

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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

00:38 - Hertz adds Tesla Model 3 to the rental fleet

07:06 - Halloween Safety Tips

11:26 - Our trick or treats in the automotive industry

14:45 - First Impressions

23:28 - Question #1: Can a car cause a wildfire?

26:49 - Question #2: Is it recommended to warm up the car’s engine before driving?

30:13 - Question #3: Is removing rust on a vehicle worth it?

33:22 - Question #4: Why most pickup trucks and SUVs don’t have auto leveling headlights?

 

 

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Preview: All-New 2022 Lexus NX Gains New Engines, Efficiency, Space, and Tech

https://www.consumerreports.org/suvs/2022-lexus-nx-review-a1195449775/

 

Smart Road Trips for Halloween Safety

https://www.consumerreports.org/car-safety/smart-road-tips-for-halloween-safety-a6980048187/

 

How to Protect Your Car on Halloween

https://www.consumerreports.org/tires-auto-parts/how-to-protect-your-car-on-halloween-a4821620837/

 

New & Used Car Buying Guide

https://www.consumerreports.org/buying-a-car/car-buying-guide/

 

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/

 

 

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