Talking Cars (Video)

This week we share our first impressions of the 2021 Toyota Sienna, and discuss the livability of this all-new minivan, the driving characteristics of the standard hybrid powertrain, and how it stacks up against competitors like the Chrysler Pacifica and Honda Odyssey. We also discuss tips for keeping LED headlights clear of ice and snow in winter weather, the best way to track down parts for classic cars, decipher all the acronyms and initials on the trim lines from various manufacturers, and how driving positions play a role in crash safety.

 

 

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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

 

 

SHOW NOTES

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00:00 - Introduction

00:33 - 2021 Toyota Sienna First Impressions

11:41 - Question #1: How to track down pmts for a classic vehicle?

14:48 - Question #2: How to keep LED headlights clear of snow and ice in the winter?

17:31 - Question #3: What do all the trim line initials and acronyms mean from different manufactures?

21:39 - Question #4: How do driving positions play a role in crash safety?

 

 

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First Drive: 2021 Toyota Sienna Proves a Compelling, Efficient SUV Alternative

https://www.consumerreports.org/minivans/2021-toyota-sienna-review/

 

4K Review: 2017 Toyota Sienna Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=165J4dCwUGU

 

4K Review: 2018 Honda Odyssey Quick Drive

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

 

Chrysler Pacifica Redefines the Minivan

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACuDfSHfh2I

 

2020 Kia Soul Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9mEQcbgync

 

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/

 

 

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

 

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Direct download: 2021CRO_Talking_Cars_Episode_292_HQ.mp4
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00pm EDT

We recently purchased a new 2021 Hyundai Elantra for the Consumer Reports auto testing program, and we share our first impressions on the performance, infotainment, and styling of this small sedan. We also discuss why many modern cars seem to lack a traditional bumper, and why the cost of minor dings and fender benders can be surprisingly expensive. We also discuss the role a tire's sidewall can play in ride comfort, recent government reports regarding booster seat weight limits and how they impact CR's testing, and if a car from Alaska could have any issues at its new home in Florida.

 

 

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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

 

 

SHOW NOTES

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00:00 - Introduction

00:29 - 2021 Hyundai Elantra First Impressions

14:00 - Question #1: Why many modern cars seem to lack a traditional bumper?

16:55 - Question #2: How recent government reports regarding booster seat weight limits impact CR’s testing?

22:53 - Question #3: What role does a tire’s sidewall play in the car’s ride comfort?

25:01 - Question #4: What issues could a car from Alaska have at its new home in Florida?

 

 

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Redesigned 2021 Hyundai Elantra Goes High-Tech and Hybrid

https://www.consumerreports.org/small-cars/2021-hyundai-elantra-review/

 

2017 Hyundai Elantra Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m1hxLaQO1Gg

 

When Is the Right Time for a Booster Seat?

https://www.consumerreports.org/booster-seats/when-is-the-right-time-for-a-booster-seat

 

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 

 

Follow Us on Social:

Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1IQ2w5q

Twitter: http://bit.ly/1Yf5Fh2

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Google+: http://bit.ly/1Md3gfQ

Direct download: 2101CRO_Talking_Cars_Episode_291_HQ.mp4
Category: -- posted at: 6:00pm EDT

We've completed testing of our 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime, and discuss how this plug-in hybrid performed, and why it might outshine the Subaru Crosstrek Plug-in Hybrid. Apple made automotive news recently concerning the potential development of an Apple-branded car produced by Hyundai; we discuss these reports, and consider the many ways the auto industry and big tech companies are converging to impact the car market. Other topics include the Toyota Yaris GR, if a hitch-mounted bike rack could prematurely age your car's springs, and whether adaptive cruise control has an impact on fuel efficiency.

 

 

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

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

 

 

SHOW NOTES

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00:00 - Introduction

00:34 - News of potential Apple-branded car produced by Hyundai.

09:19 - 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime Test Results

19:41 - Question #1: Why is the Toyota Yaris GR AWD not available in the US?

25:17 - Question #2: Does adaptive cruise control have an effect on fuel efficiency?

26:37 - Question #3: Could having a hitch mounted bike rack over an extended period of time have negative impact on the car’s springs?

 

 

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First Drive: 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime Is Powerful and Luxurious

https://www.consumerreports.org/suvs/2021-toyota-rav4-prime-review/

 

2019 LA Auto Show: 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VyucrV_maH8

 

2019 Toyota RAV4 Quick Drive

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

 

4K Review: 2018 Subaru Crosstrek Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4J005E_TMeY

 

2020 Toyota Yaris Hatchback Gets Bigger and Adds Features

https://www.consumerreports.org/small-cars/2020-toyota-yaris-hatchback-preview/

 

Cadillac’s Super Cruise Outperforms Other Driving Assistance Systems

https://www.consumerreports.org/car-safety/cadillac-super-cruise-outperforms-other-active-driving-assistance-systems/

 

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 

 

Follow Us on Social:

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

Direct download: 2101CRO_Talking_Cars_Episode_290_HQ.mp4
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00pm EDT

Are there rules of etiquette you should follow when test driving or purchasing a car? Can installing a dash cam in your vehicle save you money on car insurance? This week, we answer these questions, and discuss other topics, including the rising prices on pickup trucks; why a car recall might show up on services like CARFAX but not on NHTSA.gov; why an auto manufacturer would design a car with tail lights in its bumper. We also suggest a replacement car for a teenager currently driving a Tesla Model Y.

 

 

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

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

 

 

SHOW NOTES

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

00:00 - Introduction

00:53 - Question #1: What is the proper dealership etiquette when shopping for a car?

04:45 - Question #2: How do dash cams benefit drivers interns of safety and insurance premium savings?

08:56 - Question #3: Why a car recall might show up on services like CARFAX but not on NHTSA.gov?

12:38 - Question #4: Are the high price tags on trucks due to COVID closures and stock shortages?

17:45 - Question #5: Why auto makers design cars with tail lights built into the bumper where small impacts can damage them?

21:28 - Question #6: What is a good car for a teen driver under $30K?

 

 

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How to Buy Your First New or Used Car

https://www.consumerreports.org/buying-a-car/how-to-buy-your-first-new-or-used-car/

 

Dash Cams Can Be Silent Witnesses During Police Traffic Stops and Other Incidents

https://www.consumerreports.org/law-enforcement/dash-cams-can-be-silent-witnesses-during-police-traffic-stops-and-other-incidents/

 

Car Recall Guide: Your Questions Answered

https://www.consumerreports.org/car-recalls-defects/car-recall-guide-questions-answered/

 

Best New Cars for Teens

https://www.consumerreports.org/new-cars/best-new-cars-for-teens/

 

4K Review: 2017 Mazda CX-5 Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmTVgcuD2V4

 

4K Review: 2018 Honda Accord Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZRFEpKCeM9w

 

2020 Subaru Legacy Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oosO1qbA7uw

 

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 

 

Follow Us on Social:

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

Direct download: 2101CRO_Talking_Cars_Episode_289_CRO.mp4
Category: -- posted at: 5:00pm EDT

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