forester

We rented Jeep's all-new 2020 Gladiator and share our first impressions, discussing its place in the market, and if it has what it takes to succeed as a truck. Also, our experts weigh in on the Mercedes-Benz announcement discontinuing the Smart car brand of small vehicles in the US. Finally, we answer audience questions, including the high price for windshield replacement in cars with modern safety features, and why electric vehicle chargers aren't universal (or even cross-compatible.)

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

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

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

00:25 - Mercedes’ Smart Car Announcement

05:55 - 2020 Jeep Gladiator

12:19 - Question 1: Increasing Windshield Prices Because of Modern Tech

15:55 - Question 2: Applying Aviation Licensing Rules to Cars With Autopilot

20:21 - Question 3: Why Electric Vehicle Chargers Aren’t Cross-compatible?

23:58 - Question 4: Is the 2020 Hyundai Venue a Good Car For Seniors Citizens?

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

2016 Smart Car ForTwo Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9dkkK946Jss

2019 New York Auto Show: 2020 Hyundai Venue

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vg_FiOaMc0Y

2019 Detroit Auto Show: 2020 Jeep Gladiator

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

2018 LA Auto Show: 2020 Kia Soul

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fb_zoX4V6r8

2014 Kia Soul first drive

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

2019 Subaru Forester Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dymKOcVk7Iw

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

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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Patrick O'Grady nearly bought a Honda Element. Twice. The second time he had the book thrown at him. The Kelley Blue Book, that is.

This week, it’s another all questions episode! We talk about everything from tires, crash tests, the all-wheel drive myth and the most baby-worthy car for a dad-to-be. And don't forget that you can send us your questions at TalkingCars@icloud.com!

—————————————————

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 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

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

SHOW NOTES

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

0:42 - Video Question #1: Are trucks being used for their intended design?

2:20 - Video Question #2: Where can you get a vehicle maintenance schedule if your car doesn’t come with an owner’s manual?

4:20 - Question #3: Among two-row SUVs, is the Hyundai Santa Fe a good choice?

6:33 - Question #4: Which Subaru is best for a teenage driver’s first car?

7:58 - Question #5: Does the tire pressure on the door placard apply when you replace your vehicle’s tires?

9:00 - Question #6: Do manufacturers special tune cars that are lent to the press?

10:04 - Question #7: Does CR perpetuate the all-wheel drive myth?

12:24 - Question #8: Tires aside, what other factors affect how a vehicle performs on winter roads?

14:07 - Question #9: Will the Mazda3 or Genesis G70 baby?

16:17 - Question #10: Are trucks and SUVs in a separate category when it comes to government safety and emissions standards?

17:43 - Question #11: How will the IIHS crash test vehicles in the future?

19:00 - Question #12: How do you turn on a vehicle accessory mode when you have a push button start?

19:31 -  Question #13: Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla or Mazda3?

20:38 - Question #14: What’s the best all-weather tire for a 2018 VW Golf?

LINKS

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

2019 Genesis G70 Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UDrN5_R3Bu0

2018 LA Auto Show: 2019 Mazda3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iRfZ-oO3qpM

2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ZYJyewVP0I

2019 Honda Passport Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hULSTAtPt_g

2019 Chevrolet Blazer Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1XFgYyH00o

2018 Subaru Crosstrek Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4J005E_TMeY

2019 Subaru Forester Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dymKOcVk7Iw

2017 Subaru Impreza Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5bze9pGvsiY

2018 LA Auto Show: 2019 Toyota Prius AWD: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_uuYO8OIjl8

Do You Really Need All-Wheel Drive?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXjzYbpt9Ow

AWD Showdown: Subaru Forester vs. Honda CR-V vs. Toyota RAV4: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-TQdIqFvZo

New All-Weather Tires Outperform Some Snow Tires: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JfEcVZvQEA

Essential Winter Driving Tips: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIWVRbr15ek

This week, it’s another all questions episode! We talk about everything from tires, crash tests, the all-wheel drive myth and the most baby-worthy car for a dad-to-be. And don't forget that you can send us your questions at TalkingCars@icloud.com!

—————————————————

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 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

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

SHOW NOTES

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

0:42 - Video Question #1: Are trucks being used for their intended design?

2:20 - Video Question #2: Where can you get a vehicle maintenance schedule if your car doesn’t come with an owner’s manual?

4:20 - Question #3: Among two-row SUVs, is the Hyundai Santa Fe a good choice?

6:33 - Question #4: Which Subaru is best for a teenage driver’s first car?

7:58 - Question #5: Does the tire pressure on the door placard apply when you replace your vehicle’s tires?

9:00 - Question #6: Do manufacturers special tune cars that are lent to the press?

10:04 - Question #7: Does CR perpetuate the all-wheel drive myth?

12:24 - Question #8: Tires aside, what other factors affect how a vehicle performs on winter roads?

14:07 - Question #9: Will the Mazda3 or Genesis G70 baby?

16:17 - Question #10: Are trucks and SUVs in a separate category when it comes to government safety and emissions standards?

17:43 - Question #11: How will the IIHS crash test vehicles in the future?

19:00 - Question #12: How do you turn on a vehicle accessory mode when you have a push button start?

19:31 -  Question #13: Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla or Mazda3?

20:38 - Question #14: What’s the best all-weather tire for a 2018 VW Golf?

LINKS

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

2019 Genesis G70 Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UDrN5_R3Bu0

2018 LA Auto Show: 2019 Mazda3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iRfZ-oO3qpM

2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ZYJyewVP0I

2019 Honda Passport Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hULSTAtPt_g

2019 Chevrolet Blazer Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1XFgYyH00o

2018 Subaru Crosstrek Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4J005E_TMeY

2019 Subaru Forester Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dymKOcVk7Iw

2017 Subaru Impreza Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5bze9pGvsiY

2018 LA Auto Show: 2019 Toyota Prius AWD: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_uuYO8OIjl8

Do You Really Need All-Wheel Drive?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXjzYbpt9Ow

AWD Showdown: Subaru Forester vs. Honda CR-V vs. Toyota RAV4: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-TQdIqFvZo

New All-Weather Tires Outperform Some Snow Tires: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JfEcVZvQEA

Essential Winter Driving Tips: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIWVRbr15ek

During the summer of 2018, the western United States and Canada entered what had previously been an ‘unprecedented’ wildfire season.  Walls of flame threatened environments from urban neighborhoods to national parks in fires burning more intensely than we’ve seen in this lifetime. And a generations-old debate rages on: can and should humans be doing more to manage these wildfires before they get started AND while they burn?  Or should we decide that 100+ years of fire suppression has led us down the wrong path, and it’s time to get out of the way of a natural process? As with anything this complicated, no one side is ever 100% wrong, so we had to take a closer look.

This conversation is not one about the details of firefighting, logging, or forest conservation efforts.  It’s about entire ecosystems and community vitality - and how fires have a dynamic impact on both. Wildfires put economic security - and even human lives - on the line, so it’s no surprise perspectives on how to manage and control them evoke strong emotions.  But, as with all Interchange panel discussions, we focused on bringing balanced and informed perspectives to the table. We hope you’ll learn something new, or have an opportunity to listen deeper on this challenging and sensitive topic.

Porsche has finally redesigned its Cayenne SUV, and we discuss our overall impressions, and how it performed in our tests. Wet weather can have a significant impact on how tires perform, and the problem only gets worse as a tire ages. CR recently conducted a test on how tires with low tread depth handled in our wet braking and hydroplaning courses, and why a tire from Michelin impressed us. We also answer audience questions about the 2019 Toyota RAV4, how long it takes us to fully test a vehicle, and whether changing a new car’s tires and shocks is a good idea.

SHOW NOTES

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

:45 - worn tire testing in wet conditions & Michelin claim check

7:21 - winter tire care tips

10:01 - Porsche Cayenne Road Test results

16:24 - audience question #1: replacing brakes and shocks

20:06 - audience question #2: duration of CR’s auto testing protocol

23:33 - audience question #3: replacement for 2010 Toyota RAV4?

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

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 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

Porsche has finally redesigned its Cayenne SUV, and we discuss our overall impressions, and how it performed in our tests. Wet weather can have a significant impact on how tires perform, and the problem only gets worse as a tire ages. CR recently conducted a test on how tires with low tread depth handled in our wet braking and hydroplaning courses, and why a tire from Michelin impressed us. We also answer audience questions about the 2019 Toyota RAV4, how long it takes us to fully test a vehicle, and whether changing a new car’s tires and shocks is a good idea.

SHOW NOTES

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

:45 - worn tire testing in wet conditions & Michelin claim check

7:21 - winter tire care tips

10:01 - Porsche Cayenne Road Test results

16:24 - audience question #1: replacing brakes and shocks

20:06 - audience question #2: duration of CR’s auto testing protocol

23:33 - audience question #3: replacement for 2010 Toyota RAV4?

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

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 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

We explain why General Motor's Super Cruise, Tesla's Autopilot, Nissan's ProPILOT Assist, and Volvo's Pilot Assist are not self-driving systems, but how each can be used safely, and which ones Consumer Reports finds perform best. We also answer questions about transmissions system additives, and whether the Subaru Forester is the best choice for people with an active lifestyle.

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

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

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

01:37 Automated Driving System Rankings

14:11 Question 1: Benefits of Self-Driving Systems

16:20 Question 2:  How to save a transmission

17:58 Question 3:  Weekend Trips Car

20:07 Question 4:  Replacing 2015 Toyota Camry 

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

Cadillac Tops Tesla in Consumer Reports' First Ranking of Automated Driving Systems

https://www.consumerreports.org/autonomous-driving/cadillac-tops-tesla-in-automated-systems-ranking/

2019 Subaru Forester Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dymKOcVk7Iw

2017 Volkswagen Alltrack Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nFwfm63Ts1k

Face-Off: Subaru Outback vs. Volkswagen Alltrack

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ylXqZce8XQ

2017 Honda CR-V Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CwN2Tl1A5Z4

2017 Mazda CX-5 Quick Drive

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

2016 Toyota RAV4 Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gEnMo_G7eM8

2018 Honda Accord Quick Drive

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

2018 Toyota Camry Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SpOUrt8sLGE

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

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

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Google+: http://bit.ly/1Md3gfQ

We explain why General Motor's Super Cruise, Tesla's Autopilot, Nissan's ProPILOT Assist, and Volvo's Pilot Assist are not self-driving systems, but how each can be used safely, and which ones Consumer Reports finds perform best. We also answer questions about transmissions system additives, and whether the Subaru Forester is the best choice for people with an active lifestyle.

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

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

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

01:37 Automated Driving System Rankings

14:11 Question 1: Benefits of Self-Driving Systems

16:20 Question 2:  How to save a transmission

17:58 Question 3:  Weekend Trips Car

20:07 Question 4:  Replacing 2015 Toyota Camry

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

Cadillac Tops Tesla in Consumer Reports' First Ranking of Automated Driving Systems

https://www.consumerreports.org/autonomous-driving/cadillac-tops-tesla-in-automated-systems-ranking/

2019 Subaru Forester Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dymKOcVk7Iw

2017 Volkswagen Alltrack Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nFwfm63Ts1k

Face-Off: Subaru Outback vs. Volkswagen Alltrack

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ylXqZce8XQ

2017 Honda CR-V Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CwN2Tl1A5Z4

2017 Mazda CX-5 Quick Drive

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

2016 Toyota RAV4 Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gEnMo_G7eM8

2018 Honda Accord Quick Drive

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

2018 Toyota Camry Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SpOUrt8sLGE

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

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

This week, we give our first impressions of the new Subaru Outback - does it maintain the legacy of the high utility (but low excitement) SUV? We also discuss the recent announcements of mobile map apps Waze and Google Maps debuting on Apple CarPlay, as well as Amazon's new Alexa Auto device. Lastly, we answer audience questions about our test results on the Acura RDX, why all dashboards are black these days, and which we would choose as a work truck: the Chevrolet Colorado or the Toyota Tacoma.

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

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 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

Tesla sent an over-the-air software update to all Model 3's this past weekend, which included a fix for the long stopping distances we experienced during our initial testing. We discuss our new test results, and what role over-the-air updates will play in the future of automobiles. We also discuss our first impressions of our newly purchased 2019 Kia Sorento, and answer audience questions about the Subaru Forester and the longevity of engines in hybrid vehicles.

Tesla sent an over-the-air software update to all Model 3's this past weekend, which included a fix for the long stopping distances we experienced during our initial testing. We discuss our new test results, and what role over-the-air updates will play in the future of automobiles. We also discuss our first impressions of our newly purchased 2019 Kia Sorento, and answer audience questions about the Subaru Forester and the longevity of engines in hybrid vehicles.

Today on the show, Steve and Jeremy interview one of their best friends in the bourbon business, St. Louis’-own, Jackie Zykan. Be sure to listen to the bonus content at the end of the show with Evan Haskill reading a back label from a featured bottle of bourbon. Today’s show was sponsored by Steve Akley’s book, Mules and More (https://goo.gl/EN3wEj). The Bourbon Show music (Whiskey on the Mississippi) is by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Check us out at: abvnetwork.com. Join the ABV Network Revolution by adding #ABVNetworkCrew to your profile in social media.

Each year, Consumer Reports chooses the best performing vehicles of the year in a number of categories. We discuss which cars we selected as the best of the year, automaker brand rankings, and how vehicles have evolved over the last decade.

Each year, Consumer Reports chooses the best performing vehicles of the year in a number of categories. We discuss which cars we selected as the best of the year, automaker brand rankings, and how vehicles have evolved over the last decade.

This week we answer your video submitted questions first! We also talk about two car commercials from the Super Bowl and discuss our newest test vehicle, the 2018 Ford EcoSport.

This week we answer your video submitted questions first! We also talk about two car commercials from the Super Bowl and discuss our newest test vehicle, the 2018 Ford EcoSport.

We recap our trip to the SAE Government/Industry meeting and talk about why the names of safety features can be confusing to consumers. The Honda Clarity joins our test fleet and as always, we answer viewer questions.

We recap our trip to the SAE Government/Industry meeting and talk about why the names of safety features can be confusing to consumers. The Honda Clarity joins our test fleet and as always, we answer viewer questions.

On this episode of Talking Cars, our experts discuss the 10 vehicles that make up our influential Top Picks list. We explain what makes a vehicle eligible for Top Pick status, and go in-depth on why they are the best in their categories.