Our experts share their first impressions of the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan. We break down Volkswagen’s latest improvements, explore how the Tiguan stacks up in the crowded compact SUV segment, and explain why its redesign gives it a more refined, “grown-up” feel. Plus, we answer your questions about airbag deployment and recommend the best vehicle for a tall, traveling hockey family. Test results here: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT Exclusive CR discount for Talking Cars viewers: https://www.cr.org/jointalkingcars?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT SHOW NOTES: 0:00: Intro 0:24: 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan Overview 2:15: First Impressions 9:28: Volkswagen reliability 12:12: Pricing and competing vehicles 14:51: Question #1: Do airbags deploy if a driver is pressing the horn? 19:51: Question #2: What’s the best vehicle for a growing family of six?
--------
25:35
--------
25:35
2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9
This week, we discuss the 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9. This sleek, futuristic-looking three-row electric vehicle shares its basic technology and design with the Kia EV9. We cover the similarities and differences between the two vehicles, share our driving experiences, and lament (once again) the use case of electronic door handles. We also answer questions about fuel savings on hybrid vehicles and the longevity of plug-in hybrid vehicle batteries. Test results here: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT Exclusive CR discount for Talking Cars viewers: https://www.cr.org/jointalkingcars?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT SHOW NOTES: 0:00: Intro 0:17: Hyundai Ioniq 9 overview 5:26: EV Charging 7:50: Interior, controls, and cabin storage 16:50: Access 21:57: Regenerative braking 26:22: Driving impressions 29:27: Safety systems 33:50: Hyundai Ionia 9 vs. Kia EV9 37:35: Question #1: Is buying a hybrid still a better choice than a non-hybrid? 42:50: Question #2: Does daily charging degrade a PHEV battery quicker?
--------
45:07
--------
45:07
2026 Tesla Model Y
This week, we share our first impressions of the updated 2026 Tesla Model Y. A smoother ride, upgraded interior, and quieter cabin are just some of the improvements in this refreshed all-electric SUV—but it's not without quirks. We break down its performance on our test track, the challenges with Tesla’s delivery process, and our concerns about the vehicle’s controls and so-called “Full Self-Driving” system. We also answer your questions about roomy, comfortable gas or hybrid alternatives with modern safety features, and explain how Consumer Reports buys and tests vehicles—including whether we pay MSRP. More info on the 2026 Tesla Model Y here: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/tesla/model-y/2026/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT Join CR at https://CR.org/joinviaYT to access our comprehensive ratings for items you use every day. CR is a mission-driven, independent, nonprofit organization. SHOW NOTES ----------------------------------- 00:00 - Introduction 00:36 - Overview: 2026 Tesla Model Y 02:49 - Buying Process 08:34 - Driving Dynamics 10:01 - Visibility 11:04 - Ride Comfort 12:07 - Access 15:29 - Controls 18:58 - FSD “Full Self-Driving” 25:02 - Infotainment System 27:54 - Build Quality 30:06 - Safety Features 34:17 - Final Thoughts 37:25 - Question #1: Is CR quoting the MSRP price when publishing the price paid for the vehicle? 40:03 - Question #2: what is a roomy, comfortable gas or hybrid alternative with modern safety features under 50K? ---------------------------------- First Drive: The Freshened Tesla Model Y Includes Improvements but Keeps Some Warts https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/2026-tesla-model-y-review-a4126153571/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT Tested: The Best Tire for Teslas and Other Electric Vehicles https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/tires/tested-best-tires-for-teslas-and-other-electric-vehicles-a6379613635/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT Best Electric Cars of 2025, According to Consumer Reports’ Tests https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/best-electric-vehicles-from-consumer-reports-tests-a3759669425/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT Electric Vehicles With the Longest Range https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/electric-vehicles-with-the-longest-range-a2189661367/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT Hot, New Electric Cars That Are Coming Soon https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/hot-new-electric-cars-are-coming-soon-a1000197429/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
--------
48:37
--------
48:37
2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid
CR has purchased a 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid Premium for its test program! On this episode, we share our first impressions on how it is different than the recently updated gas model, the performance of the powertrain and how it feels to drive vs the standard version, our early fuel efficiency experiences in the real world, and how it compares to the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, Honda CR-V Hybrid, Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, and others in the crowded small SUV segment. We also give expert advice on whether adding premium fuel to your vehicle will deliver improved performance, and if buying a car from the 2010s will future proof a driver who wants to avoid too much tech behind the wheel. More on the Subaru Forester Hybrid: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
--------
46:44
--------
46:44
2025 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe
The 2025 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe is refreshed with more power, updated tech, and sharper performance. In this episode, we share our first impressions of a 228i xDrive purchased for our test program. From its 241-hp turbocharged engine and new dual-clutch transmission to its front-wheel-drive platform shared with the X1, X2, and Mini Countryman, we break down how it performed on our track. Plus, we evaluate the redesigned touchscreen interface and assess whether BMW’s tech updates actually improve the driving experience.. We also answer viewer questions: Can different fuel grades mix at a single gas pump with one nozzle, how can you better compare car ratings on our website, and is a “better-than-average ride” in a sedan equivalent to the same rating in an SUV? More info on the 2025 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe here: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/bmw/2-series-gran-coupe/2025/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT Join CR at https://CR.org/joinviaYT to access our comprehensive ratings for items you use every day. CR is a mission-driven, independent, nonprofit organization. SHOW NOTES ----------------------------------- 00:00 - Introduction 00:15 - Overview: 2025 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe 01:59 - What is it? 05:40 - Biggest Issue 08:00 - Cabin Space 11:23 - Driving Dynamics 13:35 - Would We Buy It? 16:15 - Infotainment System 20:27 - Question #1: Can different fuel grades mix at a single gas pump with one nozzle? 25:15 - Question #2: how can you better compare car ratings on CR.org? ---------------------------------- 2025 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/bmw/2-series-gran-coupe/2025/road-test-report/#pagestop?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT Popular Cars to Avoid and What to Buy Instead https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/cars-popular-cars-to-avoid-and-what-to-buy-instead-a5131342215/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT Reliable Used Sports Cars for Under $25,000 https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/sports-cars/reliable-used-sports-cars-under-25000-dollars-a1197642772/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT 10 Best Luxury SUVs You Can Buy Right Now https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/best-luxury-suvs-you-can-buy-right-now-a3498867918/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT Most Fuel-Efficient Cars https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/fuel-economy-efficiency/the-most-fuel-efficient-cars-best-mpg-a1198903400/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
USA