Talking Cars (MP3)

In this episode, Consumer Reports' resident 'tire guys' break down everything you need to know about winter tires. We discuss the differences among every tire category on the market, the conditions best suited to each segment, how to prep your vehicle for winter, and how our test program works. Find out which tires will work best for you and what to avoid when it's time to buy new tires for your car. We also answer a question about the use case for studded snow tires and how tire chains can help drivers in extreme climates. 
 
SHOW NOTES:
0:36 - Intro
1:12 - Winter car prep tips
5:17 - When is it time for new tires?
7:00 - Tire buying tips
9:50 - Winter tire availability & installation
12:17 - Winter tires and road noise 
13:09 - Tire categories
18:51 - Tire replacement & rotation
20:25 - Winter traction evaluation
23:48 - Ice testing
35:09 - Audience question: Are studded snow tires worth it?
 
LINKS:
Send a Question to Talking Cars: https://www.consumerreports.org/talkingcars/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
 
Winter Car Prep Tips: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-repair-maintenance/keep-car-in-peak-condition-during-freezing-winter-weather-a5638747903/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

 
Winter Driving Survival Guide: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/winter-driving/winter-driving-tips-from-consumer-reports-experts-a8223951679/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT 
 
When to Replace Your Tires: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/tires/when-to-replace-your-tires-a3107469842/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
 
Best All-Weather Tires: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/tires/best-all-weather-tires-a8621335540/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
 
Best SUV & Truck Tires: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/tires/best-suv-and-truck-tires-a3436694441//?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

This week, we share our first impressions of the 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid—the first hybrid version of Kia's popular three-row SUV. We discuss its 329-hp hybrid powertrain, improved fuel economy, quiet and comfortable ride, controls, front-seat comfort, and how it compares with the closely related Hyundai Palisade Hybrid. Plus, we answer an audience question about choosing a luxurious, fuel-efficient three-row SUV for long highway trips.
 
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
-----------------------------------
0:00 - Intro
00:47 - 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid Overview
03:30 - Hybrid Powertrain
08:13 - Telluride Hybrid vs. Hyundai Palisade Hybrid
09:56 - Low-Speed Hybrid Hiccups and Transmission Behavior
12:43 - Fuel Economy: 31 MPG vs. 20 MPG
13:43 - Ride Comfort, Handling, and Wheel Size
15:46 - Interior Storage and Everyday Usability
16:54 - Climate Controls and Infotainment
20:57 - Roomy Cabin, Convenient Features, and Door Handles
23:00 - Front-Seat Comfort and Driving Position
27:32 - Which Hyundai/Kia Three-Row SUV Would We Choose?
30:55 - Audience Question: Best Luxury Three-Row SUV for Long Commutes
 
 
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Test Results: 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/kia/telluride-hybrid/2027/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
 
2027 Kia Telluride
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/kia/telluride/2027/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
 
Most and Least Satisfying Hybrids, Plug-In Hybrids, and EVs
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/most-and-least-satisfying-electric-vehicles-and-hybrids-a2825600877/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
 
Which Brands Make the Best Cars?
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/cars-driving/which-car-brands-make-the-best-vehicles-a6159221985/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
 
Who Makes the Most Reliable New Cars?
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/who-makes-the-most-reliable-cars-a7824554938/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
 
Find an Efficient Vehicle That's Right for You
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/buying-guide/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
 
 
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Consumer Reports experts: Mike Monticello, Joe Veselak, Jeff Bartlett

In this all-questions episode of Talking Cars, our experts answer questions on selling a used car online, how to get the most life out of directional tires, storing fuel in a plug-in hybrid, how hybrid engines work, and more. Plus, the rear-wiper saga continues, and we explain why most rear wipers are mounted below the glass on vehicle hatches. Have a question for our experts? Send it to TalkingCars@iCloud.com to be featured on a future episode.
 
SHOW NOTES:
0:00 - Intro
1:16 - Question #1 (video): How to sell your car online
6:39 -  Question #2: What's the best strategy to get the most mileage out of directional tires?
8:39 - Question #3: Should you use fuel stabilizer in a PHEV?
11:10 - Question #4 (video): What is the Atkinson cycle and how does it work?
16:54 - Question #5: Will CR ever buy and test a VinFast?
22:17 - Question #6: Why are rear-mounted wipers attached to the bottom of the rear glass?
 
LINKS:
Send a Question to Talking Cars: https://www.consumerreports.org/talkingcars/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
How To Sell Your Car Online: https://www.consumerreports.org/money/selling-a-car/how-to-sell-your-car-to-an-online-retailer-a2790904993/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
First Drive: VinFast VF8: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/vinfast/vf-8/2025/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
VinFast Brand Overview: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/vinfast/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

On this week's episode, we share our first impressions of the 2026 Toyota RAV4 PHEV and explore whether the plug-in hybrid is worth its sizable price premium. With up to 54 miles of electric range, 324 horsepower, impressive fuel economy, and no EV range anxiety, it may be the most versatile RAV4 yet—but it still has a few frustrating compromises. Plus, we answer an audience question about whether a reliable, high-mileage vehicle is a smart choice for a teen driver.
 
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
-----------------------------------
0:00 - Intro
0:37 Overview: 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid
1:23 Is the PHEV Worth It?
6:14 Electric Range and Efficiency
9:31 Charging at Home
13:07 Ride and Handling
15:36 Acceleration and Power
19:15 Controls and Technology
27:02 Interior and Comfort
31:59 Reliability
35:45 Final Verdict
42:43 Viewer Question: Are High-Mileage Cars Safe for Teens?
 
 
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Test Results: 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/toyota/rav4-plug-in-hybrid/2026/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
 
First Drive: 2026 Toyota RAV4 PHEV Is Quick, Efficient, and Packed with Useful Tech
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/2026-toyota-rav4-phev-review-a1016340226/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
 
Most and Least Satisfying Hybrids, Plug-In Hybrids, and EVs
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/most-and-least-satisfying-electric-vehicles-and-hybrids-a2825600877/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
 
Which Brands Make the Best Cars?
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/cars-driving/which-car-brands-make-the-best-vehicles-a6159221985/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
 
Who Makes the Most Reliable New Cars?
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/who-makes-the-most-reliable-cars-a7824554938/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
 
Find an Efficient Vehicle That's Right for You
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/buying-guide/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
 
Safest Car Brands Ranked by CR's Safety Verdict
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-safety/safest-car-brands-a1065426408/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
 
How Car Brands Stack Up on Repair Costs
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-maintenance/the-cost-of-car-ownership-a1854979198/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
 
Best Used Cars and SUVs Under 10K
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/best-used-cars-suvs-under-10000-dollars-a8966344858/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
 
 
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Consumer Reports experts: Jon Linkov, Jake Fisher, Alex George

On this week's episode, we share our first impressions of the redesigned 2027 Kia Seltos, Kia's least expensive SUV. Its roomy interior, comfortable ride, bold styling, and user-friendly controls make it feel surprisingly mature—but the sluggish 147-hp base engine is a major disappointment. We discuss whether the pricey turbo is worth the upgrade or if buyers should wait for the upcoming hybrid. Plus, we answer an audience question about balancing the financial benefits of keeping an older car with the safety improvements found in newer models.
 
Consumer Reports experts: Alex Knizek, Jeff Bartlett, John Williams
 
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
-----------------------------------
0:00 - Intro
00:37 Overview: 2027 Kia Seltos
02:12 Mature Subcompact SUV
04:26 Ride Comfort and Handling
07:20 The Engine
08:43 Is the Turbo Worth it?
09:58 Upcoming Hybrid
12:39 Infotainment
14:23 Climate Controls and Interior Design Quirks
18:13 Door Handles
20:27 Interior Space, Cargo Room, and Rear Seats
22:12 Seat Comfort and Head Restraint Problems
25:29 Interior Quality
27:22 Audience Question: When Should You Replace an Older Car?
 
 
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Test Results: 2027 Kia Seltos
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/kia/seltos/2027/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
 
Most and Least Satisfying Hybrids, Plug-In Hybrids, and EVs
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/most-and-least-satisfying-electric-vehicles-and-hybrids-a2825600877/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
 
Which Brands Make the Best Cars?
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/cars-driving/which-car-brands-make-the-best-vehicles-a6159221985/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
 
Who Makes the Most Reliable New Cars?
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/who-makes-the-most-reliable-cars-a7824554938/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
 
Popular Small SUVs to Avoid and What to Buy Instead
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/popular-small-suvs-to-avoid-and-what-to-buy-instead-a1273704153/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
 
Find the Safest New Car Using CR's Safety Verdict
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-safety/how-to-find-safest-new-car-using-crs-safety-verdict-a3169270635/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
 
Safest Car Brands Ranked by CR's Safety Verdict
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-safety/safest-car-brands-a1065426408/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT