Talking Cars (MP3)

We answer viewer questions this week, including: the best vehicle for a 14-hour road trip, why automakers have eliminated spare tires, debunk a myth about self-driving cars, and explore the pros and cons of all-weather tires. We also discuss the best ways to learn your vehicle's new features, with or without a dealer's help.
Have a question for our experts? Send it to TalkingCars@iCloud.com to be featured on a future episode.
 📝 SHOW NOTES:
0:00 - Intro
1:24 - Question #1 - Paul from St.Paul, MN: Which car brands make the best self-driving systems?
8:31 - Question #2 - Paul: Where did all of the spare tires go?
15:25 - Question #3 -  Darnley from Yonkers, NY: What's the best car for a 14-hour road trip?
18:30 - Question #4 - Noah from Richmond, VA: Do all-weather tires live up to the hype?
23:57 - Question #5: Steve from TN: What's the best way to learn about the new features on a car, when you don't buy from a dealer?
🌐 LINKS:
Car Features to Help You Stay Safe on the Road: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-safety/cars-and-features-to-help-you-stay-safe-on-the-road-a1543711001/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
Clearing the Confusion About Advanced Car-Safety Feature Names: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-safety/clearing-confusion-about-advanced-car-safety-feature-names-a1035752654/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
Some Newer Cars Are Missing a Spare Tire: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/tires/some-newer-cars-are-missing-a-spare-tire-a9928775934/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
Consumer Reports' Tire Selector Tool: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/tires/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Is the all-new 2026 Lexus ES EV the luxury electric sedan we've been waiting for? On this week's episode we share our first impressions of the Lexus' newest electric sedan, discussing its whisper-quiet ride, comfort-first philosophy, real-world range, charging performance, interior technology, and whether it delivers a true luxury experience despite a few frustrating tech quirks. Plus, we answer a viewer question: Can you safely extend oil change intervals on a plug-in hybrid if you mostly drive in EV mode?
 
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
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0:00 - Intro
00:16 - First Impressions of the 2026 Lexus ES 500e
03:42 - Ride Comfort
08:13 - Interior Design
10:17 - Controls & Tech Quirks
15:07 - Rear Seat Comfort
18:07 - Real-World EV Range & Charging
20:31 - Practicality
22:22 - EV Platform Explained
23:06 - Comfort vs. Performance
26:01 - One-Pedal Driving & EV Experience
28:26 - Everyday Usability
30:40 - Safety Features
33:32 - Audience Question: Oil Changes for Plug-in Hybrids 
 
 
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Test Results: 2026 Lexus ES
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/lexus/es/2026/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
 
How to Find the Best Home EV Charger
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/how-to-choose-the-best-home-wall-charger-for-your-electric-vehicle-a6908889697/EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
 
How Long Does It Take to Charge These Popular Electric Cars
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/fastest-charging-electric-vehicles-a4112188427/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
 
10 Best Deals on Electric Vehicles
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/best-deals-on-electric-vehicles-a1198228201/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
 
Most & Least Satisfying Hybrids, PHEVs, and Electric Vehicles
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/most-and-least-satisfying-electric-vehicles-and-hybrids-a2825600877/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
 
Popular Electric Vehicles to Avoid and What to Get Instead
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/electric-vehicles-to-avoid-and-the-evs-to-get-instead-a6654236864/?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
 
5 Things to Know About Oil Changes for Your Car
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-maintenance/things-to-know-about-oil-changes-for-your-car-a9532249359//?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Is the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI the last great affordable sports sedan? On this week's episode, we debate whether Volkswagen's final manual-transmission sedan is destined to become a future classic—or if the DSG automatic is actually the better buy. We break down the GLI's turbocharged performance, handling, ride comfort, practicality, and why it may be one of the best cars left to learn stick shift. Plus, we answer audience questions about the best used manual cars for beginners and whether driving a stick can actually make teen drivers safer.
 
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
00:15 2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI
02:01 Driving Experience
07:29 Performance, Handling, and Ride Quality
16:39 Comfort, Seats, and Interior Features
22:13 Manual vs. DSG Transmission Debate
26:50 Practicality and Interior Drawbacks
30:00 Would We Buy the Jetta GLI?
33:29 Questions #1: Where did Mike Quincy buy his classes?
36:25 Question #2: What is the best used manual transmission cars for teen drivers
 
 
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Test Results: Volkswagen Jetta
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/volkswagen/jetta/2026/overview/?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
 
How Car Brands Stack Up on Repair Costs
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-maintenance/the-cost-of-car-ownership-a1854979198/?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
 
Best used cars under $20,000 for teens
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/teen-driving/best-cars-for-teens-a2115540753/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT 
 
Car Distractions: How to Stay Focused While Driving
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-safety/car-distractions-how-to-stay-focused-while-driving-a1144545692/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

In this episode, we separate fact from fiction about viral claims that a government-mandated "kill switch" for cars is coming in 2027. Our experts explain what the law actually says, how alcohol-impairment detection technology is being developed, and what that means for you when you make your next car purchase. We also answer an audience question about whether newer cars are really safer than older models and how advanced safety systems differ from driver convenience features.
 
SHOW NOTES:
0:00 - Intro
1:10 - The 2027 Car 'Kill Switch' myth
2:05 - What is the HALT Drunk Driving Act?
7:51 - Direct Driver Monitoring Systems (DDMS)
10:30 - Audience Question: Are newer cars really safer?
13:03 - How Advanced Driver Safety Systems help prevent crashes
15:54 - Convenience Features vs. Real Safety Technology
24:03 - Why Modern Safety Features Matter
 
LINKS:
 
No, Your Car Isn't Getting a 'Kill Switch' in 2027: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-safety/2027-car-kill-switch-explained-a2146992793/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
 
Driver Monitoring Systems Can Help You Be Safer on the Road: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-safety/driver-monitoring-systems-ford-gm-earn-points-in-cr-tests-a6530426322/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT   
 
Consumer Reports' Car Safety Guide: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/safety-guide/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
 
Find the Safest New Car Using Consumer Reports' Safety Verdict: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-safety/how-to-find-safest-new-car-using-crs-safety-verdict-a3169270635/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

In this episode of Talking Cars, we discuss why modern vehicles rely so heavily on software, apps, over-the-air updates, and smartphone integration. We compare the pros and cons of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, discuss the learning curve of built-in infotainment systems, and explore personal data privacy and how you can best protect your information while using a vehicle.
 
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
01:20 - CarPlay vs. Native Infotainment Systems 
02:20 - Why Connectivity Still Fails 
03:40 - Software Updates, Over-the-Air updates
07:04 - Why EVs Depend on Advanced Software 
10:50 - Common Infotainment Frustrations 
18:20 - What Makes a Good Infotainment System? 
20:25 - Privacy, Data Collection & Connected Cars
 
 
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How Do In-Car Infotainment Systems Compare to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?: https://www.consumerreports.org/infotainment-systems/in-car-infotainment-systems-vs-apple-carplay-android-auto/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT 
 
How Do Over-the-Air Update Work: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-maintenance/ota-car-software-updates-are-they-safe-how-they-work-a4081157745/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT 
 
How Long Does It Take to Charge These Popular Electric Cars?: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/fastest-charging-electric-vehicles-a4112188427/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT 
 
Get the Most From Your Car's Infotainment System: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/automotive-technology/get-the-most-from-your-cars-infotainment-system-a1056374937/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT 
 
How to Clear Your Personal Data From a Car: https://www.consumerreports.org/electronics/personal-information/how-to-clear-your-personal-data-from-a-car-before-selling-a2082502452/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT