Talking Cars 297: Driving the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 Electric SUV

We also discuss Tesla touch screens and evaluating the range of electric vehicles

Jon Linkov, Consumer Reports Autos Editor.

By Jon Linkov
Autos Editor

March 8, 2021

Main theme: We discuss our first impressions of the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 electric vehicle. This is VW's first ground-up EV; previous EV offerings were based on existing models designed around internal combustion engines. We give our early thoughts on how the ID.4 rides and handles, the control interface, and what EVs mean for Volkswagen after the Dieselgate scandal.

Audience Questions
• How do online reservations work when buying a car?
• Does CR anticipate the new Kia Carnival minivan to have reliability that's similar to the Kia Sedona it is replacing?
• In light of Tesla's recall, how much of a problem will electronic component wear become an issue?
• Will CR develop its own EV mileage/range tests?
• Is it wise to trade in a 2011 Toyota Camry that I owe a lot of money on in order to lease a new Toyota Venza?

Talking Cars 297 — Talking Cars panelists Gabe Shenhar, Jon Linkov, and Mike Monticello.

As with other “Talking Cars” episodes, this one is available free through Apple Podcasts. (Subscribe to the audio or video.) You’ll also find the audio on Spotify (log-in required) and video on YouTube.

• Driving the Ford F-150 Hybrid, episode 296
• Driving the Ford Bronco Sport, episode 295
• Nissan Frontier, Polestar 2, episode 294
• Ford Mustang Mach-E, episode 293
• Toyota Sienna, episode 292

Have a Question?

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Jon Linkov

Jon Linkov is the deputy auto editor at Consumer Reports. He has been with CR since 2002, covering varied automotive topics including buying and leasing, maintenance and repair, ownership, reliability, used cars, and electric vehicles. He manages CR’s lineup of special interest publications, hosts CR’s “Talking Cars” podcast, and writes and edits content for CR’s online and print products. An avid cyclist, Jon also enjoys driving his ’80s-era sports car and instructing at track days.