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    Talking Cars 318: Driving the Genesis GV70

    We also talk about what’s entailed with getting a brake job done on a newer vehicle, and how an audience question led to changes at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

    Main theme: We start off this week circling back to some topics from recent episodes. First, we reveal how a question from our audience led to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety making changes to its ratings related to the Mazda CX-5’s active safety systems. Next, because our discussion from Episode 317 about SUVs we think are destined to become future classics proved so popular, we read some of our favorite comments from you about your picks. 

    Driven this week: 2022 Genesis GV70

    Audience Questions

    • Do you recommend buying brake parts from some other source in an effort to save money and then having the dealer install them? 
    • I enjoy using the Sport mode on my 2020 Ford Escape, but will this wear out the engine faster vs. driving it in its normal mode? 
    • What are your thoughts on underbody rust-proofing these days, like as an add-on from a dealer? What about undercoatings that you can apply yourself?
    • Can you recommend a reliable, fun, used 4x4—with ABS, stability control, and airbags—in the $10,000 range that I can leave garaged at my cabin in the woods?

    'Talking Cars' panelists Alex Knizek, Mike Monticello, and Jen Stockburger

    'Talking Cars' panelists Alex Knizek, Mike Monticello, and Jen Stockburger

    Talking Cars 318

    Photo: Consumer Reports Photo: Consumer Reports

    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.

    Have a Question?

    We’d love to include it in a future show. Upload your video questions to our Dropbox folder. Please send high-definition (1920x1080) MP4 video files with high-quality audio. Or send an iMessage question to our TalkingCars@icloud.com account.


    Mike Monticello

    Mike Monticello is the manager of road tests and reviews for the autos team at Consumer Reports. He has been with CR since 2016. Mike has been evaluating and writing about cars for nearly 25 years, having previously worked at Road & Track magazine and Edmunds.com. On the weekends, he usually switches from four wheels to two, riding one of his mountain bikes or motorcycles. Follow him on X: @MikeMonticello.