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    Talking Cars 481: Driving the Volkswagen Tiguan

    We also answer questions about airbag safety and the best SUVs for tall people

    Main theme: The Volkswagen Tiguan has always sat toward the bottom of a very competitive class of compact SUVs, including the Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Mazda CX-5, Mazda CX-50, Nissan Rogue, Subaru Forester, and Toyota RAV4. Can a redesign help reinvigorate the Tiguan’s image and attract buyers to the Volkswagen brand? What about reliability and fuel economy? Our expert podcast panelists discuss their experiences in the new Tiguan, which Consumer Reports is currently testing.

    Read the Volkswagen Tiguan first drive.

    Audience questions:
    • Could I get hurt if an airbag goes off while I’m honking the horn?
    • I’m really tall. My kids are really tall. What SUV should I buy for a family of six? (See the best cars and SUVs for tall drivers.)

    Learn more about how CR tests cars

    Consumer Reports Talking Cars Episode 481 podcast panel
    “Talking Cars” panelists (from left): Keith Barry, Steven Elek, and Ryan Pszczolkowski.

    Photo: Consumer Reports Photo: Consumer Reports

    How to Listen

    “Talking Cars With Consumer Reports” episodes are available through Apple Podcasts (audio or video), audio on Spotify (log-in required), video on YouTube, and on CR’s video hub.

    Engage in the “Talking Cars” community.

    Recent Episodes

    Driving the Hyundai Ioniq 9, episode 480
    • Driving the Tesla Model Y, episode 479
    • Driving the Subaru Forester Hybrid, episode 478
    • What Is the 2025 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe?, episode 477
    • Driving the Nissan Armada, episode 476

    Have a Question?

    Send a text or video message to TalkingCars@iCloud.com. Please include your first name and where you’re from, and we might feature it in a future episode.

    Talking Cars

    Browse the complete podcast archive for past shows.


    Keith Barry

    Keith Barry has been an auto reporter at Consumer Reports since 2018. He focuses on safety, technology, and the environmental impact of cars. Previously, he led home and appliance coverage at Reviewed; reported on cars for USA Today, Wired, and Car & Driver; and wrote for other publications as well. Keith earned a master’s degree in public health from Tufts University. Follow him on BlueSky @itskeithbarry.bsky.social.