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    Talking Cars 459: Driving the 2025 Hyundai Sonata

    Plus, the podcast panel answers questions about towing, difficult-to-use steering wheel controls, and the best vehicle for a mountain commute

    Main theme: Contrary to popular belief, we don’t buy and test every model year of every vehicle. Typically, we only buy a car when it’s a brand-new model or redesigned. However, if a car gets a significant refresh, which automakers typically do partway into a vehicle’s life to boost sales, it may warrant a test to keep our results current. This is the case with the 2024 Hyundai Sonata (although we bought a 2025). We run through the big changes and contemplate if the Sonata is a worthy competitor to the recently redesigned Toyota Camry and Honda Accord.

    Learn more about the 2025 Hyundai Sonata.

    Audience Questions
    • Should I look for a vehicle with a tow rating of just up to my needs, or is it safer to get one with more capacity?
    • How long would it take for someone not familiar with a car to get in and drive it?
    • My commute is 60 miles through the mountains and my Subaru Outback is boring to drive. Any plug-in hybrid or electric vehicle suggestions?

    Talking Cars 459 panel
    “Talking Cars” panelists (from left): Alex Knizek, Ryan Pszczolkowski, and Maddie McCarty.

    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 2025 Jeep Compass, episode 458
    • Driving the 2025 Mini Cooper S, episode 457
    • Driving the Chevrolet Traverse, episode 456
    • We Bought a Tesla Cybertruck, episode 455
    • Driving the Toyota Land Cruiser, episode 454

    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.


    Alex Knizek

    Alex Knizek is an automotive engineer at Consumer Reports. He has been with CR since 2020 and works on the vehicle testing program, technical reporting, and tracking automotive trends and technology. Alex earned a master’s degree in automotive engineering from Clemson University, where he led a team that designed and built a fully functional prototype vehicle. Previously, he was an ergonomics engineer at Ford Motor Company.