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

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

    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.

    Consumer Reports 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.

    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?

    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.


    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.