We spent time behind the wheel of the all-new 2021 Kia K5 sedan, and give our first impressions on the new styling, driving characteristics, comfort, and controls. Consumer Reports recently purchased the all-electric 2020 Porsche Taycan, and we talk about how this luxury EV stacks up against its main competitor, the Tesla Model S. We also talk about advancements in electric car battery technology, how to store a set of winter tires that only gets used a few times a year, and define what it means for a car to be "fun to drive."
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SHOW NOTES
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00:00 – Intro
1:49 – 2021 Kia K5 First Impressions
12:29 – 2020 Porsche Taycan First Impressions
21:23 – Question #1: What does it mean when CR says a car is “fun to drive?”
24:12 – Question #2: What is the best way to store winter tires that get used a few times a year?
25:49 – Question #3: Is the battery technology on the cusp of a large leap in battery capacity?
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Preview: All-New 2021 Kia K5 Brings Style to Midsized Sedans
2016 Kia Optima Quick Drive
First Drive: 2020 Porsche Taycan Is a High-Priced Alternative to the Tesla Model S
4K Review: 2016 Tesla Model S Quick Drive
How Consumer Reports Tests Cars
Coronavirus Resource Hub
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27:34 plus, if anything battery tech has only been halving in Mass/KWh year over year, and it seems to have leveled off. What we got is about as good as it’s going to get for now. The new goal is to get the cost down. That’s why GM and honda are partnering to use less precious metals in their battery cells. not to reduce the weight, or increase the range, but to get the cost down.
I was surprised when you answered the “winter” tire question you didn’t mention the all weather tires that have been appearing these last few years. I’m more familiar with all terrain type tires and know they aren’t marketed in warmer states so they probably aren’t even available in Texas. I do run a set most of the year but change them for dedicated snow tires in winter. I got them mostly for late fall hunting where it’s still early for the winter set but can get caught in early frosts and snowfalls in the mountains. BTW, the ones I have aren’t nearly as good as the studded winter tires on snowpack or icy roads, but they do OK in fairly deep snow.
Well said! All weather tires are the answer for one set all year, that last well and perform satisfactorily in all conditions.
I can donate a talking car
Sounds just like Ann Southern
Levi should consider all-weather tires, like the Michelin Crossclimate+ tires that score well in all tests and in all weather conditions. Consumer Reports ranks them at the top of their online rankings. Surprised that CR did not even mention those tires – they even have a life guarantee of 75,000 miles.
Is a Kia K5 hybrid coming like on the Sonata?
Interestingly, I don’t believe there will be- at least for now
Odd I’ve never heard you complain of the poor build quality that’s become notorious with many of the Tesla. I.E. the rear clip coming off in rain storms. Difficulty in service and repairs.
Many Tesla were at one point or another not recommended by CR because of their reliability data. The current Model 3 and Model S are rated average reliability by CR. Also a survey conducted by Bloomberg showed marked improvement in service and parts availability in 2019.
Hoping for some details sadly “I mean you know” can’t take the lame talk!!🤷
Alex o n Autos had the cabin noise level at 71 decibels, which is very quiet. When Kia was designing the car, they realized that they could not hear the engine so a lot of the engine noise you hear is pumped in.
I’m hoping for a plug-in hybrid with 80-100 miles of electric range.
Where’s the K5’s paddle shifter?
Phew. good thing they said the Model S is a better EV, or else the fanboys would have flooded the comment section again 😂
Why don’t they name the mid-level trim GT and the higher end GTX or something like that?
Thanks, love your show. As for the K5, with the roof line it should be a 5-door lift back. The trunk opening is to small.
Why not suggest the guy in Texas buy Tires like Michelin Cross Climate?
@21:00 Keep in mind they will also offer a cross tourismo version soon, which has a hatchback/wagon style.
The written reviews of cars have a road test score which is liked to “fun to drive”. Most public libraries offer access to Consumer Reports for free.
The optima is amazing and the porsche is amazingly overpriced
Porsche has said thier name scheme is to go along with the rest of the brand. Porsche people no what an S A turbo and a Turbo S are in packages
Gabe’s “Bad sound makes good video look bad.” He made zero effort to deal with the bad acoustics.