2022 YEAR IN REVIEW: TALKING CARS WITH CONSUMER REPORTS #392

EV Channels Review

Consumer Reports' 'Talking Cars' episode #392 offers a comprehensive year-end review of vehicles tested in 2022. The hosts highlight the Honda Civic Si and Volkswagen GTI as standout "favorite" cars, praising their blend of sportiness, fun, and everyday livability, particularly noting the continued availability of manual transmissions. Conversely, the Acura Integra and Infiniti QX60 are cited as disappointing, with the Integra falling short of nostalgic expectations and the QX60 offering little advantage over its Nissan Pathfinder counterpart for the price. The Rivian R1T is singled out for its significant motion sickness-inducing ride, rendering it undrivable for some. Emerging trends like the surprising performance of EVs on track (Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, Genesis GV60) and the rise of personalized infotainment are discussed, alongside concerns about vehicle fire recalls. The Ford Maverick is lauded as a "most likely to succeed" game-changer due to its smart, functional design, while the Mercedes C300 and Hyundai Ioniq 5 interiors receive praise for their premium feel and innovative design. The episode concludes with a look ahead to potential new models and technologies in 2023.