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    Talking Cars 343: Hyundai Santa Cruz Test Results

    Plus, we discuss how first-year reliability data speaks to long-term dependability

    We discuss our final test results of the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz. First, how does this new “trucklet” from Hyundai stack up overall as a vehicle and secondly as a truck? Are both the bed and the cabin a touch too small, or does the Santa Cruz strike just the right balance? Are a small SUV-like ride, access, and fuel economy combined with just enough utility for someone who loves the outdoors or a gardener a winning combination? 

    See our complete Hyundai Santa Cruz road test.

    Audience question:
    Is CR’s reliability data based on the first year only or is it a good indicator of longer-term dependability as well? And specifically, can you help to explain the better reliability score for the most recent redesign of the Chevrolet Trailblazer vs. the lower score for the Toyota RAV4 when Toyota is traditionally a super-reliable brand?  

    Talking Cars 343
    "Talking Cars" panelists: Jon Linkov, Jen Stockburger, and Alex Knizek.

    Photo: Consumer Reports Photo: 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.

    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.

    Talking Cars

    Browse the complete podcast archive for past shows.


    Jen Stockburger

    Jennifer Stockburger is the director of operations at the Consumer Reports Auto Test Center, focusing on the day-to-day operations of CR’s 327-acre testing facility as well as overseeing the child seat and tire test programs and contributing to CR’s comprehensive vehicle ratings. Jennifer joined CR in 2000; before that she gained auto industry experience as a tire test and fuel systems engineer, and has been a certified child passenger safety technician (CPST) since 2001.