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    Talking Cars 389: Driving the 2023 Nissan Ariya

    Plus, we answer a question about backup-camera design

    Main theme: This week we give our impressions of the all-new 2023 Nissan Ariya electric SUV. About the size of the Nissan Rogue, the Ariya is just the second electric vehicle to join the automaker’s lineup, behind the Leaf, which debuted some 12 years ago. We discuss what it’s like to drive the Ariya, and assess how it stacks up against other EV competitors like the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, Toyota bZ4X, and Volkswagen ID.4. We also delve into the thinking behind the inordinate amount of trim and configuration levels available, and debate whether Nissan did a good enough job futureproofing the Ariya’s EV technology. 

    Audience question: I just pulled into my garage in my Chevrolet Bolt EUV after driving in the rain, and the backup camera was totally useless because it was covered with water. Why is it that Volkswagen seems to be the only automaker doing anything to keep backup cameras protected from the elements, with its camera neatly hidden behind the flip-up VW emblem?

    Talking Cars 389 panelists
    "Talking Cars" panelists Alex Knizek, Mike Monticello, and Gabe Shenhar.

    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 Archive

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    Mike Monticello

    Mike Monticello is the manager of road tests and reviews for the autos team at Consumer Reports. He has been with CR since 2016. Mike has been evaluating and writing about cars for nearly 25 years, having previously worked at Road & Track magazine and Edmunds.com. On the weekends, he usually switches from four wheels to two, riding one of his mountain bikes or motorcycles. Follow him on Twitter @MikeMonticello.