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We're talking trucks this week on our "Talking Cars with Consumer Reports" video podcast. First up, we discuss the updated 2015 Ford Expedition EL, a truck-based big SUV. It gets a new engine—Ford's EcoBoost 3.5-liter V6—but that change alone doesn't equal a trip to the fountain of youth for this aging behemoth. We think the Expedition EL will struggle to gain much ground against its arch-rival, the totally-redesigned 2014 Chevrolet Suburban/GMC Yukon XL.
Next we look at GM's new compact pickup truck, the GMC Canyon and it's twin, the Chevrolet Colorado. Once again, aging product designs play a competitive role here. Compared to the hoary Toyota Tacoma, the Canyon/Colorado seem almost futuristic in their modernity. We argue over whether buyers will take to this smaller, more-manageable truck, and whether it has to drive well to win over crossover SUV buyers.
As always, the mailbox is full of viewer inquires. One makes an impassioned pitch against factoring infotainment systems into vehicle reliability. Another asks how reliability improves as model years tick by. And a third wants to buy a Scion FR-S or Subaru BRZ, but reliability concerns have him considering a Honda Civic Si.
While we doubt that the Civic will scratch that viewer's itch, it might be just the thing for another viewer seeking a reliable and economical $20,000 coupe. Sticking to Honda, a viewer asks us if we'd take a loaded Honda Accord V6 over the Acura TLX. (Watch as Gabe—for once—struggles to make a decision.) Questions about older used cars and the newest Dodge Challenger round out the show. An extra bonus: look for Tom's analysis of hobo demographics.
As with the other shows, this episode is also available free through the iTunes store. Subscribe to the video or audio. You'll also find the video on YouTube.
Also view:
"Talking Cars" Episode 52: Reliability
"Talking Cars" Episode 51: Tesla, Camry, CarPlay
"Talking Cars" Episode 50: Reader questions
"Talking Cars" Episode 49: Ford F-150
"Talking Cars" Episode 48: BMW i8
"Talking Cars" Episode 47: Ford Mustang
"Talking Cars" Episode 46: Subaru WRX
"Talking Cars" Episode 45: Practical haulers
—Tom Mutchler
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