#246 Buying vs Leasing an Electric Car; Stuck with Large Rims & Low Profile Tires?

This week we cover a wide range of topics, including comparing Consumer Reports’ ratings across car categories; installing a front-facing child seat in the rear seat of a sports car; why higher-level trim cars come with larger wheels and low profile tires; how CR tests the subject aspects of a tire’s performance, and which would be a better 3-row SUV for a growing family: the Acura MDX, or Mazda CX-9.     ----------------------------------- Have a question for our experts? Leave a comment on this episode, or reach out to us directly!   From your iOS device, iMessage us at [email protected] to send a photo, video, or text directly to the Talking Cars team!   We love to feature our viewers on the show, so submit video questions at https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-talking-cars/   Subscribe to Talking Cars on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Jr8wJRJyN9v8T6LC1fQQ6     SHOW NOTES ----------------------------------- 00:39 - Question #1: Are CR’s car ratings comparable across categories? 1:32 - Question #2: Can a from-facing child car seat be installed in the middle seat of a Camaro or a Mustang? 05:25 -  Question #3: Why do higher trim cars come with large wheels and low profile tires? 08:04 - Question #4: Why does CR give higher ratings for cars with advanced safety features? 13:12 - Question #5: Please help a growing family choose a 3-row crossover, Mazda CX-9 or Acura MDX 16:32 - Question #6: How does CR grade the more subjective aspects of a tire? 20:00 - Question #7: Is it better to buy or lease an electric vehicle? 23:16 - Question #8: Please recommend an EV or plug-in hybrid with advanced safety features? 30:39 - Question #9: Is a 2014 Lexus ES300h a reliable replacement for a 2014 Toyota Camry and provide a bump in luxury?   ----------------------------------     Electric Cars 101: The Answers to All Your EV Questions https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/electric-cars-101-the-answers-to-all-your-ev-questions/   How Consumer Reports Tests Cars https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-how-consumer-reports-tests-cars/   Cars With Advanced Safety Systems https://www.consumerreports.org/car-safety/cars-with-advanced-safety-systems/   2016 BMW 7 Series Quick Drive https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CyL8s6BosIc   4K Review: 2018 Honda Accord Quick Drive https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZRFEpKCeM9w   Proper Top-Tether Installation Helps Keep Kids Safer in Child Car Seats https://www.consumerreports.org/car-seats/proper-top-tether-installation-helps-keep-kids-safer-in-child-car-seats/   4K Review: 2017 Acura MDX Quick Drive https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFD-X6g9erM   2018 LA Auto Show: 2019 Audi E-Tron https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uBV9nrd6_mo   2016 Chevrolet Camaro Quick Drive https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9-XNq6f88M   What You Need to Know About Installing a Child Car Seat in the Rear Center Seat https://www.consumerreports.org/car-seats/car-seats-and-rear-center-seat-installations/   4K Review: 2018 Subaru Crosstrek Quick Drive https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4J005E_TMeY   2018 Hyundai Kona Quick Drive https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2YcFRHiHP2E   2019 Lexus ES Quick Drive https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8j-HUfjUwEI   4K Review: 2016 Mazda CX-9 Quick Drive https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5UigcJd7PVY   2017 Kia Niro Quick Drive https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UA7DkF_I0jA   2018 Nissan Leaf Quick Drive https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBAB7sZj0Fo   2017 Toyota Prius Prime Quick Drive https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQt6L1celr4   2015 Ford Mustang Review https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKpFSLHLmdM   -----------------------------------   Check out http://www.ConsumerReports.org for the latest reviews, tips, and recommendations and subscribe to our YouTube Channel: http://bit.ly/1Nlb1Ez    Follow Us on Social: Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1IQ2w5q Twitter: http://bit.ly/1Yf5Fh2 Pinterest: http://bit.ly/1P37mM9 Instagram: http://bit.ly/1I49Bzo Google+: http://bit.ly/1Md3gfQ