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.

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SHOW NOTES

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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?

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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

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Talking Cars (MP3)