Consumer Reports (CR) has revealed its much-anticipated annual Top 10 List for the best new cars, trucks, and SUVs. There appears to be a strong preference for hybrid and electric vehicles among this year’s top choices.
Consumer Reports is an independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to research, testing, and consumer advocacy. The organization’s top picks excel in road tests and have essential safety features. They have high reliability and owner satisfaction scores as well.
The 2023 lineup shows a clear trend towards electrification. It includes one electric vehicle (EV), three hybrids, and three plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs).
“This year is all about plug-in hybrids,” Jake Fisher, Consumer Reports’ senior director of auto testing, told USA TODAY. “You don’t really have to compromise. “It can be the best of both worlds for a lot of people.”
Subaru and Toyota continue to impress. Each brand made the list thanks to its focus on quality engineering, user-friendly design, and emphasis on comfort and safety, according to CR.
Two Subaru models and four Toyota vehicles have been recognized this year, alongside the Ford Maverick Hybrid. Additionally, the Tesla Model Y made its inaugural appearance after benefiting from enhancements in reliability. The BMW X5 secures the luxury segment’s top honors for the second consecutive year.
This year’s Consumer Reports Top Picks certainly show the auto industry’s shift to greener transportation. Here’s the list:
Subcompact SUV: Subaru Crosstrek
- Price: $25,195-$32,195
- MPG: 29
Compact SUV: Subaru Forester
- Price: $27,095-$37,395
- MPG: 28
Hybrid/PHEV car: Toyota Prius/Prius Prime
- Price: $27,950-$39,370
- MPG: 51 for the hybrid, 43 for the PHEV with a 39-mile EV range
Small car: Mazda 3
- Price: $24,170-$36,650
- MPG: 30
Midsized car: Toyota Camry Hybrid
- Price: $28,855-$34,295
- MPG: 47
Small pickup: Ford Maverick/Ford Maverick Hybrid
- Price: $23,815-$34,855
- MPG: 23 in the gas-powered Maverick, 37 in the Maverick Hybrid
Electric vehicle: Tesla Model Y
- Price: $43,990-$52,490
- 330-mile range
Midsized SUV: Toyota Highlander Hybrid
- Price: $40,720-$53,125
- MPG: 35
Luxury SUV: BMW X5/X5 PHEV
- Price: $65,200-$89,300
- MPG: 23 for the gas-powered X5, or 21 for the X5 PHEV with a 39-mile electric-only range
Plug-in hybrid SUV: Toyota RAV4 Prime
- Price: $43,690-$47,560
- MPG: 34, with a 42-mile electric-only range
