Toyota hybrid vehicles go on sale at dealerships in Chicago on February 6, 2024.
Scott Olson | Good pictures
This marks the second year in a row that seven electrified or fully electric vehicles have been included in Consumer Reports' top picks, as automakers roll out more models of vehicles to meet consumer demand and tighten federal fuel economy regulations.
Toyota Motor topped the list of any automaker, with four, followed by Subaru with two. Tesla, Ford Motor, Mazda and BMW each had one vehicle on the list.
All four of Toyota's vehicles in the top 10 are hybrids or plug-in hybrids.
“Markets are changing. There are actually more powertrain choices today than there ever have been,” Jake Fisher, Consumer Reports senior director of car testing, told CNBC. “When we look at the best vehicles, the best choices,​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​imates, when we look at the best vehicles, the best choices,​​​​
Both hybrids and plug-in hybrids have a traditional engine combined with EV technologies. A traditional hybrid like the Toyota Prius has electrified components, including a small battery, to help the engine deliver better fuel economy. Plug-in hybrids typically have a large battery that provides all-electric driving for a limited number of miles until an engine is needed to power the vehicle or electric motors.
Fisher said plug-in hybrid vehicles are bridging the gap between conventional hybrids and EVs, which many consumers are beginning to perceive as a “dark horse” for the American auto industry.
This year's Consumer Reports rankings feature three plug-in hybrid vehicles, the most on the annual list.
“Based on the surprise and what we've learned this year, it's really all about plug-in hybrids,” Fisher said. “They're not well understood, but depending on what your situation is, it could be the best of both worlds, an electric vehicle and gas.”
Consumer Reports selects the best models at various price points and classifications based on tests of new vehicles. The organization tests around 50 new vehicles every year.
Here is the full list:
- Small car: Mazda 3
- Medium car: Toyota Camry Hybrid
- Hybrid/Plug-in Hybrid Car: Toyota Prius/Prius Prime Plug-in Hybrid
- Subcompact SUV: Subaru Crosstrek
- Compact SUV: Subaru is a forester
- Medium SUV: Toyota Highlander Hybrid
- Luxury SUV: BMW X5/X5 PHEV
- Small Pickup: Ford Maverick/Maverick Hybrid
- Plug-in Hybrid SUV: Toyota RAV4 Prime Plug-in Hybrid
- Electric Vehicle: Tesla Model Y
The Tesla Model Y dominated the US and beyond last year. Tesla's entry-level Model 3 sedan made the top 10 list last year.
According to data from Kelley Blue Book, a subsidiary of Cox Automotive, 1.1 million battery-electric vehicles were sold in the U.S. last year. Of those vehicles, nearly 655,000 are Tesla EVs, including 394,497 Tesla Model Ys, with sales driven in part by rebates and tax incentives domestically.
While battery-electric vehicle sales are still growing, hybrid electrics are an attractive option for many car buyers in the U.S. because charging infrastructure is not yet widespread or reliable. As Norway.
The top picks on Consumer Reports' annual auto brand report cards are calculated based on its internal testing and reliability, safety and overall customer satisfaction according to an owner survey.
BMW topped the overall brand list, followed by Subaru, Porsche, Honda and Lexus rounding out the top five brands. At the bottom of the rankings are Rivian, GMC, Jaguar, Land Rover and Jeep.
