Consumer Reports, a renowned product testing organization, has released its top 10 vehicle picks for 2024, and the list is dominated by hybrid vehicles. In fact, six out of the top 10 picks are “electrified” vehicles, including plug-in hybrid models. This trend follows last year’s rankings, which also featured seven electrified or fully electric vehicles. The increasing presence of these vehicles is a response to both consumer demand and stricter fuel economy regulations imposed by the government.
Leading the pack is Toyota Motor, with four vehicles in the top 10 rankings. All of Toyota’s vehicles on the list are either hybrid or plug-in hybrid models. Subaru follows closely behind with two vehicles, while Tesla, Ford Motor, Mazda, and BMW each have one vehicle on the list. The only non-hybrid models in the top 10 are the all-electric Tesla Model Y crossover and three gas-powered vehicles.
According to Jake Fisher, senior director of auto testing at Consumer Reports, the inclusion of so many electrified choices in the top picks reflects the changing market and the fact that these vehicles meet consumers’ expectations. Hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles combine traditional engines with EV technologies to provide better fuel economy and performance. Fisher also highlights the growing popularity of plug-in hybrids, which he considers a “dark horse” in the automotive industry, as many consumers are just beginning to understand their benefits.
This year’s rankings feature three plug-in hybrid vehicles, the highest number ever included in the annual list. Fisher emphasizes that plug-in hybrids offer the best of both worlds, combining the advantages of electric vehicles and gas-powered cars.
Consumer Reports bases its top picks on extensive testing of new vehicles across various price points and classifications. The organization tests around 50 new vehicles each year to provide consumers with reliable information and recommendations.
Here is the full list of Consumer Reports’ top 10 vehicle picks for 2024:
1. Small car: Mazda 3
2. Midsize car: Toyota Camry Hybrid
3. Hybrid/Plug-in hybrid car: Toyota Prius/Prius Prime plug-in hybrid
4. Subcompact SUV: Subaru Crosstrek
5. Compact SUV: Subaru Forester
6. Midsize SUV: Toyota Highlander Hybrid
7. Luxury SUV: BMW X5/X5 PHEV
8. Small pickup: Ford Maverick/Maverick Hybrid
9. Plug-in hybrid SUV: Toyota RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid
10. Electric vehicle: Tesla Model Y
The Tesla Model Y, which dominated the market in the U.S. and beyond last year, has replaced Tesla’s entry-level Model 3 sedan in this year’s rankings. Tesla sold approximately 655,000 battery-electric vehicles in the U.S. in 2023, with the Model Y accounting for a significant portion of those sales.
While battery-electric vehicles are growing in popularity, hybrid electrics remain a preferred choice among U.S. car buyers. This is partly due to the limited charging infrastructure for fully electric cars compared to nations like Norway, where adoption is more widespread.
Consumer Reports’ top picks are also used to determine the organization’s annual auto brand report cards. These report cards rank brands based on internal testing, reliability, safety, and customer satisfaction according to owner surveys. BMW secured the top spot on the overall brand list, followed by Subaru, Porsche, Honda, and Lexus. At the bottom of the rankings were Rivian, GMC, Jaguar, Land Rover, and Jeep.
The shift towards hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles in Consumer Reports’ top picks reflects the changing landscape of the automotive industry. As consumers become more aware of the benefits of electrified vehicles and as automakers work to meet fuel economy regulations, it is likely that we will continue to see an increase in the number of these vehicles on the road.
