Best and Worst New Cars
Highlights from our tests and surveys
Not all cars are created equal, and we have the data to prove it. Of course, numbers can tell a variety of tales and we understand every consumer has different priorities. To that end, we have compiled a series of best and worst car lists to highlight performance in a wide variety of categories. The lists linked below can be an excellent tool for filtering down your purchase considerations or for stocking up on vehicular trivia.
Overall test scores are based on more than 50 individual Consumer Reports tests and evaluations, and are presented on a 100-point scale.
Best Overall
Photo: Subaru Crosstrek Photo: Subaru Crosstrek
Best Cars of the Year: 10 Top Picks of 2024
The cars, SUVs, and trucks that shine brightest in CR’s tests.
Best American Cars, SUVs, and Trucks
These are the highest-scoring models from domestic brands in Consumer Reports’ ratings.
Which Car Brands Make the Best Vehicles?
We ranked 32 brands based on the Overall Scores of their models, which include road tests, reliability, satisfaction, and safety.
Best New Cars and SUVs for Under $30,000
These top performers cost less than the average new car.
Cars With the Best and Worst Results in Consumer Reports’ Road Tests
These vehicles stand out based on performance at CR’s test track.
Best & Worst Third-Row Seats
Not all third rows are easy to access, nor fit for adult passengers, as our testing has shown. To help in choosing the right three-row model for your needs, we highlight below those models that shined in our tests.
Fuel Economy
Photo: Toyota Photo: Toyota
Best Plug-In Hybrid Cars and SUVs
These PHEVs shine for performance, reliability, and satisfaction. Plus, the PHEVs with the worst fuel economy.
Electric Vehicles That Can Go More Than 250 Miles on a Charge
All of these EVs can be used multiple days in a row without needing to be constantly recharged.
The Most Fuel-Efficient Cars
These gas sippers are easy on the wallet.
The Most Fuel-Efficient SUVs
These small and midsized models can save you money at the pump without sacrificing utility.
The Most Fuel-Efficient Hybrid Cars, Minivans, and SUVs
These are the hybrids that get the most miles per gallon in CR’s exclusive real-world fuel-economy tests.
Best & Worst Fuel Economy
These mpg figures are based on CR’s extensive fuel-economy tests.
Best and Worst Deals
Photo: Hyundai Photo: Hyundai
Best New-Car Deals
Save money on models recommended by Consumer Reports.
Best Deals on SUVs You Can Buy Right Now
Consumer Reports has combed through national deals to find the best ones on good, safe, and reliable models.
Best Deals on Fuel-Efficient Cars and SUVs
Save gas and money on these models recommended by CR.
The Most Discounted New Cars Right Now
These models are selling below their sticker price, according to CR’s exclusive analysis of car deals.
Worst Deals on New Cars Right Now
Some models are so hard to come by that consumers are paying well above the sticker price for them.
Owner Satisfaction & Reliability
Photo: Chevrolet Photo: Chevrolet
Who Makes the Most Reliable New Cars?
CR ranks the brands and reveals how their new models are likely to hold up.
10 Most Reliable Cars
Consumer Reports’ massive annual surveys reveal the models that shine for reliability.
10 Least Reliable Cars
Consumer Reports’ surveys reveal the models with the greatest risk of problems.
The Cars People Love Most
Sports cars, family-friendly SUVs, EVs, and hybrids top our list of the most satisfying vehicles.
10 Most Satisfying Cars and SUVs
These are models the Consumer Reports members said they’d buy or lease again.
10 Least Satisfying Cars and SUVs
These models stand out for how much they disappoint their owners.
Car Maintenance
Photo: John Powers/Consumer Reports Photo: John Powers/Consumer Reports
Best SUV and Truck Tires
CR’s testing reveals the tires that stand out for performance, safety, and treadwear.
Best Winter/Snow Tires
CR’s testing identifies standout tires with the best cold-weather grip.
Best Tire Brands
Consumer Reports’ test results reveal which companies make the best-performing tires.
Most Satisfying Tire Brands
CR’s exclusive survey covers brands from BFGoodrich to Yokohama.
Tire Retailer Ratings
Satisfaction scores based on a large-scale CR survey.
Best Tire Values Based on Consumer Reports’ Tests
From all-season to all-terrain, these tires deliver the best performance for the money.
Best Car Tires
CR’s testing highlights the tires that shine for all seasons.
Best Car Batteries
CR tests dozens each year to separate the positives from the negatives.
Best Car Batteries for the Money
Consumer Reports’ tests highlight the batteries that offer great performance at reasonable prices
Comfort
Photo: John Powers/Consumer Reports Photo: John Powers/Consumer Reports
Best Cars and SUVs for Short People
We size up vehicles to find those that are scaled for smaller drivers.
Best Cars and SUVs for Tall People
These tested models can comfortably accommodate drivers over 6 feet tall.
Cars With the Most Comfortable Front Seats
Consumer Reports’ drivers of all sizes assess seat comfort and support for cars, SUVs, and trucks over thousands of test miles.
