Consumer Reports’ Top 10 New Vehicle Picks: Hybrids Take the Lead

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Toyota hybrid vehicles for sale at a dealership in Chicago, Feb. 6, 2024.

Hybrid vehicles have claimed the top spots in the 2024 vehicle rankings released by influential product testing organization Consumer Reports. These “electrified” vehicles, which include plug-in hybrid models, accounted for six out of the top 10 picks. The remaining spots were filled by the all-electric Tesla Model Y crossover and three gas-powered vehicles without hybrid options.

This marks the second consecutive year that Consumer Reports has included seven electrified or fully electric vehicles in its top picks. Automakers are responding to both consumer demand and tightening federal fuel economy regulations by releasing numerous models of these vehicles.

Leading the pack was Toyota, with four of their vehicles making the top 10 rankings, all of which were hybrid or plug-in hybrid models. Subaru followed with two top picks, while Tesla, Ford Motor, Mazda, and BMW each had one vehicle included.

Jake Fisher, senior director of auto testing at Consumer Reports, commented on the changing market, saying, “There’s a lot more powertrain choices today than there have really ever been. When we’re looking at the top vehicles, the top picks, a lot of them turn out to be electrified choices because they just tend to do the things that people really want from a car.”

Hybrids and plug-in hybrids combine traditional engines with electric vehicle (EV) technologies. Traditional hybrids, like the Toyota Prius, use electrified components to boost fuel economy. Plug-in hybrids, on the other hand, have larger batteries that allow for all-electric driving until the engine or electric motors are needed.

Consumer Reports noted that plug-in hybrids are gaining traction and are a “dark horse” for the U.S. automotive industry. These vehicles offer the best of both worlds, combining the benefits of electric and gas power, but are still not well understood by many consumers.

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The Consumer Reports’ rankings cover a range of price points and classifications and are based on thorough testing of new vehicles. About 50 new vehicles are tested by the organization each year. Here is the full list of top picks:

  • Small car: Mazda 3
  • Midsize car: Toyota Camry Hybrid
  • Hybrid/Plug-in hybrid car: Toyota Prius/Prius Prime plug-in hybrid
  • Subcompact SUV: Subaru Crosstrek
  • Compact SUV: Subaru Forester
  • Midsize 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

Last year, the Tesla Model Y dominated the U.S. and global markets, surpassing Tesla’s entry-level Model 3 sedan in the rankings. According to Kelley Blue Book, 1.1 million battery-electric vehicles were sold in the U.S. in 2023, with nearly 655,000 of those being Tesla EVs. Discounts and tax credits played a role in driving Tesla Model Y sales.

While sales of battery-electric vehicles continue to grow, hybrid electrics remain popular among U.S. car buyers. This is partly due to the relatively limited charging infrastructure compared to countries with higher adoption rates of fully electric cars, such as Norway.

Consumer Reports’ top picks are factored into its annual auto brand report cards, which consider reliability, safety, and customer satisfaction. BMW took the top spot on the overall brand list, followed by Subaru, Porsche, Honda, and Lexus. On the other end of the spectrum were Rivian, GMC, Jaguar, Land Rover, and Jeep.

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