Hybrid vehicles beat out all-electric and gas-powered cars to top Consumer Reports’ best cars list this year.
Partially “electrified” vehicles make up six of the closely watched top 10 released Tuesday by the testing organization.
The 2024 ranking includes three hybrid cars, three plug-in hybrids and one fully electric car – the Tesla Model Y.
Rounding out the top 10 are three gas-powered cars with no hybrid options.
The testing organization considers road test performance, safety features, reliability and owner satisfaction when evaluating its top picks for each year.
This is the second year in a row that electrified or fully electric vehicles make up the majority of Consumer Reports’ top picks.
“This year, it’s all about plug-in hybrids,” Jake Fisher, Consumer Reports’ senior director of automotive testing, told USA Today.
“When we look at the best vehicles, the best choices, a lot of them end up being electrified choices because they just tend to do the things that people really want in a car,” he added to CNBC.
He noted the versatility of the vehicles, which eliminate the so-called “range anxiety” that comes with EVs.
The nonprofit’s endorsement of hybrid vehicles comes amid slowing demand for all-electric vehicles.
Despite the stimulus of federal tax credits, interest in electric vehicles is declining across the country.
Lithium and nickel facilities that make lithium-ion batteries used in electric cars are taking cost-cutting measures, including mass layoffs and shutting down operations.
Meanwhile, Amazon-backed Rivian said last week it would cut its workforce by 10 percent – as it predicted it would fail to meet delivery targets again in 2024.
Amazon-backed Rivian said last week it would cut its workforce by 10 percent
Despite the stimulus of federal tax credits, interest in electric vehicles has slowed across the country. The president is pictured at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2022.
In Consumer Reports’ rankings, Toyota had the most picks of any automaker, with four.
Subaru, meanwhile, had two vehicles on the list, while Tesla, Ford, Mazda and BMW each had one.
All Toyota cars in the ranking were hybrid or plug-in hybrid cars.
Toyota and Ford models, as well as the Ford Maverick Hybrid, are the only cars that were also in the top 10 last year.
A traditional hybrid vehicle has a gas-powered internal combustion engine and an electric motor – a battery – that work in tandem to drive the car.
Plug-in hybrids, meanwhile, have the same configuration of gas engine and electric motor, but are equipped with a larger battery and motor that work independently of the gas engine to propel the vehicle.
This means they can use all-electric power for a certain number of miles, but can rely on the gas engine after a point.
Fisher added that plug-in hybrids, which bridge the gap between regular hybrids and electric vehicles, are a “dark horse” for the U.S. auto industry.
“They’re not well understood, but depending on your situation, it could be the best of both worlds of electric vehicles and gas.”
Here’s the full list from Consumer Reports:
Subcompact SUV: Subaru Crosstrek
Subaru Crosstrek
Price Range: $25,195 – $32,195
One of three gas-powered vehicles on the list, Consumer Reports said the Crosstrek has made “evolutionary” progress for its redesigned 2024 model year.
Its boxy design gives drivers “amazing visibility,” the organization said, and is a solid choice for any condition or terrain.
Small car: Mazda 3
Mazda 3
Price Range: $24,170 – $36,650
“Mazda proves that low-priced small cars don’t have to be boring,” said Consumer Reports.
It says the Mazda 3 sedan and hatchback are a lot of fun to drive, with the only downside being the “distracting” controls.
Mid-range car: Toyota Camry Hybrid
Toyota Camry Hybrid
Price range: $26,420 – $36,845
The car delivers incredible fuel economy in a comfortable package, but it’s priced like some smaller cars that are also less efficient.
It boasts 47 mpg and 53 mpg in a highway test, making it very cost-effective for commuting and – with a range of 610 miles per tank – road trips, the organization said.
Hybrid/Plug-in hybrid car: Toyota Prius/Prius Prime plug-in hybrid
Toyota Prius
Price Range: $27,950 – $36,365 (Prius) $32,975 – $39,670 (Prius Prime)
“The latest Prius has been given the glow treatment, bringing much sportier styling and 75 more horsepower than its predecessor. The result is a sensible car that’s just as efficient as before, while going from 0 to 60 mph a significant 2.6 seconds faster, even with the addition of all-wheel drive, Consumer Reports said.
“The Prius Prime plug-in hybrid delivers 39 miles on electric power alone, perfect for most everyday chores. Once the battery is depleted, the Prime returns a total of 43 mpg.
Compact SUV: Subaru Forester
Subaru Forester
Price Range: $27,095 – $37,395
“In its final year before a redesign, the Forester still stands tall, making its 11th appearance as a top pick,” said Consumer Reports.
“It’s a well-rounded small SUV that delivers, making it easy to recommend year after year.”
Medium SUV: Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Price range: $39,120 – $53,125
It excels in fuel efficiency, Consumer Reports said, with 35 miles per gallon and all-wheel drive.
“On a full tank it has a range of 590 miles. The hybrid adds about $1,500 to the gas-only version, with a quick gain in fuel economy.
Luxury SUV: BMW X5/X5 PHEV
BMW X5
Price Range: $65,200 – $122,300 (X5) $72,500 (X5 Plug-in Hybrid)
Driving this car is a luxurious experience, the testing organization said.
“Its whisper-quiet cabin is richly trimmed in leather and wood, finished with soft surfaces and equipped with cuddly front seats.
“The Turbo-6 provides quick acceleration, but the plug-in hybrid version is the real ace. It also uses a turbo inline-six engine, but is combined with an integrated electric motor and a battery large enough for stable electric propulsion.
Small Pickup: Ford Maverick/Maverick Hybrid
Ford Maverick
Price range: $23,815 – $34,855 (Maverick) $23,815 – $34,855 (Maverick hybrid)
The Maverick’s civilized ride, maneuverability, ease of access, fuel economy and low price set it apart among trucks, Consumer Reports said.
“The 191 horsepower hybrid stands out for its great fuel efficiency and extra refinement. Maverick is a high value proposition that puts the “fun” into functionality.
Plug-in hybrid SUV: Toyota RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid
Toyota RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid
Price Range: $43,690 – $47,560
It boasts 302 horsepower, according to the testing organization, allowing the small SUV to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 6.3 seconds — 2 seconds faster than the gas-only version.
“An unusually long range of 42 miles on electricity alone means owners can minimize the use of a petrol engine. When the battery is depleted, the RAV4 Prime still delivers a combined 34 mpg, slightly less than the hybrid version’s 37 mpg,” the release said.
Electric vehicle: Tesla Model Y
Tesla Model Y
Price Range: $42,990 – $52,490
“It makes the transition to electric easy, thanks to its attractive mid-size package, long driving range and reliable Supercharger compatibility, which allows fast recharging on a wide charging network,” said Consumer Reports.
It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in less than five seconds and handles like a sports car, he added.
“Features are added and improved through over-the-air upgrades, so this already good car can only get better over time.”
