Thelife- Consumer Reports released its annual 10 Top Picks for car buyers.
- The best cars you can buy include the Toyota Corolla, Ford Maverick, Hyundai Santa Fe, and Tesla Model 3.
The car market is a veritable buffet of different makes, models, price points, and body styles. But which vehicles are the equivalent of prime rib — and which are more like last week's macaroni salad?
Consumer Reports on Thursday released its 10 Top Picks for 2023, the cars, pickups, and SUVs that the nonprofit testing group has determined are this year's cream of the crop. They all scored well in road tests, come with important safety features, and earned high marks in reliability and satisfaction from their owners.
Good news for buyers: The best cars don't have to cost an arm and a leg.
Under $25,000:
Toyota Corolla Hybrid
Consumer Reports notes the Corolla Hybrid's 48 mpg, extensive suite of standard safety features, and new all-wheel-drive option.
Toyota Corolla Cross
Toyota's new small SUV brings all the practicality and value of the long-running Corolla sedan — plus some extra interior space — the organization says.
$25,000-$35,000:
Subaru Forester
The Forester has been a Consumer Reports Top Pick for a decade thanks to its spacious interior, great visibility, and solid fuel economy, the group says.
Toyota Camry Hybrid
Consumer Reports applauds the Camry Hybrid's 47 mpg, simple interior controls, and spry handling.
Ford Maverick Hybrid
"This small pickup is a fun alternative to small SUVs and is ideal for people with active lifestyles who can put the 4.5-foot-long bed to work," Consumer Reports says.
Nissan Leaf
A quiet cabin, soft ride, and good visibility make this budget electric car a great choice, particularly if you choose the longer-range Leaf Plus, the organization says.
$35,000-$45,000:
Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid
Consumer Reports says the Santa Fe Hybrid is "more powerful, polished, and of course, efficient" than the standard model and offers a roomy back seat.
Kia Telluride
The Kia Telluride has earned its place among Consumer Reports' Top Picks since its debut in 2020. "The secret is that it simply does everything well," the organization says. "Its large, boxy shape makes for a cavernous cabin and good outward visibility. Passengers benefit from the nice creature comforts such as soft-touch surfaces, attractive trim accents, and generous elbow room."
$45,000-$55,000:
Lexus NX350h
Consumer Reports' bottom line on Lexus' small, hybrid SUV: "Overall, the NX is a delightful luxury SUV that drivers will appreciate for its pampering and practicality."
Tesla Model 3
The group highlights the Model 3's "blistering acceleration," minimalist ambiance, and Tesla's Supercharger network, which makes charging easy.