Hybrids, EVs dominate Consumer Reports top vehicle picks; US shut out of top 10 brands

Hybrid vehicles and Tesla’s Model 3 got major Valentine’s Day love from Consumer Reports, as their low operating costs and reliable charging network propelled them to seven of the 10 spots on the magazine’s influential top list of top vehicles for 2023 cars, trucks and SUVs.

The list had very little good news for U.S.-based automakers: Only the Tesla 3 EV and Ford Maverick hybrid pickup made the cut. CR picks its top vehicles and brands based on vehicle tests, safety features and readers’ scores for reliability and satisfaction

Vehicles powered solely by internal combustion engines fared nearly as poorly as U.S. brands: just three — the Toyota Corolla, Subaru Forester and Kia Telluride — made the cut.

This was the first year CR scored hybrids separately from internal combustion engine, or ICE, versions of the same vehicles.

More:Ford knows it’s going to lose money cutting Mustang Mach-E prices

More:Purchasing an electric car? This 2023 tax credit could help.

“There are so many hybrids available now. They’re phenomenally efficient and don’t require any of the compromises of range or charging time” that come with EVs, CR director of automotive testing Jake Fisher said. “And some of them are quicker and have better reliability” than their ICE equivalents.

Consumer Reports’ 2023 top vehicles

CR divides its top vehicles by price range. This year’s winners:

Under $25K

• Toyota Corolla hybrid sedan: “A rolling masterclass on what is possible with a low-priced model. Outstanding fuel economy at 48 mpg overall in CR tests … approaches the efficiency of the pricier Prius.”
• Toyota Corolla Cross: “The Corolla of subcompact SUVs, with all the practicality, value and virtue (that) implies.”

$25k to $35K

• Subaru Forester: “Tenth consecutive year as a top pick. The basic design (is) crafted to provide solid crash protection, a spacious cabin, generous cargo and terrific outward visibility.”
• Toyota Camry hybrid: ” ‘Camry’ has become synonymous with comfort, convenience reliability and value. But the most compelling version remains the hybrid.”
• Ford Maverick hybrid: “The Maverick combines a low base price with standard hybrid drivetrain and front-wheel drive that delivered 37 mpg overall in CR’s tests. This small pickup is a fun alternative to small SUVs and is ideal for people … who can put the 4.5-foot bed to work.”
• Nissan Leaf: “The Leaf proves not all electric cars command jolting prices.”

More:I saved nearly $37 vs. gasoline on my EV road trip. Most EV owners do better.

$35K to $45K

• Hyundai Santa Fe hybrid: “The Santa Fe hybrid makes yet another strong case for hybrid drivetrains. The hybrid is more polished powerful, and, of course, more efficient than the standard engine.”
• Kia Telluride: “The Kia Telluride established itself as the three-row midsized SUV benchmark when it was introduced for 2020, and it has been a Top Pick ever since.”

$45K to $55K

• Lexus 350h: “Lexus hit a sweet spot with the NX, a small SUV available in four powertrain configurations. Our favorite … is a hybrid that delivers an impressive 38 mpg overall. It launches aggressively with the push of a pedal, and the powertrain remains smooth and eager as speeds rise.”
• Tesla Model 3: “Tesla’s Supercharger network makes taking a trip in a Tesla a far better experience than in any other EV. Charging on the go is simple and Tesla’s chargers are fairly abundant in easy to access areas.”

“We’re looking at the full ownership experience,” Fisher said.

Buick is the No. 1 U.S. brand — but 12th overall

U.S.-based brands did a bit better than individual models.

Eight, in order — No. 12 Buick; No. 15-17 Dodge, Lincoln and Tesla; No. 22-25 Ford, Chevrolet, Cadillac and Chrysler — earned CR’s coveted upward-pointing one or two green arrows.