Consumer Reports

THE HISTORY of the auto industry is one of continuous innovation. Think of automatic transmissions, which began making driving easier in the 1940s, or power steering, which became widely available in the 1950s. This trend has only grown in the digital age, and today’s cars are computers on wheels, featuring new tools called advanced driver assistance systems, to enhance your experience. While these features can improve comfort and safety, CR’s research shows that consumers are often confused about them. Part of the problem is there are just so many: automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assistance, and more. It will take time—and trusted information—for drivers to learn all these new tools. Sensational ads suggesting that cars can drive themselves aren’t helping, and may be why many people believe these systems…

EVERY YEAR our auto experts log hundreds of thousands of miles in dozens of automobiles on public roads, and push them to their limits at CR’s 327-acre Auto Test Center in Connecticut. We buy every vehicle we test anonymously and put each one through more than 50 evaluations, including acceleration, handling, braking, and fuel economy. To predict how reliable a new car will be, our analysts review hundreds of thousands of data points from our reliability and owner satisfaction surveys. Combined and presented in our ratings charts, our testing and survey data provide essential information you need to make a smart auto purchase. The most recent addition to our test center is a brand-new $1 million driving loop at our closed-course track. This will allow us to better determine the efficacy of…

THE 10 VEHICLES on these pages were selected from more than 200 tested models as the best of the best for 2023. Each represents a key vehicle segment and shines for its combination of road-test performance, reliability, owner satisfaction, and safety, garnering a high-enough Overall Score to earn a coveted CR recommendation. All Top Picks must come standard with key safety features, including automatic emergency braking (AEB) that operates at highway speed and includes pedestrian detection. Simply put: These are the vehicles that our expert staff would enthusiastically recommend to family and friends. It’s no surprise that Toyotas, which have historically featured prominently on our list, are again well represented: They’re known for having good all-around performance, fuel economy, and reliability. Notably absent this year, however, are two perennial picks: the Lexus RX…

THE BEST CAR BRANDS have model lineups that excel in our evaluations of road-test performance, reliability, owner satisfaction, and safety. They earn the highest Overall Scores based on the average from all current tested models. BMW, Subaru, Lexus, and Honda routinely land in the top ranks by delivering on these virtues, from their base models to their high-end vehicles. BMW claimed the top spot this year thanks to especially strong road-test performances and solid owner survey results. Genesis made the biggest leap in rank this year, rising 12 positions due to improved reliability. Lincoln climbed 10 places on the strength of reliability and added safety systems. But Chrysler dropped a dozen spots, dragged down by the well-below-average reliability of the Pacifica Hybrid minivan. Brands with few models, like Chrysler, are subject to…

Note: Tire prices shown reflect the size tested by CR. GREAT TIRE DEALS REPLACING TIRES IS expensive, and with all the different types out there, choosing the right ones for your needs can be complicated. To help, our tire experts have highlighted the models in popular categories that offer the best balance of performance and value, based on Consumer Reports’ extensive tire test program. These selections factor in cost, predicted tread life, performance, wet grip, and more. Top American Cars WHAT MAKES AN auto “American”? It can get confusing. Many international brands have factories in the U.S., and some American brands build cars abroad. For this list, CR focused on models from traditional American car companies—automakers with deep roots in the U.S., including Ford, GM, Stellantis, and Tesla. All of the cars are CR…

1. 2024 FORD MUSTANG $30,000-$60,000* SUMMER 2023 The redesigned seventh-generation Mustang has more advanced technology, evolutionary styling, and increased power. It may also be the last V8-powered muscle car from Detroit. There are three core versions: the EcoBoost with a 315-hp, turbocharged four-cylinder engine; the GT with a 480-hp, 5.0-liter V8; and an all-new Dark Horse with a 500-hp, 5.0-liter V8. The EcoBoost and GT will be available in both a coupe and convertible. The cabin features a customizable digital instrument panel and infotainment screen, available across a single pane of glass. 2. 2024 CHEVROLET EQUINOX EV $30,000-$48,000* FALL 2023 Chevrolet adds to its electric offerings with the Equinox EV, a small SUV built on GM’s Ultium platform. Chevy aims for a starting price near $30,000, which will make the Equinox one of the lowest-priced…