CONSUMER REPORTS' MOST POPULAR NEW CARS AND SUVS
These are the most researched new models by car shoppers
Honda CR-V
By Jon Linkov
If you’re looking to crowdsource options for your next new car or SUV, you’ve come to the right page. The 10 vehicles highlighted here represent the top car model pages on CR.org, meaning they’re the vehicles that are the most searched for by people coming to our site.
Many of these are models that sit at the top of our vehicle ratings charts because of their high Overall Score, which means they scored well in our road tests, have good reliability, come with key active safety features, and performed well in crash tests.
Be aware that Overall Scores change over time as new information, such as reliability or crash-test data, becomes available. The model pages always reflect our latest vehicle ratings.
The vehicles are listed in order of popularity, with the most researched model at the top. We identify when active safety systems including automatic emergency braking (AEB), AEB that works at highway speeds, blind spot warning (BSW), and rear cross traffic warning (RCTW) are optional or standard.
We’ve also included links to the vehicles that rank 11 through 20 in popularity at the bottom of the page.
Top 10 Most Popular Models
The RAV4’s 2.5-liter four-cylinder is paired with an eight-speed automatic and delivers relatively quick acceleration. Fuel economy is commendable at 27 mpg overall. The hybrid version feels energetic, with the electric drive producing immediate and quiet motivation from a standstill while delivering an impressive 37 mpg overall. The RAV4 is responsive in corners and remains under control even when pushed. The ride, however, is somewhat stiff, and the noisy engine detracts from the driving experience. Most controls, such as the large climate knobs, are easy to use. AEB with pedestrian detection and highway-speed AEB are standard, and BSW and RCTW are standard on all trims except the base trim. Updates for 2023 include a new infotainment system and a hybrid version called the Woodland Edition.
This popular compact SUV delivers the combination of a roomy interior, excellent visibility, commendable fuel economy, simple controls, a comfortable ride, and responsive handling. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder combined with the continuously variable automatic transmission yields 28 mpg overall, among the best in class. But acceleration isn’t exhilarating, and the engine’s noise isn’t the most pleasant. The cabin is roomy, with a particularly generous rear seat and easy access. The controls are simple to use, including an infotainment system that’s compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. While the standard active safety features include AEB with pedestrian detection and highway-speed AEB, BSW and RCTW aren’t available on the base trim and are optional on the Premium trim; they’re standard on the others.
The CR-V uses a 1.5-liter turbo engine that’s mated to a CVT, a combination that delivers unobtrusive propulsion but feels a bit underpowered. At 26 mpg overall, fuel economy is no longer a standout. The ride is firm but absorbent, and handling is responsive and secure. The rear seat is generous and easy to get into, and we measured 37 cubic feet of cargo room with the second-row seats folded. All controls and the infotainment system are easy to use. While AEB with pedestrian detection and AEB highway are standard, BSW and RCTW aren’t available on the new LX base trim but are standard on all other trims.
The Crosstrek received a number of important updates for 2024. It’s still essentially a raised Impreza hatchback with a very comfortable ride, standard all-wheel drive, and a decent amount of cargo room for the class. Responsive handling, mostly simple controls, and a practical—but not fancy—interior round out the package. Acceleration from the standard 2.0-liter engine is tepid and the engine can get loud, but it returned 29 mpg overall in our tests. The optional 2.5-liter has more oomph. The EyeSight driver assistance system is now standard and includes AEB with pedestrian detection, although BSW and RCTW are available only on higher trims
Subaru’s Outback is a smart alternative to an SUV. Although lower than a typical SUV, it can easily haul long items. The base 2.5-liter four-cylinder does the job but can feel strained when quicker speed is needed. The optional 260-hp, 2.4-liter turbo engine transforms the wagon with effortless acceleration. The ride is very comfortable, and handling is responsive and secure. Some tasks through the large infotainment screen require more than one step, however, and the system is slow to respond to inputs. Thoughtful details, such as built-in crossbars and a dual-position cargo cover, are nice touches. The Wilderness model has a higher ground clearance. All versions get the EyeSight safety suite with standard AEB with pedestrian detection and highway-speed AEB, but both BSW and RCTW are optional.
The CX-5’s 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic transmission make for a responsive and unobtrusive powertrain. We got 24 mpg overall in our tests, which is on the lower side for the class. Handling is responsive and enjoyable, and the steady, compliant ride is among the best in this class. The cabin is quiet, and the interior quality is substantial and looks attractive. Soft-touch surfaces, some detailed stitching, and chrome trim add to the interior ambience. Both the front and rear seats are comfortable. But there’s a learning curve to mastering the infotainment system. Rear and side visibility are a bit compromised. AEB with pedestrian detection, highway-speed AEB, BSW, and RCTW are standard equipment.
The Highlander uses a 265-hp, 2.4-liter turbo four-cylinder that packs some oomph but doesn’t feel particularly refined. Fuel economy is 22 mpg overall. The infotainment system was updated with a recent freshening, but we don’t find it particularly user-friendly. The ride is comfortable, and handling is sound and secure but unexceptional. Both seven- and eight-passenger seating configurations are available. Either way, the second row is very roomy but the third row is tiny. AEB with pedestrian detection, highway-speed AEB, BSW, and RCTW are standard for 2024.
The RX is powered by a 2.4-liter turbo four-cylinder mated to an eight-speed automatic. The new engine is powerful and gets good fuel economy at 24 mpg overall, but it isn’t particularly refined. The RX’s ride is comfortable, especially when fitted with the standard 19-inch wheels and tires vs. the optional 21s. Handling is sound and secure but not sporty. The well-finished cabin has lots of padded surfaces and exposed stitching. The front seats are comfortable and the rear seat is generously sized. The infotainment touchscreen isn’t the most intuitive, and the electronic door latches and the gear-selector lever take familiarity to use. A head-up display is optional, but it brings annoying, unlabeled steering-wheel buttons. AEB with pedestrian detection, highway-speed AEB, BSW, and RCTW are standard.
It’s built tough for off-roading but otherwise the 4Runner falls short of most midsized SUVs. The powerful but rough-sounding 4.0-liter V6 is thirsty, delivering just 17 mpg overall. The ride is unsettled and handling is clumsy, with noticeable body lean while cornering. A high step-in and low ceiling compromise access and driving position. Ground clearance is generous and underbody skid plates are standard. The part-time four-wheel-drive system includes a low range for challenging off-road conditions; Limited trims get a 4WD system that can stay engaged indefinitely. We like the easy-to-use controls, which feature big buttons and knobs. A tiny third-row seat is optional, and the power-retractable rear window is handy. AEB with pedestrian detection, AEB highway, BSW, and RCTW are all standard.
Among midsized sedans, the Camry ranks among the best thanks to its comfortable ride, quiet cabin, good fuel economy, and easy-to-use controls. Handling is slightly improved over previous versions, but the lower stance makes access a little more difficult, and the rear seat isn’t as roomy as in some competitors. The standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine provides good power and gets an impressive 32 mpg overall. It can also be paired with an optional all-wheel-drive system. A 3.5-liter V6 is available in front-wheel drive. Both are coupled to an eight-speed automatic that suffers from some rough shifts. AEB with pedestrian detection and AEB highway come standard. BSW and RCTW are optional.
11th Through 20th Most Popular
• Lexus UX
• Lexus ES
• BMW X5
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2023-03-15T18:08:22Z dg43tfdfdgfd