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Contents MARCH 2022 TOYOTA AVALON Our top-rated large sedan. P. 38 3 Ask Our Experts 16 Child Car Seats 32 Minivans and SUVs 184 Road-Test That Can Haul It All Highlights We answer questions about Our experts explain why how car interiors heat up, booster seats with backs These models have the best Performance data from the whether a single flat tire are best for your older kids, combination of passenger vehicles in our test program. requires buying two new plus guide you to the best room and comfort, along with ones, and if new cars have a models we’ve tested in five cargo-carrying capability. RATINGS “break-in” period. categories. RATINGS CR’S TEST DATA 190 Safety Features & START YOUR ENGINES ON THE ROAD & RATINGS Crash-Test Ratings 4 Vehicle Reliability 20 At Our Test Track 38 Standout Models Crucial crash-test data and safety system information for CR’s exclusive predictions Our initial reviews of the The top-rated cars, SUVs, and every model in this issue. on how well the new 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, trucks from our tests. RATINGS models will hold up. RATINGS Nissan Frontier, Toyota RATINGS Corolla Cross, and more. 44 Vehicle Ratings 10 Top-Rated Tires 196 Safety Glossary 26 The Best Two-Row We rank all the vehicles CR’s exclusive data on the Midsized SUVs tested for the 2022 model All about the new advanced best tires for your car. RATINGS year. RATINGS driver assist and safety tech. We look at the five models that top our ratings. 56 Vehicle Reviews 197 Vehicle Dimensions CR’s expert reviews of 252 Key interior and exterior cars, minivans, sports cars, measurements. SUVs, and trucks. RATINGS CR.ORG/CARS NEW CARS 1
FROM THE EDITORS New CarsTM President and CEO Marta L. Tellado Senior Vice President, Chief Operating Officer Leonora Wiener Vice President, Chief Content Officer Gwendolyn Bounds Editorial Director, Print Ellen Kunes Design Director Mike Smith Creative Director, Brand Young Kim Associate Design Director Sheri Geller Art Directors Lisa Slater, Tracy Stora Photo Editors Emilie Harjes, Karen Shinbaum Vice President, Research, Testing & Insights Liam McCormack Senior Director, Content Development Glenn Derene Deputy Director, Content Development Christopher Kirkpatrick Associate Directors, Content Development Scott Billings, Althea Chang-Cook Enterprise Kevin Doyle, Editor; Perry Santanachote, Writer/Reporter Senior Director, Content Impact & Corporate Outreach Jen Shecter Editorial Director, Digital Erle Norton Senior Director, Product Testing Maria Rerecich Associate General Counsel Camille Calman Director, Lab Operations Lilian Kayizzi The CR Difference AUTO TEST CENTER: Editors/Writers: Jeff S. Bartlett, Managing Editor; Jonathan Linkov, Deputy Editor; Mike Monticello, Road Test & Reviews WHEN YOU’RE BUYING a new CR is a nonprofit organi- Manager; Keith Barry, Benjamin Preston, Multimedia Content Creators Auto car, it can feel like everyone zation, and we don’t answer to Test Center: Jake Fisher, Senior Director; Jennifer Stockburger, Director; you encounter just wants to automakers or dealers. It’s why Michael Bloch, Child Seat Project Leader; Frank Chamberlain, Track sell you something and there’s you won’t see any ads from auto- Maintenance Specialist; Erik Dill, Facilities Manager; Steve Elek, Senior Auto nobody out there you can trust. makers in this magazine, but Data Analyst; Kelly Funkhouser, Program Manager, Vehicle Interface; John you will see exclusive test data Ibbotson, Chief Auto Services Manager; Michael Jascot, Maintenance CR is here to help! You can that you can’t get anywhere else. Specialist; Chris Jones, Auto Tire Technician; Alex Knizek, Auto Engineer; rely on our recommendations Steve Kuczynski, Facilities Technician; Anita Lam, Associate Director; Gene because we have detailed data So rest assured: You’ve start- Petersen, Tire Program Manager; Ryan Pszczolkowski, Tire & Auto Project that nobody else does. ed searching for a new car in Leader; Mike Quincy, Auto Content Specialist; Mary Reed, Business Manager; the right place. We are proud to Gabriel Shenhar, Associate Director; Shawn Sinclair, Auto Engineer; Emily A. We conduct exclusive ann- have earned your trust. Thomas, Auto Safety Engineer; Joe Veselak, Senior Testing Technician; Jenson ual reliability surveys of our Yuen, Auto Engineer members to find out which —CR’s Auto Test Team problems cost vehicle owners Chief Scientific Officer James H. Dickerson time and money, and which CONNECT Product Safety Ashita Kapoor, Associate Director; Juan A. Arguello cars are trouble-free. We also WITH US ask owners whether they’re Content Operations Robert Kanell, Director satisfied with their vehicle, FACEBOOK Copy Editing Leslie Monthan, Copy Chief; Noreen Browne, Alison France, because the only thing better fb.com/ Wendy Greenfield than a reliable car is a reliable consumerreports Fact Checking & Research David Schipper, Associate Director; Tracy car that owners love, too. Anderman, Sarah Goralski, Christine Gordon, Karen Jacob, Jamison Pfeifer YOUTUBE Premedia William Breglio, Associate Director; Eugene Chin, William Hunt, In our 2021 Annual Auto /consumerreports Anthony Terzo Surveys, we gathered data Planning & Production Nancy Crowfoot, Associate Director; Eric W. on about 300,000 cars, INSTAGRAM Norlander, Manager; Letitia Hughes, Terri Kazin, Aileen McCluskey trucks, SUVs, minivans, and @consumerreports wagons. But that’s not all. Photography John Powers, John Walsh Only CR buys its own vehicles TWITTER Imaging Francisco Collado, Mark Linder to test rather than relying on @consumerreports press samples, so when we Chief Research Officer Kristen Purcell conduct more than 50 detailed PINTEREST Consumer Engagement Testing Charu Ahuja, Director; Linda Greene, evaluations on a car, we’re /consumerreports Dana Keester, Paul Ritchey testing the same one you Statistics & Data Science Michael Saccucci, Director; Kristen Dorrell, plan to buy—not a souped-up Dina Haner, Keith Newsom-Stewart version that an automaker Survey Research Karen Jaffe, Simon Slater, Associate Directors; Dave loaned us in order to get a Gopoian, Kendra Johnson, Debra Kalensky, Martin Lachter, Jane Manweiler, good review. John McCowen, Adam Troy, Tian Wang, Tess Yanisch Consumer Insight Frank Yang, Associate Director; Ipsita Arora Marketing Dawn Nelson, Senior Director Procurement Operations Steven Schiavone, Associate Director Administration Decarris Bryant, Dawn Yancy Elleby, Donna Johnson VICE PRESIDENTS: Financial Planning & Analysis JoAnne Boyd; Chief Digital Officer Jason Fox; Advocacy David Friedman; Chief Intelligence Officer Esther Han; General Counsel Michael Hubner; Chief Human Resources Officer Rafael Pérez; Chief Marketing Officer Lauren Stanich; Chief Social Impact Officer Shar Taylor; SVP, Chief Financial Officer Eric Wayne CONSUMER REPORTS NEW CARS (ISSN 1556-2158) is PHOTO: JOHN POWERS/CONSUMER REPORTS published by Consumer Reports, Inc., 101 Truman Ave., Yonkers, NY 10703. CONSUMER REPORTS NEW CARS is registered in the U.S. Patent Office. Contents of this issue copyright © 2022 by Consumer Reports, Inc. All rights reserved under inter- national and Pan-American copyright conventions. The information in NEW CARS is intended solely for the use of its readers and may not be used in advertising or for any other commercial purpose. For information on how Consumer Reports content can be used, go to CR.org/nocommercialuse. Reproduction of this publication in whole or in part is forbidden without prior written permission (and is never permitted for advertising purposes). CR’s staff operates under a contract between CR and The NewsGuild of New York Local 31003, CWA. Printed in U.S.A. 2 NEW CARS CR.ORG/CARS
Ask Our Experts How fast cars heat up, replacing a damaged tire, and car break-in periods. Q. When I replaced a tire with a nail interior will help to reflect 10 in it, I was told I had to buy two new UV rays and keep you cooler. ones. Were they ripping me off? years is the general life span To test that, CR auto engi- of a spare tire. Replace the The salesperson was telling tire project leader. “Any wear neers took one car with a light- tire after it reaches that age. the truth. This is because it’s more than that and you should colored interior and exterior, important to maintain a similar buy two of the same tires you and one with a dark interior SOURCE: Consumer Reports tread depth between the tires already have and put them and exterior, and parked them on the same axle (i.e., both on the drive axle.” This helps both outside. The temperature front or both rear) on a two- maintain safer and more pre- initially inside both cars was wheel-drive vehicle. If the other dictable handling. 78 degrees. Within an hour, tire on the axle is 50 percent they were both over 100 degrees. worn or more, you’ll upset the If your other tires are 70 per- handling and braking balance. cent worn or more, you should “The darker car did get a lit- Plus, they will be rotating just replace all four. tle bit hotter but only by a few at different rates, which degrees,” said Mike Monticello, could cause problems for the All-wheel drive cars have CR’s road test manager. “But anti-lock-braking and traction- specific tolerances for how at over 100 degrees inside, it’s control systems. much your tires can differ in really hot either way.” tread depth, because vary- PHOTO: ALAMY STOCK PHOTO There are some cases where ing tread depths could damage Q. Does my new car have a break-in process, Mazda still it makes sense to replace one the AWD system. Consult and break-in period where it has gives some recommendations. tire. “If your tires are less than follow your owner’s manual to to be driven very gently? 30 percent worn you can get avoid damage to the drivetrain. It used to be that a new car One of the most important away with replacing just one required a detailed break-in is for owners not to race the tire and placing it on the non- Q. Do vehicles with dark period to protect the engine engine, meaning don’t push it drive axle,” says Ryan Pszc- interiors get hotter in the sun? and extend its longevity. But really hard when it’s brand new. zolkowski, Consumer Reports There’s a belief that if you live that’s mostly a thing of the past. Other tips include avoiding in a warmer climate a lighter Still, there are a few best prac- driving at a constant speed tices you can follow. for a long period of time, unnecessary hard stops, Although the owner’s man- full-throttle starts, and, if so ual in CR’s 2019 Mazda3 test equipped, towing anything. car says there isn’t a special CR.ORG/CARS NEW CARS 3
START YOUR ENGINES EXCLUSIVE RELIABILITY SURVEY RESULTS AND RATINGS, AND CHILD-SEAT RATINGS. The Most & Least Reliable Vehicles Detailed reliability data from CR members allow us to predict which models you can depend on, and the ones that could leave you with a repair headache. 4
Despite manufacturer promises of improvements, attention D to detail, and “industry best practices,” the first model year of most vehicles can be a reliability risk. We know this because Consumer Reports members who responded to our 2021 Annual Auto Surveys told us about the problems they had with their cars, minivans, SUVs, and trucks over the previous 12 months. From this voluminous data we can predict the reliability for almost every mainstream 2022 model. It often takes automakers a few years to overcome these initial reliability failings, meaning problems can surface during the second and even third model years. Below, we look at how every mainstream automaker performed in this year’s survey, and highlight key findings for each brand. Asian the Corolla Hatchback, because mem- impressive reliability in its first year Automakers bers reported needing a transmission after a redesign, and the redesigned replacement or rebuild. The RAV4 stays 2022 MDX has above-average first-year Of the top 10 most reliable automakers, average mostly because of problems reliability after below-average reliability eight are brands that have their head- filling the fuel tank on some models. with its previous generation. The RDX quarters in Asia. The Tacoma and the redesigned- improved from below average to aver- for-2021 Sienna are average, with the age, though it still has ongoing brake, Lexus takes the No. 1 spot this year Sienna showing some power equip- power equipment, and in-car elec- for most reliable automaker, with all ment problems. The RAV4 Prime and tronics issues, with the display screen models scoring average or above for Venza are well above average. freezing and needing hardware replace- reliability. Little-changed since 2010, ment, and software updates failing. the Lexus GX is tied with the Chevrolet Infiniti ranks fourth overall, an admi- Trailblazer as this year’s most reliable rable improvement of six spots this Nissan improved this year, moving vehicle, with owners not reporting year. Its Q50 sedan remains impressive, up to ninth place. This is based mainly a single problem for the three model and the QX50 SUV is now average. on older models, such as the Rogue years we analyze in the brand rankings. Sport, Murano, and Leaf, which show The UX is Lexus’ only average model. Honda ranks sixth among brands, impressive reliability. However, the with the Insight scoring well above redesigned Rogue small SUV has below- Mazda dropped to second place this average. The CR-V, Accord, and Ridge- average reliability because of fuel sys- year. Its conservative approach, with line score above average, and the tem and in-car electronics issues. shared platforms and similar com- remaining models are all average. The ponents across models, continues to Passport and Odyssey have improved, Of the Asian automakers, the Koreans produce reliable vehicles. Mazda has though owners still report issues rank the lowest. Hyundai ranks elev- also stuck with its dependable six-speed with the infotainment system freez- enth this year. Its redesigned Tucson automatic transmission, while other ing and power equipment problems. is well above average, and the Sonata automakers use eight- or nine-speed, Some Odyssey owners also report and Palisade are above average. But or continuously variable, transmis- problems with the sliding doors. the Kona Electric and Santa Fe, which sions, some of which have proved saw a major refreshening, are below troublesome. The Mazda3 has average Subaru’s Ascent still has subpar average. The Kona EV has battery pack predicted reliability because of climate reliability. Owners report transmission, and electric drive motor problems; system and in-car electronics issues. power equipment, brake, and climate the Santa Fe, transmission and power All other models are above average. system problems. The Crosstrek is well equipment issues. above average; the Legacy, Impreza, Toyota, now ranked third, has only and Forester are above average; and Kia dropped to 19th place this year, one model that scored below average: the Outback is average. with transmissions being the brand’s Achilles’ heel. The eight-speed dual- The Acura TLX has exhibited CR.ORG/CARS NEW CARS 5
START YOUR ENGINES New-Vehicle Reliability clutch transmission that is used with average. GMC’s only above-average European the turbo engine in the redesigned vehicle was the Sierra 2500. Automakers Sorento has been problematic. Owners of the Soul, Seltos, and Forte report a Chrysler is midpack because its two Mini is the highest-ranked European problem-prone CVT that could require models are at extreme positions: the automaker this year, jumping to 10th replacement. The Niro Electric improved 300 again has outstanding reliability, place. With data on only two models, to well above average, and the Telluride while the Pacifica minivan is well below it isn’t uncommon to see such large remains outstanding. average because of issues including the changes. This is mainly attributed to its transmission, sliding doors, and, in the Cooper Countryman’s outstanding reli- Genesis’ reliability is suffering as the hybrid, electric drive system failure. ability performance. The Cooper/Club- brand rapidly grows with new models. man pair are below average because of While the G70 has improved to average, Ram had the largest drop on our climate system and engine issues. the new GV80 SUV scores well below list this year, slipping twelve spots to average because of infotainment screen 21st. While the Ram 1500 has improved Porsche’s Cayenne and Macan have and drive system problems. to average and the 2500 remains average and above-average reliability, average, the 1500 Classic, a continuation respectively, with owners reporting Domestic of its previous-generation 1500, has power equipment, loose trim, and drive Automakers well-below-average reliability because system issues for the Cayenne. of problems with brakes, emissions Buick is the most reliable domestic systems, engine, and power equipment. The Audi A4 and A5 remain above brand, in fifth place overall. The average, and are joined by the A6 and Encore and redesigned Envision are Jeep dropped five positions and ranks Q5. The Q7 is average, but the Q3, Q8, well above average, and the Encore 26th. Its most reliable model last year, and E-Tron have below- or well-below- GX is above average. The Enclave drop- the Gladiator, dropped to below average. average reliability. The Q8 and E-Tron ped to below average, with transmis- The Cherokee and Wrangler are below continue to have drive system and sion, drive system, and blank in-car average. The Wrangler has issues with power equipment issues. electronics screen issues. the drive system, in-car electronics, and, like the similar Gladiator, the steer- BMW’s X5, 3 Series, 5 Series, and X3 Chevrolet models spread almost the ing and suspension. The Cherokee has all have average reliability, but the re- entire range of the reliability scale, in-car electronics and some transmis- designed 4 Series has subpar reliability from 2 to 100. Its new Trailblazer SUV sion issues. because of power equipment problems. and the Trax have top scores. After years of respectable reliability, the Bolt Ford showed improvement this year, Volvo’s XC90 continues to score EV dropped to below average because moving up to an overall rank of 18th well below average, mostly because of of battery problems and electric drive place. The new Bronco Sport, Mustang issues with brakes, climate system, failures, among multiple other issues. Mach-E, and Ranger all top their and body hardware. The S60 dropped The Silverado 2500 and Blazer are classes for reliability. But the redesigned to below average this year, also because above average. The new Corvette, Sil- F-150 scored below average, as did of brake, climate system, and power verado 1500, and redesigned Tahoe the Escape. The Mustang and Explorer equipment issues. The XC40 is average, are well below average. The Tahoe has are well below average, with the Explor- and the XC60 is now above average. multiple reports of major engine and er continuing to experience transmis- transmission problems, both requiring sion, power equipment, and in-car elec- Mercedes-Benz’s only reliable model a rebuild or replacement. tronics problems. is the GLC. The E-Class fell to below average and the GLE remains well below Cadillac improved six spots this year, Tesla’s Model 3 has average reliability. average, with many power equipment, helped by the reliable XT5 SUV. The The Model Y still has body hardware climate system, and in-car electronic XT6 and XT4 are below and well below issues with the tailgate and door align- issues, and some engine problems. average, respectively. The XT4 has ment, paint defects, and multiple other some power equipment, transmission, problems. The Model X and Model S Volkswagen ranks 24th overall. and in-car electronics issues. have body hardware, climate system, While the Atlas and Jetta improved to and in-car electronics problems. All average, the Tiguan is sub-par and GMC dropped because of problems three models are well below average. the new ID.4 EV is below average. The similar to those in its twin models from Tiguan has power equipment, brake, Chevrolet. The Sierra 1500, Yukon, Lincoln, ranked last this year, has and drive system problems. and Canyon are all below or well below average reliability for the Nautilus, and the Corsair and Aviator are well below We had insufficient reliability data average. All three models have trans- for Alfa Romeo, Dodge, Fiat, Jaguar, mission, in-car electronics, and power Land Rover, Maserati, Mitsubishi, equipment problems. and Polestar. 6 NEW CARS CR.ORG/CARS
10 20 30 40 50 WORSE BETTER 2022 ALL-NEW CR’s auto statisticians calculate reliability ratings for every major mainstream car, & REDESIGNED minivan, SUV, and truck on the market, even those that are brand-new or redesigned, MODELS or that we don’t have sufficient data for. We do this by analyzing annual CR member survey data on a model’s reliability history, calculating the brand’s overall reliability, and, if applicable, the reliability of models that use some of the same components. Models with an asterisk (*) are new or redesigned for 2022. SUBCOMPACT SUVs BMW X4 30 Hyundai Ioniq 5* 20 LUXURY COMPACT CARS Dodge Challenger 30 Jaguar I-Pace 20 Lexus LC 30 Mitsubishi Eclipse 0 Genesis GV70* 20 Kia EV6* 20 Acura ILX 40 Lexus RC 30 Nissan Ariya* 20 Porsche 718 Boxster 30 3Cross Infiniti QX55* 20 Rivian R1S* 20 Porsche 718 Rivian R1T* 20 Cayman 30 Mitsubishi 30 Audi A3* 30 Porsche 911 Outlander Sport Subaru BRZ* 30 Jaguar E-Pace 20 3BMW 2 Series Gran Toyota GR86* 30 0 Toyota Supra 30 3Toyota Corolla Cross* 0 Jaguar F-Pace 20 Coupe Chevrolet Camaro 30 Nissan Z* 20 Fiat 500X 20 Land Rover Kia Stinger 30 Subaru WRX* 20 Defender Volkswagen Golf R* 20 Jeep Compass 20 20 Lexus IS 30 Volkswagen GTI* 20 20 Jeep Renegade 20 Land Rover 20 ELECTRIC CARS 3Volkswagen Arteon 0 Discovery Sport 2Volkswagen Taos* 0 2Land Rover Range 0 Cadillac CT4 20 Rover Evoque Mazda MX-30* 30 Cadillac CT5 20 COMPACT SUV 2Mercedes-Benz GLA 0 Toyota Mirai 30 Mercedes-Benz 20 A-Class Mitsubishi 2Mercedes-Benz GLB 0 BMW i4* 20 Outlander* Mercedes-Benz 20 1Alfa Romeo Stelvio 0 2Chevrolet Bolt EUV* 0 C-Class* 20 MIDSIZED 2-ROW SUVs 2Mercedes-Benz EQS* 0 2Mercedes-Benz CLA 0 LUXURY MIDSIZED/ Polestar 2 20 1Alfa Romeo Giulia 0 LARGE SUVs Volkswagen Atlas 30 Porsche Taycan 20 LUXURY MIDSIZED/ Cross Sport 20 LARGE CARS 20 BMW X6 30 MINIVANS Ford Bronco BMW X7 30 COMPACT CARS Jeep Grand Cherokee* Lexus LX* 30 Audi A7 30 Kia Carnival* 30 Audi A8 30 Chrysler Voyager 20 Chevrolet Spark 30 BMW 7 Series 30 MIDSIZED 3-ROW/ 3Lincoln Navigator 0 Honda Civic* 30 BMW 8 Series 30 LARGE SUVs Hyundai Accent 30 Lexus LS 30 2Cadillac Escalade 0 Hyundai Venue 30 Porsche Panamera 30 SMALL/MIDSIZED Kia Rio 30 Genesis G80 20 PICKUPS Infiniti QX60* 20 Mitsubishi Mirage 30 Genesis G90 20 Toyota Sequoia 40 Nissan Kicks 30 Jaguar XF 20 20 Infiniti QX80 20 Nissan Sentra 30 Maserati Ghibli 20 Ford Maverick* 20 Dodge Durango 20 Nissan Versa 30 Mercedes-Benz CLS 20 20 Jeep Grand 20 Land Rover 20 Toyota C-HR 30 Mercedes-Benz Hyundai Santa 20 Cherokee L Discovery 20 S-Class 20 Cruz* Jeep Wagoneer* 20 20 Volvo S90 20 Land Rover Range 20 Nissan Frontier* Nissan Armada 20 Rover* 10 FULL-SIZED PICKUPS Nissan Pathfinder* 10 Land Rover Range Rover Sport Toyota Tundra* 30 Chevrolet Suburban Nissan Titan 20 Land Rover Range GMC Yukon XL Rover Velar 2Maserati Levante 0 1Mercedes-Benz GLS 0 MIDSIZED/LARGE CARS LUXURY COMPACT SUVs Dodge Charger 40 Nissan Maxima 40 ELECTRIC SUVs/PICKUPS Volkswagen Passat 30 Chevrolet Malibu 20 Lexus NX* 40 SPORTS/SPORTY CARS BMW X1 30 BMW X2 30 Audi Q4 E-Tron* 20 Audi TT 30 20 BMW 2 Series* 30 BMW iX* 20 BMW Z4 30 Cadillac Lyriq* 20 Ford F-150 Lightning* CR.ORG/CARS NEW CARS 7
START YOUR ENGINES New-Vehicle Reliability RELIABILITY Our predictions are based on overall reliability for the past three model years, pro- PREDICTIONS vided the vehicle has not been redesigned. One or two years of data will be used if FOR 2022 the model was redesigned in 2021 or 2020. These charts give our predicted reliability score: average, 41 to 60; better than average, 61 to 80; and worse than average, 21 to 40. We base these on data gathered from our members each year about problems with their vehicles. CR’s latest auto surveys gathered data covering about 300,000 vehicles. We analyzed trouble areas and created an overall reliability score for each model and year. Serious problem areas that can lead to expensive repairs are more heavily weighted. SUBCOMPACT SUVs Hyundai Santa Fe 026 NEWLY LUXURY MIDSIZED/ COMPACT HYBRIDS/ Jeep Wrangler 025 RECOMMENDED LARGE SUVs PLUG-INS MODELS WITH 0Chevrolet Trailblazer 100 IMPROVED Lexus GX 0100 Toyota Prius Prime 093 RELIABILITY Cadillac XT5 089 Toyota Prius 091 Subaru Crosstrek 085 Lexus RX 076 Honda Insight 087 Acura MDX Acura MDX 061 Kia Niro 067 Nissan Rogue Sport 084 MIDSIZED 3-ROW/ Acura RDX BMW X5 058 Hyundai Ioniq 050 082 LARGE SUVs Acura TLX Audi Q7 045 Mini Cooper Audi Q7 GMC Acadia 043 Countryman Toyota Highlander 086 BMW X3 Porsche Cayenne 043 Mazda CX-9 085 Chevrolet Blazer Cadillac XT6 037 Chevrolet Trax 082 Kia Telluride 084 Chevrolet Trailblazer Lincoln Nautilus 031 Toyota 4Runner 071 Chevrolet Traverse Buick Enclave 025 Mazda CX-30 075 Hyundai Palisade 068 Ford Bronco Sport Volvo XC90 017 Ford Expedition 055 Ford Mustang Genesis GV80 05 Honda HR-V 054 Honda Pilot 053 Mach-E Audi Q8 05 COMPACT CARS Chevrolet Traverse 049 Ford Ranger Mercedes-Benz GLE 05 Hyundai Kona 048 Volkswagen Atlas 041 Genesis G70 Lincoln Aviator 03 Subaru Ascent 018 Honda Odyssey Ford EcoSport 029 Ford Explorer 08 Honda Passport Subaru Impreza 077 Kia Sorento 05 Infiniti QX50 075 Kia Seltos 08 Chevrolet Tahoe 02 Kia Niro EV Toyota Corolla 055 GMC Yukon 02 Nissan Rogue Sport 047 COMPACT SUVs Ram 1500 Hyundai Elantra 046 Volkswagen Atlas Ford Bronco Sport 088 Volkswagen Atlas Volkswagen Jetta 027 Hyundai Tucson 087 Cross Sport Toyota RAV4 Prime 082 Volkswagen Jetta Mazda3 023 Subaru Forester 080 Volvo XC60 Toyota Corolla 07 Honda CR-V 080 Hatchback Mazda CX-5 080 NO-LONGER- Kia Soul Chevrolet Equinox 058 RECOMMENDED GMC Terrain 058 MODELS WITH Kia Forte Kia Sportage 048 DECLINING Toyota RAV4 044 RELIABILITY MIDSIZED/LARGE CARS Nissan Rogue 030 Jeep Cherokee 030 LUXURY COMPACT SUVs Buick Enclave ELECTRIC SUVs 071 Chrysler 300 091 Ford Escape 025 Chevrolet Bolt Hyundai Sonata 077 Volkswagen Tiguan 017 Buick Envision 090 Chevrolet Ford Mustang 021 Honda Accord 075 Buick Encore 083 Bolt EUV Mach-E 018 Subaru Legacy 073 Buick Encore GX 068 Ford Mustang Volkswagen ID.4 05 Toyota Camry 070 Audi Q5 064 Hyundai Kona Tesla Model Y 05 Toyota Avalon 067 Mercedes-Benz GLC 063 Electric Audi E-Tron Kia K5 049 Volvo XC60 061 Hyundai Santa Fe Tesla Model X Nissan Altima 046 Porsche Macan 061 Jeep Gladiator MIDSIZED 2-ROW SUVs Lexus UX 060 Kia Sorento ELECTRIC CARS 095 LUXURY COMPACT Volvo XC40 059 Mercedes- 077 CARS Infiniti QX50 049 Benz E-Class Kia Niro EV 059 Toyota Venza 092 BMW X3 047 Nissan Rogue Nissan Leaf 034 Infiniti Q50 090 Nissan Murano 077 Acura RDX 043 Toyota Corolla Tesla Model 3 Acura TLX 087 Chevrolet Blazer 075 Audi Q3 035 Hatchback Chevrolet Bolt 033 Audi A4 077 Subaru Outback 060 Lincoln Corsair 020 Volvo S60 Hyundai Kona BMW 3 Series 058 Honda Passport 058 Cadillac XT4 017 Electric 020 Genesis G70 055 Ford Edge 056 Tesla Model S Volvo S60 029 8 NEW CARS CR.ORG/CARS
10 20 30 40 50 WORSE BETTER LUXURY MIDSIZED Here we present the rankings of brands based on their average reli- CARS ability scores. We identify the most and least reliable model scores within each brand and list whether the brand’s rank went up or down Audi A6 069 BRAND based on their relative position from our last survey. This means we 068 REPORT consider only those brands in both surveys that had sufficient data for Lexus ES 051 CARDS two or more models. (This year we were newly able to rank Acura, Chrysler, and Genesis, but we dropped Dodge, which was ranked last BMW 5 Series 033 year.) Our predicted reliability score is calculated on a 0-to-100-point Mercedes-Benz scale, with the average rating falling between 41 and 60 points. E-Class SPORTS/SPORTY CARS Mazda MX-5 Miata 088 2022 Make Model Most Reliable Least Reliable Audi A5 079 Rank & Count Model Score Model Score Mini Cooper 037 Change Chevrolet Corvette 013 From BMW 4 Series 010 2021 Ford Mustang 09 1 ▲2 LEXUS 76 (4) GX 0100 UX 060 2 ▼1 MAZDA 046 75 (5) MX-5 Miata 088 3 027 3 ▼1 TOYOTA 71 (13) Prius Prime 093 Corolla 4 ▲6 INFINITI Hatchback 049 5 ▼1 BUICK 025 MINIVANS 6 ▼1 HONDA 69 (2) Q50 090 QX50 050 7 ▲1 SUBARU 018 Toyota Sienna 060 8 N/A ACURA 66 (4) Envision 090 Enclave 043 Honda Odyssey 050 9 ▲4 NISSAN 030 Chrysler Pacifica 018 66 (8) Insight 087 Odyssey 037 66 (6) Crosstrek 085 Ascent 026 64 (3) TLX 087 RDX 018 043 MIDSIZED PICKUPS 63 (5) Rogue Sport 084 Rogue 02 05 Ford Ranger 068 10 ▲13 MINI 60 (2) Cooper 082 Cooper/ 017 Honda Ridgeline 068 11 ▼4 HYUNDAI Countryman Clubman 010 Toyota Tacoma 059 12 N/A CHRYSLER 08 Chevrolet Colorado 029 13 ▼2 PORSCHE 56 (8) Tucson 087 Santa Fe 05 GMC Canyon 029 14 ▲4 CHEVROLET 017 Jeep Gladiator 023 15 – AUDI 54 (2) 300 091 Pacifica 011 16 ▲6 CADILLAC 02 17 ▼4 BMW 52 (2) Macan 061 Cayenne 05 18 ▲5 FORD 017 19 ▼3 KIA 48 (11) Trailblazer 0100 Tahoe 05 20 ▼1 VOLVO 023 21 ▼12 RAM 47 (8) A5 079 E-Tron 05 22 ▼5 GMC 03 FULL-SIZED PICKUPS 23 ▼2 MERCEDES-BENZ 089 XT4 24 ▲1 VOLKSWAGEN 25 N/A GENESIS 47 (3) XT5 26 ▼5 JEEP Chevrolet Silverado 078 27 – TESLA 45 (5) X5 058 4 Series 2500HD 28 – LINCOLN GMC Sierra 2500HD 078 44 (12) Bronco Sport 088 Explorer 059 Ford F-250 057 43 (9) Niro EV 095 Sorento 052 Ram 2500 033 42 (4) XC60 061 XC90 029 Ram 1500 011 40 (3) 2500 057 1500 Classic Ford F-350 011 037 (6) Sierra 2500HD 78 Yukon Ford F-150 011 34 (3) GLC 063 GLE Ram 1500 Classic 31 (4) Jetta 047 Tiguan Chevrolet Silverado 1500 30 (2) G70 055 GV80 GMC Sierra 1500 26 (3) Cherokee 030 Gladiator 25 (4) Model 3 059 Model X 18 (3) Nautilus 031 Aviator Note: We have insufficient data to rank the Alfa Romeo, Dodge, Fiat, CR.ORG/CARS NEW CARS 9 Jaguar, Land Rover, Maserati, Mitsubishi, and Polestar brands.
INSIDE We can house CR’S LABS more than 500 tires and wheels in our 8,000-square-foot tire center. Top Tires for The comprehensive ratings from Cars, SUVs, and our extensive testing program Trucks will help you find the best longest- lasting tires for your ride while 10 NEW CARS CR.ORG/CARS also saving money.
I T’S HARD TO overstate how HOW TO treadwear warranty projections in com- important tires are to safe KEEP YOUR parison with our tread-life test results. driving. After all, they're TIRES SAFE Even those with a shortfall were usually the only part of the car that off by just a small amount. touches the road. That’s Longer-lasting tires make why so many consumers safety checks more critical Money-Saving Tips in colder climates take the than ever. Many tires can last 50,000 miles or more be- Buying replacement tires can be an time and effort (and spend fore they wear out, although expensive, confusing experience. You heat, potholes, and under- could easily spend $800 or more by the money) to switch to winter/snow inflation can weaken them. the time you add up the cost of four tires plus additional charges for mount- tires once a year to ensure that their ve- Check the air pressure ing and balancing. And the numerous each month when the tires brands, various categories, and wide hicles have the best grip possible. are cold. If they need air, range of prices can lead some consum- inflate them to the air pres- ers to rely on a salesperson’s recommen- With the inconvenience of swapping sure listed on the placard dation, which isn’t always the best way on the doorjamb or in the own- to get a great tire for a great price. tires in mind, some manufacturers er’s manual. The pressure indicated on the sidewall is Buy a full set. Our most recent mem- have introduced an all-weather version the maximum amount. ber survey found that about 85 percent of respondents bought a full set of tires designed to perform well in the snow Look for cracks, cuts, rather than just one or two. Replacing or bulges in the sidewall all of the tires at the same time ensures an and year-round. Some cost more than or tread. If found, replace even grip on all four corners of the car those tires. and may also entitle you to a manufac- the average price of the performance turer’s rebate. Discounts are often about Check for uneven tread- $100 off per set, and they can be found all-season tire that they typically wear, which typically denotes by going to a tire company’s website. poor wheel alignment or worn replace, but buyers will come out ahead suspension components, and Look for perks. This is how many have the tires and suspension tire retailers distinguish themselves. CR by avoiding the cost and hassle of sea- checked by a repair shop. members reported that the most com- mon ones they encountered were tire sonal tire changes. Stay within the vehicle’s balancing, lifetime tire rotation, and tire weight capacity listed on the mounting. Tire rotation may be among “The best all-weather tires provide doorjamb placard. Overloading the best perks, because it needs to be will overheat the tire, increas- done about every 5,000 to 7,500 miles year-round traction that truly combines ing the chance of a failure. and costs about $50 each time. all-season and winter/snow perfor- Measure tread depth with Haggling can work. Among those a quarter. If the top of George who tried negotiating tire prices, a mance,” says Gene Petersen, Consumer Washington’s head is just significant 70 percent said they were suc- visible when the coin is placed cessful at getting a deal, with a median Reports’ tire-program manager. “Despite in a tread groove, the tread savings of $96 per set of four tires. has about a 4⁄32-inch depth. the added cost, they typically represent You’ll have some all-weather Don’t wait too long. The key to tire grip, but you should plan buying is to plan your purchase at least a good value.” to replace the tires soon. a month out, when the tread depth is still 4⁄32 of an inch. This will give you These do-it-all tires offer unique time to identify the right tires for your needs and wait for a sale or rebate. tread designs and enhanced rubber compounds that increase traction in a broad range of temperatures. They’re different from typical all-season tires PHOTO: JOHN POWERS/CONSUMER REPORTS. ICON: ELIAS STEIN mainly because they provide better traction in the snow, as denoted by the same mountain/snowflake symbol on the sidewall as winter/snow tires. Warranty Worries Tires usually have a workmanship war- ranty covering manufacturing defects. It generally protects tires for the first 2⁄32 of an inch of wear (about the first year of use). We buy hundreds of tires each year and find problems with workman- ship to be rare. Many tires met or exceeded their CR.ORG/CARS NEW CARS 11
CR’S TEST DATA & RATINGS Top Tires for Cars, SUVs & Trucks TIRE 12 STRATEGIES 34 FOR CAR BUYERS 1. ALL-SEASON 2. ULTRA-HIGH- 3. WINTER/SNOW 4. ALL-TERRAIN PHOTO: JOHN POWERS/CONSUMER REPORTS PERFORMANCE When you’re buying a new A general-purpose ALL-SEASON These provide opti- Built for on- and or used car, it’s important tire and the most mum grip in cold off-pavement to consider what type of common type for Convenient for winter weather. adventures. tires come with it—and their cars and SUVs. year-round use expected performance. on sporty cars PROS: Great brak- PROS: Designed to PROS: Good and SUVs. ing and traction on look and be tough; Make sure your new car all-around perfor- ice and snow. good at clawing comes with the right type mance, low cost, PROS: Excellent through dirt, rocks, of tire for your needs. For long tread life. braking and CONS: Need to and snow. example, some vehicles handling. change seasonally, sold in the snow belt may CONS: May lack rapid wear, rela- CONS: Noisy. come with summer tires, the traction of CONS: Pricey, tively long wet- though they may have more specialized limited treadwear, and dry-braking an all-season tire option, tire types. compromised distances. which is a more practical winter grip. choice. Such tires will be marked with “M+S,” which indicates they have a tread designed to handle mud and snow. For harsh winter weather, consider tires that have a mountain and snowflake symbol on the sidewall, which means they meet an industry standard for snow traction. Owners should investi- gate online the cost and difficulty of replacing tires. A chief concern is that tires on large wheels with short sidewalls can be expensive to replace and give a firm ride. (The size is on the tire sidewall and a sticker on the driver-side doorjamb.) Plus, they can be more prone to damage. Tires that are part of a luxury or sports package may be higher- performance ones that are usually more expensive to replace and can wear out faster. Make sure you know what you’re buying, and check to see if there’s a less-expensive option. 12 NEW CARS CR.ORG/CARS
Ratings Top Tires This is where the rubber meets the road, 10 20 30 40 50 !0 from all-season to ultra-high-performance tires. WORSE BETTER RECOMMENDED Brand + Model Overall Price Three-Season Driving Winter Comfort Other Score Driving Dry braking Wet braking Handling Hydroplaning resistance Snow traction Ice braking Ride Noise Rolling resistance Tested tread life (miles) ALL-SEASON TIRES !0 Michelin Defender T+H 67 $179 40 30 40 40 40 30 30 40 30 85,000 !0 General Altimax RT43 66 $129 40 30 40 40 40 40 30 40 30 70,000 63 $139 40 30 40 40 40 30 30 40 20 70,000 Continental TrueContact Tour 63 $123 40 20 40 40 40 30 30 40 40 85,000 Hankook Kinergy PT 62 $126 40 40 40 50 40 30 40 40 20 55,000 BFGoodrich Advantage Control All Season 61 $104 40 30 30 40 40 30 30 40 50 65,000 Firestone All Season 58 $119 40 30 30 40 30 20 30 40 40 65,000 Toyo Extensa A/S II 58 $134 30 20 30 40 50 40 30 30 30 55,000 Firestone WeatherGrip ⁄ PERFORMANCE ALL-SEASON TIRES !0 Michelin CrossClimate2 ⁄ 74 $179 40 40 40 50 50 30 40 40 20 85,000 !0 Continental PureContact LS 67 $142 40 40 50 40 40 30 30 40 30 75,000 !0 Hankook Kinergy 4s2 ⁄ 67 $129 40 30 40 40 50 40 30 20 40 55,000 !0 General Altimax 365 AW ⁄ 66 $115 30 30 40 40 50 50 30 50 40 60,000 !0 Vredestein Quatrac Pro ⁄ 66 $138 40 40 40 40 40 30 30 40 30 65,000 65 $123 40 30 40 40 50 30 30 40 30 65,000 Nokian One 65 $170 30 30 40 40 50 30 30 40 30 70,000 63 $116 40 30 30 40 50 30 40 40 40 55,000 Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady ⁄ 63 $130 40 30 40 40 40 20 30 50 40 60,000 62 $144 40 30 40 40 40 20 40 40 30 70,000 Nexen N5000 Platinum 60 $144 40 30 40 40 40 20 30 30 30 65,000 59 $117 40 30 30 40 40 30 40 40 10 55,000 Pirelli Cinturato P7 All Season Plus II 57 $139 40 20 30 40 50 30 40 40 30 50,000 57 $113 40 30 40 40 20 20 30 40 20 55,000 Yokohama Avid Ascend LX 56 $62 40 30 40 40 30 10 30 40 30 65,000 56 $112 40 30 30 40 30 20 30 40 30 60,000 Yokohama Avid Avid Ascend GT 55 $95 40 30 40 40 20 20 30 40 30 50,000 55 $117 40 30 40 40 20 20 30 40 30 50,000 Uniroyal Tiger Paw Touring A/S Nokian WRG4 ⁄ Firestone Firehawk AS Atlas Force HP Sumitomo HTR Enhance LX2 Sailun Inspire Falken Ziex ZE960 A/S ULTRA-HIGH-PERFORMANCE ALL-SEASON TIRES !0 Goodyear Eagle Exhilarate 68 $159 40 40 50 50 30 40 20 40 20 45,000 !0 Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+ 66 $159 50 40 40 50 30 20 20 30 20 55,000 !0 General G-MAX AS-05 66 $112 50 30 40 40 30 30 20 40 20 65,000 66 $126 40 30 40 40 40 40 20 10 20 65,000 BFGoodrich g-Force COMP-2 A/S $143 40 30 40 50 30 30 20 40 20 55,000 $148 40 40 40 50 30 20 30 40 20 50,000 Pirelli P Zero All Season Plus 64 $134 40 30 40 50 30 30 20 40 10 50,000 $119 40 30 40 40 20 40 20 30 20 55,000 Continental ExtremeContact DWS06 64 $119 40 30 30 40 30 30 20 50 30 75,000 $128 40 30 30 50 30 30 20 20 30 55,000 Kumho Ecsta PA51 62 Cooper Zeon RS3-G1 61 Yokohama ADVAN Sport A/S 60 Hankook Ventus S1 noble 2 57 ⁄ All-weather model. CR.ORG/CARS NEW CARS 13
Ratings Top Tires Overall Price Three-Season Driving Winter Comfort Other Score Driving Brand + Model Dry braking Wet braking Handling Hydroplaning resistance Snow traction Ice braking Ride Noise Rolling resistance Tested tread life (miles) ULTR A-HIGH-PERFORMANCE ALL- SE ASON T IRES Continued Nexen N’fera AU7 56 $114 40 30 30 50 30 30 20 40 30 45,000 Nitto Motivo 54 $124 40 20 30 50 30 30 20 30 20 60,000 Atlas Force UHP 54 $94 50 30 40 50 10 20 20 40 20 40,000 ULTRA-HIGH-PERFORMANCE SUMMER TIRES 40,000 40,000 0! Michelin Pilot Sport 4s 76 $185 50 40 50 50 NA NA 20 40 20 45,000 0! Continental ExtremeContact Sport 75 $170 50 40 50 50 NA NA 20 50 30 30,000 75 $104 50 40 40 50 NA NA 20 40 30 35,000 !0 General G-Max RS 73 $119 50 40 50 50 NA NA 20 50 20 55,000 73 $115 50 40 40 50 NA NA 20 50 20 45,000 Pirelli P Zero PZ4 72 $129 50 30 40 50 NA NA 20 40 4 35,000 Falken Azenis FK510 71 $85 50 30 40 50 NA NA 20 50 20 40,000 Yokohama Advan Fleva V701 71 $124 50 40 40 50 NA NA 30 40 30 40,000 GT Radial Champiro HPY 70 $100 50 30 40 50 NA NA 20 40 20 40,000 Dunlop Sport Maxx RT2 70 $121 50 30 40 50 NA NA 20 40 30 35,000 Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 67 $152 50 30 40 50 NA NA 10 40 20 25,000 Hankook Ventus V12 evo2 67 $176 50 30 40 50 NA NA 20 30 20 40,000 Bridgestone Potenza S007A 67 $170 50 30 50 40 NA NA 20 20 20 30,000 Bridgestone Potenza S001 66 $109 50 30 40 50 NA NA 20 40 30 40,000 Bridgestone RE-71R 66 $121 50 40 40 50 NA NA 20 40 30 40,000 Nexen N’fera SU1 65 $229 50 30 40 50 NA NA 10 40 10 40,000 Toyo Proxes Sport 63 $105 50 30 40 50 NA NA 20 30 20 60,000 Yokohama ADVAN Sport V105 60 $119 50 30 30 50 NA NA 20 30 20 45,000 Sumitomo HTR ZIII 59 $60 50 30 30 40 NA NA 20 40 30 40,000 Yokohama S.drive 58 $64 50 30 30 50 NA NA 20 40 30 65,000 Sentury UHP 58 $129 50 20 40 50 NA NA 20 20 10 Achilles ATR Sport 58 $134 40 20 30 50 NA NA 20 40 10 40,000 BFGoodrich g-Force Sport COMP-2 55,000 Nitto NT555 G2 80,000 55,000 ALL-SEASON SUV TIRES 45,000 60,000 !0 Michelin CrossClimate SUV ⁄ 74 $205 50 40 40 40 50 NA 40 40 40 75,000 !0 Vredestein HiTrac 69 $169 40 30 40 40 50 NA 30 50 40 85,000 !0 Goodyear Assurance ComfortDrive 67 $198 40 40 40 40 30 NA 30 40 30 90,000 !0 Kumho Crugen HP71 66 $139 40 30 40 40 30 NA 40 50 40 50,000 65 $169 40 30 40 40 40 NA 40 50 50 55,000 Pirelli Scorpion Verde All Season Plus II 65 $159 40 30 40 40 50 NA 30 50 50 65 $146 40 30 40 40 40 NA 20 50 40 Falken Ziex CT60 A/S 64 $169 40 30 30 40 40 NA 40 50 40 64 $190 30 30 40 40 50 NA 30 30 50 Sumitomo HTR Enhance CX2 63 $80 40 40 40 40 20 NA 30 40 40 63 $185 40 30 30 40 50 NA 40 50 40 Continental CrossContact LX25 Michelin Defender LTX M/S [H] Sentury Crossover Nokian WR G4 SUV ⁄ 14 NEW CARS CR.ORG/CARS
10 20 30 40 50 !0 WORSE BETTER RECOMMENDED Brand + Model Overall Price Three-Season Driving Winter Comfort Other Score Driving Dry braking Wet braking Handling Hydroplaning resistance Snow traction Ice braking Ride Noise Rolling resistance Tested tread life (miles) ALL- SE ASON SUV T IRES Continued Nokian eNTYRE C/S 62 $159 40 20 30 40 40 NA 30 50 40 60,000 Hankook Dynapro HP2 61 $159 40 20 40 40 40 NA 30 50 40 85,000 Nexen Roadian GTX 60 $151 40 30 30 40 40 NA 30 40 50 45,000 Nitto NT421Q 58 $148 40 30 30 40 40 NA 30 50 30 60,000 ALL-SEASON TRUCK TIRES 95,000 75,000 !0 Continental TerrainContact H/T 69 $166 40 30 40 30 50 NA 40 50 40 80,000 62 $166 40 30 30 40 40 NA 30 40 50 55,000 General Grabber HTS60 62 $229 30 20 30 40 50 NA 30 50 50 55,000 Michelin Defender LTX M/S [T] 57 $157 40 20 30 40 40 NA 30 40 40 65,000 Laufenn X Fit HT 56 $139 40 20 30 40 40 NA 30 50 50 45,000 Kumho Crugen HT51 55 $189 40 20 30 40 20 NA 30 40 40 60,000 Bridgestone Dueler Alenza H/L Plus 54 $169 40 20 40 40 30 NA 30 40 30 60,000 Falken Wildpeak H/T HT02 54 $177 40 10 40 40 30 NA 20 40 40 60,000 Nokian Rotiiva HT 54 $150 30 10 20 40 50 NA 40 50 50 65,000 Firestone Destination LE3 54 $155 40 10 30 40 40 NA 20 40 40 Hankook Dynapro HT 53 $139 40 10 30 40 30 NA 30 40 40 55,000 Sumitomo Encounter HT 100,000 55,000 ALL-TERRAIN TRUCK TIRES 75,000 !0 Continental TerrainContact A/T 62 $166 40 30 40 40 30 NA 30 50 40 60,000 60,000 0! Michelin LTX A/T2 61 $222 30 20 30 50 40 NA 30 30 40 40,000 65,000 !0 Bridgestone Dueler A/T Revo 3 60 $233 40 20 40 40 40 NA 30 40 40 60,000 60,000 !0 Vredestein Pinza AT 60 $169 30 30 40 40 30 NA 4 40 4 50,000 60,000 Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S 58 $171 40 20 30 40 40 NA 30 40 40 55,000 55,000 General Grabber APT 58 $154 40 30 30 50 40 NA 30 30 30 50,000 GT Radial Adventuro AT3 58 $144 40 20 30 50 30 NA 30 40 40 Mickey Thompson Deegan 38 57 $179 40 30 30 40 30 NA 40 40 40 Firestone Destination A/T2 57 $168 30 20 30 40 40 NA 30 40 50 Toyo Open Country A/T III 57 $195 40 30 30 40 40 NA 30 30 30 Falken Wildpeak A/T3W 57 $166 30 30 40 40 30 NA 30 30 30 Hankook Dynapro AT2 55 $166 40 20 30 40 40 NA 30 40 4 Nexen Roadian AT Pro RA8 55 $159 40 20 30 40 30 NA 30 50 30 Pirelli Scorpion All Terrain Plus 54 $159 30 20 30 40 40 NA 30 40 4 Nokian Rotiiva AT 54 $166 40 20 30 40 40 NA 30 40 40 Digital and All Access members can find the latest, complete ratings at CR.org/tires. Find the right tires for your car, SUV, or truck. HOW WE TEST: Overall Score is based tests on ice are from 10 mph; on dry and a tire’s ability to resist skimming subjectively on rough and smooth on about a dozen tests, with braking, wet pavement, from 60 mph. Handling along the surface of standing water. roads. Rolling resistance, as measured handling, and hydroplaning resistance combines how well a tire performed Snow traction tests denote how by a dynamometer, is a factor in fuel more heavily weighted for many tires. in the wet-handling test, steering feel, far a vehicle has to travel to accelerate economy. Tested tread life indicates Price is what we paid for the tire in the and an emergency handling maneuver. from 5 to 20 mph on flat, packed snow. wear potential based on our 16,000-mile specific tested size. Braking Hydroplaning resistance denotes Ride and Noise are evaluated vehicle driving test. ⁄ All-weather model. CR.ORG/CARS NEW CARS 15
START YOUR ENGINES WITH BOOSTER SEATBACK WITHOUT BOOSTER SEATBACK INSIDE The highback booster CR’S LABS (right) provides better belt fit and more protection than when used backless. The Benefits of N O MATTER HOW much Booster Seatbacks they beg, most kids won’t be ready to use a car’s The overall safety of your child can be improved by seat belt alone until they keeping the back on their highback-to-backless booster are about 10 to 12 years seat. Our child safety experts explain why. old, according to the 16 NEW CARS CR.ORG/CARS American Academy of Pediatrics. Between the time that they outgrow their forward- facing harnessed seat and when they are ready to use the vehicle seat belt, booster car seats come into play. Booster seats raise the child so that
the vehicle seat belt fits their body especially if they fall asleep. Consequently, the lap-belt fit with correctly, positioning the belts to Our evaluations of the latest booster booster seats that have had the back provide optimum protection while removed are often worse than in minimizing potential harm. models lead us to make a new recom- booster seats designed to be used mendation: When you have a booster only as a backless booster. Of the three types of boosters Con- that can be used in either highback or sumer Reports evaluates—highback- backless mode, keep the back on. More Uncomfortable only, backless-only, and highback- to-backless—we recommend highback Poorer Shoulder-Belt Fit Because the lack of the booster seat’s boosters over backless models. Shoul- back enables the child to sit farther der-belt fit tends to be better, and the In backless mode, a booster seat lacks a back on the cushion, the child’s knees head wings, designed to limit side-to- shoulder belt guide or a belt-positioning are also more likely to not bend over side head movement in a collision, pro- clip, which could affect your child’s the edge of the cushion (see image at vide additional comfort for children, ability to achieve proper shoulder-belt near left). This may cause the child fit. The lack of a guide could mean that to slouch for comfort, which risks the shoulder belt might not fit correctly— shifting the lap belt onto the soft tissue it should be midway across the child's of their abdomen, making the child chest and shoulder, as in the image on more prone to injury. the far left—and because children are squirmy and as they move around, Seating Position Restrictions the shoulder belt position can change. The belt clips on backless booster seats Not all rear seating positions have often won’t maintain proper shoulder- head restraints that are tall enough to belt fit as the child moves around. provide adequate protection, and others have none at all, risking neck Side wings on the highback booster injury in a collision. can serve more than one purpose. While there is no current standard for A child in a backless booster must sit side-impact protection on child car in a seating position where there is a seats, booster side wings do provide head restraint that can adjust with them a barrier between the child’s head as they grow, reducing the potential for and the potential vehicle interior con- a whiplash injury. This means the child tact surfaces. may need to be in an outboard seat, rather than the middle spot. Highback The side wings can also provide a boosters, however, can be used even comfortable spot for a child to rest their if the vehicle head restraint is too low head while they sleep, keeping them or is nonexistent, because the booster’s within the protection of those wings. seatback provides some level of head protection. Lap-Belt Fit Suffers Don’t be in a rush to move your child Without the booster seatback attached to the next seat. And for any booster to the booster cushion, the child sits seat, your child’s ever-changing stat- farther back against the vehicle’s seat- ure and the geometry of your vehicle’s back, altering the position of the lap seats and seat belts can alter belt fit. belt. In our evaluations, when the seat Use the booster seat quiz on our web- is in backless mode, the position of the site to determine whether your booster lap belt often sits too far forward onto seat is providing a good fit or whether the child’s thighs (see image above, your child is ready for the vehicle seat right), rather than the strong bony pro- belt alone: CR.org/boosterseat. trusions of their pelvis. CR.ORG/CARS NEW CARS 17
START YOUR ENGINES The Benefit of Booster Seatbacks WHICH KIND OF CAR SEAT IS RIGHT FOR YOUR CHILD? The first three seats below are best for most families: an infant seat for your baby’s first year, a convertible until age 5 or 6, and a belt-positioning booster until your child fits your car’s seat belt alone. The other two seats can be good choices for some—for example, an all-in-one for a caregiver who occasionally travels with children and a toddler booster/combination seat for parents who want to pass a convertible to a younger sibling. INFANT CONVERTIBLE BELT-POSITIONING ALL-IN-ONE TODDLER BOOSTER/ SEAT SEAT BOOSTER SEAT SEAT COMBINATION SEAT CHILD’S WEIGHT CHILD’S WEIGHT CHILD’S WEIGHT CHILD’S WEIGHT CHILD’S WEIGHT ILLUSTRATIONS: CHRIS PHILPOT. PHOTOS, PREVIOUS SPREAD: JOHN POWERS/CONSUMER REPORTS 4 to 35 pounds 5 to 50 pounds when 30 to 120 pounds 4 to 50 pounds 22 to 90 pounds in rear-facing and when rear-facing, harness mode and Infant car seats, 20 to 85 pounds when These seats, which 20 to 80 pounds 30 to 120 pounds which are rear-facing forward-facing raise children so that when forward-facing, in belt-positioning only, are best for a car’s seat belt fits and 30 to 120 pounds booster mode babies from birth Convertible seats correctly, should be in belt-positioning to age 1. They can are typically best for used after a child booster mode These seats, which also be used for children between ages outgrows a convertible are forward-facing children up to age 2 1 and 3 when in the seat, generally around All-in-one seats can only, can be used with if they meet the seat’s rear-facing position, age 6. Boosters should serve as a child’s car a harness or, with the height and weight and for children ages be used until a child seat from birth to age harness removed, requirements. But CR’s 3 through 6 when is tall enough (4 feet, 12, providing good as a booster using just testing shows that forward-facing. The 9 inches) to properly value. But CR’s tests the car’s own seat a convertible seat seats may also fit just the car’s seat have found that by belt. Harness mode may offer added head be used for kids of belt, typically some- trying to do too much, is best for kids who protection for babies other ages if they time between ages they often don’t do are at least 2 years 1 year or older. And fit the seat’s height 8 and 12. These seats any single task all that old until about age 6. though some infant and weight limits. come in three main well. These seats also After that, children seats are designed for These seats are good styles: highback, lack the convenience can sit in booster babies weighing up options for several backless, and models of a detachable carrier, mode until they are to 35 pounds, most reasons. CR’s tests that can convert are usually large, and tall enough (4 feet, children outgrow show that convertible from highback to might not fit smaller 9 inches) to properly the height limit first. seats, when rear- backless. CR babies or small cars fit the car’s seat belt, These seats attach facing, offer better recommends using well. Still, they make usually between ages to a base installed head protection for boosters in highback good backup seats 8 and 12. These seats in the car and can children 1 year and mode: That better and may work well for are a good and safe be removed to serve older than do infant positions the caregivers who drive choice for kids who as an infant carrier seats. And they shoulder seat belt withchildrenintheir cars have outgrown a or snapped into a allow kids to stay and provides some only occasionally. rear-facing seat but compatible stroller. rear-facing longer. side-impact protection. aren’t ready for a belt- When your child positioning booster, reaches the height and can be an option or weight limit of the if you need to pass rear-facing mode, a convertible seat the seat can be turned to a younger sibling. forward-facing. 18 NEW CARS CR.ORG/CARS
Ratings Buckle Up! Our experts rate five types of car 12345 ! $0 seats so that you can find the safest and most easy-to-use model for your family. WORSE BETTER RECOMMENDED CR BEST BUY Brand + Model Overall Price Test Results Score Fit to Vehicle Crash protection/ structural integrity Ease of use Rear-facing L AT CH Rear-facing belt Forward- facing L AT CH Forward- facing belt Booster fit (with back) Booster fit (no back) INFANT !0 Clek Liing 90 $400 Best 50 50 50 – – – – 0$ Chicco KeyFit 89 $160 Best 50 50 50 – – – – 0$ Chicco KeyFit 30 87 $200 Better 50 50 50 – – – – 0! Maxi-Cosi Mico Max Plus 85 $300 Best 40 50 40 – – – – CONVERTIBLE !0 Chicco NextFit Zip 85 $300 Best 50 50 50 50 50 – – !0 Britax Boulevard ClickTight 84 – – !0 Britax Marathon ClickTight 84 $325 Best 40 50 50 50 50 – – 0! Nuna Rava 81 – – $300 Best 40 50 50 50 50 $450 Better 50 40 50 50 50 BOOSTER $0 Evenflo Big Amp Highback 75 $45 Pass 40 – – – – 50 30 (highback-to-backless) 75 0$ Evenflo Big Kid Sport 72 $38 Pass 30 – – – – 50 30 (highback-to-backless) 70 75 !0 Nuna Aace (highback-to-backless) 73 $250 Pass 40 – – – – 40 30 62 0! Graco TurboBooster Grow 61 $125 Pass 40 – – – – 50 30 (highback-to-backless) 61 $0 Diono Everett NXT (highback only) $150 Pass 30 – – – – 50 – !0 Maxi-Cosi RodiFix (highback only) $200 Pass 30 – – – – 40 – $0 Graco RightGuide (backless only) $40 Pass 40 – – – – – 40 ! Peg Perego Viaggio Shuttle 120 $130 Pass 40 – – – – – 30 (backless only) $0 Chicco GoFit (backless only) $45 Pass 30 – – – – – 40 ALL-IN-ONE $0 Graco TrioGrow SnugLock LX 3-in-1 83 $240 Best 40 50 50 50 50 50 – 0$ Graco Milestone 81 – !0 Chicco Fit4 4-in-1 79 $220 Best 40 50 40 40 40 50 – 0$ Graco Extend2Fit 3-in-1 77 – $350 Better 40 50 50 50 50 50 $220 Best 40 40 40 50 50 50 TODDLER BOOSTER/COMBINATION !0 Graco Nautilus SnugLock LX 82 $205 Better 40 – – 50 50 50 – $0 Cosco Highback Booster 75 $42 Best 40 – – 50 40 40 – $0 Evenflo Maestro Sport 73 $75 Best 40 – – 50 40 30 – All Access and Digital members can find the latest, complete ratings at CR.org/carseats. HOW WE TEST: Overall Score is based 35-mph frontal collision with standard Best. Highback-to-backless boosters are adjustments. Fit to vehicle evaluates on the performance of the product in all child-sized dummies to evaluate potential assessed on a pass-fail basis. Ease of use the ability to securely and correctly install our tests. To assess crash protection/ injuries and whether the seat remains is an assessment of a seat’s instructions, each seat using seat belts and LATCH structural integrity, we simulate a intact. Models are rated Basic, Better, or features, and how easy it is to make systems in a variety of vehicles. CR.ORG/CARS NEW CARS 19
ON THE ROAD VEHICLES AT THE TRACK, TOP MIDSIZED SUVS, THE ROOMIEST MINIVANS AND SUVS What We’re Testing INSIDE We drive at at Our Track CR’S LABS low speeds and idle at stops to We've been adding the newest models measure city to our test fleet, including the redesigned fuel economy. Nissan Frontier and 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L. In addition, we look at Toyota's Corolla Cross and GR86, and the Hyundai Ioniq5, each of which we rented from their respective automakers. 20
Nissan FRONTIER The redesigned compact pickup truck is more than just a new look What We Bought & Rented TRIM SV Crew Cab; Pro-4X PRICE $39,575; $44,315 ENGINE 310-hp, 3.8-liter V6 TRANSMISSION 9-speed automatic DRIVE Four wheel PHOTO, OPPOSITE PAGE : JOHN POWERS/CONSUMER REPORTS THE FRONTIER WAS last rede- center display houses Nissan’s to reduce the effort needed signed in 2005, making recent latest infotainment system, to turn the wheel, the steer- models feel about as current which gets the job done well ing is unusually heavy and as a 3G cell phone when com- and is simple to use. requires some effort. Also, pared with newer small trucks there is no ability to adjust from Ford and Toyota. Nissan made the truck a bit the steering column for reach, taller and a few inches longer which is odd. But for 2022 the compact than the old one, but the wheel- pickup gets a redesign for the base is the same. The truck From the driver’s seat, the tall digital era. feels nimble and maneuverable and blocky hood can hinder on tighter streets and is much visibility and confidence when Although the Frontier uses easier to get in and out of com- navigating parking lots or updated versions of its prede- pared with a full-sized truck. narrow back roads. cessor’s frame and basic body structure design, key struc- The Frontier is now one of the The Frontier’s two-speed tural and suspension modifica- best-riding compact pickups, transfer case means that the tions were made to improve soaking up bumps with compo- driver must manually engage ride and handling. sure. The body stays secure over 4WD as needed. Most full- dips and undulations without sized trucks, and some smaller Our First Drive findings are much roll. Like all body-on-frame models such as the Jeep Gladi- based on an SV Crew Cab we trucks, there’s a jitter over harder ator, have systems that auto- bought and a Pro-4X that we impacts, and the rear end can be matically enable and disable rented from the automaker. bouncy if the bed is empty. 4WD depending on driving conditions. What We Like We like the truck’s respon- sive steering and how it quick- Rear seat space hasn’t im- The new 3.8-liter V6 is strong, ly turns without excessive body proved. Legroom is limited, and generates more horsepower lean. Overall, it is an easily man- and the nearly vertical seat- than any rival. The power ar- aged truck that can be enjoyable back contributes to a rear seat rives linearly, helping make on a daily basis. that’s best suited for children. the Frontier predictable to drive. The transmission shifts The Pro-4X ascended our CR’s Take smoothly and doesn’t hastily challenging rock hill with little upshift in the name of fuel effi- drama, thanks to its locking While reusing the existing ciency. Our only complaint is rear differential, all-terrain frame and basic structure may that some downshifts can feel tires, and steep approach angle. feel half-hearted, the rede- slow and delayed. But even the SV, with open dif- sign shows that significantly ferentials and all-season tires updating an existing platform While redesigned, the fun- performed admirably. can make a big difference in damental layout of the controls the driving experience. The and their simplicity remain. What We Don’t Like standard FCW and AEB with Physical buttons, switches, and pedestrian detection are big knobs persist, as does a tradi- Even though Nissan says it positives in our view. tional gear selector. The 9-inch tweaked the steering system CR.ORG/CARS NEW CARS 21
ON THE ROAD At Our Test Track Toyota COROLLA CROSS This sensible SUV has easy controls, mild manners, and key safety features What We Rented TRIM XLE PRICE $27,635 ENGINE 169-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder TRANSMISSION Continuously variable DRIVE All wheel THE 2022 COROLLA Cross is an Visibility is good, with nar- The Corolla Cross feels slow all-new choice for shoppers row front pillars flanking the in general, with tepid accelera- seeking a small, fuel-efficient windshield, a low instrument tion that can give you a sense of SUV that comes loaded with panel, and large side windows. vulnerability in traffic. At times key safety features. The view to the rear corners is the SUV feels like it’s taxed on limited, as is often the case, the highway. Toyota has hinted The configurations are sim- due to the thick pillars there. that a hybrid version is coming; ple, with a choice of front- or Handy storage in the center we can’t help but wonder if that all-wheel drive. There are three compartment helps with travel might be the more desirable trim levels (L, LE, and XLE) sundries, with two cup holders. configuration. and a single engine paired to a continuously variable trans- Straightforward controls add The transmission lacks the mission (CVT). Simplicity may to the SUVs Corolla-ness. The smoothness found in some be a key part of its appeal as a infotainment screen is con- competitors’ CVTs. Once straightforward SUV. veniently high mounted, mak- underway the faux shifts can ing it easy to see and reach. feel abrupt, and the engine We recently rented a Corolla Likewise, climate controls are revs rubberband up and down Cross XLE from the automaker higher than in many vehicles, when climbing hills. to gain early impressions, being parallel with the center ahead of us buying one to test. of the steering wheel. The dials Not surprisingly, engine and buttons are simple in con- noise was a common complaint What We Like cept, but the buttons are tiny among our drivers. While it’s metal rectangles that can be quiet around town, when call- The Corolla Cross has city- tricky to operate, and the con- ing for more power the engine friendly exterior dimensions, trols for the moonroof and in- works hard and gets thrashy. while providing comfort- terior lighting can be hard to Road noise intrudes from the able space front and rear for see and use due to the angle. rear as speeds climb, and wind passengers. noise interferes with conversa- Not every small crossover is tion on the highway. It’s easy to climb in, thanks available with AWD, even Toy- to a seat that is just about hip ota’s own CH-R. The availability CR’s Take height. The front doors are of AWD greatly adds to the wide and squared off, and the appeal for an SUV, granting it While there isn’t much to fault, sills are narrow. added traction when needed. there isn’t much to surprise and delight, either. It should The driver’s space is gener- What We Don’t Like appeal to first-time, new SUV ous, with plenty of headroom buyers. But the ideal audience and elbowroom. The front While the engine is fine for is older drivers who prize easy seats are fairly wide with mild puttering around town, its access and good visibility, and bolsters. We found the power weakness is exposed when generally buyers who favor lumbar adjustment helped merging onto the highway or smart packaging and value dial in comfort, and the team accelerating up a hill. over flash and performance. found the seats to be relatively accommodating overall. 22 NEW CARS CR.ORG/CARS
Toyota GR86 Redesigned and renamed, the sports coupe has more power and sublime handling What We Rented TRIM Premium PRICE $33,000 (estimated) ENGINE 228-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder TRANSMISSION 6-speed automatic DRIVE Rear wheel FOR 2022, SUBARU and Toyota endowing it with a prompt system, while basic, feels better have teamed up again on their throttle response. The power integrated now. second-generation sports coupes, does come on in a smooth, the BRZ and GR86, respectively. predictable way, but for true What We Don’t Like This time, each company performance driving it’s key pledges to have a more dis- to stay at mid to high revs and While they can be enthrall- tinct personality to represent in the right gear. ing sounds during playtime, its brands. Toyota officials the omnipresent road and tire describe their version as being Most GR86s will be equipped noise are tiring, with rough targeted more to hardcore with an automatic, like our car surfaces and asphalt seams cre- driving enthusiasts. was. While the staff was eager ating a boom when struck. to drive a manual GR86, the Having driven the GR86, this consensus is that the automatic No surprise, the rear seat new car is clearly crafted for is better than expected, par- is tiny and inhospitable for drivers who prize razor-sharp tially due to the paddle shift- humans, and interior cargo handling and either have great, ers behind the steering wheel space is practically relegated to winding roads to explore or that let the driver override the your pockets. While the one- engage in autocross racing on automatic. Toyota says that piece rear seat folds down flat, the weekends. the GR86 with the six-speed the opening for the deep trunk manual can sprint from 0 to 60 is small and narrow. We recently rented a GR86 mph in 6.1 seconds—half a sec- from the automaker to gain ond quicker than the auto. The concession for the sub- early impressions. lime handling is a stiff, choppy The new car feels a lot more ride that lets you feel every What We Like solid, as communicated by the bump, pebble, or seam. That’s taut suspension and firm steer- not a problem on an impecca- The GR86’s tenacious grip and ing, and how the doors move bly paved track, but in the real superb balance makes it more and seal. world, rubbery shots pummel easily controlled at its limits incessantly and highway seams than the previous one, which This impression carried feel like two-by-fours. required a bit more skill on throughout the cabin, with im- a track to achieve its potential. provements to the door trim, Typical of sports coupes, The car is quite friendly when dash surface, and seats. There visibility is not great. The wind- pushed, aided by limited body is still hard plastic throughout, shield and side windows are roll and more aggressive sum- but you’re not likely to come short, and there are large blind mer tires on 18-inch wheels. into contact with it. The con- zones in the rear corners. trols are a bit better, with an The four-cylinder engine intuitive layout. The climate CR’s Take is both larger and more pow- adjustments are neatly sepa- erful than the one in the rated in three rows; it looks Enthusiasts should celebrate previous cars. Peak torque dated, but is easy to use while that the GR86 even exists. In an arrives at a lower rpm, creat- driving. The infotainment age when SUVs dominate the ing a more urgent feel and roads, a straightforward, entry- level sports car is a rarity. CR.ORG/CARS NEW CARS 23
ON THE ROAD At Our Test Track Jeep GRAND CHEROKEE L Supersized version won’t disappoint fans, but the SUV lags behind the competition What We Bought TRIM Limited 4x4 PRICE $55,265 ENGINE 290-hp, 3.6-liter V6 TRANSMISSION 8-speed automatic DRIVE Four wheel AS PART OF the Grand Chero- The SUV handles about as panels that snapped in and out kee’s first major update in 10 well as such a big vehicle can. of place if you brushed against years Jeep has added the three- The body doesn’t roll like a them, and plastic parts that row Grand Cherokee L. ship in most curves, but you’ll overlapped each other instead soon get a sense of its size. of fitting snugly. While minor, The fact that it went on sale This is further amplified by the problems like these are rare before the standard two-row, overly light steering. today—and indicative of sloppi- version is a sign of just how ness during engineering and/ much Jeep needs an SUV to There are a number of small or assembly. compete with three-row mod- details Jeep got right, such as els from Ford, Hyundai, Kia, the little hooks on the back of Passengers found it challeng- Subaru, and other automakers. the second-row seats, which are ing to get into the third row great for keeping grocery bags because the metal rails that the It carries over the same two in place. There are plenty of USB second-row seats slide on are engine choices—a V6 and a V8— Type-C ports for passengers, exactly where you would step. and the eight-speed automatic. even in the third row. And rear visibility can instantly be We dislike how low the cli- We bought a Limited improved by touching a button mate controls sit beneath the equipped with four-wheel drive that folds down the third- touch screen, which is angled and a V6. This is our first look row headrests. in a way that obscures them. at the SUV as it enters our test- Thankfully there are redundant ing program. We haven’t yet measured controls for most climate set- exactly how much the Jeep can tings within the touch screen. What We Like hold, but our initial impression is that there’s plenty of space Accelerate hard to climb Even though the infotainment for people and stuff. There’s a hill or merge into traffic and system display has become even some room behind the the engine awakens with an a bit cluttered, the newest tight third-row seat for cargo. unruly thrash. It’s unbefitting version of UConnect remains at this price because the L user-friendly. We like the The base V6 has just enough does a great job isolating the physical volume knob and big power to hustle the big SUV out driver from wind and road toggle switches to adjust the of its own way, and the trans- noise otherwise. temperature, along with the mission seems adept at choos- rotary gear selector. And the ing the right gear when the CR’s Take wireless Apple CarPlay con- driver calls for acceleration. nection is absolutely seamless. If you own and like your Grand What We Don’t Like Cherokee, but wish it were Even with the big 20-inch larger, you’ll probably love wheels and low-profile tires our From a distance, the interior the Grand Cherokee L. But L feels pretty comfortable over looks inviting, and it’s clear for those without Jeep brand potholes and expansion joints. that the designers put some loyalty, it’s hard to envision The suspension does a decent real effort into it. But we found a world in which it rockets to job absorbing the impact from some misaligned interior the top of our SUV ratings. rough roads. 24 NEW CARS CR.ORG/CARS
Hyundai IONIQ 5 This futuristic electric car impresses with style and substance What We Rented TRIM Long Range AWD Limited PRICE $50,000 (estimate) ENGINE 320-hp, dual electric motors TRANSMISSION 1-speed direct DRIVE All wheel THE NEW IONIQ 5 represents turn-in response. Such sporty 10.9 kW, the Ioniq 5 can charge Hyundai’s transition from sell- handling traits aren’t usually at a rate of more than 30 miles ing EV’s that are conversions associated with Hyundai but of range per hour on a 48 of existing gas models to ones the 5 proved capable and enjoy- ampere circuit with a 240 volt designed purely as an EV. able even on our track. We connection. Hyundai claims also found it had commendable the car will fully charge in less With its long wheelbase, short ride comfort. than seven hours. overhangs, and wide stance, the Ioniq 5 looks larger in real- The brake pedal feels quite What We Don’t Like ity than in pictures. normal, which isn’t always the case for EVs. Many have initial Depending on how the driver The Hyundai features a dead travel followed by overly sits in the cockpit, the digital 77.4 kWh battery and an elec- grabby feel, but here Hyundai speedometer display is blocked tric motor mounted on the seems to have gotten it right. by their left hand on the steer- rear axle; more powerful AWD ing wheel. ones add a front axle-mounted The long wheelbase, rela- motor. The RWD version is tively wide cabin, and flat floor It’s too bad the more powerful estimated to have 300 miles of contribute to a spacious and AWD versions have a 30-mile range, with the AWD one esti- airy interior. There’s plenty of penalty in range. mated at 270 miles. elbow room and the driving position is free of intrusions. The space freed up by the We rented an AWD Ioniq 5 In a nod to long-distance trips, lack of an engine is often an EV from Hyundai to gain early the driver’s seat has a leg rest selling point. So it’s disappoint- impressions before we buy extension so one can take a nap ing that the Ioniq 5 lacks a front our own model to test. while the car is charging. Rear- trunk (aka frunk) for extra stor- seat legroom is generous, and age, such as for the supplied What We Like the hatchback configuration mobile charge cord. affords a lot of versatility. As is typical of EVs the power CR’s Take delivery is effortless, linear, We like that the controls and quiet, catapulting the Ioniq aren’t intimidating, even with While the Ioniq 5 may not have 5 forward like a rocket. Note the dominant single panel the panache and aura of a Tesla, that the rear-wheel drive ver- that houses two rectangular it promises to be fully competi- sion has a single 225-hp motor screens. One serves as the tive with the best EVs, especially as opposed to the 320 hp com- instrument cluster and the its 800-volt architecture that bined from the dual motors other houses the infotainment allows it to be charged quickly of the AWD version. Hyundai touch screen. It’s nice that in select DC-fast charging pub- claims a 5.2 seconds for the the climate control panel is lic venues. 0-60 mph dash. separate from the screen, though its touch-capacitive This car is so much more With its RWD-based platform buttons lack a tactile feel. advanced and substantial and low mounted battery, the than the unremarkable Ioniq Ioniq 5 possesses an even-keel With its onboard charger of that Hyundai should have given cornering attitude with a quick the Ioniq 5 a unique name. CR.ORG/CARS NEW CARS 25
ON THE ROAD PHOTO: SUBARU Top-Scoring Midsized SUVs These models hit the sweet spot with plenty of room, available all-wheel drive, and good reliability records. 26 NEW CARS CR.ORG/CARS
Subaru OUTBACK !0 VITAL STATS DON’T BE FOOLED by the base 182-hp, 2.5-liter four- feel to it, with nicely pad- Outback’s raised wagon cylinder does the job and ded and stitched surfaces 085 91 $39,572 styling. It’s a comfort- gets good fuel economy, the throughout. able, functional vehicle engine becomes loud under OVERALL ROAD PRICE AS that’s well-suited for daily duress. The more refined Our testers like the SCORE TEST TESTED commutes and weekend 2.4-liter turbo transforms slightly elevated seating adventures. Its size and the Outback, granting it position and slim roof TRIM LINE 24 DRIVETRAIN capabilities make it viable effortless punch and a pillars, which combine to SUV option, and its elevated quieter demeanor. The con- give the Outback excellent Limited MPG 260-hp, 2.4-liter ground clearance and stan- tinuously variable transmis- visibility all around. XT turbo 4-cyl.; dard all-wheel drive make it sion faithfully mimics tra- continuously ready to tackle light ditional gear shifts, and the The nicely shaped front variable off-road duties. turbo power masks some and rear leather seats offer transmission; of the common CVT quirks— good comfort and support. all-wheel drive The Outback has a solid such as revs rising much feel, with a ride so comfort- quicker than the speed. We Note that the infotain- REASONS REASONS able that it outshines that got 24 mpg overall with the ment system’s large, color- TO BUY TO SKIP of some luxury SUVs. Han- turbo on regular gasoline. ful screen is slow to respond dling is responsive and se- A Legacy sedan we tested to inputs and that drivers Ride comfort Fussy climate cure. We’re impressed with with the 2.5-liter returned must go through multiple controls its performance in our ac- 28 mpg overall. steps to perform some com- Strong, smooth cident avoidance maneuver. mon climate functions. power delivery Infotainment Overall, the interior has from XT's turbo system is slow Buyers have a choice of a solid and substantial FCW, AEB with pedes- engine to respond powertrains. While the trian detection, LDW, and to inputs LKA are standard, but BSW Supportive and and RCTW are optional. comfortable leather seats in XT Good driving position Excellent visibility BEST VERSION TO GET Whether opting for the standard 2.5-liter or the turbo engine, we would choose the Limited trim for its more supportive leather seats, power passenger seat, and power rear gate. If you drop down to the Premium, add the optional BSW. CR.ORG/CARS NEW CARS 27
ON THE ROAD Top-Rated Midsized SUVs Toyota VENZA !0 VITAL STATS TOYOTA HAS LACKED a stitched surfaces feel like The tapered rear roofline five-passenger midsized a higher grade of materi- makes for modest cargo 083 75 $40,160 SUV since the 2015 Venza. als than in most Toyotas. room, not to mention lousy With the resurrection But the optional 12.3-inch side and rear visibility. OVERALL ROAD PRICE AS of the nameplate comes a infotainment touch screen SCORE TEST TESTED big change: The Venza is cluttered, the flush “but- FCW, AEB with pedes- is available only as an all- tons” for the climate-control trian detection, BSW, TRIM LINE 37 DRIVETRAIN wheel-drive hybrid. system and other key func- RCTW, LDW, and LKA are tions are almost impossible all standard. XLE MPG 219-hp, 2.5-liter Contrasts define the to discern by feel, and the 4-cyl. hybrid; Venza. The ride is firm yet system is slow to respond continuously comfortable, and the SUV to inputs. variable moves quietly at low speeds transmission; when it’s running solely on The comfortable front all-wheel drive electric power. But road seats are well-shaped, and noise is noticeable, particu- there’s plenty of headroom. REASONS REASONS larly on coarse pavement, Unfortunately, the plastic TO BUY TO SKIP and the engine gets loud center console cuts into the when it kicks on. Handling driver’s right knee space. Excellent fuel Complex, is responsive in everyday The rear seat has enough economy confusing driving, but the Venza headroom for adults, controls doesn’t inspire confidence but foot space and under- Easy to get when pushed to its limits leg support are lacking. into and out of Restricted —such as in our accident the cabin visibility avoidance test. Excessive We got a superb 37 mpg road noise overall from the 2.5-liter four-cylinder and electric Limited cargo drive hybrid. At the same capacity time, the Venza’s 0-to- 60-mph time of 7.8 seconds BEST VERSION TO GET is competitive in the seg- ment. The only real draw- The Venza comes well-equipped. back is that when power Buyers who opt for the base LE get is needed for merging or a smaller infotainment screen accelerating, the CVT holds with a simpler, easier-to-use control revs at a high level, exacer- layout. Buyers will need to step bating the engine’s din. up to the XLE to get heated seats with more adjustability. Interior fit and finish is solid, and the padded and 28 NEW CARS CR.ORG/CARS
10 20 30 40 50 !0 WORSE BETTER RECOMMENDED Chevrolet BLAZER !0 VITAL STATS 082 83 $43,290 OVERALL ROAD PRICE AS SCORE TEST TESTED TRIM LINE 19 DRIVETRAIN 3LT MPG 305-hp, 3.6-liter V6; 9-speed automatic; all- wheel drive REASONS REASONS CHEVROLET RESURRECTED But, while its handling is blow more air on the driv- TO BUY TO SKIP the Blazer name for its competent, the Blazer isn't er’s elbows and knees than roomy, comfortable, and as agile as the Ford Edge. they do on the torso. Strong Visibility hurt by quiet five-passenger SUV. acceleration styling, especially Like its peers, the Blazer has Getting in is easy, both The front seats offer to the rear more of a focus on styling, front and rear. However, decent comfort and support Good braking tech, and convenience fea- the distinctive styling has but are fairly flat and lack performance Low center dash tures than on ruggedness. a downside: The sloping any contouring. Rear-seat vents roofline and tiny third passengers will find good Transmission This powertrain deliv- side window have a big legroom and foot room. The shifts smoothly Fuel economy ers quick acceleration with impact on rear visibility, cargo area offers plenty responsive shifts, but the and the large rear roof of space to haul your gear. Quiet interior engine sounds raspy when pillars severely limit rear pushed. Fuel economy is three-quarter visibility. Straightforward con- Controls are unimpressive at 19 mpg Thankfully, the optional trols and the easy-to-use mostly easy to use overall, 1 mpg less than the surround-view camera some- infotainment system make larger three-row Traverse. what helps mitigate the living with the Blazer a BEST VERSION TO GET problem when reversing. breeze. Android Auto and The ride is very com- Apple CarPlay compatibility To get BSW, buyers have to get posed; the suspension soaks The interior looks mod- are standard. the 3LT trim, which also includes up bumps well, and body ern and functional, but a power front passenger seat, motions are limited, help- there are many hard plastic For 2022 Chevrolet has heated front seats, and an auto- ing the SUV feel steady and surfaces and flimsy-feeling made FCW, AEB with pedes- dimming rear-view mirror. It's planted. We were impressed trim. Plus, the low-mounted, trian detection, LKA, and available with the V6 or turbo by how it handled on twisty Camaro-inspired vents for LDW standard on all Blaz- four-cylinder. roads and at our test track. the climate-control system ers. But BSW is optional on the base 2LT trim. CR.ORG/CARS NEW CARS 29
ON THE ROAD Top-Rated Midsized SUVs Nissan MURANO !0 VITAL STATS THE MURANO HAS all the be predictable. It manages SL we tested are almost on curves and angles of a con- a modest speed through a par with those in the 081 77 $42,085 cept car, with an interior our avoidance maneuver, Lexus RX. The leather seats that screams “luxury.” but at its limits the overly are welcoming, though they OVERALL ROAD PRICE AS Add a strong engine and light steering detracts lose support on long trips. SCORE TEST TESTED refined ride comfort, and from driver confidence Back-seat legroom is gener- the Nissan can be a good and enjoyment. Handling ous, even for adults. TRIM LINE 21 DRIVETRAIN alternative to a more is ultimately secure, expensive nameplate. but it lacks any sporty, The Murano’s intui- SL MPG 260-hp, engaging character. tive infotainment system 3.5-liter V6; The punchy 3.5-liter V6 combines an easy-to-use continuously has plenty of oomph on tap. The ride is steady and interface, traditional vol- variable But while the CVT is among absorbent, and highway ume and tuning knobs, and transmission; the better ones on the mar- travel is a smooth cruise, a row of onscreen buttons, all-wheel drive ket, this combination seems particularly with the stan- making it easy to find a happiest in around-town dard 18-inch wheels. Steer desired function. REASONS REASONS cruising. Fuel economy is clear of the 20-inch wheels, TO BUY TO SKIP 21 mpg overall, which is av- which don’t do any favors FCW, AEB with pedes- erage for the category and for comfort. trian detection, BSW, Plush cabin Visibility to better than what some com- RCTW, rear automatic Powerful engine sides and rear petitors’ V6 engines deliver. Passengers will enjoy braking, and LDW are all Surround-view he hushed cabin, which standard. BSW and RCTW camera Light and Whether on the street effectively keeps engine and are essential, given the Quiet interior vague steering or at our test track, we find road noise at bay. Interior Murano’s poor side and the Murano’s handling to materials and trim in the rear visibility. CVT idiosyncrasies BEST VERSION TO GET The SL trim line is in the sweet spot. Its surround-view camera, blind spot warning, and rear cross traffic warning help mitigate the restricted view out. Add the Technology pack- age to get a moonroof and adaptive cruise control. 30 NEW CARS CR.ORG/CARS
10 20 30 40 50 !0 WORSE BETTER RECOMMENDED Ford EDGE !0 VITAL STATS THE EDGE IS a well-rounded vehicle that’s distinguished 080 84 $42,610 by its handling agility, steady ride, quiet interior, OVERALL ROAD PRICE AS and premium feel. A re- SCORE TEST TESTED cent freshening improved acceleration and fuel econ- TRIM LINE 22 DRIVETRAIN omy, and Ford made key active safety features stan- SEL 2.0T MPG 250-hp, 2.0- dard across the model range. liter 4-cylinder turbo; 8-speed Thanks to its driving automatic; all- experience, it feels like a wheel drive more upscale vehicle. The ride has an underlying REASONS TO REASONS firmness, yet it effectively of the large door openings BUY TO SKIP manages bumps and rough and low floor. Once inside, surfaces. Its handling the quiet, austere cabin Agile handling Awkward, inspires confidence in our is functional and dressed asymmetrical drivers, with controlled with soft-touch surfaces. Roomy and driving position body motions and respon- The front seats are comfort- quiet interior sive steering. able and supportive, but our testers found the driv- Strong braking The standard 2.0-liter, ing position to be a bit performance in four-cylinder turbo engine cockeyed because the left our tests delivers smooth accel- footrest sits too close to the eration without the initial driver, creating a skewed Easy to get into hesitation found in some sitting posture. The rear and out of rivals. The eight-speed auto- seat has plenty of headroom matic isn’t as smooth as the and legroom. BEST VERSION TO GET previous six-speed version, they can connect wireless- but the powertrain shaves a The Edge has easy-to- ly to the system. We find We recommend the SEL trim for its second off the 0-to-60-mph use controls, including a that it can be tricky to inter- 10-way power driver’s seat, rear sprint. At the same time, rotary gear selector. The act with the screen in the parking sensors, and dual-zone fuel economy is 22 mpg infotainment system has instrument panel. automatic climate control. Buyers overall, which is among the big onscreen buttons and a can almost equip an SEL to a better performers in the streamlined touch-screen Ford’s standard Co-Pilot- Titanium level while avoiding its class. A powerful twin-turbo interface. Android Auto and 360 system includes FCW, larger wheels and tires. 2.7-liter V6 engine comes Apple CarPlay compatibility AEB with pedestrian detec- on the ST trim. further aid usability, and tion, BSW, and LKA. Getting in is easy because CR.ORG/CARS NEW CARS 31
ON THE ROAD INSIDE We use an adjustable CR’S LABS frame to measure how big a \"box\" can fit through the rear hatch. Minivans and These five recommended models have the SUVs That Can best combination of passenger room and Haul It All cargo space from our testa. Each can carry people in comfort along with luggage for a weeklong trip. They appear in order of their cargo capacity. 32 NEW CARS CR.ORG/CARS
10 20 30 40 50 !0 WORSE BETTER RECOMMENDED Kia CARNIVAL !0 VITAL STATS EVEN THOUGH KIA wants highway speeds. can slide forward and back- to call it a “multipurpose The front seats are wide, ward. This makes it possible 079 89 $39,470 vehicle,” the roomy and to place a child closer to the refined Carnival is a very supportive, and comfor- parents up front, or allows OVERALL ROAD PRICE AS accomplished... Minivan. table for the long haul. But three adults to sit without SCORE TEST TESTED while the second-row seat rubbing shoulders. The van’s 290-hp V6 has has lots of headroom, thigh TRIM LINE 21 DRIVETRAIN plenty of predictable and support could be better. The Controls are mostly easy usable power on tap, and third row is low and firm to use, though the capaci- EX MPG 290-hp, the polished driving experi- but roomy and comfortable. tive-touch climate “buttons” 3.5-liter V6; ence is aided by a smooth- are fiddly to operate. The 8-speed shifting transmission. Its The Carnival is tops controls for the sliding side automatic; 21 mpg overall is on par with among all tested vehicles doors and liftgate are also FWD other non-hybrid minivans. with an incredible 72 cubic on the lower left of the feet of usable cargo space. driver’s dash and impossible REASONS REASON Despite its relatively slow But while the third-row for the front passenger to TO BUY TO SKIP steering and noticeable seats can fold flat into a reach. Storage between the body roll through turns, deep well, the heavy sec- front seats is a bit scant, Smooth Not particularly the Kia felt balanced and ond-row seats need to but the USB ports in all three powertrain agile controlled through our be removed to make use rows are handy. avoidance maneuver. Its of all that space, however. Good braking Removing suspension takes the edge It’s an awkward process to All trims come stan- performance second-row seats off bumps nicely, and the unlatch and remove them. dard with FCW, AEB with to expand cargo cabin stays quiet, though pedestrian detection, BSW, Very roomy area is a chore wind noise is noticeable at We like that the middle RCTW, and LKA. interior section of the second row Easy-to-use infotainment system and controls BEST VERSION TO GET CR.ORG/CARS NEW CARS 33 Go with the LX-S trim to get eight seats—the base LX only seats seven. We’d go for the third-level EX trim to get the power liftgate, wire- less charging, larger infotainment screen, dual-zone front climate con- trol, and adaptive cruise control. Safety Term Glossary: AEB automatic emergency braking; BSW blind spot warning; FCW forward collision warning; LDW lane departure warning; LKA lane keeping assistance; RCTW rear cross traffic warning.
ON THE ROAD The Roomiest SUVs & Minivans Ford EXPEDITION MAX !0 VITAL STATS 073 73 $75,430 OVERALL ROAD PRICE AS SCORE TEST TESTED TRIM LINE 16 DRIVETRAIN Limited MPG 375-hp, 3.5- liter turbo V6; 10-speed automatic; 4WD REASONS REASONS THE EXPEDITION MAX is electromagnetic suspen- seat can accommodate TO BUY TO SKIP the extended-length ver- sion. Handling is ponder- adults. And their power sion of Ford’s already-large ous but remains under folding capability is very Strong Fuel economy three-row full-sized SUV. control even when the handy when needing to acceleration Its 2018 redesign made it SUV is pushed to its limits. load and carry long cargo. Ride is on the a more competitive SUV, Quiet interior stiff side shedding weight while add- The optional retractable At almost 222 inches in ing comfort, convenience, running boards are help- overall length, the Max is Easy-to-use Handling is and safety features. ful given the tall step-in 12 inches longer than the controls cumbersome height. The interior’s mod- standard Expedition, which In our tests the Max’s ern, high-quality theme gives it plenty of interior Very roomy Cabin access turbocharged V6 engine ties into the Expedition’s room. At 66 cubic feet of cabin is challenging quickly and easily got the considerable price. The cargo room, there is lots of without running truck up to speed. The max- driver’s seat is worthy of a space to haul whatever you Standard boards imum tow rating of 9,300 living room reading chair may need to carry. There’s active safety pounds is plenty to pull a and is supportive. Controls significant cargo space even systems large trailer. Overall fuel are easy to use, thanks in when the third-row seat is economy is 16 mpg, typical part to the Sync 4 infotain- raised, but the SUV’s over- BEST VERSION TO GET for this thirsty class. ment system and rotary all length makes parking a dial gear selector. real challenge. The Limited comes standard with The ride is composed but heated/ventilated seats, a heated on the stiff side, and de- There’s also plenty of The Expedition comes steering wheel, and the Ford Co- finitely not as comfortable room in the second row, standard with FCW, AEB Pilot 360 Assist system. If you as other three-row SUVs, not to mention dedicated braking with pedestrian tow, the heavy-duty tow package such as the Chevrolet Sub- climate controls and extra detection, BSW, RCTW includes a heavy-duty radiator and urban Premier with the storage. Even the third-row and LKA. integrated trailer brake controller. 34 NEW CARS CR.ORG/CARS
10 20 30 40 50 !0 WORSE BETTER RECOMMENDED Chevrolet TRAVERSE !0 VITAL STATS THE TRAVERSE IS a strong good, helped by tall win- Apple CarPlay compatibility entry that has been im- dows. Backing up is aided are standard. 083 95 $49,945 proved for the 2022 model significantly by an avail- year. Not only is it roomy, able 360-degree view in Folding the second- and OVERALL ROAD PRICE AS comfortable, and refined, addition to the traditional third-row seats opens up SCORE TEST TESTED but all trims now have stan- backup camera perspec- a generous 54.5 cubic feet of dard active safety equipment. tive. The sense of space is cargo room. TRIM LINE 20 DRIVETRAIN enhanced by the two glass On the road, the Traverse’s roof panels. Despite the modern Premier MPG 310-hp, 3.6-liter 3.6-liter V6 is smooth, features and easy controls, V6; 9-speed with swift throttle response. The controls are easy the ambience and equip- automatic; Aided by an unobtrusive, to operate with large, legi- ment is a bit low rent for a AWD nine-speed automatic, the ble buttons logically cluster- $50,000 vehicle, such as powertrain is unstressed ed. A convenient charge the two-way adjustable lum- REASONS REASONS and has ample reserve mat sits beneath the climate bar support on the front TO BUY TO SKIP power. Its 20 mpg overall controls; it can replenish seats and the manual oper- is par for the course. a compatible phone when ation for the sunshades for Comfortable ride Manual sunroof it has been placed on the the front and rear sunroofs, shade is out of It’s easy to get into grippy rubber surface. which feel like a tug-to-re- Quiet, roomy place at this price the cavernous cabin. The tract window shade. interior front seats are wide and The infotainment sys- accommodating, with am- tem takes center stage Chevrolet has made FCW, Easy-to-use ple legroom to spread with its colorful, intuitive AEB with pedestrian de- infotainment out comfortably. screen and abundant fea- tection, LDW, and LKA stan- system tures. Android Auto and dard for 2022, but BSW is Outward visibility is optional on the base trim. Smooth, lively powertrain Standard FCW and AEB PHOTO, TOP JJOHN POWERS/CONSUMER REPORTS BEST VERSION TO GET We think the LT Leather is the way CR.ORG/CARS NEW CARS 35 to go, with its power rear liftgate, remote start, 8-inch touch screen with navigation, full camera rear- view display mirror, rear parking sensors, and power front passenger seat with adjustable lumbar. Safety Term Glossary: AEB automatic emergency braking; BSW blind spot warning; FCW forward collision warning; LDW lane departure warning; LKA lane keeping assistance; RCTW rear cross traffic warning.
ON THE ROAD The Roomiest SUVs & Minivans Toyota SIENNA !0 VITAL STATS 079 80 $43,570 OVERALL ROAD PRICE AS SCORE TEST TESTED TRIM LINE 36 DRIVETRAIN XLE MPG 245-hp, 2.5-liter four- cylinder hybrid; continuously variable transmission; FWD REASONS REASON REDESIGNED FOR 2021, the The suspension does a The comfortable front TO BUY TO SKIP Sienna is arguably one of good job smoothing out seats have plenty of ad- the most sensible vehicles bumps and broken pave- justments, and there is a Excellent fuel Long stopping available. It can seat up to ment. While handling is ton of storage room under economy distances eight, sips precious little responsive at normal the center console. Some fuel, rides comfortably, is speeds, as the pace quick- drivers noted that the fixed Smooth, Engine gets available with AWD, and ens the overly light steering center-console armrests composed ride rather noisy has a voluminous and feels rubbery and body roll were low. The second-row extremely functional interior. becomes evident. Unfortu- seats can slide fore/aft and Roomy and Second-row nately, stopping distances recline, and the third row versatile interior seats can't be Available exclusively as were long in our braking tests. is fine for kids, but head- removed a hybrid, our front-wheel- room is snug for adults. Easy-to-use drive Sienna got an incred- Available in either controls ible 36 mpg overall in our seven- or eight-passenger It’s easy to use the info- testing. While it can glide configurations, the Sienna’s tainment system and con- BEST VERSION TO GET along on electric power at 48 cubic feet of cargo capac- trols, though the touch PHOTO, TOP: JOHM POWERS/CONSUMER REPORTS very low speeds, the engine ity is generous. But unlike screen is a bit of a reach At a minimum, buyers should opt for is quick to cut in at the some minivans, the second- away. Thoughtful touches the XLE to get synthetic leather slightest press of the accel- row seats don’t fold flat include seven USB ports upholstery, heated front seats with erator. It’s a noisy intrusion and aren’t removable, limit- and ample storage cubbies. four-way lumbar adjustment, and and lack of powertrain re- ing overall cargo space. the hands-free power sliding doors. finement is a letdown. Most The large well behind the The Sienna comes Note that AWD versions only seat other minivans utilize raised third-row seat makes standard with FCW, AEB seven passengers. V6 engines and have a more it easy to carry five or six with pedestrian detec- effortless power delivery. people and their luggage. tion, BSW, RCTW, LDW, 36 NEW CARS CR.ORG/CARS and LKA.
10 20 30 40 50 !0 WORSE BETTER RECOMMENDED Honda PILOT!0 VITAL STATS WHILE IT’S AMONG the the now-standard nine- is good, thanks to the big elder statesmen of the class, speed should do better. windows and slim roof pil- 076 80 $40,655 the Pilot is still competitive, lars. Honda loaded up on the functional, and pleasant— Unfortunately, the Pilot sound-deadening materials, OVERALL ROAD PRICE AS just don’t expect excite- is far less agile than many resulting in a quiet cabin. SCORE TEST TESTED ment. It performs most of peers. Its cumbersome cor- the same family- and cargo- nering makes it feel reluc- The second row is roomy, TRIM LINE 20 DRIVETRAIN hauling duties of a minivan, tant to turn, and the vague and the seats can slide fore/ but offers all-wheel drive. steering chips away at driv- aft to give space to third-row EX-L MPG 280-hp, ers’ confidence. In addition, occupants. The rear-most 3.5-liter V6; In addition to its flexible its wet-braking performance seats are best left for kids. 9-speed seating for eight, the Pilot was mediocre. automatic; has nearly 48 cubic feet of The infotainment system AWD cargo room when the sec- The ride is comfortable, suffers from small text, is ond- and third-row seats are with most bumps well- slow to respond to inputs, REASONS REASONS folded flat. The wide cargo muted, though some side- and requires multiple steps TO BUY TO SKIP opening makes it easy to to-side rocking is noticeable for common tasks. Plus, tun- load large, bulky items. over larger ruts. ing is done via touch-sensi- Versatile and Clumsy tive surfaces; a simple knob quiet interior handling Honda’s 3.5-liter V6 is a The cabin is easy to get would be easier to use. It also gem, smoothly and prom- into, versatile, and feature- takes time to get used to the Smooth engine Some controls ptly delivering power filled. Though the front push-button gear selector. are awkward throughout its rev range. seats are well padded and Comfortable to use Our AWD Pilot averaged 20 supportive, some drivers For 2022, Honda has made ride mpg overall in tests with felt that the front of the FCW, AEB with pedestrian the old six-speed automatic; seat cushion didn’t lower detection, BSW, and RCTW Good outward enough. Outward visibility standard across the lineup. visibility Easy to get in and out of cabin BEST VERSION TO GET CR.ORG/CARS NEW CARS 37 For 2022 the EX-L is the base trim and has the best combination of value and standard features, such as power and heated front leather seats, a power tailgate, seating for eight, and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Safety Term Glossary: AEB automatic emergency braking; BSW blind spot warning; FCW forward collision warning; LDW lane departure warning; LKA lane keeping assistance; RCTW rear cross traffic warning.
CR’S TEST DATA & RATINGS STANDOUT MODELS BY CATEGORY, DETAILED RATINGS, VEHICLE REVIEWS, AND TEST DATA Standout FORD EXPEDITION Models This SUV can haul a Of all the recent vehicles we’ve tested family, and their at our track, these are the top-scoring bags, while towing models across popular categories. a heavy trailer. 38
10 20 30 40 50 WORSE BETTER Cars Small cars are practical for urban driving. Hatchbacks are easy to park and great for carrying cargo. Midsized sedans balance performance, fuel economy, and practicality. Large sedans offer more space and comfort. COMPACT ELECTRICS/HYBRIDS Kia $25,000-$55,000 Niro EV PROS Best EVs Hyundai 088 Kia Niro EV Elantra Hybrid Use less fuel (hybrids) or no fuel Nissan Leaf OVERALL at all (EVs), fewer emissions, Toyota Corolla SCORE practical, inexpensive to own. Best Hybrids/ Hybrid Plug-In Hybrid CONS Honda Insight Hyundai Ioniq Toyota Prius EVs/hybrids can cost more Toyota Prius Prime Kia Niro to purchase up front, EVs have limited range and long charging times. SMALL HATCHBACKS Best Overall Hyundai $16,000-$25,000 Hyundai Venue Venue Nissan Kicks PROS 061 Flexibility for cargo or passen- OVERALL gers, excellent use of space, fuel SCORE economy, easy to park. CONS Tend to be noisy, slow acceleration, can be hard to fit both passengers and cargo. PHOTO, OPPOSITE PAGE: FORD SMALL SEDANS Best Overall Subaru $17,000-$25,000 Subaru Impreza Impreza Nissan Sentra PROS Hyundai Elantra 081 Volkswagen Jetta Easy to park and maneuver, Toyota Corolla OVERALL fuel economy, some offer Honda Civic SCORE hatchback versatility. Mazda3 CR.ORG/CARS NEW CARS 39 CONS Less versatile than hatch- backs, tend to be noisy, slow acceleration.
CR’S TEST DATA & RATINGS Standout Models Cars The best cars and hatchbacks provide practical, economical transportation. Midsized and large models are roomier and have better performance. Luxury models bring nicer accommodations and quieter interiors. MIDSIZED SEDANS Best Overall Fuel-Efficient Honda $25,000-$35,000 Honda Accord Accord Subaru Legacy Honda Accord PROS Toyota Camry Hybrid 088 Hyundai Sonata Comfortable ride, low noise Kia K5 Toyota Camry OVERALL levels, roomy accommodations, Nissan Altima Hybrid SCORE ample power. Volkswagen Passat Hyundai CONS Sonata Hybrid Limited cargo flexibility. LARGE SEDANS Best Overall Toyota $35,000-$45,000 Toyota Avalon Avalon Hybrid Hybrid PROS Chrysler 300 Dodge Charger 090 Comfort, roominess, quiet Nissan Maxima cabin, power, near-luxury OVERALL fit and finish. SCORE CONS Lack agility, harder to park. LUXURY SEDANS Best Compact Lexus IS Audi $30,000-$115,000 Infiniti Q50 Kia Stinger A6 Audi A4 PROS Volkswagen Best Midsized 087 Arteon & Large Quiet cabin, power, handling, BMW 3 Series Audi A6 OVERALL seat comfort, fit and finish. Tesla Model 3 BMW 5 Series SCORE Acura TLX BMW 7 Series CONS Genesis G70 Lexus ES BMW 2 Series Audi A8 Fuel economy, expensive to Gran Coupe maintain when the warranty ends, some have complex and distracting controls. 40 NEW CARS CR.ORG/CARS
10 20 30 40 50 WORSE BETTER SUVs Small SUVs blend fuel economy and versatility, and offer easier cabin access and a more upright seating position than sedans. Midsized and large SUVs have more cargo and passenger room, but fuel economy suffers. SMALL Best Overall Fuel-Efficient Subaru $25,000-$38,000 Subaru Forester Forester Hyundai Tucson Hyundai Tucson PROS Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid 090 Honda CR-V Versatility, easy to park, Ford Bronco Sport Toyota RAV4 OVERALL agility, fuel economy. Mazda CX-5 Prime SCORE Nissan Rogue Sport CONS Chevrolet Subaru Crosstrek Trailblazer Hybrid Can have a less-comfortable ride and cost more Honda CR-V than a comparable sedan Hybrid or hatchback. Toyota RAV4 Hybrid MIDSIZED Fuel-Efficient Best Overall Kia $37,000-$50,000 Toyota Highlander (Three-Row) Telluride Hybrid Kia Telluride PROS Toyota Venza Toyota Highlander 097 Hyundai Palisade Versatility, spacious interior Best Overall Mazda CX-9 OVERALL and cargo room, ample power, Subaru Outback Chevrolet Traverse SCORE third-row seat in some, Chevrolet Blazer Honda Pilot composed ride, quiet cabin. Nissan Murano Volkswagen Atlas Ford Ford Edge Expedition CONS Honda Passport MAX Volkswagen Atlas Can get pricey, handling, fuel Cross Sport 073 economy, challenging to park. OVERALL LARGE Best Overall SCORE $55,000-$75,000 Ford Expedition MAX CR.ORG/CARS NEW CARS 41 PROS Toyota Sequoia Versatility, cargo space, room for passengers, third-row seat, towing abilities. CONS High price, fuel economy, clumsy handling, challenging to park and maneuver.
CR’S TEST DATA & RATINGS Standout Models Luxury These models are distinguished by their SUVs accommodations, interior quietness, and comfort and convenience features. ENTRY-LEVEL & COMPACT Best Entry-Level Best Compact Buick $30,000-$50,000 Mini Cooper Buick Envision Envision Countryman BMW X3 PROS Buick Encore Ford Mustang 084 Acura RDX Mach-E Plush and quiet cabin, agile, Volvo XC40 Audi Q5 OVERALL quick, cutting-edge technology. Mercedes-Benz GLC SCORE Fuel Efficient Porsche Macan CONS Lexus UX250h Volvo XC60 Lexus RX Fuel economy, expensive to maintain, controls can be complex 081 and distracting, costly options. OVERALL MIDSIZED SCORE $50,000-$90,000 BMW PROS Best Overall X7 BMW X5 Plush accommodations, interior Lexus RX 081 room, strong acceleration, quiet Cadillac XT5 cabin, cutting-edge technology. Lexus GX OVERALL Audi Q7 SCORE CONS Acura MDX Porsche Cayenne Fuel economy, expensive to maintain, controls can be complex and distracting, costly options. LARGE Best Overall $65,000-$100,000 BMW X7 PROS Luxurious and quiet cabin, generous passenger and cargo room, advanced technology. CONS Fuel economy, expensive to maintain, controls can be complex and distracting, costly options. 42 NEW CARS CR.ORG/CARS
10 20 30 40 50 WORSE BETTER Sports The best are quick and agile, and offer Cars a rewarding driving experience. PRICE RANGE Roadsters Fun Coupes Mazda $24,000-$70,000 Toyota Supra MX-5 Mazda MX-5 Audi TT Miata PROS Miata 085 Fun, quick, agile, stylish. Porsche 718 Boxster OVERALL CONS SCORE BMW Z4 Impractical, cramped, rough- riding, noisy, expensive to insure. Pickup The top pickup trucks are adaptable Trucks for work or family duty. PRICE RANGE Best Midsized Honda $35,000-$68,000 Honda Ridgeline Ridgeline PROS Best Full-Sized 082 Ram 1500 Hauling and towing capacities, OVERALL versatility, off-road ability. SCORE CONS Fuel-thirsty, bulky size, cargo can be exposed in open bed, high cost. Minivans The vehicles of choice for hauling up to eight passengers and their stuff PRICE RANGE Best Overall Kia $35,000-$49,000 Kia Carnival Carnival PROS Fuel Efficient 079 Toyota Sienna Abundant luggage/cargo space, OVERALL composed ride, quiet cabin, can SCORE seat seven or eight passengers. CR.ORG/CARS NEW CARS 43 CONS Fuel economy for non-hybrids, few offer all-wheel drive.
CR’S TEST DATA & RATINGS Vehicle Ratings on the percentage of surveyed on results from more than CR members who say they 50 objective and subjective tests Find your next car, minivan SUV, or pickup using would definitely buy or lease and evaluations performed at our exclusive test results and survey data. their vehicle again. our 327-acre Auto Test Center in central Connecticut. THESE CHARTS PROVIDE a satisfaction sections of CR’s We use a model’s latest three quick reference guide to all the Auto Surveys; the availability years of data to determine Overall mpg is the overall vehicles we have recently tested of frontal crash prevention the predictions, provided it miles per gallon a vehicle so that you can see how each systems with pedestrian de- hasn’t been redesigned or achieved in CR’s fuel-econo- tection, along with blind spot significantly updated. If we my tests, reflecting a mix of matches up with its competitors. warning; and, if available, have insufficient survey re- city and highway driving. results from crash tests per- sponses, or if a model is all new Energy consumption of electric Recommended vehicles are formed by the National Highway or redesigned, we use our vehicles is shown as a miles- those that meet CR’s stringent Traffic Safety Administration judgment based on the brand’s per-gallon equivalent (MPGe) testing, reliability, and safety and the Insurance Institute for track record along with similar as rated by the EPA. standards. To earn our recom- Highway Safety. For informa- models to predict reliability tion on safety and crash tests, and owner-satisfaction ratings. High and lows give a sum- mendation, noted with a !, see page 190. mary of a model’s notable Road-test score is based strengths and weaknesses. vehicles must have a high Over- Price as tested is the sticker all Score in their category. price at the time we bought the WHY SOME VEHICLES PHOTO: NISSAN tested vehicle. AREN’T RATED The Green Choice designa- tion, developed in partnership Survey results reflect find- Some models are new, have been redesigned, or are with the EPA, indicates which ings from CR’s latest Auto updated, and will be in future road tests. These include the cars, SUVs, and minivans are in Surveys, which are compiled Audi A3 and Q4 E-Tron; Ford Bronco and Maverick; Jeep the top 20 percent of the clean- from data reported by CR Wagoneer; Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Nexo; Infiniti QX60; Lexus est-emitting vehicles from their members. Predicted reliability NX; Nissan Frontier and Z; Subaru BRZ; Toyota Corolla model year. These are identified is our forecast of how well a Cross, GR86, Mirai, and Tundra; and Volkswagen GTI and new model is likely to hold up. ID.4. For more, check future issues of CR Cars or CR.org. with a L. Owner satisfaction is based Overall Score includes the vehicle’s performance in our road tests; the latest results from the reliability and owner 44 NEW CARS CR.ORG/CARS
Ratings Vehicles 10 20 30 40 50 !0 0L WORSE BETTER RECOMMENDED GREEN CHOICE Make + Model Overall Price Survey Road-Test Highs Lows Score Results Results As tested Predicted Reliability Owner Satisfaction Road-Test Score Overall MPG CARS: COMPACT ELECTRICS !0 Kia Niro EV EX L 88 $47,270 50 40 81 112 ⁄ Robust range for an EV, no Charging time. Premium emissions, acceleration, quietness, $44,330 40 30 73 104 ⁄ practicality, reliability. Charging time, range still limited, !0 Nissan Leaf SL L 78 $43,590 20 40 80 115 ⁄ driving position, lack of agility. Plus $36,165 20 40 78 120 ⁄ Low running costs, no emissions, L 63 $42,330 20 20 76 120 ⁄ quietness, smooth power delivery, Reliability, charging time, lacks Chevrolet Bolt L 62 cabin access. available AWD, gear selector. EUV Premier L 61 Reliability, charging time, brake Low running costs, acceleration, pedal feel. Chevrolet Bolt 2LT ride, quietness, no emissions. Reliability, charging time, gear selector. Hyundai Kona Low running costs, acceleration, Electric Limited agility, quietness, no emissions. Acceleration, handling, range, low running costs, no emissions. CARS: COMPACT HYBRIDS AND PLUG-INS !0 Honda Insight EX L 80 $26,225 50 30 73 54 Fuel economy, ride, reliability. Controls, front-seat comfort, low !0 Toyota Prius LE L 79 $27,323 50 40 75 stance hurts access. 52 Fuel economy, hatchback Rear visibility, acceleration, seat $29,889 50 40 74 versatility, ride, reliability. comfort, odd gear selector and gauges, too easy to turn off DRL. !0 Toyota Prius Prime L 79 $24,900 30 40 79 133 ⁄/ Fuel economy, no range anxiety, Complex infotainment screen, Premium $25,145 40 30 69 ride, hatchback versatility, no rear wiper, too easy to turn L 76 $27,200 30 30 75 off DRL. L 73 $26,805 40 30 65 50 € reliability. L 70 Access. !0 Hyundai Elantra L 65 48 Fuel economy, handling, braking, Hybrid Blue controls. Acceleration, rear seat, access. !0 Toyota Corolla 48 Fuel economy, ride, controls. Agility, ride, hesitation off the line. Hybrid LE Braking, agility, hesitation off the !0 Hyundai Ioniq SE 52 Fuel economy, controls, cargo line, front-seat comfort, ride. versatility. !0 Kia Niro EX 43 Fuel economy, controls, cargo versatility. CARS: SMALL SEDANS !0 Subaru Impreza L 81 4 2$23,410 0 0 85 30 Ride, braking, fuel economy, Front-seat comfort. Premium relatively roomy interior, controls. !0 Nissan Sentra SV L 77 3 2$21,400 0 0 81 32 Ride, handling, controls, rear seat, Front seat short on lower back braking, fuel economy. support, foot-operated parking brake, headlight performance. !0 Hyundai Elantra L 74 3 4$23,000 0 0 76 33 Fuel economy, secure handling, Engine noise, ride, access. SEL L 73 braking, controls. !0 Volkswagen Jetta 73 3 3$23,325 0 0 78 34 Fuel economy, controls, relatively Low dash vents. SE roomy cabin. L 70 !0 Toyota Corolla LE 4 3$23,530 0 0 68 33 Fuel economy, ride, controls. Acceleration, rear seat, access. 69 !0 Honda Civic Sport $24,095 30 40 71 33 Fuel economy, handling, braking, Noise, stiff ride, access. L 62 controls. !0 Mazda3 Select 61 3 3$24,115 0 0 75 30 Fit and finish, quietness, braking, Controls. 53 fuel economy. !0 Nissan Versa SV 3 2$18,980 0 0 61 32 Controls, fuel economy, standard Ride, engine noise, seat comfort. active safety features for price. !0 Hyundai Accent 3 2$18,435 0 0 64 33 Controls, fuel economy, braking. Stiff ride, loud cabin, seat comfort, SEL interior room. Kia Rio S 3 2$17,220 0 0 61 33 Controls, fuel economy. Stiff ride, loud cabin, seat comfort, 1 1$20,165 0 0 67 34 Controls, fuel economy. interior room. Kia Forte LXS L 39 Reliability, ride, noise, seat comfort, fit and finish. ⁄Miles-per-gallon equivalent (MPGe) €Miles per gallon while running on gas engine. CR.ORG/CARS NEW CARS 45
Ratings Vehicles Make + Model Overall Price Survey Road-Test Highs Lows Score Results Results As tested Predicted Reliability Owner Satisfaction Road-Test Score Overall MPG CARS: SMALL HATCHBACKS !0 Hyundai Venue 61 3 2$20,720 0 0 61 32 Controls, fuel economy, braking. Ride, noise, fit and finish, rear seat, SEL no adjustable seat-belt anchors. !0 Nissan Kicks SV 61 3 2$21,050 0 0 64 32 Fuel economy, controls, visibility. Acceleration, fit and finish, front- seat comfort, agility. Toyota C-HR XLE 58 $23,892 30 10 64 29 Controls. Slow acceleration, wind noise, rear visibility, rear access, unsupportive driver’s seat. Kia Soul EX 51 2 3$25,320 0 0 76 28 Braking, controls, passenger Reliability, ride, loud engine. space, cabin access. Toyota Corolla L 51 Hatchback SE 2 2$24,263 0 0 66 36 Handling, fuel economy, controls, Reliability, ride, engine noise, tight 47 braking. rear seat. Chevrolet Spark 1LT 3 2$16,660 0 0 47 33 Fuel economy, easy to park, Acceleration, ride, noise, seat braking. comfort, driving position. Fuel economy, turning circle, Mitsubishi Mirage 33 3 2$16,050 0 0 29 37 relatively roomy rear seat, Handling, noise, vibration, ES hatchback versatility, feature acceleration, feels cheap. content. CARS: MIDSIZED !0 Honda Accord EX L 88 4 4$28,345 0 0 89 31 Ride, handling, fuel economy, Low stance hurts access. (1.5T) L 87 controls. !0 Honda Accord 87 4 4$29,780 0 0 89 47 Fuel economy, ride, trunk space. Low stance hurts access, Hybrid EX unintuitive gear selector. L 86 !0 Subaru Legacy 4 3$27,609 0 0 89 28 Ride, transmission. Some climate functions require Premium multiple steps. !0 Toyota Camry 4 4$28,949 0 0 89 47 Fuel economy, ride, controls. Low stance hurts access, too easy Hybrid LE to cancel DRL. !0 Toyota Camry LE L 84 4 4$26,364 0 0 86 32 Fuel economy, braking, ride, High-rpm engine noise, (4-cyl.) controls. transmission refinement, low stance hurts access, too easy to !0 Hyundai Sonata L 83 4 3$26,670 0 0 81 31 Fuel economy, trusty handling, cancel DRL. SEL (2.5L) L 80 braking, available tech features. Ride, gear selector. !0 Hyundai Sonata 76 4 3$31,515 0 0 76 44 Fuel economy, trusty handling, Hybrid SEL available tech features. Ride, gear selector, rough shifts. L 72 !0 Kia K5 LXS 3 3$25,610 0 0 82 32 Controls, fuel economy, interior Hesitation during rolling stops, 71 room, braking. access, no power seat on LXS. !0 Nissan Altima L 55 3 2$29,330 0 0 81 31 Controls, fuel economy, rear seat. Agility, ease of entry, ride. 2.5 SV !0 Volkswagen 3 2$28,080 0 0 77 28 Controls, rear seat, visibility. Abrupt launch, on-limit handling. Passat SE 2 2$26,790 0 0 80 29 Ride, quietness, controls. Reliability, raspy engine, front- Chevrolet Malibu seat comfort, so-so visibility, no 1LT (1.5T) standard AEB. CARS: LARGE !0 Toyota Avalon L 90 4 5$38,643 0 0 93 42 Fuel economy, ride, interior room, Lower stance hurts getting in and Hybrid XLE controls, trunk space. out, too easy to cancel DRL. 83 !0 Chrysler 300 C Acceleration, transmission, ride, Expensive optional active safety (V8) equipment. 5 4$45,650 0 0 84 20 quietness, seat comfort, fit and finish, reliability. 46 NEW CARS CR.ORG/CARS
10 20 30 40 50 !0 0L WORSE BETTER RECOMMENDED GREEN CHOICE Make + Model Overall Price Survey Road-Test Highs Lows Score Results Results As tested Predicted Reliability Owner Satisfaction Road-Test Score Overall MPG CARS: L ARGE Continued !0 Chrysler 300 83 5 4$38,335 0 0 83 22 Transmission, ride, quietness, seat Expensive optional active safety Limited (V6) 80 79 comfort, fit and finish, reliability. equipment. 78 !0 Dodge Charger 4 5$40,375 0 0 85 20 V8 sound and power, transmission, Visibility, access, optional active R/T Plus (V8) easy-to-use infotainment system. safety equipment. !0 Nissan Maxima 4 2$41,995 0 0 81 25 Acceleration, controls, fit and Ride, steering, engine noise, Platinum finish. access, snug driving position, visibility, rear-seat room. !0 Dodge Charger 4 5$34,510 0 0 82 22 Transmission, quietness, ride, Visibility, access, optional active SXT (V6) interior room, feature content. safety equipment. CARS: LUXURY SMALL !0 Infiniti Q50 Luxe 87 $48,775 50 10 85 22 Acceleration, agility, braking, Cumbersome infotainment (AWD) 85 visibility, reliability. system, small trunk, fuel economy 82 $48,890 40 30 88 27 for class. !0 Audi A4 Premium 80 $43,475 30 30 91 24 Ride, handling, quietness, Plus $52,995 30 40 86 29 transmission, fit and finish, front- Controls including gear selector seat comfort, reliability. take getting used to, tight rear !0 Volkswagen $59,000 30 50 82 130 ⁄ seat. Arteon SEL (AWD) $45,025 50 30 67 23 Handling, braking, fit and finish, $43,115 30 40 74 23 controls, hatchback versatility. Engine noise. !0 BMW 330i xDrive $41,345 30 40 75 27 $45,345 30 30 69 22 Handling, acceleration, braking, Controls, overzealous lane keeping !0 Tesla Model 3 L 79 $40,400 30 30 75 transmission, fuel economy, front- assistance. Long Range seat comfort, fit and finish. 75 $30,820 40 20 61 Stiff ride, distracting controls, rear !0 Acura TLX Tech 73 Instant power, handling agility, seat, long charging times, no real (2.0T, AWD) 71 $49,215 20 20 78 front-seat comfort, no emissions, blind spot warning. 70 driving range. !0 Genesis G70 Elite 70 $53,520 20 20 78 Infotainment system, engine and (2.0T, AWD) $47,110 20 30 71 Acceleration, transmission, front- road noise, access, rear seat. 64 $44,390 20 30 65 seat comfort, reliability. !0 BMW 228i xDrive $43,385 20 30 64 Tight quarters, gear selector, Gran Coupe 58 $48,890 10 50 70 Handling, controls, fit and finish. stopping distance. !0 Lexus IS300 57 Eager powertrain and handling, Access, rear seat, ride. (3.5L, AWD) 57 front-seat comfort, fit and finish. 55 Controls, tight quarters, driving 55 Acceleration, braking, fit and finish. position, fuel economy for class. 50 Kia Stinger 23 Handling, front-seat comfort, Ride, tight rear seat, difficult hatchback versatility. access, visibility. !0 Premium (2.0T, AWD) Acura ILX 28 Reliability. Stiff ride, loud cabin, access, Premium controls, overpriced for what you get. Cadillac CT4 25 Handling, braking, front-seat Rear-seat room and access, scant Premium Luxury comfort, fit and finish in-cabin storage. (2.0T, AWD) 24 Handling, braking, front-seat Unrefined transmission, engine Cadillac CT5 comfort, fit and finish. noise, rear headroom, low dash Premium Luxury vents. (2.0T, AWD) 26 Braking, quietness, front-seat comfort, fit and finish. Reliability, ride, controls. Volvo S60 Momentum 27 Handling, braking, fit and finish, Ride, controls, hesitation off the front-seat comfort. line, rear seat, wimpy A/C. Mercedes-Benz CLA250 (4MATIC) 27 Handling, braking, fit and finish, Ride, controls, hesitation off the front-seat comfort. line, rear seat, wimpy A/C. Mercedes-Benz A220 (4MATIC) 27 Agility, steering. Reliability, controls, rear seat, limited driver’s seat adjustments. Alfa Romeo Giulia Ti (AWD) ⁄Miles-per-gallon equivalent (MPGe) €Miles per gallon while running on gas engine. CR.ORG/CARS NEW CARS 47
Ratings Vehicles Make + Model Overall Price Survey Road-Test Highs Lows Score Results Results As tested Predicted Reliability Owner Satisfaction Road-Test Score Overall MPG CARS: LUXURY MIDSIZED/LARGE !0 Audi A6 Premium 87 $59,390 40 30 93 26 Handling, braking, seat comfort, fit Hesitation off the line, scant Plus (2.0T) 85 $65,210 30 40 94 84 $110,645 30 40 99 and finish. in-cabin storage. 83 $48,855 40 30 84 !0 BMW 530i xDrive $97,595 30 30 96 26 Ride, quietness, transmission, seat Controls have a learning curve. $71,550 20 50 89 comfort, fit and finish. $69,585 20 40 85 !0 BMW 750i xDrive $56,920 20 40 89 21 Ride, quietness, powertrain, seat Narrow trunk, controls have a $103,899 30 20 72 comfort, room, fit and finish. learning curve. !0 Lexus ES350 $92,690 10 50 97 25 Ride, quietness, front-seat Controls, rear seat. comfort, fit and finish. $128,520 20 40 86 !0 Audi A8 3.0T 83 $61,855 20 30 73 Ride, quietness, transmission, Controls require a learning curve, $62,400 20 40 72 21 interior room, seat comfort, fit scant in-cabin storage. $89,010 20 20 71 and finish. Genesis G90 69 18 Powertrain, ride, quietness, interior Fuel economy, unintuitive gear Premium (3.3T, AWD) 68 68 room. selector, low dash vents. Mercedes-Benz 66 E350 (4MATIC) 24 Agility, braking, quietness, front- Controls, tight rear seat, rear seat comfort, fit and finish. access. Genesis G80 Advanced (2.5T AWD) 24 Ride, handling, braking, interior Controls, hidden exterior trunk room, fit and finish. release. Lexus LS500 (AWD) Acceleration, quietness, Controls, rear seat space for class, 20 transmission, driver’s seat small trunk. comfort, fit and finish. Reliability, long charging time, access, rear seat, visibility, controls, Tesla Model S L 65 120 ⁄ Acceleration, handling, luggage no real blind spot warning. Long Range capacity, no emissions. Reliability, controls, price, long Porsche Taycan 4S L 61 77 ⁄ Acceleration, ride, handling, front- charging time, limited range, seat comfort, no emissions. visibility. Volvo S90 T6 58 23 Seat comfort, fit and finish. Reliability, ride comfort, coarse Momentum (AWD) engine noise, unintuitive controls. L 57 Polestar 2 92 ⁄ Acceleration, braking, handling, no Ride, controls, cramped interior, Standard emissions. limited range, long charging time. Maserati Ghibli S 50 Exhaust sound, steering Ride, initial turbo lag, fuel Q4 19 feedback, braking, acceleration, economy, rear seat, access, touchy brake pedal, fussy gear transmission, fit and finish. selector. SPORTS CARS !0 Mazda MX-5 85 5 5$29,905 0 0 80 34 Agility, manual shifter, fuel econo- Ride, noise, tight quarters, cumber- Miata Club 83 83 my, easy manual top, reliability. some infotainment system, access. 74 !0 Toyota Supra 73 3 4$56,115 0 0 91 27 Acceleration, transmission, Access, visibility, ride, noise. Premium 65 handling, braking. 63 Porsche 718 Acceleration, handling, braking, fit Ride, noise, access, some controls, Boxster (base) !0 3 5$69,790 0 0 95 26 and finish, quick convertible top visibility with closed top, no AEB that works on the move. offered. !0 BMW Z4 sDrive30i 3 4$59,195 0 0 86 29 Handling, braking, acceleration, Ride, visibility, overzealous lane seat comfort, fit and finish, quick keeping assistance, controls. top operation. Agility, braking, front-seat comfort, Controls take getting used to, !0 Audi TT 2.0T 3 3$50,600 0 0 84 26 fit and finish, hatchback versatility, ride, access, tiny rear seat, no AEB high-tech features. offered. Mini Cooper S 2 3$29,945 0 0 80 30 Handling, fuel economy, manual Reliability, rear seat, some Dodge Challenger shifter, engine sound. controls, premium fuel. R/T Plus (V8) Braking, exhaust sound, Ride, noise, visibility, no AEB offered. 3 4$40,860 0 0 70 20 infotainment system, habitable rear seat, brawn. 48 NEW CARS CR.ORG/CARS
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