Consumer Reports New Cars December 1st, 2023 Digital Back Issue Cover

Consumer Reports New Cars Magazine December 2023 (Digital)

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December 2023

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17 Articles

1 min.

The CR Difference

BUYING A NEW CAR can be a frustrating experience. High prices are bad enough. But it’s made worse when you can't find a trustworthy source to help you make a wise decision. CR is here to help! You can rely on our recommendations because we have detailed data that nobody else does. We conduct exclusive annual reliability surveys of our members to find out which vehicles had problems that cost their owners time and money and which ones were trouble-free. In addition, we ask owners whether they’re satisfied with their vehicle, because the only thing better than a reliable car is a car that owners love, too. But that’s not all. We buy our own vehicles to test rather than relying on samples provided by automakers, so when we conduct more than 50 tests…

2 min.

Ask Our Experts

Q. My SUV’s warranty has run out, so do I still have to go to the dealership for service? You can take your vehicle anywhere you want to for out-of-warranty maintenance and repairs, but it’s usually less expensive to use an independent mechanic for the work instead of the dealer. CR members have told us in different surveys over the years that they generally have a more satisfying experience and are more successful at negotiating a discount at independent mechanics than at a car repair chain or dealership. Just make sure you keep your receipts to prove that the work was done in the event that you sell the SUV down the road. The only case where you must take your vehicle to a dealer is for a free recall repair, although it…

10 min.

How to Avoid Overpaying for Car Insurance

It’s easy to put car insurance out of your mind, particularly if your bills are set to auto pay. But experts advise reviewing your policy and reassessing your insurance needs every time you renew. Doing so will help you avoid paying too much. Perhaps your car has aged into a lower-value bracket. Maybe you’re paying for coverage you no longer need or don’t need as much of. Or maybe your rates have gone steadily up for no apparent reason or for reasons outside your control. Experts say that loyalty doesn’t always pay and that some insurers will charge more if you stick around simply because they assume you’re not sensitive to price and are unlikely to defect. For more information about how to shop for car insurance, be sure to consult CR’s…

1 min.

EVs MAY COST MORE TO INSURE THAN GAS CARS

The type of car you're insuring is one of the many factors an insurer considers when determining what to charge you. For example, insuring a high-performance car or a high-end vehicle presents a greater financial risks to insurers. Though there are exceptions, EVs cost more to insure than equivalent gasoline-powered cars. Lynne McChristian, director of the Office of Risk Management and Insurance Research at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, says that’s most likely because insurers don’t have as much long-standing risk assessment data for EVs. Higher repair costs are also a factor. On average, “EVs are in the repair shop for longer than a gas-powered vehicle,” McChristian says. “This longer repair time can be due to supply chain issues or the need for more complicated electronic diagnostics by specialized technicians.” Insurance premiums for…

3 min.

Find Long-Lasting, Fuel-Saving Tires At a Great Price

INSIDE CR’S LABS We test tires for wet and dry braking and handling, ride comfort, and quietness. It’s hard to overstate how important tires are to safe driving. After all, the contact patch, which is what the part of the tire that touches the road is called, is about the size of an adult’s hand. That’s all that is connecting the car to the surface you are driving on. That’s why so many consumers in colder climates take the time, make the effort, and spend the money to switch to winter/snow tires to ensure that their vehicles have the best grip possible. With the inconvenience of swapping tires in mind, some manufacturers have introduced all-weather models designed to perform well in winter conditions and year-round. Some cost more than the average price of the…

4 min.

TIPS FOR BUYING NEW TIRES

Whether you’re buying a new or used car, it’s important to consider what type of tires come with it. The ownership experience and performance of a set of all-season car or SUV tires is vastly different from what you’ll go through with a set of low-profile, ultra-high-performance summer tires. ◼ Make sure your car comes with the right type of tire for your needs. For example, some vehicles sold in the snow belt may come with summer tires, though they may have a more practical all season-tire option. Such tires will be marked with “M+S,” which indicates that they have a tread designed to handle modest 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…

4 min.

Hot New SUVs, Cars, and EVs

1. Honda Prologue 2024 $48,000-$65,000* Honda, late to jump on the EV bandwagon, is getting ready to introduce its new Prologue electric SUV, which is being developed with General Motors. The Prologue is sized like the Passport, measuring about 193 inches bumper to bumper. The cabin features an 11-inch digital instrument panel and an 11.3-inch infotainment screen. Both look like tablet computers rather than devices integrated into the dash design. The Prologue will be followed by a wave of Honda and Acura EVs based on its new “e:Architecture.” 2. Volkswagen ID.7 2024 $45,000-$55,000* VW’s flagship large sedan is now an EV. Built on the same platform as the ID.4, the ID.7 has a long wheelbase that promises a roomy interior. The powertrain features a 282-hp electric motor paired with a 77-kWh battery; a larger 86-kWh…

14 min.

What We’re Driving at Our Test Track

Toyota COROLLA CROSS HYBRID Toyota’s sensible subcompact SUV gets a gas-sipping powertrain What We Bought MODEL SE PRICE $31,795 ENGINE 196-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder hybrid TRANSMISSION Electronic continuously variable DRIVE WHEELS All THE COROLLA CROSS HYBRID is a smaller alternative to Toyota’s RAV4 Hybrid and a more compelling option than the nonhybrid version. Like its conventionally powered sibling, this pseudo-wagon is fuel efficient and functional, and has easy-to-use controls. Power comes from a 196-hp four-cylinder hybrid with standard AWD. These are our first impressions on the SE trim that we bought to test. What We Like The hybrid powertrain gives the car more pep, particularly on the highway. At urban speeds it’s slightly quieter than the regular version. During some long drives our testers have been averaging 40 mpg. We like that the hybrid has paddle shifters by the steering wheel to make it easier…

10 min.

Best Pickup Trucks From Our Tests

Ford MAVERICK VITAL STATS 78/82 ROAD TEST $29,965/$32,925 PRICE AS TESTED TRIM LINE XLT/Hybrid Lariat DRIVETRAIN 250-hp, 2.0-liter 4-cyl. turbo/191-hp, 2.5-liter 4-cyl. hybrid; 8-spd. auto/eCVT; AWD/FWD REASONS TO BUY ◼ Fuel economy of the hybrid version ◼ Competent ride and handling ◼ Maneuverability ◼ Visibility ◼ Access ◼ Controls REASONS TO SKIP ◼ Quality of interior materials BEST VERSION TO GET We’d opt for the XLT trim equipped with the Luxury package because it includes a power driver’s seat and a bed liner. The Ford Co-Pilot360 system is a worthwhile option because it brings BSW and RCTW. THE MAVERICK OCCUPIES a growing niche—a budget friendly, small pickup truck. It’s well-suited to most “truck stuff,” thanks to its 4.5-foot-long bed that features a tailgate that can be positioned at an upward angle, making it possible to carry standard 4x8 sheets of plywood. Owners are also likely to appreciate the handy sliding tie-down rings and…

10 min.

Top-Scoring Midsized SUVs

Hyundai SANTA FE HYBRID VITAL STATS 88 ROAD TEST $39,280 PRICE AS TESTED TRIM LINE SEL Premium DRIVETRAIN 226-hp, 1.6-liter turbo four-cylinder hybrid; 6-speed automatic; AWD REASONS TO BUY ◼ Secure handling ◼ Good braking performance ◼ Roomy interior ◼ Good fuel economy ◼ Comfortable ride REASONS TO SKIP ◼ Unintuitive gear selector BEST VERSION TO GET We think the SEL Premium trim is an appealing combination of features and price. It gives buyers power lumbar adjustment, a power front passenger seat, a large sunroof, and an upgraded audio system. ONE OF OUR favorite midsized SUVs is the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid because of its upscale interior, excellent hybrid powertrain, and very comfortable ride. The Hybrid is the best version in the lineup. Its turbo four-cylinder and electric motor combine to put out 226 hp, and the six speed automatic is smooth. This powerful package zips the Hybrid from 0 to 60 mph…

5 min.

Standout Models

Cars The best sedans provide practical, economical transportation. Compact and small cars are ideal for urban driving. Hatchbacks are easy to park and great for carrying cargo. SMALL ELECTRICS/HYBRIDS $25,000-$44,000 PROS Use less fuel (hybrids) or no fuel at all (EVs), fewer emissions, practical, inexpensive to own. CONS EVs/hybrids can cost more to purchase up front, EVs have limited driving range and long charging times. Best EV Kia Niro EV Nissan Leaf Best Hybrids Toyota Corolla Hybrid Kia Niro Hybrid Hyundai Elantra Hybrid SMALL HATCHBACKS $16,000-$25,000 PROS Flexibility for cargo or passengers, excellent use of space, fuel economy, easy to park. CONS Tend to be noisy, slow acceleration, snug rear seat, stiff ride. Best Overall Kia Soul Toyota Corolla Hatchback Nissan Kicks SMALL SEDANS $17,000-$25,000 PROS Easy to park and maneuver, fuel economy. CONS Less versatile than hatchbacks, tend to be noisy, slow acceleration. Best Overall Toyota Corolla Mazda3 Honda Civic Volkswagen Jetta Cars Stepping up to midsized and large models brings not only more room and…

2 min.

Vehicle Ratings

THESE CHARTS PROVIDE a quick reference guide to all the vehicles we have recently tested so that you can see how each matches up with its competitors. ◼ Recommended vehicles are those that meet CR’s stringent testing, reliability, and safety standards. To earn our recommendation, noted with a , vehicles must have a high Overall Score in their category. ◼ The Green Choice designation, developed in collaboration with the EPA, indicates which cars, SUVs, and minivans are in the top 20 percent of the cleanest-emitting vehicles from their model year. These are identified with a . ◼ Overall Score includes the vehicle’s performance in our road tests; the latest results from the reliability and owner satisfaction sections of CR’s Auto Surveys; the availability of frontal crash prevention systems with pedestrian detection, along with blind spot…

261 min.

User’s Guide to Vehicle Reviews

How to Read the Reliability Charts These charts are based on owner data from our Annual Auto Surveys. The Over all Reliability rating indicates how many problems a model has had compared with the average problem rate for vehicles of the same model year. We derive this from CR members, who reported on any problems they had with their vehicles during the 12 months prior to the survey that were considered serious because of cost, failure, safety, or downtime. Our calculations give extra weight to the areas of engine, major; engine cooling; transmission, major; and drive system because they can be serious and expensive to repair. The reliability of a 2023 model is taken from the average of a model’s Overall Reliability for the newest three years, provided the vehicle did not change…

2 min.

ROAD-TEST HIGHLIGHTS

WE CONDUCT MORE than 50 objective tests and subjective evaluations on every vehicle we purchase. These charts list the results from our testing. The information allows you to easily compare models. Here’s an explanation of the criteria that appear in the charts: Make + Model specifies the make, model, and trim version of the vehicle Consumer Reports bought and tested. We often test multiple versions of the same model, and each can yield different results depending on the trim and equipment level, body style, and engine type. Trans. indicates the transmission type and number of speeds. “Auto” is automatic; “CVT,” continuously variable transmission; “Man,” manual; “Seq,” sequential; and “1-spd. dir.,” one-speed direct drive. HP is the horsepower of the engine or motor tested. Engine notes displacement, number of cylinders, and…

2 min.

SAFETY FEATURES AND CRASH-TEST RATINGS

WHEN ASSESSING SAFETY, it’s important to compare vehicles within the same class. Models perform differently in crashes based on their size and what they hit. Even a small car with top crash-test ratings will take the brunt of an impact if hit by a larger, heavier vehicle. As safety technology progresses rapidly, we’ve begun evaluating some active safety features in our test program. As part of CR’s Overall Score, we give additional consideration to certain active safety features—offered as standard equipment across all trim levels of a particular model—that can help drivers avoid an accident or lessen the impact of a crash. In addition to crash test ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducts additional crash tests that get more difficult over…

3 min.

SAFETY SYSTEMS EXPLAINED

ACTIVE SAFETY AND driver assistance features are common on new vehicles, but the terminology used by automakers to describe them varies widely, often seeming to prioritize marketing over meaning. That’s why CR worked with AAA, J.D. Power, National Safety Council, PAVE, and SAE International to come up with clear, standardized naming conventions to describe what these systems do. The common naming outlined below is simple, specific, consistent, and designed to reduce driver and buyer confusion. The U.S. Department of Transportation has endorsed this effort to bring about standardized names for common safety features. These names are what we use in CR’s print and web content, and the list will be continually refined as new systems are developed. No matter what they’re called, it’s important to remember that these systems are designed to assist—not replace—an…

2 min.

VEHICLE DIMENSIONS

THESE CHARTS PUT the interior and exterior dimensions of different models, along with cargo, load, and towing capacity, in one place. Most of the data come from measurements taken during our testing. Data for vehicles that have not been tested by us or are not yet on sale were provided by the manufacturers. Exterior Dimensions and Weight Length, width, height, and wheelbase data come from the vehicle’s manufacturer. Weight of tested vehicles is measured on our scales. Cargo Max. load is the maximum weight of the combination of passengers and cargo that the vehicle can safely carry. This figure is specified by the manufacturer or, in the case of some tested vehicles, calculated based on the difference between our tested vehicle’s weight and the manufacturer’s specified gross weight. Cargo volume for wagons,…

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