Consumer Reports picks the best vehicles of 2024: Hybrids and plug-in hybrids make the list
Consumer Reports has released its annual 10 Top Picks for the best cars on the road in 2024 and this year there is a definite drive towards hybrids and plug-in hybrids.
“This year, our top 10 includes vehicles with a variety of powertrains -- there are four hybrids, three plug-in hybrid electric vehicles or PHEVS and one EV,” Emily Thomas, manager of auto safety with Consumer Reports, said. “That’s significant because it shows how the markets shifted towards electrification and confirms that these models can best gas-only competitors.”
- Download our app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates right to your inbox
The research company and advocacy group puts every car through more than 50 tests, comparing for owner satisfaction and reliability to determine its top picks.
The Toyota RAV4 Prime takes everything drivers love about the popular RAV4 and adds the benefits of a plug-in hybrid. It provides about 65 kilometres of electric-only driving before the gas motor kicks in. The Prime is quieter and smoother than the standard RAV4, and it’s quicker as the Prime RAV4 goes zero to 100km/h a full two seconds faster than the gas-only model.
The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime is shown at the AutoMobility LA auto show Thursday, Nov. 21, 2019, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Another standout Toyota SUV is the 3-row Highlander Hybrid with key safety features, solid reliability, and great fuel economy. From Subaru, the Forester and redesigned Crosstrek are also top picks. Both have secure handling, good fuel economy, and a wide range of safety features.
The redesigned Toyota Prius has more horsepower and performance, plus the availability of all-wheel drive and the plug-in Prius Prime provides about 60 kilometres of pure-electric driving, and good fuel economy when the hybrid engine kicks in.
If you’re looking for a truck, the Ford Maverick and Maverick Hybrid provide much of the functionality of a pickup, at a fraction of the size and cost. Both versions of the Maverick offer impressive handling and a roomy crew cab interior.
This photo provided by Ford shows the 2022 Ford Maverick, a compact pickup truck that comes standard with a hybrid engine and gets an EPA-estimated 37 mpg in combined driving. (Courtesy of the Ford Motor Co. via AP)
If reliability is at the top of your list, it’s hard to do better than the Toyota Camry Hybrid.
“The Toyota Camry hybrid receives top marks in CR’s reliability data, but it also performed well in our fuel economy tests" said Thomas.
The Camry gets 1,000 kilometres per tank of gas. The BMW X5 and X5 Plug-In Hybrid are the top luxury SUV choice for Consumer Reports. Both versions feature immaculate cabins and a premium driving experience.
If you’re looking for a sporty drive -- that won’t break the bank -- the Mazda 3 was a stand-out with 191 horsepower. Its engine packs more punch than most rivals and has an impressive interior for the price point.
This photo provided by Mazda shows the 2023 Mazda 3, a compact hatchback or optional sedan, with stylish looks, a premium interior and pleasing driving dynamics. (Courtesy of Mazda North American Operations via AP)
The top pick for an all-electric vehicle went to the Tesla Model Y. Like most EV’s, it has quick acceleration, as well as responsive steering and access to Tesla’s Supercharger Network.
This photo provided by Edmunds shows the 2023 Tesla Model Y. It's become the best-selling EV in the United States thanks to its versatility, sporty performance and quick charging capability. (Ryan Greger/Edmunds via AP)
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6976926.1721883767!/httpImage/image.png_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.png)
AS IT HAPPENED Wildfire reaches Jasper Wednesday night, causes 'significant loss'
One of two wildfires threatening Jasper National Park reached the townsite Wednesday night and caused 'significant loss.'
Alberta calls in army to assist with wildfire situation
Alberta has called in the Canadian Armed Forces to help assist with the worsening wildfire situation in the province.
Biden explains why he ended re-election bid in Oval Office address
U.S. President Joe Biden on Wednesday delivered a solemn call to voters to defend the country's democracy as he laid out in an Oval Office address his decision to drop his bid for reelection and throw his support behind Vice President Kamala Harris.
Barrie-Innisfil MPP 'blacked-out' and crashed car into window of child care centre
Staff at a Barrie child care centre say they are frustrated by what they call a local MPP's inadequate response after a car crashed through a window in one of the toddler rooms.
Norad intercepts Russian and Chinese bombers operating together near Alaska in apparent first
The North American Aerospace Defence Command (Norad) intercepted two Russian and two Chinese bombers flying near Alaska Wednesday in what appears to be the first time the two countries have been intercepted while operating together.
2 Canadians being 'sent home immediately,' removed from Olympic team after drone incident
An analyst and an assistant coach with Canada Soccer are being removed from the Canadian Olympic Team and 'sent home immediately,' according to the Canadian Olympic Committee.
An unwelcome attendee has joined the Paris Olympic Games: COVID-19
After a handful of Australian water polo players tested positive for COVID-19 this week, questions have emerged around how the spread of the disease will be mitigated at the Summer Olympic Games in Paris.
Vacations, meals, booze: Contractor used $100K of charity's money for personal expenses, B.C. court finds
A B.C. man who was hired to help a non-profit build a food hub but instead spent the money on personal expenses – including travel, restaurants, booze and cannabis – has been ordered to pay more than $120,000 in damages.
Male, female killed, 2 others injured in 'gun battle' outside Toronto plaza: police
Two people are dead and two others suffered serious injuries following a shooting that police have described as a 'gun battle' outside a plaza in Scarborough, Ont. early Wednesday morning.