Best and Worst New Cars
Highlights from our tests and surveys
Not all cars are created equal, and we have the data to prove it. Of course, numbers can tell a variety of tales, and we understand that every consumer has different priorities. To that end, we have compiled a series of best and worst car lists to highlight performance in a wide variety of categories. The lists linked below can be an excellent tool for filtering your purchase considerations or stocking up on vehicular trivia.
Overall test scores are based on more than 50 individual Consumer Reports tests and evaluations, and they’re presented on a 100-point scale.
Best Cars and Car Brands
Photo: Manufacturer Photo: Manufacturer
Best Cars of the Year: 10 Top Picks of 2026
The cars, SUVs, and trucks that shine brightest in CR’s tests.
Talking Cars 487: Consumer Reports’ 2026 Automotive Report Card
The podcast panel discusses the best and worst in car reliability, owner satisfaction, and road tests.
Which Brands Make the Best Cars?
Consumer Reports rated cars from 31 brands on reliability, owner satisfaction, safety, and road-test scores. Here’s how the manufacturers rank, based on their vehicles’ Overall Scores.
Which Car Brands Have the Highest Road-Test Scores
With data from more than 50 tests conducted by Consumer Reports, our ratings reveal which automakers create the best all-around driving experience.
Safest Car Brands Ranked by CR’s Safety Verdict
According to our analysis of crash tests, braking, handling, and crash-avoidance technology, Mazda, Genesis, and Acura have the safest new cars.
10 Best SUVs You Can Buy Right Now
These high-scoring models do well in performance, reliability, safety, and owner satisfaction.
Best Used Cars: 10 Top Picks
These safe, reliable cars and SUVs will save you thousands.
Cars With the Best and Worst Road-Test Scores
These vehicles stand out based on performance at Consumer Reports’ test track.
What Goes Into CR’s Overall Score for Cars
The score factors in road-test performance, reliability and owner satisfaction from surveys, and safety.
Best American Cars, SUVs, and Trucks
These are the highest-scoring models from domestic brands in Consumer Reports’ ratings.
Best New Cars and SUVs for Under $30,000
These top performers cost less than the average new car.
Best & Worst Third-Row Seats
Not all third rows are easy to access or fit adult passengers, as our testing has shown. To help in choosing the right three-row model for your needs, we highlight the models that shined in our tests.
Car Reliability & Owner Satisfaction
Photo Illustration: Consumer Reports, Getty Images, Manufacturers Photo Illustration: Consumer Reports, Getty Images, Manufacturers
Who Makes the Most Reliable New Cars?
Lexus, Subaru, and Toyota lead Consumer Reports’ car brand reliability ratings, while Tesla makes a big jump and Mazda falls significantly.
Which Brands Have the Best Long-Term Car Reliability
Consumer Reports’ ranks 26 car brands based on the reliability of their 5- to 10-year-old models
10 Most Reliable Cars of 2026
Consumer Reports’ annual surveys of over 380,000 vehicles reveal which models are most likely to be dependable.
10 Least Reliable Cars for 2026
Consumer Reports’ annual surveys of over 380,000 vehicles reveal which models have the greatest risk of problems.
Most and Least Reliable Cars by Type
Exclusive survey data reveals the cars, trucks, and SUVs that have the fewest problems—and those that have more than their share.
18 Cars Lose Consumer Reports’ Recommendation Due to Reliability Issues.
New models from Cadillac and Ford are now CR Recommended, while cars from Chevrolet, Hyundai, and others lost our recommendation.
Hybrids Are Still the Most Reliable Cars, CR Survey Shows
Electric cars and plug-in hybrids still struggle with reliability compared with gas-only vehicles.
Owner Satisfaction Ratings: Best and Worst Car Brands Revealed
Our exclusive ratings show which cars have the most satisfied owners, based on survey responses from tens of thousands of car owners.
The Most-Loved Car Models That Keep Owners Satisfied
Our exclusive survey-based ratings highlight cars, SUVs, and trucks
10 Most Satisfying Cars and SUVs
These are models that Consumer Reports members say they’d buy or lease again
10 Least Satisfying Cars and SUVs
These models stand out for how much they disappoint their owners.
Consumer Reports’ Car Reliability FAQ
Answers to common questions about our extensive surveys
Fuel Economy
Photo: John Powers/Consumer Reports Photo: John Powers/Consumer Reports
Best Plug-In Hybrid Cars and SUVs
These PHEVs shine for performance, reliability, and satisfaction. Plus, the PHEVs with the worst fuel economy.
Electric Vehicles That Can Go More Than 250 Miles on a Charge
All of these EVs can be used multiple days in a row without needing to be constantly recharged.
The Most Fuel-Efficient Cars
These gas sippers are easy on the wallet.
The Most Fuel-Efficient SUVs
These small and midsized models can save you money at the pump without sacrificing utility.
The Most Fuel-Efficient Hybrid Cars, Minivans, and SUVs
These are the hybrids that get the most miles per gallon in CR’s exclusive real-world fuel-economy tests.
Best & Worst Fuel Economy
These mpg figures are based on CR’s extensive fuel-economy tests.
Hybrid/EV Buying Guide
Find an efficient vehicle that’s right for you.
Best and Worst New Car Deals
Photo: Toyota Photo: Toyota
Best New-Car Deals
Save money on models recommended by Consumer Reports.
Best Deals on SUVs You Can Buy Right Now
Consumer Reports has combed through national deals to find the best ones on good, safe, and reliable models.
Best Deals on Fuel-Efficient Cars and SUVs
Save gas and money on these models recommended by CR.
The Most Discounted New Cars Right Now
These models are selling below their sticker price, according to CR’s exclusive analysis of car deals.
Worst Deals on New Cars Right Now
Some models are so hard to come by that consumers are paying well above the sticker price for them.
10 Cheap Cars That CR Recommends
These are good, safe, reliable models with the lowest transaction prices.
10 Best Deals on Electric Vehicles
EVs are available with large rebates.
Car Maintenance
Photo: Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
Car Brands Ranked by Maintenance and Repair Costs Over Time
According to our exclusive analysis, Buick and Lincoln cost the least to own, and European brands cost the most.
Tire Retailer Ratings
Satisfaction scores based on a large-scale CR survey.
Best Tire Brands of the Year
Consumer Reports’ test results reveal which companies make the best-performing tires.
Top Pick Tires: The Best Car, SUV, and Truck Tires
Consumer Reports testing reveals the best tires for each type of car.
Best Car Tires
CR’s testing highlights the tires that shine for all seasons.
Best SUV and Truck Tires
CR’s testing reveals the tires that stand out for performance, safety, and treadwear.
Best Winter/Snow Tires
CR’s testing identifies standout tires with the best cold-weather grip.
Best Tire Brands
Consumer Reports’ test results reveal which companies make the best-performing tires.
Most Satisfying Tire Brands
CR’s exclusive survey covers brands from BFGoodrich to Yokohama.
Best Tire Values Based on Consumer Reports’ Tests
From all-season to all-terrain, these tires deliver the best performance for the money.
Best Car Batteries
CR tests dozens each year to separate the positives from the negatives.
Best Car Batteries for the Money
Consumer Reports’ tests highlight the batteries that offer great performance at reasonable prices.
Best Cars for Comfort
Photo: John Powers/Consumer Reports Photo: John Powers/Consumer Reports
Best Cars and SUVs for Short People
We size up vehicles to find those that are scaled for smaller drivers.
Best Cars and SUVs for Tall People
These tested models can comfortably accommodate drivers over 6 feet tall.
Cars With the Most Comfortable Front Seats
Consumer Reports’ drivers of all sizes assess seat comfort and support for cars, SUVs, and trucks over thousands of miles.
