Energy
Tuesday, February 27th, 2024 4:09 pm EDT
Key Points
- Hybrid vehicles, including plug-in hybrid models, dominated the 2024 top vehicle rankings released by Consumer Reports, representing six of the top 10 picks. The remaining four consisted of an all-electric Tesla Model Y crossover and three gas-powered vehicles without hybrid variants.
- This marks the second consecutive year that seven electrified or fully electric vehicles have been included in Consumer Reports’ top picks, reflecting both consumer demand and tightening federal fuel economy regulations. Toyota Motor led the pack with four top picks, all of which were hybrid or plug-in hybrid vehicles, followed by Subaru with two. Other automakers like Tesla, Ford, Mazda, and BMW each had one vehicle on the list.
- Plug-in hybrid vehicles, described as a “dark horse” in the U.S. automotive industry by Consumer Reports’ Jake Fisher, garnered attention this year, with three plug-in hybrid vehicles featured in the rankings, the most ever for the annual list. The top picks, chosen based on rigorous testing and evaluation, span various vehicle types and price points, influencing Consumer Reports’ annual auto brand report cards.
Consumer Reports released its 2024 top vehicle rankings, with hybrid vehicles dominating the list, signaling a significant shift in consumer preferences and the automotive industry. Out of the top 10 picks, six were electrified vehicles, including plug-in hybrid models, reflecting the growing demand for environmentally friendly options and stricter fuel economy regulations. Toyota Motor emerged as the automaker with the most top picks, with four vehicles making the list, all of which were hybrid or plug-in hybrid models. Other automakers featured in the rankings included Subaru, Tesla, Ford, Mazda, and BMW, each with at least one vehicle on the list. Plug-in hybrid vehicles, in particular, were highlighted as a “dark horse” in the U.S. automotive market, offering a blend of electric and gasoline-powered capabilities that appeal to a wide range of consumers. This year’s rankings saw the inclusion of three plug-in hybrid vehicles, the most ever for the annual list, indicating a growing recognition of their benefits. Consumer Reports selects top models across various price points and classifications based on rigorous testing of new vehicles, evaluating factors such as performance, reliability, safety, and customer satisfaction. The top picks encompassed a variety of vehicle types, including small cars, SUVs, pickups, and luxury vehicles, reflecting the diverse preferences of consumers. Additionally, the rankings influence Consumer Reports’ annual auto brand report cards, which assess overall brand performance based on a combination of internal testing and owner surveys. BMW emerged as the top-ranked brand overall, followed by Subaru, Porsche, Honda, and Lexus, while Rivian, GMC, Jaguar, Land Rover, and Jeep occupied the bottom of the rankings. The prominence of hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles in the top rankings underscores the ongoing transformation of the automotive industry towards more sustainable and efficient transportation options.
For the full original article on CNBC, please click here: https://www.cnbc.com/2024/02/27/tesla-model-y-toyota-hybrids-make-consumer-reports-top-10-ranking.html
