The Most Satisfying New Cars, SUVs, and Trucks

Hybrids, sporty cars, and spacious SUVs and sedans top the list, according to Consumer Reports’ surveys

Rivian R1T

By Jon Linkov

Want to be sure you’ll still love your next new car long after the warranty runs out? The easiest way is to check out CR’s owner satisfaction ratings, which are based on responses from CR members on more than 300,000 cars, SUVs, trucks, and mini­vans. Our members told us everything they like about the cars they’re driving—such as low ownership costs and strong fuel economy—as well as what they don’t like—poor reliability, noisy cabins, and overly complicated controls.

As a car buyer, having this kind of inside information is valuable because some problems reveal themselves only after six months, a year, or longer.

“You can tell during a test drive if there’s enough passenger space, or check the dimensions to see if it will fit in your garage,” says Steve Elek, who oversees auto data analytics at CR. “Our owner satisfaction data can show the hidden flaws you may not have noticed but that owners deal with every day.”

Our satisfaction scores come from how CR members answer this question: Given the opportunity, would you buy or lease your vehicle again? We then calculate that vehicle’s score from the percentage of owners who said definitely yes.

If you’re a Consumer Reports member, this article, including ratings on the most and least satisfying models in five categories, is available to you. CR members also have full access to the results of our Annual Auto Surveys; first-drive reviews of the newest cars, SUVs, and trucks; and our full road tests and exclusive ratings for each vehicle we buy. If you’re not a CR member, click below to join. 

Hybrids Take the Lead

Our lists of top-rated vehicles are dominated by regular, non-plug-in hybrids with high road-test scores and Overall Scores. And again this year, hybrids rank among the models with the most satisfied owners. Of tested vehicles available in both hybrid and gas-only configurations, the hybrid has a higher satisfaction score nearly 80 percent of the time, often by a wide margin. 

Lexus and Toyota owners particularly love their hybrids. In fact, the Lexus NX Hybrid scored 20 points higher—74 to 54—than the nonhybrid version. That’s the largest difference among the 19 pairs. 

Reasons for this include the gas-only NX’s noisy engine (it’s even worse than older models), lower than expected fuel economy, and a short overall driving range. Owners also expressed displeasure at Lexus recommending premium fuel. Meanwhile, many NX Hybrid owners told us that fuel economy and driving range were the main reasons they would buy their SUVs again.

We saw a similar pattern with the Toyota Highlander and Corolla Cross, with owners of the hybrids telling us they’re far happier than those driving gas-only versions.

This isn’t surprising. In nine out of 15 CR vehicle ratings categories with at least one hybrid, the hybrid is the top-ranked model, and on average, hybrids outscore gas-only models. Why do hybrids seem to perform better than gas-only vehicles? First, hybrids are usually quicker. Second, their electric motors keep their small engines from working too hard to generate power, resulting in less engine noise, smoother acceleration, and a less frenetic-feeling driving experience. Finally, the extra weight of the hybrid battery often contributes to a more composed ride.

Results for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs)—hybrids that can be plugged in and charged to add a short electric-only range—were less consistent. PHEVs with long electric-only ranges—such as the Hyundai Tucson, Lexus NX, and Toyota RAV4—outscored their conventional and hybrid versions. But the Jeep Grand Cherokee PHEV and Mazda CX-90 PHEV trailed their gas-only equivalents. (More on those models below.)

Fun Tops Practicality

A car that’s exciting to drive, whether it’s fast in a straight line or quick and nimble through corners, may show up on our Most Satisfying list even if it has shortcomings such as poor reliability or a less than standout Overall Score. We’ve seen this phenomenon year after year with certain models. 

“Just because a vehicle has a low Overall Score doesn’t mean it can’t still make owners happy,” says Jake Fisher, CR’s senior director of auto testing. “Getting real use out of generous towing and off-road capabilities might wash away memories of poor fuel economy or reliability headaches.”

Sports cars like the Chevrolet Corvette, Ford Mustang, and Mazda MX-5 Miata consistently rank among the survey’s most satisfying models despite being difficult to get into and out of, offering limited storage, or requiring more frequent service intervals than with more mainstream cars and SUVs. That’s because these vehicles are a treat for owners who want some excitement out of driving and are willing to accept those drawbacks.

Even with well-below-average reliability, the Rivian R1S and R1T have been among the most satisfying models in both years they were eligible. Owners tell us they love the Rivians’ electric range, style, performance, interior room, and handling capability. Those factors outweigh the reliability issues and owner complaints about the lack of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, limited cabin storage, and the complicated process of adjusting the air vents. 

Ford Mustang

Photo Illustration: Bruno Mangyoku, Ford

Bigger Is Often Better

Subcompact and compact models disproportionately populate our least satisfying list or have below- and well-below-average satisfaction scores, while midsized cars and SUVs have fewer models with extremely low scores.

For example, eight of the 11 subcompact SUVs in our survey results have the lowest satisfaction ratings. Fewer than 40 percent of Volkswagen Taos and Jeep Compass owners would buy these SUVs again, which places them among the worst performers in the survey. Of the 23 compact SUVs with satisfaction scores, eight score at the bottom. Only three midsized SUVs had less than 50 percent of owners willing to buy them again.

So even if you think you want a small car—whether because it’s usually less expensive or another reason—keep in mind that it comes with some inherent compromises. As you might expect, most are cramped inside. “Automakers also have to limit some features or amenities to keep the price reasonable,” Elek says. “Compact models often have less sound insulation, so they can be noisy, and their suspensions aren’t as sophisticated, which results in a rougher ride.” As a result, many of these small models also earn low scores in CR’s road tests.

Buyers looking for the most satisfying experience should consider midsized SUVs rather than compact models. Their larger size gives passengers more room, and their stronger engines could offset the added weight of additional sound insulation. Plus, the combination of their overall length and more sophisticated suspensions goes a long way toward smoothing out the ride.

Electric Range Drives Rankings

Year after year, we see that owners are almost always delighted with cars from automakers that make a distinct promise and then consistently deliver on it. Those who can’t back up their claims end up with disappointed owners. When it comes to electric vehicles, those claims include driving range and reliability, both of which are significant drivers of satisfaction.

Numerous EVs and PHEVs are old enough to have been redesigned or undergone significant updates. Others have been on sale for at least three or four years. This means the new-car halo effect, when owners are smitten with their shiny new toys and unaware of their flaws, has worn off for many of the EVs and PHEVs, no matter the brand name. 

Among EVs, both the Audi Q4 and Q8 E-trons have particularly low satisfaction scores, due in large part to their short driving ranges and, for the Q8, below-average reliability. Early versions of Audi’s midsized EV were rated between 204 and 226 miles, a paltry figure even in 2019 when it debuted. Although updates have boosted the newest models to between 253 and 285 miles, that’s still short for a midsized EV that starts at $74,000.

The smaller $60,000 Q4 could only drive 226 miles in our 70-mph highway range test, which is well below its current 258-mile Environmental Protection Agency rating. 

Audi isn’t alone in disappointing owners. The Subaru Solterra and Toyota bZ4X EVs are part of a joint effort between the two automakers, with the key difference being that the Toyota offers front-wheel drive; the Subaru is AWD only. Among the things they have in common are a low driving range, slow charging, and low reliability scores. In fact, the Solterra is the only Subaru with a below-average predicted reliability rating. The bZ4X also has below-average reliability. But when these EVs aren’t in the shop, drivers are likely charging them up. Although the EPA rates them at 222 miles on a full charge, we could only go 210 miles before depleting the battery. The similar Lexus RZ, which has a well-below-average satisfaction score, could only manage 202 miles in our tests. These models also have some of the slowest charging speeds of any new EV. In the winter, cold weather takes a toll on the battery, resulting in even less range. All three models are among the least satisfying EV models.

Two PHEVs have similar weaknesses. The Grand Cherokee PHEV and CX-90 PHEV have an EPA-rated 26-mile electric range, after which they switch over and operate as hybrids. As hybrids, their overall fuel economy isn’t much better than the gas versions. Multiple owners told us that they not only didn’t get the EPA EV range but their fuel economy when the battery was depleted was lower than expected. On top of that, both SUVs take a long time to charge, considering their short EV ranges, and both have well-below-average reliability predictions. It’s no surprise they’re among the least satisfying models in our survey.

By contrast, two other PHEVs happen to be among the most satisfying models: the Lexus NX and Toyota RAV4. Owners praised their long electric ranges—37 miles for the Lexus and 42 miles for the Toyota—and good fuel economy when operating as hybrids. 

The Toyota and Lexus PHEVs evolved from Toyota’s established hybrid platforms, so it’s not surprising that they perform well, while the Jeep and Mazda came from a conventional gasoline-engine platform modified to be a plug-in.

Most and Least Satisfying Models in Their Class

Even cars that don’t rank high in overall satisfaction can excel in ways that matter, such as how comfortable they are or whether the infotainment system is easy to master. Similarly, some models with high satisfaction scores may have specific shortcomings that will make you want to consider other options. For this section, we asked owners to rate their satisfaction when considering their vehicle’s seat and cabin comfort, driving, cabin storage, in-cabin experience and usability, and ownership cost. Their feedback and corresponding scores will help you identify standout models. Use these charts to guide you toward cars that are most likely to deliver what you want.

Comfort

Owners of these top performers praised the ride and seat comfort of their vehicles; one Honda Ridgeline owner noted the comfort their pickup provided on long-distance trips. On the other hand, Mazda MX-5 Miata owners said they wanted more supportive seats and better ride comfort, and some had difficulty getting into and out of it.  

Driving

On-road performance takes center stage with the Toyota RAV4 PHEV, with one owner calling it “fast [and] fun” and another praising its “superb performance [and] outstanding handling.” The Porsche Macan’s “build quality and driving dynamics” stand out, with owners loving its handling and performance. Volkswagen Atlas owners disliked the SUV’s fuel economy, power, and transmission. One owner slammed its “performance and handling … the thing is slow [with the V6] … putting it in sport mode makes it too jerky … and cornering is terrible.”

Cabin Storage

Hyundai Santa Fe and Santa Fe Hybrid owners found plenty of space for people and cargo, while numerous Volvo XC40 owners praised the small removable trash can that sits in the center console. Audi’s Q3 and Q7 SUVs earned demerits for their small cup holders and limited storage spaces, while the Lexus RZ’s lack of a glove box was a universal complaint.

Usability

Owners of the Ford Bronco, Mustang, and F-150 praised the large infotainment display and, on the F-150, the BlueCruise hands-free driving assistance system. Subaru Outback drivers disliked the touchscreen climate controls and the infotainment system’s laggy response. Volkswagen ID.4 owners panned the touch-sensitive buttons, some of which stay unlit at night, making them even more difficult to use.

Ownership Cost

Volvo XC60 PHEV, Lexus RX PHEV, and Toyota Prius PHEV drivers all love the all-electric range and fuel economy of their vehicles. Chevrolet Blazer EV owners were happy with its range, with one noting the ease and “cost of charging at home.” Service costs were a headache with the Mercedes-Benz GLC and Porsche Cayenne, while many Audi Q8 E-Tron owners disliked their EV’s short range.

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