Latest news with #Knizek
Yahoo
05-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Consumer Reports Top Cars: 2025
(CBS NEWSPATH) — If you are in the market for a new car, Consumer Reports is offering its top choices. Consumer Reports puts cars through the paces for its annual list of top picks. Vehicles are tested for performance and also judged on reliability and consumer satisfaction. 'And finally, there is safety, all of the vehicles on this list have standard automatic emergency braking,' Alex Knizek of Consumer Reports said. Knizek says plenty of SUV's made the grade this year including the Subaru Forester, which tops the list for compact SUV's. It received a score of 93 out of 100, one of the highest for any vehicle. And it's also the most reliable. 'The Subaru Forester it's a repeat favorite of ours. It gets 29 miles per gallon combined. So, it's just a really, really well rounded, practical, and kind of easy to live with vehicle,' Knizek said. For drivers looking for something on the high end, the BMW X-5 takes the top spot among luxury vehicles and earns an overall score of 87. Toyota has three vehicles on this year's list. The plug-in hybrid version of the RAV-4 is number one in the fuel-efficient category. The Hybrid Highlander gets top marks among mid-sized SUV's and the Corolla is the best mid-sized car. 'I think what's interesting about it now is actually hybrid only. Other than the fact that it gets 48 miles per gallon combined, you might actually not know that it's a hybrid. It works so seamlessly, and it works so well,' Knizek said. For those who don't want to use gas at all, the Tesla Model Y earns the top spot among electric vehicles. 'Tesla's been building electric vehicles for a long time. They have the charging infrastructure. Beyond that, it's a pretty nice driving vehicle. It's, it's quick, it's quiet handles really well,' Knizek said. Whether you're shopping for electric, a hybrid engine, or traditional gas power, Consumer Reports is looking to help take the guesswork out of your next new vehicle purchase. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
25-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Top car of 2025 and more vehicle picks with the best consumer scores
"Good Morning America" got under the hood of Consumer Reports' top-rated car picks with an exclusive first-look at its findings on what makes the investment in a vehicle worth the price tag. With the average price of a new car hitting near-record highs at more than $49,000, the nonprofit consumer organization, known for its independent product testing, put 50 popular cars through more than 50 tests, analyzing everything from emergency handling, ice-braking, off-roading and even a cargo test to determine how much luggage each trunk can fit. The Subaru Forester was named the top car overall and was atop the compact SUV category following a redesign for 2025 from the Japanese auto manufacturer. What made this the winning vehicle, according to Consumer Reports, was its reliability, great fuel economy, ample cargo space, roomy front seats and great visibility. One standout category with a wide range of consumer ratings was usability. Alex Knizek, associate director of auto test development for Consumer Reports, told "GMA" the team saw "a lot of issues with usability -- the controls, that everything's moving towards touchscreen for example, and a lot more reliance on software." "That can be great when it works really well, but it's also an opportunity for things to go wrong," Knizek said. The top pick in the small car category this year was the Nissan Sentra for its reliability and easy controls. For midsize cars, Consumer Reports found the Toyota Camry topped the list for its comfort and user-friendliness. And in the small truck category, the Ford Maverick rose above the rest for its size and simple controls. Hybrid vehicles were a major theme among some of the top performers this year. "You get better fuel economy," Knizek said. "They're often quieter and just as engaging to drive... you're not sacrificing a lot to go with the hybrid models." Top car of 2025 and more vehicle picks with the best consumer scores originally appeared on
Yahoo
25-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Best new cars in 2025: Consumer Reports reveals top picks for reliability, safety and more
The average new car price in the U.S. was $48,641 in January, up 1.3% from the previous year, according to Kelley Blue Book. Consumer Reports' most recent top cars, trucks and SUVs list highlights several 2025 model-year vehicles that put less strain on the pocketbook, with the most affordable's suggested retail price starting at $21,590. 'You don't have to spend that much to get a car that's going to be safe and reliable and enjoyable to own,' said Alex Knizek, associate director of auto test development for Consumer Reports, a research, testing, and advocacy organization. Another ongoing trend from Consumer Reports' top picks list for 2025: hybrid vehicles. This year's list has hybrids in six of the 10 categories, including three plug-in hybrid models. Knizek said their reliability, fuel economy, quiet cabins and acceleration speeds have helped hybrids perform well in testing. And while these models can be more expensive than their gas-engine counterparts, Knizek said the price gap has narrowed in recent years. 'It tends to be a no-compromise solution,' he said. Among the Detroit Three automakers, only the Ford Maverick small pickup, which offers a hybrid model, was a Consumer Reports top pick. Consumer Reports' list is determined by annual testing of about 50 new vehicles. Each vehicle is purchased anonymously at dealerships, and more than 50 tests are conducted after a 2,000-mile break-in period. Reliability and satisfaction surveys from members also factor into the analysis. Buying a vehicle out of state: Why some travel for their dream car Consumer Reports found the Nissan Sentra offers a relatively roomy cabin, nimble handling, good fuel economy and more standard active safety features than some higher-priced competitors. Starting MSRP: $21,590-$25,285, depending on trim The Subaru Crosstrek's good fuel economy, high ground clearance and standard all-wheel drive make it suitable for both urban driving and adventures in the wilderness, according to the report. Consumer Reports highlighted the SUV's user-friendly controls and comfortable seats in both the front and rear. Aside from the base trim, which has a weaker 152-hp engine, all other trims offer a 'peppier' 182-hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. Starting MSRP: $25,810-$32,610, depending on trim The 2025 Subaru Forester is a practical choice, according to the report, especially after a 2025 redesign that offers a quieter cabin and more cargo space than the previous model. Consumer Reports says the SUV's visibility, fuel economy and standard all-wheel drive helped the vehicle earn a spot on its Top Picks list for 12 consecutive years. Starting MSRP: $25,810-$32,610, depending on trim Redesigned for 2025, the Toyota Camry is 'comfortable, practical, and user-friendly,' according to the report. Consumer Reports says the sedan – now offered solely as a hybrid – is a smooth ride with sharp handling. Starting MSRP: $28,700-$34,900, depending on trim Consumer Reports says the Maverick's price, interior and maneuverability earned it a spot on this year's list. The truck offers decent passenger space, and while the 250-hp turbocharged four-cylinder in the basic model is peppy, the 191-hp hybrid version is 'the real draw' after earning 37 mpg in Consumer Reports' tests. Pickup trucks often have poor fuel economy, "but this one is more reasonably sized. It drives kind of like a car, but then you have that bed on the back," Knizek said. 'It's a unique vehicle on the marketplace, and it shows.' Starting MSRP: $26,995-$40,350, depending on trim Consumer Reports says the compact plug-in hybrid SUV outperforms the other RAV4 offerings. The vehicle goes from 0-to-60 mph in just over six seconds in Consumer Reports' tests and has an electric range of up to 42 miles. One of three plug-in hybrids on this year's top picks list, Knizek said these vehicles are a 'solid option' for people who aren't yet ready to commit to a fully-electric vehicle. Starting MSRP: $44,265 for the SE, $48,135 for the XSE Consumer Reports says the Highlander Hybrid offers good fuel economy, three-row capacity and standard all-wheel drive with 35 mpg in tests. The report says it's a 'smart, versatile vehicle' with comfy rear seats, a compliant ride, responsive handling and plenty of safety features. Starting MSRP: $46,020-$53,675, depending on trim Consumer Reports says the Model Y's hatchback body style puts it ahead of other Tesla models. Described as practical yet entertaining, the electric car offers 'otherworldly' acceleration and a modern aesthetic. The Model Y has been on the Consumer Reports' top picks list before, but Knizek said improved reliability helped the vehicle earn a spot on this year's roundup. 'It's above average compared to other electric vehicles, and year after year it shows Tesla has the manufacturing process down on this vehicle,' he said. 'It's a dependable vehicle for people time and time again.' Starting MSRP: $44,990 for the long range rear-wheel drive; $47,990 for the long range all-wheel drive; $51,490 for the performance all-wheel drive The compact SUV offers plush seats and a straightforward entertainment system, as well as a 'refined but firm' ride with quick steering and capable handling. The NX350h, the traditional hybrid model, got 38 mpg in testing while the NX450h+, the plug-in hybrid, got a 37-mile electric-only range and 35 mpg on gas alone. Starting MSRP: $46,600-$63,505, depending on trim The base X5 offers swift acceleration and 23 mpg, based on Consumer Reports' testing, while the plug-in hybrid has an electric-only range of up to 39 miles and 21 mpg once the battery is depleted. The report says the SUVs are 'exceptionally quiet' with a richly finished cabin and supportive seats. Starting MSRP: $66,300 for the X5 sDrive40i and X5 xDrive40i; $73,800 for the X5 xDrive50e plug-in hybrid; $90,850 for the X5 M60i; $127,200 for the X5 M Competition This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Best new cars in 2025: Consumer Reports reveals top car, truck, SUV
Yahoo
25-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Best new cars in 2025? See Consumer Reports' top picks for reliability, safety and more
USA TODAY and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article. Pricing and availability subject to change. The average new car price in the U.S. was $48,641 in January, up 1.3% from the previous year, according to Kelley Blue Book. Consumer Reports' most recent top cars, trucks and SUVs list highlights several 2025 model-year vehicles that put less strain on the pocketbook, with the most affordable's suggested retail price starting at $21,590. 'You don't have to spend that much to get a car that's going to be safe and reliable and enjoyable to own,' said Alex Knizek, associate director of auto test development for Consumer Reports, a research, testing, and advocacy organization. Another ongoing trend from Consumer Reports' top picks list for 2025: hybrid vehicles. This year's list has hybrids in six of the 10 categories, including three plug-in hybrid models. Knizek said their reliability, fuel economy, quiet cabins and acceleration speeds have helped hybrids perform well in testing. And while these models can be more expensive than their gas-engine counterparts, Knizek said the price gap has narrowed in recent years. 'It tends to be a no-compromise solution,' he said. Consumer Reports' list is determined by annual testing of about 50 new vehicles. Each vehicle is purchased anonymously at dealerships, and more than 50 tests are conducted after a 2,000-mile break-in period. Reliability and satisfaction surveys from members also factor into the analysis. Buying a vehicle out of state: Why some travel for their dream car Consumer Reports found the Nissan Sentra offers a relatively roomy cabin, nimble handling, good fuel economy and more standard active safety features than some higher-priced competitors. Starting MSRP: $21,590-$25,285, depending on trim The Subaru Crosstrek's good fuel economy, high ground clearance and standard all-wheel drive make it suitable for both urban driving and adventures in the wilderness, according to the report. Consumer Reports highlighted the SUV's user-friendly controls and comfortable seats in both the front and rear. Aside from the base trim, which has a weaker 152-hp engine, all other trims offer a 'peppier' 182-hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. Starting MSRP: $25,810-$32,610, depending on trim The 2025 Subaru Forester is a practical choice, according to the report, especially after a 2025 redesign that offers a quieter cabin and more cargo space than the previous model. Consumer Reports says the SUV's visibility, fuel economy and standard all-wheel drive helped the vehicle earn a spot on its Top Picks list for 12 consecutive years. Starting MSRP: $25,810-$32,610, depending on trim Redesigned for 2025, the Toyota Camry is 'comfortable, practical, and user-friendly,' according to the report. Consumer Reports says the sedan – now offered solely as a hybrid – is a smooth ride with sharp handling. Starting MSRP: $28,700-$34,900, depending on trim Consumer Reports says the Maverick's price, interior and maneuverability earned it a spot on this year's list. The truck offers decent passenger space, and while the 250-hp turbocharged four-cylinder in the basic model is peppy, the 191-hp hybrid version is 'the real draw' after earning 37 mpg in Consumer Reports' tests. Pickup trucks often have poor fuel economy, "but this one is more reasonably sized. It drives kind of like a car, but then you have that bed on the back," Knizek said. 'It's a unique vehicle on the marketplace, and it shows.' Starting MSRP: $26,995-$40,350, depending on trim Consumer Reports says the compact plug-in hybrid SUV outperforms the other RAV4 offerings. The vehicle goes from 0-to-60 mph in just over six seconds in Consumer Reports' tests and has an electric range of up to 42 miles. One of three plug-in hybrids on this year's top picks list, Knizek said these vehicles are a 'solid option' for people who aren't yet ready to commit to a fully-electric vehicle. Starting MSRP: $44,265 for the SE, $48,135 for the XSE Consumer Reports says the Highlander Hybrid offers good fuel economy, three-row capacity and standard all-wheel drive with 35 mpg in tests. The report says it's a 'smart, versatile vehicle' with comfy rear seats, a compliant ride, responsive handling and plenty of safety features. Starting MSRP: $46,020-$53,675, depending on trim Consumer Reports says the Model Y's hatchback body style puts it ahead of other Tesla models. Described as practical yet entertaining, the electric car offers 'otherworldly' acceleration and a modern aesthetic. The Model Y has been on the Consumer Reports' top picks list before, but Knizek said improved reliability helped the vehicle earn a spot on this year's roundup. 'It's above average compared to other electric vehicles, and year after year it shows Tesla has the manufacturing process down on this vehicle,' he said. 'It's a dependable vehicle for people time and time again.' Starting MSRP: $44,990 for the long range rear-wheel drive; $47,990 for the long range all-wheel drive; $51,490 for the performance all-wheel drive The compact SUV offers plush seats and a straightforward entertainment system, as well as a 'refined but firm' ride with quick steering and capable handling. The NX350h, the traditional hybrid model, got 38 mpg in testing while the NX450h+, the plug-in hybrid, got a 37-mile electric-only range and 35 mpg on gas alone. Starting MSRP: $46,600-$63,505, depending on trim The base X5 offers swift acceleration and 23 mpg, based on Consumer Reports' testing, while the plug-in hybrid has an electric-only range of up to 39 miles and 21 mpg once the battery is depleted. The report says the SUVs are 'exceptionally quiet' with a richly finished cabin and supportive seats. Starting MSRP: $66,300 for the X5 sDrive40i and X5 xDrive40i; $73,800 for the X5 xDrive50e plug-in hybrid; $90,850 for the X5 M60i; $127,200 for the X5 M Competition This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Best new cars in 2025? Consumer Reports releases top car, truck, SUV
USA Today
25-02-2025
- Automotive
- USA Today
Best new cars in 2025? See Consumer Reports' top picks for reliability, safety and more
Best new cars in 2025? See Consumer Reports' top picks for reliability, safety and more Show Caption Hide Caption Car maintenance tips you need to know These basic car maintenance tips are vital to your car's longevity. ProblemSolved, Reviewed The average new car price in the U.S. was $48,641 in January, up 1.3% from the previous year, according to Kelley Blue Book. Consumer Reports' most recent top cars, trucks and SUVs list highlights several 2025 model-year vehicles that put less strain on the pocketbook, with the most affordable's suggested retail price starting at $21,590. 'You don't have to spend that much to get a car that's going to be safe and reliable and enjoyable to own,' said Alex Knizek, associate director of auto test development for Consumer Reports, a research, testing, and advocacy organization. Another ongoing trend from Consumer Reports' top picks list for 2025: hybrid vehicles. This year's list has hybrids in six of the 10 categories, including three plug-in hybrid models. Knizek said their reliability, fuel economy, quiet cabins and acceleration speeds have helped hybrids perform well in testing. And while these models can be more expensive than their gas-engine counterparts, Knizek said the price gap has narrowed in recent years. 'It tends to be a no-compromise solution,' he said. Consumer Reports' list is determined by annual testing of about 50 new vehicles. Each vehicle is purchased anonymously at dealerships, and more than 50 tests are conducted after a 2,000-mile break-in period. Reliability and satisfaction surveys from members also factor into the analysis. Buying a vehicle out of state: Why some travel for their dream car Small car: Nissan Sentra Consumer Reports found the Nissan Sentra offers a relatively roomy cabin, nimble handling, good fuel economy and more standard active safety features than some higher-priced competitors. Starting MSRP: $21,590-$25,285, depending on trim Subcompact SUV: Subaru Crosstrek The Subaru Crosstrek's good fuel economy, high ground clearance and standard all-wheel drive make it suitable for both urban driving and adventures in the wilderness, according to the report. Consumer Reports highlighted the SUV's user-friendly controls and comfortable seats in both the front and rear. Aside from the base trim, which has a weaker 152-hp engine, all other trims offer a 'peppier' 182-hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. Starting MSRP: $25,810-$32,610, depending on trim Compact SUV: Subaru Forester The 2025 Subaru Forester is a practical choice, according to the report, especially after a 2025 redesign that offers a quieter cabin and more cargo space than the previous model. Consumer Reports says the SUV's visibility, fuel economy and standard all-wheel drive helped the vehicle earn a spot on its Top Picks list for 12 consecutive years. Starting MSRP: $25,810-$32,610, depending on trim Midsized car: Toyota Camry Redesigned for 2025, the Toyota Camry is 'comfortable, practical, and user-friendly,' according to the report. Consumer Reports says the sedan – now offered solely as a hybrid – is a smooth ride with sharp handling. Starting MSRP: $28,700-$34,900, depending on trim Small pickup: Ford Maverick/Maverick Hybrid Consumer Reports says the Maverick's price, interior and maneuverability earned it a spot on this year's list. The truck offers decent passenger space, and while the 250-hp turbocharged four-cylinder in the basic model is peppy, the 191-hp hybrid version is 'the real draw' after earning 37 mpg in Consumer Reports' tests. Pickup trucks often have poor fuel economy, "but this one is more reasonably sized. It drives kind of like a car, but then you have that bed on the back," Knizek said. 'It's a unique vehicle on the marketplace, and it shows.' Starting MSRP: $26,995-$40,350, depending on trim Fuel-efficient SUV: Toyota RAV4 PHEV Consumer Reports says the compact plug-in hybrid SUV outperforms the other RAV4 offerings. The vehicle goes from 0-to-60 mph in just over six seconds in Consumer Reports' tests and has an electric range of up to 42 miles. One of three plug-in hybrids on this year's top picks list, Knizek said these vehicles are a 'solid option' for people who aren't yet ready to commit to a fully-electric vehicle. Starting MSRP: $44,265 for the SE, $48,135 for the XSE Midsized SUV: Toyota Highlander Hybrid Consumer Reports says the Highlander Hybrid offers good fuel economy, three-row capacity and standard all-wheel drive with 35 mpg in tests. The report says it's a 'smart, versatile vehicle' with comfy rear seats, a compliant ride, responsive handling and plenty of safety features. Starting MSRP: $46,020-$53,675, depending on trim Electric vehicle: Tesla Model Y Consumer Reports says the Model Y's hatchback body style puts it ahead of other Tesla models. Described as practical yet entertaining, the electric car offers 'otherworldly' acceleration and a modern aesthetic. The Model Y has been on the Consumer Reports' top picks list before, but Knizek said improved reliability helped the vehicle earn a spot on this year's roundup. 'It's above average compared to other electric vehicles, and year after year it shows Tesla has the manufacturing process down on this vehicle,' he said. 'It's a dependable vehicle for people time and time again.' Starting MSRP: $44,990 for the long range rear-wheel drive; $47,990 for the long range all-wheel drive; $51,490 for the performance all-wheel drive Luxury compact SUV: Lexus NX350h/450h+ The compact SUV offers plush seats and a straightforward entertainment system, as well as a 'refined but firm' ride with quick steering and capable handling. The NX350h, the traditional hybrid model, got 38 mpg in testing while the NX450h+, the plug-in hybrid, got a 37-mile electric-only range and 35 mpg on gas alone. Starting MSRP: $46,600-$63,505, depending on trim Luxury midsized SUV: BMW X5/X5 PHEV The base X5 offers swift acceleration and 23 mpg, based on Consumer Reports' testing, while the plug-in hybrid has an electric-only range of up to 39 miles and 21 mpg once the battery is depleted. The report says the SUVs are 'exceptionally quiet' with a richly finished cabin and supportive seats.
