Consumer Reports' 18 Most Satisfying Vehicles to Own in 2023
Photo: Genesis
Getting a new car is great. You’ve read a number of reviews, test-driven several competitors, chosen a favorite and finally driven off behind the wheel of your fancy new toy. You’re probably excited to try out the new features your old car didn’t have and can’t wait to drive it everywhere. It’s exciting!
But sadly, that excitement doesn’t always last. Sometimes you realize there are things you just hate about the car you bought. If you’re in the market for something new and want to avoid regret, Consumer Reports recently released a list of the vehicles its owners find the most satisfying to own in each segment.
2 / 20
Electric Vehicles: Rivian R1T
Electric Vehicles: Rivian R1T
Photo: Rivian
Not everyone needs a truck, but apparently, those who buy a Rivian R1T absolutely love them. We’re big fans ourselves, so it makes sense. And there’s always the R1S if you don’t need a truck bed.
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Hybrid Cars: Toyota Camry Hybrid
Hybrid Cars: Toyota Camry Hybrid
Photo: Toyota
It’ll be interesting to see how this list changes next year now that the new Honda Accord is on sale. But at least for now, Toyota Camry Hybrid takes the top spot here. Who’s going to complain about getting an EPA-rated 46 mpg combined?
4 / 20
Hybrid SUVs: Toyota RAV4 Prime
Hybrid SUVs: Toyota RAV4 Prime
Photo: Toyota
Considering how much these are selling for these days, this one isn’t terribly surprising. The Toyota RAV4 Prime isn’t just fuel efficient. It also gets an EPA-estimated 42 miles of range.
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Compact Cars: Mazda Mazda3
Compact Cars: Mazda Mazda3
Photo: Mazda
You’d think a Corolla or Civic would have won the compact car category since Consumer Reports readers did the picking. But no, they love the Mazda3. And we don’t blame them.
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Midsize/Large Cars: Toyota Camry
Midsize/Large Cars: Toyota Camry
Photo: Toyota
Now that’s more of what we expected from Consumer Reports. Not that that’s a bad thing. The Toyota Camry is well-rounded and so, so much better than its predecessor.
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Compact Luxury Cars: Genesis G70
Compact Luxury Cars: Genesis G70
Photo: Genesis
Obviously, the Genesis G70 looks great, but we’re happy to hear that people actually like owning it, too. Especially since dealers who are used to selling Elantras and Santa Fes aren’t exactly known for giving luxury-quality service.
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Midsize/Large Luxury Cars: Genesis G80
Midsize/Large Luxury Cars: Genesis G80
Photo: Genesis
Typically, you’d expect to see a bunch of Toyotas and Lexuses on a list like this, but turns out, Genesis gets plenty of love, too. And say what you will about those wheels, but there’s no denying the Genesis G80 is just gorgeous.
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Sporty Cars: Chevrolet Corvette
Sporty Cars: Chevrolet Corvette
Photo: Chevrolet
America’s number one! America’s number one! Take that, fancy German and Italian cars. It doesn’t get any better than the Chevrolet Corvette when you want something fun to drive.
Minivans: Toyota Sienna
Photo: Toyota
The competition in the minivan segment isn’t what it used to be, but we just appreciate that a few automakers still sell them. And if you want to be satisfied with your minivan purchase, the good money’s on the Toyota Sienna.
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Subcompact SUVs: Subaru Crosstrek
Subcompact SUVs: Subaru Crosstrek
Photo: Subaru
People love to complain that the Subaru Crosstrek is too slow, but among the group of people who didn’t think that was a problem, the Crosstrek is still a winner. Then again, people who did think it was too slow probably didn’t buy one.
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Compact SUVs: Subaru Forester
Compact SUVs: Subaru Forester
Photo: Subaru
Yet again, Consumer Reports readers show their Subaru love. And to be fair, the Subaru Forester does basically everything well that you’d want a crossover in this segment to do.
13 / 20
Midsize Two-Row SUVs: Ford Bronco
Midsize Two-Row SUVs: Ford Bronco
Photo: Ford
Sure, you could buy a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, but those have been on the road forever. The Ford Bronco, is new and exciting. And apparently, people who buy them are still seriously impressed.
14 / 20
Midsize/Large Three-Row SUVs: Kia Telluride
Midsize/Large Three-Row SUVs: Kia Telluride
Photo: Kia
Surprise! The Kia Telluride earned another accolade. It’s almost cliche at this point, but who cares? The Telluride was a home run right out of the gate.
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Compact Luxury SUVs: Genesis GV70
Compact Luxury SUVs: Genesis GV70
Photo: Genesis
Apparently, the Genesis dealer experience didn’t damper too many people’s moods when they got their GV70 serviced. Because somehow, it beat out the Mercedes GLC and the BMW X3.
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Midsize/Large Luxury SUVs: Porsche Cayenne
Midsize/Large Luxury SUVs: Porsche Cayenne
Photo: Porsche
The current Porsche Cayenne is about as good as luxury crossovers get, so it’s nice to see that reflected in the Consumer Reports rankings. You pay a handsome price to get one, but if you can afford it, you won’t regret it.
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Compact Pickup Trucks: Ford Maverick
Compact Pickup Trucks: Ford Maverick
Photo: Ford
Is it truly a small truck? Not really. But compared to the F-150, the Ford Maverick is tiny. And we love having more truck options that aren’t gargantuan. Plus, it’s more of a normal truck than the Hyundai Santa Cruz.
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Midsize Pickup Trucks: Honda Ridgeline
Midsize Pickup Trucks: Honda Ridgeline
Photo: Honda
Yeah, it’s not exactly shocking that Consumer Reports readers prefer the Honda Ridgeline. Even if it lacks “real truck” credentials, it’s still brilliantly executed and so much more comfortable on a daily basis than its body-on-frame competition.
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Full-Size Pickup Trucks: Toyota Tundra
Full-Size Pickup Trucks: Toyota Tundra
Photo: Toyota
Aesthetically, the Toyota Tundra is, um, polarizing. But there’s no reason to think that the new one won’t be ridiculously dependable just like its predecessor. Buying one when you need a full-size pickup truck is basically a risk-free decision.
