Consumer Reports Names its Top 10 Picks – and They’re All Electrified

Consumer Reports released its annual Top 10 Picks in New Cars, Trucks and SUVs and potential buyers might notice a theme running through them, all of the choices either a hybrid – or available as one – or an EV. Separately, the non-profit announced its first-ever “Safety Verdict,” ranking 29 automotive brands on a variety of factors. Who came out on top? Some surprises here, as well, reports Headlight.News.

If you follow the automotive headlines you likely have learned that sales of battery-electric vehicles have slowed down since federal tax credits were phased out last September. That said, demand for hybrids hit an all-time record in 2025, accounting for nearly 13% of the American market – the figure rising to 20% if EVs are factored in.

With manufacturers rapidly adding more electrified models to their line-up that helps explain their popularity, not only with consumers but also with reviewers. That includes the automotive testing team at Consumer Reports. The non-profit on Tuesday released its annual 10 Top Picks in News Cars, Trucks and SUVs and every single one of those choices is available either solely in hybrid form — or with a hybrid option – or as an EV.

Separately, CR announced its first-ever Safety Verdict, ranking 29 separate brands based on the safety of their vehicles based on a variety of factors, “which incorporate the organization’s evaluations for handling and ease of use, crash test results from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, and whether proven safety technologies are available as standard equipment,” the organization explained.

Who’s on the Top 10 list

“All 10 Top Picks have important things in common: they performed exceptionally well in our comprehensive road tests, they get high marks for safety, reliability, and owner satisfaction, and our team of experts would enthusiastically recommend them to their own friends and family,” said Alex Knizek, director of auto test development at Consumer Reports. “Whether you’re looking for the best small SUV, the best full-sized pickup, or something in between, there’s a great choice for you on this list.”

The fact that all 10 models are, at the least, available in some electrified form reflects both the growing availability of hybrids and EVs, as well as the increasing maturity of those technologies. Hybrid-electric vehicles, in particular, have now been available in the U.S. for more than a quarter-century. And where early HEVs put primary emphasis on fuel efficiency, today’s models do a better job of blending mileage and fun-to-drive factors. In many cases, hybrid models deliver the highest performance of a particular nameplate’s drivetrain options.

Of the 10 models chosen this year, three are new to the list: the Honda Civic, Toyota Grand Highlander, and Ford F-150. (Unfortunately for motorists interested in going all-electric, Ford is dropping the F-150 Lightning – but will continue to offer the PowerBoost hybrid package.) All seven other models carry over from the 2025 CR list.

The winners:

• Small Car: Honda Civic
• Midsized Car: Toyota Camry
• Subcompact SUV: Subaru Crosstrek
• Compact SUV: Subaru Forester
• Midsized SUV: Toyota Highlander
• Luxury Compact SUV: Lexus NX
• Luxury Midsized SUV: BMW X5
• Small Pickup: Ford Maverick
• Full-Sized Pickup: Ford F-150
• Electric Vehicle: Tesla Model Y

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First-ever Safety Verdict

For many decades, according to the old automotive adage, “safety doesn’t sell.” Research shows it’s quite a different a different story these days. Safety is typical listed as the number one factor for family buyers and it’s well up the list even for fans of performance and muscle cars.

“People shouldn’t have to pay extra for a safer car. That’s why for a vehicle to be eligible for the highest Safety Verdict score, all trims must be standard equipped with highway-speed AEB, blind spot warning, and rear cross traffic warning, three technologies proven to prevent crashes and injuries,” said Emily Thomas, associate director for car safety at Consumer Reports’ Auto Test Center.

According to CR’s new Safety Verdict, Mazda ranked the highest, with more than half its products getting the top, “Best” score in a three-tier scale. It was followed, in order, by Genesis, Acura, Hyundai and Lincoln.

Here’s how those tiers were determined:

BASIC

• The vehicle must meet all of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) federal motor vehicle safety standards

BETTER

• All the requirements of Basic, AND
• An Average or higher score in Consumer Reports’ independent braking, emergency handling, routine handling, and rollaway prevention tests
• Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) that can detect pedestrians, standard across all trim levels.
• A curb weight above 2,500 pounds, since a lightweight car is at a disadvantage in a crash with a heavier car.
• If crash-tested, a Good or Acceptable rating in the IIHS small overlap front crash test (which simulates hitting a pole or tree) and in the IIHS’ evaluation of front crash prevention technology.
• If tested, at least an Acceptable rating in the IIHS side crash test

BEST

• All the requirements of Better, AND
• The vehicle cannot have the lowest usability rating in Consumer Reports’ tests, because confusing controls and finicky infotainment systems can distract drivers
• All trim levels must have standard highway-speed AEB, blind spot warning, and rear cross traffic warning
• A Good rating (the top rating) in the IIHS’ side crash test.
• At least an Acceptable rating in the IIHS’ moderate overlap crash test, which simulates a partial head-on crash with another vehicle that crosses a center yellow line.