The 13 Best New Cars of 2024, According to Consumer Reports

If you plan to buy a new car in 2024, hundreds of options await.

There are more than 260 models for 2024, according to Consumer Reports. But the publication says a handful of these cars are truly outstanding.

Consumer Reports recently compiled its list of the top 10 new vehicles for this year. There were some ties this year, bringing the list of the best cars to 13.

Rankings were based on several factors, including:

• Road-test performance
• Predicted reliability
• Owner satisfaction
• Safety

With those criteria in mind, here are the best new cars of 2024.

Subcompact SUV

Consumer Reports’ top pick in this category: Subaru Crosstrek

MSRP for the 2024 model: Starting at $25,195

The Subaru Crosstrek comes with symmetrical all-wheel drive and 8.7 inches of ground clearance.

It also features standard EyeSight driver assist technology, which “monitors traffic movement, optimizes cruise control, and warns you if you sway outside your lane,” according to Subaru.

Hybrid or plug-in hybrid EV

Consumer Reports’ top pick in this category: Toyota Prius and Prius Prime (tie)

MSRP for the 2024 model: Prius starting at $27,950 and Prius Prime starting at $32,975

The Toyota Prius features standard four-wheel drive and gets up to 57 miles per gallon. The Prius Prime goes from zero to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds and gets 52 miles per gallon.

Compact SUV

Consumer Reports’ top pick in this category: Subaru Forester

MSRP for the 2024 model: Starting at $27,095

The Subaru Forester has a reputation for longevity: 96% of Forester SUVs sold in the past decade remain on the road today, according to Subaru. It also comes with safety features such as automatic emergency steering, which helps you avoid collisions.

Small car

Consumer Reports’ top pick in this category: Mazda3

MSRP for the 2024 model: Starting at $24,170

The Mazda3 offers luxury touches, such as a leather-trimmed interior and Bose 12-speaker audio system. It also comes standard with Mazda’s i-Active all-wheel drive.

Midsized car

Consumer Reports’ top pick in this category: Toyota Camry Hybrid

MSRP for the 2024 model: Starting at $28,855

The Toyota Camry Hybrid gets 52 miles per gallon and offers four different driving modes for a “fun and more personalized drive,” according to Toyota. The energy monitor lets you see how the hybrid system works in real time.

Small pickup

Consumer Reports’ top pick in this category: Ford Maverick and Ford Maverick Hybrid (tie)

MSRP for the 2024 model: Starting at $23,815

The Ford Maverick boasts a 4.5-foot bed and 10 available tie-downs. The hybrid version is available across all trims.

Plug-in hybrid SUV

Consumer Reports’ top pick in this category: Toyota RAV4 Prime

MSRP for the 2024 model: Starting at $43,690

The Toyota RAV4 Prime has an all-electric driving range of 42 miles. It goes from zero to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds.

Midsized SUV

Consumer Reports’ top pick in this category: Toyota Highlander Hybrid

MSRP for the 2024 model: Starting at $40,970

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid gets 36 miles per gallon. It is available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive and can come with a 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen.

Luxury SUV

Consumer Reports’ top pick in this category: BMW X5 and X5 PHEV (tie)

MSRP for the 2024 model: BMW X5 starting at $65,200 and X5 PHEV starting at $72,500

The latest BMW X5 has a new design and a reworked engine. The plug-in hybrid model has an all-electric range of up to 40 miles.

Electric vehicle

Consumer Reports’ top pick in this category: Tesla Model Y

MSRP for the 2024 model: Starting at $31,890

The Tesla Model Y has a range of 310 miles and offers 76 cubic feet of cargo space. It also has 3,500 pounds of towing capacity.