Best Cars of the Year: 10 Top Picks of 2023

Small Car: Toyota Corolla Hybrid
The Corolla Hybrid is a rolling master class on what is possible from a lower-priced model. This compact sedan has outstanding fuel economy at 48 mpg overall in CR’s tests that approaches the efficiency of the pricier Prius. And it comes standard with the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite of advanced driver assistance features, with lane departure warning (LDW), adaptive cruise control (ACC), and automatic high beams. Blind spot warning (BSW) is optional. New for 2023, the Corolla Hybrid offers all-wheel drive. Moving up through the trim levels brings more niceties that make it a pleasant commuter.

The name announces that this is the Corolla of subcompact SUVs, with all the practicality, value, and virtue the familiar moniker implies. The size and traditional boxy shape make the Corolla Cross relatively roomy for the class. It comes with a 169-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and choice of front- or all-wheel drive. Acceleration is a bit tepid, but this powertrain returned a solid 28 mpg overall in CR’s tests. Most controls are a cinch to use, but the new infotainment interface needs some polish. The back seat also has good headroom and foot space. Factor in a solid roster of standard safety gear and top marks for predicted reliability, and the Corolla Cross is a smart choice.

Small SUV: Subaru Forester
This is the Forester’s 10th consecutive appearance as a Top Pick, underscoring how well this small SUV has honed its winning formula over time. Key to its appeal is the basic design, crafted to provide solid crash protection, a spacious cabin, generous cargo area, and terrific outward visibility. The shape also allows for unusually good access, with tall, wide-opening doors and hip-height seats. The controls are simple to use and easy to reach. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder and CVT yield 28 mpg overall—among the best in its class. Handling is responsive, and the ride is supple. Subaru’s EyeSight suite of safety features benefits from a wider field of view and updated software for 2023.

The Maverick combines a low base price with a standard hybrid powertrain and front-wheel drive that delivered 37 mpg overall in our tests. It reminds us of a time when small, basic trucks roamed the land. Today, it’s a fun alternative to small SUVs and is ideal for active lifestylers who can put the 4.5-foot-long bed to work. Access to the cabin is easy, thanks to large doors and a low floor, and it’s relatively roomy, with good space front and back. The controls are simple, and there are numerous interior storage nooks. The ride is civilized for a truck, and the competent handling shames beefier, traditional pickups. For the price, you’d be hard-pressed to find something that is as versatile, efficient, and smile-inducing as the Maverick Hybrid.

The name “Camry” has become synonymous with comfort, convenience, reliability, and value for good reason: Every version delivers on those key virtues. The Camry is available in many flavors, with different powertrains, trim levels, and even all-wheel drive. But the most compelling version remains the Hybrid. It offers the comfortable ride, athletic handling, accommodating seats, and simple controls found in all versions, plus it boasts terrific fuel economy. The Camry Hybrid returned a stunning 47 mpg overall in our tests, which is truly impressive for a midsized sedan. It comes with the Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ suite of advanced driver assistance features, with lane keeping assistance (LKA), LDW, ACC, and other aids.

The Leaf proves that not all electric cars command high prices. This swoopy hatchback comes with a 40-kWh battery, an EPA-rated 149-mile range with the standard version, and an attractive sub-$30,000 price, even before incentives. But the Leaf model to fall for is the 60-kWh “Plus” version. The Plus has an EPA-rated 212-mile range and is quicker, shaving a second off the 0 to 60 mph time. With either configuration, the ride is soft and the cabin is quiet. The driving position is a hint higher than you might expect, giving a good view of the road. BSW, LDW, LKA, and rear cross traffic warning (RCTW) are standard. ProPilot Assist is optional.

Update, Nov. 5, 2023: For the 2024 model year, Consumer Reports revised Overall Scores for all new cars with updated Reliability, Owner Satisfaction, and safety feature scores. In addition, to reflect the rapidly changing electric car market, factors such as speed and ease of charging, and range have become weighted more heavily. As a result of these combined changes, the Overall Score for the 2024 Nissan Leaf has decreased enough to lose its recommendation.

Two-Row SUV: Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid
The Santa Fe makes yet another strong case for hybrid powertrains. Here, the hybrid is more powerful, polished, and—of course—efficient than the Santa Fe’s standard engine. The hybrid uses a 226-hp, 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, making it significantly quicker when merging and passing. For buyers who want to drive farther on electricity, there is a plug-in hybrid that adds 35 hp and has 31 miles of electric-only range. The cabin is roomy, with a spacious, comfortable rear seat, and a generous list of standard features that include BSW, LKA, and LDW. It has the performance and comfort to satisfy most midsized SUV shoppers.

The Telluride established itself as the three-row midsized SUV benchmark when it was introduced for 2020, and it has been a Top Pick every year since. The secret is that it simply does everything well. Its large, boxy shape makes for an expansive cabin and good outward visibility. Passengers will appreciate creature comforts such as soft-touch surfaces, attractive trim accents, and generous elbow room. The front seats are wide and comfortable, and the welcoming second and third seating rows are also relatively roomy. The refined, powerful V6 engine is backed by a smooth, responsive eight-speed automatic. Even the ride comfort is good. The 2023 Telluride gets a larger infotainment screen and more driving assistance features.

Luxury SUV: Lexus NX350h
Lexus hit a sweet spot with the NX, a small SUV available in four powertrain configurations. Our favorite version is the NX350h, a hybrid that delivers an impressive 38 mpg overall. Its electric motor helps it to launch smoothly and glide along quietly at low speeds. Driving the NX is a treat, thanks to quick steering and a ride that is firm without being harsh. The cabin is upscale, with padded, high-quality surfaces and comfortable, supportive front seats. The rear seat is roomier than the compact exterior dimensions might suggest. Overall, the NX is a delightful luxury SUV that drivers will appreciate for its premium interior quality and practicality. It comes standard with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which includes many active safety features, such as BSW and RCTW.

Since its introduction in 2017, the Model 3 continues to make a significant impact in the compact luxury sedan market. This sleek four-door delivers blistering acceleration, with plenty of torque that pushes you deep into the seat as it races ahead from a standstill. Enter a turn, and the Model 3 shows off its tenacious grip and precise steering. The driving experience feels very much like piloting a sports car. The driving range on our Model 3 was 310 miles, but it can be ordered with up to 358 miles of range. That is a significant distance for an EV, especially given the convenience of using the widespread Tesla Supercharger network. Traveling by Tesla is simply easier than with other EVs, even those that may have a higher Overall Score but don’t have the same charging access. The minimalist interior, with its gaugeless dash and giant center screen, adds to its otherworldly ambience.