9 Most Satisfying Cars and SUVs as per Consumer Reports

Choosing the perfect car often requires significant research, comparing prices, features, safety, and reliability. But what if you could go one step further and find out how satisfied current owners are with their vehicles? That's where Consumer Reports comes in. Each year, they cut through the noise by asking over 6 million members with one simple question. If you had it to do all over again, would you buy or lease the same car or SUV? The result? A definitive list of the vehicles that truly deliver on their promises. Cars and SUVs that make owners proud, happy, and eager to stick with their choice. From reliability to performance, comfort to value, these are the vehicles drivers can't help but love. Ready to see which ones made the cut? Let's dive in. 2024 Honda Pilot Coming in at number 9 is the tried and true Honda Pilot. First launched in 2002 by the Japanese auto giant, the Pilot is continually a favorite among SUV enthusiasts. Last redesigned in 2022, this midsize SUV offers a perfect blend of comfort, space, and reliability. With seating for up to 8 passengers and a host of family-friendly features, the Pilot is ideal for families and those with an active lifestyle. Pilot owners love its smooth handling, ample cargo space, and impressive fuel efficiency with an overall MPG of 21. Honda's reputation for building durable, long-lasting vehicles is well reflected in the Pilot's ranking. In the CR survey, 82% of Pilot owners said they would buy it again, if they have to do it all over again. Number 8 Kia Telluride We've known for years that Kia had a hit on its hands with the Telluride Since its release in 2019 and refresh in 2023, the Kia Telluride has quickly become one of the most sought-after SUVs in North America. Known for its bold styling, spacious interior, and advanced safety features, the Telluride offers a premium driving experience at a competitive price, something car buyers have come to expect from the South Korean automaker. With an overall MPG of 21, it balances power and efficiency perfectly and directly challenging well-established midsize SUVs and leaving competitors scratching their heads. As per Consumer Reports, owners rave about its spacious cabin, user-friendly technology, and excellent value for money. The Telluride's combination of rugged capability, refined comfort, and wallet savings has secured its place in the hearts of many SUV lovers, boasting an 82% would-buy-again rating. Number 7 Ford Maverick Hybrid Since its initial release in 2022, the Ford Maverick Hybrid has been revolutionizing the pickup truck market. With its compact size and impressive fuel efficiency, the hybrid version of the Maverick has quickly absorbed a notable share of the pickup truck market, mostly thanks to its price tag. The Maverick Hybrid, often priced between $24,000 and $35,000, is a price-friendly pickup option in a market that otherwise often soars toward the $70,000 to $80,000 on average. But that doesn't mean Ford skipped out on including the frills. The Maverick offers a unique blend of practicality and innovation consumers have come to expect out of Ford vehicles. Owners report appreciating its affordable price, versatile interior, and excellent fuel economy, boasting an overall MPG of 37. The Maverick's unibody construction provides a smooth, car-like ride while maintaining the utility of a pickup. Its appeal lies in its ability to serve as both a reliable daily driver and a capable workhorse, making it a top choice for many. The cherry on top? Its fuel savings. All of this led to 83% of Ford Maverick's owners saying they would buy it again with no regrets. Number 6 Rivian R1S Chances are, if you've seen this pickup truck driving around your city, you couldn't help but stop to take a second glance. The Rivian R1S electric SUV blends massive power with impressive range, and its clean design certainly helps it stand out from the crowded electric SUV market. Introduced in 2022, this all-electric SUV combines rugged, off-road capability with luxurious comfort. Owners report being impressed by its powerful performance, boasting up to 835 horsepower and up to 410 miles of range, as well as a bevy of advanced technology. The R1S offers a spacious, high-quality interior, with seating for seven and modern amenities galore, such as heated and cooled seats, a premium Meridian audio sound system with a removable Bluetooth speaker, and a pet comfort mode for your four-legged friends. Rivian's commitment to sustainability and innovation is evident in the R1S, earning high praise for its driving experience and eco-friendly credentials, and an ownership base that reported they would indeed purchase it again at an 84% clip. Before we go to the next vehicle, if you're getting any value from this video, take a second to hit the like button. Number 5 BMW X5 From the newborn R1S, we turn to the number 5 vehicle on our list, which has been in production since the 90s. Enter the BMW X5, which continues its now decades-long run as a standout in the luxury SUV market. Last refreshed in 2024, the fourth-generation X5 continues to impress with its dynamic performance, elegant design, and cutting-edge technology. Owners appreciate its powerful engine options, smooth handling, X-Drive becoming a standard feature, and, of course, its luxurious interior, a staple of BMW vehicles. With an overall mpg of 23, it offers a balance of performance and efficiency. The X5's reputation for reliability and brand prestige makes it a preferred choice among luxury SUV buyers, with many owners expressing high satisfaction and loyalty. When Consumer Reports asked the owners, if you had it to do all over again, would you definitely buy or lease the same model? 85% of them said, hell yeah. Lexus NX Hybrid Coming in at number 4 on our list, the Lexus NX Hybrid remains top contender in the luxury SUV segment. Last refreshed in 2022, the second-generation NX Hybrid offers a seamless blend of luxury, performance, and hybrid efficiency that has become the expected standard out of the Japanese upscale brand of Toyota. Of the NX line, the NX-Tri 50h Hybrid is the best version with its 38 mpg overall fuel economy. It's very quiet when it uses the electric drive at low speeds. Handling is responsive though short of sporty, while the ride is firm but mostly comfortable. The snazzy cabin is impeccably furnished. A new touchscreen infotainment system replaces the previous NX's fussy touchpad setup. Owners love its quiet, comfortable ride, advanced safety features, and impressive fuel economy. Lexus's reputation for reliability and customer satisfaction further boosts its desirability, and their fanbase proved just that with 87% stating they would purchase the NX Hybrid again. Mazda MX-5 Miata Coming in at number three on our list, the Mazda MX-5 Miata continues to be a beloved sports car in the American market. The 2024 model, now in the Miata's fourth generation, continues to retain its classic charm, while offering modern enhancements that are surely appreciated by fans of the classic two-seat roadster out of Japan. Miata fans are thrilled as always with its agile handling, responsive, peppy engine, and stylish design. With an overall MPG of 34, it's not only fun to drive but also economical, standing it out from its competition. The Miata's reputation for reliability, combined with its engaging driving experience, makes it a favorite among sports car enthusiasts. Its high owner satisfaction score reflects its enduring appeal and performance, with 88% of Miata owners reporting they'd buy it again with no regrets. 2. Rivian R1T Making its second appearance on our list as a new brand to the market, the Rivian R1T. While it may not appeal to everyone, this groundbreaking electric pickup truck has won over the hearts of many, much like its acclaimed SUV sibling. Released in 2022, it combines exceptional off-road capability with innovative technology in the same ways that the R1S does, and ways that competitors such as Tesla took missteps in with their electric truck offerings. Owners rave about its impressive range, over 400 miles, powerful performance, up to 835 horsepower, and unique features, including the gear tunnel storage compartment and camp kitchen, an onboard dual cooking element and sink combination that allows for the ultimate camping experience. The R1T's blend of adventure-ready design and practical functionality has earned it high satisfaction scores, making it a standout in the electric vehicle market, and resulting in a buy-it-again rating of 88%. 1. Chevrolet Corvette We've gone all over the world thus far in our list, from Japan to Korea to Germany and beyond. However, at number one on our list is a vehicle so iconic that it could have only come from the USA, the Chevrolet Corvette. The Corvette remains the iconic sports car that continues to deliver exhilarating performance and a timeless style that is synonymous with American muscle. The latest model, the C8 generation released in 2020, continues to impress with its powerful engine, sharp handling, and stunning design. The new generation of Corvettes are the first to receive rear mid-engine configurations, as well as the first electric drivetrain in a Vetta with the 2023 release of the C8 E-Ray. Owners continue to rave about its thrilling driving experience, luxurious interior, and strong value for money. With an overall MPG of 19, there is certainly a sacrifice of efficiency for performance, but that's exactly what fans of the quintessential American sports car expect. The Corvette's reputation for reliability and its high owner satisfaction score make it the most beloved vehicle on our list, proving that it's a dream car for many and receiving a staggering 93% of owners reporting they would buy it again if they have to redo it. This brings us to the end of our list of the top 10 cars owners love in 2024 as per Consumer Reports. What do you think? Is there a vehicle you have in mind that you think deserves being included in the top 10? Or was there one that did make the cut that you don't think quite deserved it? Be sure to let us know. And until next time, be sure to like and subscribe to stay updated on all the latest from the world of automobiles. Take care.