Consumer Reports Popular Cars to Avoid and What to Buy Instead

Popular, Reliable, and Affordable New Vehicles

A recent newsletter from Consumer Reports tells readers that with the average purchase price of a new car hovering around $48,000, choosing which vehicle to buy can be a risky financial decision---which is especially true for homeowners with a family and a limited car budget. And while buying only the most popular models might seem like good advice since the adage “You get what you pay for” is often true, too often a high price tag doesn’t always guarantee a quality car.

Therefore, the safer bet is to focus on other not-so-popular, lesser-expensive models that offer as much if not more when it comes to reliability and desired features.

And that’s where CR analyst’s step-in and shine with their latest reviews and recommendations of a wide range of sedans, SUV sizes, and trucks that are smarter car shopping choices they find to be winners you can buy today.

Related article: Worst Deals on New Cars are Dominated by This One Popular Make

Popular Cars to Avoid, Popular Alternatives, and Under-the-Radar Recommendations

That said, here is a summary of the latest of several makes and models you should avoid followed by popular alternatives and even some under-the-radar recommendations you may want to consider as you try to narrow down your choices and find the vehicle that offers you the most for your hard-earned dollar.

Related article: Should You Buy a 2022 Toyota Supra? Here's a Review by a Toyota Mechanic

A POPULAR SMALL CAR TO AVOID
Nissan Sentra 2023
Price Range: $20,050 - $22,940
CR MPG: Overall 32 / City 22 / Hwy 44 mpg
#12 of 12 Small sedans

A Popular Small Car Alternative
Toyota Corolla Hybrid 2023
Price Range: $21,700 - $27,425
CR MPG: Overall 48 / City 37 / Hwy 59 mpg
#1 of 12 Small sedans

An Under-the-Radar Small Car Choice
Hyundai Elantra Hybrid 2023
Price Range: $24,550 - $29,150
CR MPG: Overall 48 / City 40 / Hwy 55 mpg
#6 of 12 Small sedan

A POPULAR SMALL SUV TO AVOID
Ford Escape 2023
Price Range: $28,000 - $40,500
CR MPG: Overall 26 / City 17 / Hwy 37 mpg
#19 of 28 Compact sport-utility vehicles

A Popular Small SUV Alternative
Subaru Forester 2023
Price Range: $26,395 - $36,795
CR MPG: Overall 28 / City 20 / Hwy 38 mpg
#1 of 28 Compact sport-utility vehicles

An Under-the-Radar Small SUV Choice
Nissan Rogue 2023
Price Range: $27,360 - $38,840
CR MPG: Overall 25 / City 17 / Hwy 34 mpg
#4 of 28 Compact sport-utility vehicles

A POPULAR MIDSIZED TWO-ROW SUV TO AVOID
Jeep Grand Cherokee 2023
Price Range: $39,535 - $72,595
CR MPG: Overall 20 / City 14 / Hwy 28 mpg
#10 of 14 Midsized sport-utility vehicles

A Popular Midsized SUV Alternative
Subaru Outback 2023
Price Range: $28,395 - $42,295
CR MPG: Overall 24 / City 16 / Hwy 32 mpg
#2 of 14 Midsized sport-utility vehicles

Under-the-Radar Choice
Chevrolet Blazer 2023
Price Range: $35,100 - $45,700
CR MPG: Overall 19 / City 13 / Hwy 27 mpg
#6 of 14 Midsized sport-utility vehicles

A POPULAR MIDSIZED THREE-ROW SUV TO AVOID
Kia Sorento 2023
Price Range: $30,090 - $49,990
CR MPG: Overall 25 / City 17 / Hwy 34 mpg
#14 of 20 Midsized sport-utility vehicles 3-row

A Popular Midsized Three-Row SUV Alternative
Chevrolet Traverse 2023
Price Range: $34,520 - $54,200
CR MPG: Overall 20 / City 14 / Hwy 28 mpg
#5 of 20 Midsized sport-utility vehicles 3-row

An Under-the-Radar Choice
Subaru Ascent 2023
Price Range: $33,895 - $48,195
CR MPG: Overall 22 / City 14 / Hwy 32 mpg
#6 of 20 Midsized sport-utility vehicles 3-row

POPULAR LARGE SUV TO AVOID
Mercedes-Benz GLS 2023
Price Range: $81,800 - $170,000
CR MPG: Overall 20 / City 13 / Hwy 30 mpg
#3 of 11 Luxury large sport-utility vehicles

A Popular Large SUV Alternative
BMW X7 2023
Price Range: $77,850 - $145,000
CR MPG: Overall 22 / City 14 / Hwy 32 mpg
#1 of 11 Luxury large sport-utility vehicles

An Under-the-Radar Choice
GMC Acadia 2023
Price Range: $36,800 - $50,600
CR MPG: Overall 19 / City 13 / Hwy 28 mpg
#9 of 33 Luxury midsized sport-utility vehicles

POPULAR CAR-BASED PICKUP TRUCK TO AVOID
Hyundai Santa Cruz 2023
Price Range: $25,700 - $40,570
CR MPG: Overall 24 / City 16 / Hwy 34 mpg
#4 of 12 Compact pickup trucks

A Popular Alternative
Honda Ridgeline 2023
Price Range: $38,800 - $46,230
CR MPG: Overall 20 / City 13 / Hwy 29 mpg
#3 of 12 Compact pickup trucks

An Under-the-Radar Choice
Ford Maverick 2023
Price Range: $22,595 - $28,355
CR MPG: Overall 23 / City 16 / Hwy 32 mpg
#2 of 12 Compact pickup trucks

And finally…

For additional articles about buying a new vehicle, here are some helpful pieces for your consideration:

• Consumer Reports Top Choices for Best SUVs Under $40,000

• Best Hybrid Cars for Under $35,000 Per Consumer Reports Advice

• Why Buying a Used Toyota in 2023 Might Be a Bad Idea

Timothy Boyer is a Torque News automotive reporter based in Cincinnati. Experienced with early car restorations, he regularly restores older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. Follow Tim on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites for daily new and used vehicle news.

COMING UP NEXT: Best Cars for Teens Recommended by Consumer Reports

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