Consumer Reports Popular Cars to Avoid and What to Buy Instead Recommendations

Popular, Reliable…and Affordable…New Vehicles

Earlier we learned about the most discounted new cars available right now that analysts at Consumer Reports gleaned from a data base that showed what cars Americans are buying and how much they were willing to pay for them. However, discounted deals do change, and incentives do expire resulting in some of those popular models now costing more.

Related article: Consumer Reports Best New Car Deals for 2022 Sedans

Today, we have a new report that offers not those expensive popular vehicles that can break the bank, but a revised look at other lesser-expensive popular models of small cars, a wide range of SUV sizes, and some trucks that are recommended today by the good folks of Consumer Reports.

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

Data digging to narrow down less-expensive popular choices available right now with an eye on those with predicted reliable performance, safety features, and even some qualified “Green Choices,” CR analysts have put together a new listing today with pricing tailored perfectly to suit your needs and desires in an automobile.

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

That said, here is a summary of CR’s latest report.

A POPULAR SMALL CAR TO AVOID

2022 Toyota Corolla Hatchback

Price Range: $21,165 - $25,215
CR MPG: Overall 36 / City 24 / Hwy 51 mpg
Rated #13 of 12 Compact cars

A Popular Small Car Alternative

2022 Subaru Impreza
Price Range: $19,295 - $26,895
CR MPG: Overall 30 / City 21 / Hwy 41 mpg
Rated #1 of 12 Compact cars

An 'Under the Radar' Small Car Choice

2022 Hyundai Venue
Price Range: $19,000 - $22,250
CR MPG: Overall 32 / City 23 / Hwy 41 mpg
Rated #3 of 6 Subcompact cars

A POPULAR SMALL SUV TO AVOID

2022 Ford Escape
Price Range: $27,185 - $40,700
CR MPG: Overall 26 / City 17 / Hwy 37 mpg
Rated #17 of 24 Compact sport-utility vehicles

A Popular Small SUV Alternative

2022 Mazda CX-5
Price Range: $26,250 - $39,000
CR MPG: Overall 24 / City 17 / Hwy 33 mpg
#6 of 24 Compact sport-utility vehicles

An 'Under the Radar' Small SUV Choice

2022 Hyundai Tucson
Price Range: $24,950 - $43,200
CR MPG: Overall 35 / City 29 / Hwy 40 mpg
Rated #2 of 24 Compact sport-utility vehicles

A POPULAR MIDSIZED TWO-ROW SUV TO AVOID

2022 Toyota 4Runner
Price Range: $38,105 - $52,920
CR MPG: Overall 18 / City 12 / Hwy 24 mpg
Rated #13 of 14 Midsized sport-utility vehicles 3-row

A Popular Midsized SUV Alternative

2022 Chevrolet Blazer
Price Range: $33,400 - $44,000
CR MPG: Overall 19 / City 13 / Hwy 27 mpg
Rated #4 of 12 Midsized sport-utility vehicles

An 'Under the Radar' Choice

2022 Ford Edge
Price Range: $37,945 - $46,485
CR MPG: Overall 22 / City 15 / Hwy 31 mpg
Rated #6 of 12 Midsized sport-utility vehicles

A POPULAR MIDSIZED THREE-ROW SUV TO AVOID

2022 Ford Explorer
Price Range: $35,510 - $55,630
CR MPG: Overall 21 / City 14 / Hwy 29 mpg
Rated #14 of 16 Midsized sport-utility vehicles 3-row

A Popular Midsized Three-Row SUV Alternative

2022 Chevrolet Traverse
Price Range: $33,700 - $53,400
CR MPG: Overall 20 / City 14 / Hwy 28 mpg
Rated #6 of 14 Midsized sport-utility vehicles 3-row

An 'Under the Radar' Choice

2022 Mazda CX-9
Price Range: $35,630 - $47,560
CR MPG: Overall 22 / City 15 / Hwy 32 mpg
#4 of 14 Midsized sport-utility vehicles 3-row

A POPULAR MIDSIZED PICKUP TRUCK TO AVOID

2022 Chevrolet Colorado
Price Range: $25,735 - $44,800
CR MPG: Overall 18 / City 13 / Hwy 26 mpg
Rated #7 of 11 Compact pickup trucks

A Popular Pickup Truck Alternative

2022 Ford Ranger
Price Range: $25,980 - $39,730
CR MPG: Overall 20 / City 14 / Hwy 27 mpg
Rated #3 of 11 Compact pickup trucks

An 'Under the Radar' Choice

2022 Honda Ridgeline
Price Range: $38,140 - $45,570
CR MPG: Overall 20 / City 13 / Hwy 29 mpg
Rated #1 of 11 Compact pickup trucks

And finally…

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

• Consumer Reports Mechanics Advise Avoiding These Models Known for Blowing a Gasket

• Toyota Mechanic Asks Whether You Should Really Consider Buying a Toyota Corolla Cross

• The 2022 Toyota Model Preferred by a Toyota Master Mechanic

COMING UP NEXT: Car Owner Mishaps and Fatalities Just Waiting to Happen Friday

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.

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