What Compact Pickup is a 'Top Pick' from Consumer Reports?

Consumer Reports has released its annual 10 Top Picks list, which includes multiple hybrid, plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and fully electric vehicles for 2024.

The nonprofit research, testing, and advocacy organization selected these vehicles based on their comprehensive ratings, standard safety features, and high marks for reliability and satisfaction from owners.

According to Consumer Reports, electrified vehicles are becoming increasingly more desirable than their gasoline-only counterparts. And hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and EVs accounted for 16.3% of all light-duty vehicle sales in the U.S. last year, according to Ward’s Intelligence.

“With such a diverse range of choices, from gas-powered cars to hybrids and EVs, you need trustworthy information more than ever,” said Marta Tellado, president and CEO of Consumer Reports. “Consumer Reports’ Top Picks are backed by our world-class testing, so you can confidently navigate through the seemingly countless options out there. We’re dedicated to helping you find what best fits your needs for reliability, sustainability, and safety.” 

Who Made the Top Picks for 2024? 

Among the vehicles chosen for this year's Top Picks list are the Ford Maverick, Ford Maverick Hybrid, Toyota Highlander Hybrid, and Toyota RAV4 Prime. The Toyota Camry Hybrid, Toyota Prius / Prius Prime, Tesla Model Y, and BMW X5 PHEV are also included in the list.

Back-to-Back… The @Ford Maverick Hybrid was named by @ConsumerReports as a Top Pick for 2nd year in a row. Thanks to customers for making Maverick America’s bestselling hybrid pickup. Proud of our @Ford team! https://t.co/keDaWgUICi pic.twitter.com/I7ncDAYuMV

— Jim Farley (@jimfarley98) February 27, 2024

The Ford Maverick is also a pick from the prior year, one of only three vehicles with that distinction. Recently, Ford announced expanded production of the compact pickup truck that helped increase U.S. sales to 12,443 units in January 2024. 

Plug-in hybrids, which bridge the gap between a regular hybrid and an EV, are gaining in popularity. Last year, sales of PHEVs grew by 60% - a larger increase than EVs or conventional hybrids, according to CR’s analysis of vehicle sales numbers.

For those who are not ready to go fully electric, a PHEV provides most of the benefits of driving an EV without the worries about how and where to charge.

Consumer Reports has also made some key changes to its scoring rubric for PHEVs, including assessing PHEV-specific controls and displays such as electric-only range, and the ease of operating in electric mode. Charging Ease and App functionality ratings, which CR recently added for EVs, are now included for PHEVs, too.