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Consumer Reports’ 2022 Top Picks were a cross-category group of 10 vehicles, from commuter cars and hybrids to a three-row SUV, pickup, electric vehicle, and luxury SUV. The selections reflect Consumer Reports’ evaluations at the time—not a current ranking, a guarantee about every used example, or proof that each model is affordable for every buyer.
What were Consumer Reports’ top cars for 2022?
Consumer Reports published its “Top Picks in Autos for 2022” on November 1, 2022. The accessible results identify these 10 selections:
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| Vehicle | Category |
|---|---|
| Nissan Sentra | Small car |
| Nissan Rogue Sport | Subcompact SUV |
| Subaru Forester | Small SUV |
| Honda Accord | Midsized sedan |
| Toyota Prius and Prius Prime | Hybrid |
| Toyota RAV4 Prime | Two-row SUV |
| Kia Telluride | Midsized three-row SUV |
| Honda Ridgeline | Compact pickup |
| Ford Mustang Mach-E | Electric vehicle |
| Lexus RX | Luxury midsized SUV |
The list is broad by design: its vehicles address different passenger, cargo, powertrain, and price needs. The original 2022 results do not provide a complete price or trim table in the accessible material, so this list should not be read as a claim that all 10 were inexpensive.
How Consumer Reports chose its 2022 Top Picks
Consumer Reports called the selected vehicles “the very best of the best,” saying they either aced its tests or offered something extra, such as the latest safety features. Its later explanation of the annual selection describes top category Overall Scores informed by road tests, predicted reliability, owner satisfaction, and safety. It also says Top Picks must have standard forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection on all trims. That later page includes language about a newer highway-speed automatic emergency braking requirement, so it should not be treated as confirmation that the exact same eligibility rule applied in 2022.
The later model descriptions add detail about the 2022 selections, but their update date does not turn those vehicles into current recommendations. Consumer Reports’ original 2022 list is available at Top Picks in Autos for 2022; the later explanations are in Best Cars of the Year: 10 Top Picks of 2022.
What Consumer Reports highlighted about the vehicles
Consumer Reports’ later descriptions emphasize different strengths across the group. Any fuel economy, range, power, or acceleration figures below are either CR-reported test results or figures for a stated test configuration—not promises for every vehicle, driver, or trim.
Commuting and family cars
- Nissan Sentra: Listed as a small car; the accessible model descriptions do not provide additional performance or test figures.
- Honda Accord: CR highlights interior space, ride comfort, power, and efficiency. Its hybrid returned 47 mpg overall in CR testing, a test result rather than a guarantee of everyday fuel economy.
- Toyota Prius and Prius Prime: CR reports 52 mpg overall for the Prius in its tests and 25 miles of electric-only range for the Prius Prime. Those figures depend on the tested vehicle and configuration; check the specific model year and EPA figures when assessing a particular car.
SUVs and a pickup
- Nissan Rogue Sport: A subcompact SUV on the 2022 list; the accessible descriptions do not provide additional model-specific test figures.
- Subaru Forester: CR points to its spacious, efficient design, fuel economy, visibility, upright cabin and cargo packaging, safety focus, road-test performance, and reliability history. The description also notes standard EyeSight.
- Toyota RAV4 Prime: CR reports 302 hp, a 6.3-second 0–60 mph test, 42 miles of electric-only range, and 34 mpg overall on gas in its tests. These are not interchangeable measures: confirm the vehicle’s configuration and the relevant electric and gasoline use for your driving.
- Kia Telluride: CR reports a road-test score of 97 and describes strong predicted reliability and owner-satisfaction ratings.
- Honda Ridgeline: CR describes a 280-hp V6, nine-speed automatic transmission, and lockable under-bed storage compartment.
Electric and luxury choices
- Ford Mustang Mach-E: CR’s extended-range Premium test vehicle reached 0–60 mph in 5.3 seconds and had a 270-mile range. The result pertains to that test configuration, not every Mach-E.
- Lexus RX: CR discusses V6 and hybrid variants and reports that the hybrid returned 7 mpg more overall in its tests. The comparison is a CR test result, not a universal real-world difference.
How to use a 2022 pick when shopping for a used vehicle
A model’s past inclusion is a useful starting point for a shortlist, not a verdict on a specific used car. A vehicle’s trim, options, maintenance, condition, recall status, and local asking price all affect whether it fits your needs. The 2022 Top Picks results do not establish those facts for any individual listing.
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Compare candidates that serve the same purpose first—for example, compact commuters against compact commuters or three-row family vehicles against other three-row options. Then assess:
Quick Recap
- Space: Whether passenger room, child-seat fit, cargo capacity, or truck-bed utility matches your regular use.
- Powertrain: Whether you want gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or battery-electric operation, and whether charging access or fuel use suits your routine.
- Safety equipment: Confirm the exact trim and installed features; equipment can differ across years and configurations.
- Condition and history: Review maintenance records, inspect the vehicle, check its recall status, and verify the title and listing details.
- Cost to own: Compare the current purchase price alongside insurance, energy or fuel, maintenance, and likely repairs rather than assuming a 2022 selection is affordable today.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
