Consumer Reports Popular Cars to Avoid and What to Buy Instead

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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.

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.

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

Image Source: Pixabay

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