Consumer Reports' Most Popular Used Cars, SUVs, and Pickup Trucks

The CR-V became bigger and more comfortable with this generation. The 190-hp, 1.5-liter turbo engine in upper trims delivers quick acceleration. The hybrid is more fuel efficient, but it’s significantly slower and has more engine noise. Handling is nimble and surefooted, and the firm ride is steady and compliant. The interior is very comfortable, quiet, and roomy, particularly the rear seat. The available 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system isn’t particularly intuitive to use. BSW and RCTW were standard on all trims except the base LX.

This generation of the RAV4 is roomy and versatile, two reasons it’s a wise choice. It handles nimbly, and the AWD version gets good fuel economy. But the ride is a bit stiff, and the cabin is rather loud. Most versions are XLE, which adds auto climate control and a sunroof. For a power seat and lumbar support, you’d need the Limited. The energetic 2.5-liter engine is paired with a smooth-shifting continuously variable transmission. Controls are clear and easy to use, access is easy, and the rear seat is roomy. BSW was standard except on the base LE trim.

This popular small SUV delivers a spacious interior, excellent visibility, commendable fuel economy, simple controls, a comfortable ride, and responsive handling. The Forester’s 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, paired with the continuously variable transmission, yielded fuel economy that was among the best in class at the time. But acceleration isn’t exhilarating, and the engine noise isn’t the most pleasant. The cabin is roomy, with a particularly generous rear seat and very easy access. The controls are simple to use, including the infotainment system. BSW and RCTW were standard on the Sport trim and higher.

The Highlander has a comfortable ride, secure handling, and a roomy second row. In 2023, Toyota replaced the V6 engine with a 265-hp, 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. This engine has a lot of torque, but has a growly, slightly rough character at low speeds. We got 22 mpg in our tests. The hybrid version has less power but gets an excellent 35 mpg overall. Interior fit and finish improved with this generation, particularly in higher trim versions. Both seven- and eight-passenger seating configurations were available; however, the third row is quite small. Controls are easy to use. BSW and RCTW were optional on the regular Highlander, but standard on the hybrid version.

This generation of the Rogue is a major upgrade over its predecessor. It’s powered by a 201-hp, 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine, mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). This combination produces virtually no turbo lag and supplies a healthy midrange punch. In our tests, the Rogue returned good, but not standout, fuel economy. The interior space and material quality have improved, but the third-seat option is no longer available. The Rogue has a composed ride and nimble handling. The controls are easy to use, but it may take some getting used to the electronic gear selector.

The F-150 remains a dependable workhorse, boasting a quiet and spacious crew cab interior. The popular 2.7-liter turbocharged V6 provides effortless acceleration and respectable fuel economy, achieving 19 mpg overall. The hybrid powertrain gets 20 mpg overall. The F-150’s ride and handling have shown slight improvements, and the Sync 4 infotainment system is easy to use. BSW and RCTW were optional.

The CX-5 features a responsive 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers competitive yet not outstanding fuel economy in our tests, while providing quick acceleration and ample power. A 227-hp turbo four-cylinder was also available. The peppy engines and spry, nimble handling made the Mazda enjoyable to drive. It has a supple and absorbent ride and significantly less cabin noise than older models. The cabin is versatile and well trimmed. The infotainment system is challenging to use because it’s operated by both a rotary controller and buttons mounted between the front seats.

The Crosstrek is Subaru’s pseudo-SUV; it’s essentially an Impreza hatchback with a raised ride height and some rugged visual cues. Since it’s based on the already-good Impreza, it has that model’s smooth ride, good fuel mileage, easy-to-use controls, and roomy rear seat. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is mated to a continuously variable transmission; this combination works fine and gets 29 mpg overall, which is quite good. A more powerful 2.5-liter is also available. The front seats lack lumbar support, but the rear seat is roomy. The infotainment system is easy to use. BSW and RCTW are part of an option package, but other key safety systems are standard.

Redesigned for 2023, the Pilot is roomy, comfortable, and user-friendly. The smooth and refined 3.5-liter V6 engine produces 285 hp and pulls strongly. It’s paired with a slick, responsive 10-speed automatic. Most versions have an eight-passenger seating configuration with a flat-folding third-row seat. The ride is comfortable, and the cabin is quiet. Handling is sound but not nimble. While the controls are mostly easy to use, the gear selector takes getting used to. Lots of storage cubbies and bins are handy, as is a nifty button to clear access to the third-row seats. AEB with pedestrian detection and AEB highway are standard. BSW and RCTW are not available on the base LX, but are standard on other trims

The Equinox has plenty of high-tech features, accomplished road manners, and a roomy interior. However, it doesn’t quite deliver on its promise of good performance and fuel economy from its standard engine, and the interior features some budget-friendly touches, although the seats are quite comfortable. The only engine available was a 170-hp, 1.5-liter engine paired with a six-speed automatic. BSW and RCTW were optional.

• Toyota Camry
• Subaru Outback
• Toyota Corolla
• Ford Escape
• Hyundai Tucson
• Chevrolet Silverado 1500
• Ram 1500
• Toyota Tacoma
• Honda Civic
• Jeep Grand Cherokee