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 produces 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.

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.

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 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.

This generation of the Toyota Camry has sleek styling, but it’s the improved fuel economy and handling that make it stand out in the crowd of midsized sedans. Fuel-economy gains come courtesy of a 203-hp, four-cylinder engine combined with an eight-speed automatic. The Camry achieved 32 mpg overall, yet it’s also one of the quickest midsized sedans. The transmission suffers from some rough shifts, however. While quiet overall, the engine gets loud and raspy when it approaches 3,500 rpm. The Camry Hybrid LE version gets an excellent 47 mpg overall and is much quieter, even under hard acceleration. The Camry is light on its feet in the corners, and the ride remains smooth and comfortable, even with the car’s improved agility. The cabin has decent visibility, thanks to slim pillars and lots of side glass, but the lower stance compromises access to the cabin. BSW and RCTW were part of an options package.

Freshened for 2023, the Corolla is fuel-efficient, but the styling compromises rear seat room, while the car’s lower stance and curvier body make it harder to get in or out of. The standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine returned a competitive 36 mpg overall in our tests, while the Corolla Hybrid got an impressive 48 mpg overall. Both versions tackle corners more skillfully than the Corolla did before, thanks to well-weighted steering and limited body lean. Plus, the sedan soaks up bumps with the best in the class. Both versions we tested were dismally slow, however, and their engines were loud and raspy. The Corolla feels less roomy than the previous model, and the rear seat in particular has significantly less headroom. The curvier body and lower stance have also made it harder to get into and out of. Cabin ambience is basic and boring, but most controls are easy to use. Both BSW and RCTW are part of an option package.

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