Best and Worst Cars of 2023 | Talking Cars with Consumer Reports #434

We wrap 2023 with CR experts sharing their most and least favorite cars they drove in our testing fleet. Where do cars like the Toyota Prius, Honda CR-V hybrid, Rivian R1S, and Honda Accord hybrid fall on our lists? We also share some fun statistics from our testing program from 2023, and answer questions about regenerative braking in the Toyota Prius Prime and other hybrids, as well as how AWD systems work in EVs.

00:36 - CR testing statistics from 2023
3:03 - the best cars we tested in 2023
8:06 - the worst cars we tested in 2023
18:36 - do hybrids benefit from regeneration braking like electric vehicles?
23:51 - do all-wheel drive systems in EVs work the same way as in standard vehicles?

[WisdomI]

Consumer Reports please consider adding decibel meter interior noise reviews on vehicles! This would be very helpful to consumers.

[IrnBruNYC]

On the Rivian: when you sit on a waiting list for months or years, and when you spend that much money for a vehicle, it makes sense to me that you will claim a high satisfaction level with the vehicle and overlook its many flaws. You don't want to admit to yourself or to anyone else that you made a bad bet on an investment that significant.

[minnybiker]

I had a plug in Prius and used it for tailgating for football games. I would hold the charge until i got to the tailgate lot, then use an inverter to run a TV and crock pot. I don't have that car anymore, and i miss that a lot. Was a fun feature!

[rkgsd]

I've been with Consumer Reports for decades. I've always thought of the people behind the scenes as mysterious folks in lab coats. Nice to finally see they are real, ordinary-looking people who are very insightful and interesting.

[DennisKapatos]

Regarding regen, we had a trip up to the mountains in the Pacifica Plug In Hybrid and the other benefit is regen when going downhill. On one mountain we started up with no remaining electric range but on the way down regened all the way to 36 percent! That's equivalent to over 10 miles of flat/level driving. It normally takes hours on our regular 120 volt charger to add that much juice. Yeah it was recovered energy but very cool to think of the efficiency improvement over using breaks to make make the rotors hot. BTW, a plug-in hybrid minivan has to be the greatest do-it-all utility vehicle conceivable.

[faceup]

I just wanted to say thank you to all of you for a year filled with great discussions and information. I always look forward to your videos and I look forward to your new content in the upcoming year. Happy New Year!

[jodensmith]

Feel like new hybrids, especially Honda and Toyota, has solved the issue with cvt power and longevity issues and added that power and mpg. Very good time to buy a car

[Czechbound]

*New Subscriber* This is a very valuable video. Real world, practical feedback on cars. Things that really matter when you're owning them. So much, much better than other reviews that just focus on "is it fast ? does it look cool ?". This is really fantastic !

[gaivoron]

I have such a passion for automobiles that Consumer Report wouldn't even feel like work.

[nikij.]

Have a 2005/ford escape hybrid AWD. I’ve never replaced the brakes due to the regenerative brakes. It has very little maintenance requirements love it !

[kathythompson]

Honda crv not having a spare tire is a deal breaker for me.

[wlittleman]

What an excellent show! I'm a car nut and these three reviewers really covered the aspects of driving that I consider for long term ownership.

[bradtrades]

Very detailed report, thanks! I recently test drove the Honda CRV hybrid, and agree with you, loved the way it "shifted." Currently have a 2020 CRV non-hybrid, and I am use to the cvt and I don't notice the drone much unless under heavy acceleration, but I really liked the new application. I decided to keep my 2020 for now, but the 2023 I drove was very tempting.

[rolandr]

Interesting, a lot of outlets said the Prius drives great. Some publications even gave it car of the year!

[kendallwhitfield]

Just bought the 2023 Honda CR-V Sport Hybrid and I love it! Drives really smooth and I'm getting 400+ miles per fill up. Also looks amazing!! I love the new body style! Great car!

[atmartens]

I’m shocked that two of the best cars picked were Hondas. I figured it would’ve been a Subaru or Toyota based off your comments throughout the year.

[benwithn]

If Honda didn't ruin the exterior styling of the Accord, I'd have bought it by now. Holding out for when they [finally] put that hybrid power train in the Civic.

[Mark-dehj]

I never consider a vehicle until I have consulted with Consumer Reports. I use the information as a reference source and have made many great choices because of the info I wouldn't otherwise have had. Additionally, I am glad that you also review other products and services and work to keep us consumers informed and aware. Thank you for this valuable service!

[CarsSimplified]

Great show today! I'm quite interested in seeing what all these start-up EV companies manage to bring to the table (and which ones don't make it to production). Definitely a lot of interesting new brands trying to get off the ground!

[KevinSatler]

I have always wondered how heavy EVs handle slick surfaces for breaking and turning. The only time I've been in accendents has been in slick conditions and was required to stop or turn quickly. To me, it seems like the more weight, the harder it would be to slow down and turn.