Most Satisfying Cars And SUVs For 2024

Each year, Consumer Reports conducts a survey of its members. This helps determine the ratings they give each vehicle.  They also conduct tests on a variety of vehicles throughout the year, and marry the subjective survey results with their objective vehicle tests.  Later in the Fall, they will release their reliability report and brand rankings. 

In the meantime, Consumer Reports just shared a highly subjective result of their survey. They asked their members one question:

If you had it to do all over again, would you definitely buy or lease the same vehicle?

From the survey, they ranked the 10 most satisfying cars. Each vehicle listed below shows the percentage of owners who would definitely buy it again. I am also including key highlights from their prior road tests, the overall score and my personal opinion.

Chevrolet Corvette (93% + CR Recommended)

I’m not surprised that Corvette owners would remain enthusiastic about this car.  Lets face it, this is a supercar with a modest price tag.  It speaks well of GM for building a rockstar car that lives up to its billing.

In their normal road test, CR gave the Corvette an overall score of 81.  It also earned a “CR Recommended” rating. That placed it in third place in the Sports Car category behind the Porsche 718 Boxster (85) and the Toyota Supra (84).  

Rivian R1T (88%)

This is an interesting result for a vehicle that only received an overall CR score of 58, placing it in second place of all Electric Pickups (the Ford F150 Lightning is in first place with an overall score of 69).  Only two vehicles are in the CR Electric Pickup category, so is the Rivian really in 2nd place or last place?

The R1T did NOT receive the CR Recommended rating.

Whether it is the unique features of the Rivian or the level of support from the Rivian brand, it seems their owners are happy enough to buy/lease this truck again.  Rivian may be the only independent EV maker that will remain in business going forward (along with Tesla), so this propensity to repeat buy is a good sign for the company.

Mazda MX-5 Miata (88% + CR Recommended)

I am actually pleased that the Miata is on this list.  It is still a relatively low priced sports car that offers the right level of bang for the buck. Consumer Reports gave it an overall score of 80, placing it in 4th place behind Porsche 718 Boxster, Toyota Supra and Corvette (it was tied for 4th with the BMW Z4).  

Even with it’s $30,000 price, the Miata easily competes with more expensive competition.  This is a key reason that 88% of its owners would buy it again.  We need more fun, affordable cars in this market!

Lexus NX Plug-In Hybrid (87% + CR Recommended)

I don’t know much about this small, luxury SUV other than it is a Lexus with a hybrid powertrain.  Lexus owners typically give the company, Lexus dealers and its vehicles really high scores.  All are normally at the top of JD Power and NADA report cards.

For the NX Hybrid, it received an overall road test score of 83, behind only the BMW X3 (86) in the Luxury Compact SUV segment. 

BMW X5 (85% + CR Recommended)

The BMW X5 sits at #1 in the Consumer Reports Luxury Midsize SUV segment with an overall score of 92.  They place it among the best SUVs they’ve tested, claiming it is a luxurious, slick, and well-rounded vehicle. 

Rivian R1S (84%)

The R1S is essentially the same vehicle as the R1T, but in SUV form (“S” for SUV, “T” for truck–clever).  I suspect the propensity to rebuy the R1S mirrors the R1T, so I’ll let my thoughts about reasons why stand.

Rivian’s SUV is rated at 52 overall, 4th in the Electric SUV 3 Row category.  The three vehicles ahead of it are the Kia EV9 (79), Mercedes Benz EQS SUV (58) and Tesla Model X (53).

Ford Maverick Hybrid (83% + CR Recommended)

Maverick received a CR Overall score of 77 and is rated #2 overall in Small Pickups behind the ICE Ford Maverick (78).  It is a small pickup based on Ford’s Bronco Sport and Escape SUVs. 

When Ford announced the Maverick a few years ago, I thought they were brilliant.  In a market full of high dollar trucks, Ford brought out an inexpensive, small pickup with a hybrid powertrain!  Cool.

I had a chance to drive a hybrid Maverick a few weeks ago.  I was really impressed with the smooth transition between the electric and gas powertrain.  It was quiet on the highway, rode well and had cool features.  I can see why its owners would buy it again.

Kia Telluride (82% + CR Recommended)

This Midsized 3 Row SUV has been extremely popular since it launched, and is #2 in this segment with an overall score of 84.  It is only beat by Toyota Highlander Hybrid (85) in the segment.  

Consumer Reports claims it climbed to the top of their standings due to its refined driving experience, user-friendly controls, thoughtful features, and vast cargo room.  Telluride’s boxier style and features per dollar no doubt contributed to owner appreciation.

Honda Pilot (82% + CR Recommended)

Running in the same segment as the Kia Telluride, Honda’s Pilot grabbed an overall score of 77 and landed at #11 of 18 vehicles in the segment.

Honda’s typically do pretty well in reliability and overall satisfaction surveys, so this high repurchase intent is no surprise.  Like other Hondas, model changes are evolutionary.  This doesn’t help on the excitement scale, but its owners focus on reliability and brand value. For that, the Honda Pilot is legendary.

Hyundai Ioniq 6 (81% + CR Recommended)

The Ioniq 6 takes the core mechanical elements of the all-electric Ioniq 5 and wraps them up in a more aerodynamic sedan. Ioniq 6 carries a CR Overall Score of 83 in the Electric Cars segment, placing it at #1.  

It competes with the Tesla Model 3, but the Hyundai is reported to have a more comfortable ride, quieter interior and more intuitive controls. Styling is unique and looks more premium than others in the class.

Final Thoughts & Questions

When you look at all of the car reviews on new vehicles, they focus on vehicle specs, features and the opinion of the reviewer.  I like this aspect of the Consumer Reports that simply asks, “would you buy your car again?”  When the people who pay for the vehicle endorse it, you better believe them.

I am always shopping for my next vehicle, so I enjoy learning how the owners feel.  What about you?  Do you think the vehicles featured above deserve the praise?  Do you have a vehicle you love and want to share?  Add it in the comments section, with any questions you have for me.

Want to learn more about me?  Check out Who’s Your Nanny?