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• What's My Car Worth?

Buyer's Guide

.css-1dmjnw1{position:relative;}.css-1dmjnw1:before{content:"";position:absolute;} .css-i3bmwd{display:block;font-family:Gliko,Gliko-fallback,Gliko-roboto,Gliko-local,Georgia,Times,Serif;font-weight:400;margin-bottom:0;margin-top:0;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}@media (any-hover: hover){.css-i3bmwd:hover{color:link-hover;}}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-i3bmwd{font-size:3rem;line-height:1;}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.css-i3bmwd{font-size:3.75rem;line-height:1;}}@media(min-width: 61.25rem){.css-i3bmwd{font-size:5rem;line-height:1;}}.css-i3bmwd h2 span:hover{color:#1C5f8B;} Lamborghini Urus SE: The Wild-Child SUV Goes PHEV .css-17v9138{position:relative;margin:0 auto 0.625rem;width:0.875rem;height:1.25rem;display:block;}.css-17v9138:after{content:'';position:absolute;left:0;width:0.875rem;height:1.25rem;-webkit-background-size:contain;background-size:contain;background-repeat:no-repeat;}.loaded .css-17v9138:after{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/caranddriver/static/icons/Arrow-Down02.017acf5.svg);}

We try out the 789-hp plug-in-hybrid Urus in a winter wonderland.

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.css-1bpu4il{display:block;font-family:GlikoS,GlikoS-fallback,GlikoS-roboto,GlikoS-local,Georgia,Times,Serif;font-weight:400;margin-bottom:0.625rem;margin-top:0;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}@media (any-hover: hover){.css-1bpu4il:hover{color:link-hover;}}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-1bpu4il{font-size:1.125rem;line-height:1.2;}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.css-1bpu4il{font-size:1.25rem;line-height:1.2;}}@media(min-width: 61.25rem){.css-1bpu4il{font-size:1.375rem;line-height:1.2;}} New Ram RHO Is a V-8-Less TRX with a $26K Discount

2025 Lamborghini Urus SE is a 789-HP PHEV

Volkswagen ID.Code Concept Previews Autonomous EV

Mini Aceman Is a Tiny and Cheeky EV

2025 BMW i4, 4-Series Gran Coupe Get New Grilles

2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class EV's Coolest Features

2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class EV Revealed

Mercedes-Benz Is Killing Its 'EQ' Badge

.css-1updq97:before{background-color:#000000;color:#fff;left:0;width:50%;border:0 solid transparent;bottom:48%;height:0.125rem;content:'';position:absolute;z-index:-2000000;} research and shop new cars .css-1e2ieb7:after{background-color:#000000;color:#fff;right:0;width:50%;border:0 solid transparent;bottom:48%;height:0.125rem;content:'';position:absolute;z-index:-2000000;}.

Sports Cars

Pickup Trucks

Station Wagons

Minivans and Vans

Convertibles

Luxury Cars

.css-ni1jhx{display:block;font-family:GlikoS,GlikoS-fallback,GlikoS-roboto,GlikoS-local,Georgia,Times,Serif;font-weight:400;margin-bottom:0.625rem;margin-top:0;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}@media (any-hover: hover){.css-ni1jhx:hover{color:link-hover;}}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-ni1jhx{font-size:1.125rem;line-height:1.2;}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.css-ni1jhx{font-size:0.9375rem;line-height:1.2;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-ni1jhx{font-size:1.375rem;line-height:1.2;}} 2024 Porsche Macan EV Isn't Just Quick

2024 Toyota Tacoma Hybrid Is a Spicier Taco

Tested: 2024 Maserati GranTurismo Trofeo

2025 Ski-Doo MXZ X-RS 850 Turbo R: Peak Snowmobile

Comparison Test: Kia Sportage vs. Nissan Rogue

2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet: Sunset Cruiser

2025 Toyota Camry Carefully Evolves

Porsche Cayenne S Coupe Tested: The V-8 Returns

2024 Toyota Land Cruiser Is a Course Correction

2025 BMW X3 Defends the Middle Ground

Aston Martin DB12 Volante: Sunshine and Substance

2023 BMW M2 vs. 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse

Electric vehicles.

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Future EVs: Every Electric Vehicle Coming Soon

How Long Does It Take to Charge an Electric Car?

Guide to Every EV for Sale in the U.S. for 2024

.css-1tfoamv{margin:1.25rem auto 0;width:1.875rem;height:1.875rem;display:block;position:relative;}.css-1tfoamv:before{top:-0.1875rem;left:0;width:1.875rem;height:1.875rem;content:'';position:absolute;background-repeat:no-repeat;}.loaded .css-1tfoamv:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/caranddriver/static/icons/arrow-down03.e8cc2b4.svg);} .css-8fst5x{display:block;font-family:gliko,gliko-fallback,gliko-roboto,gliko-local,georgia,times,serif;font-weight:400;margin-bottom:0;margin-top:0;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}@media (any-hover: hover){.css-8fst5x:hover{color:link-hover;}}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-8fst5x{font-size:3rem;line-height:1;}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.css-8fst5x{font-size:3.75rem;line-height:1;}}@media(min-width: 61.25rem){.css-8fst5x{line-height:1;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-8fst5x{font-size:6rem;line-height:0.9;}} we fill a rivian r1t with garbage for earth day.

Some may argue whether a 835-hp electric pickup is truly green—unless you're using it to clean up roadside trash. Then it definitely is.

.css-mhxecd{margin-right:0.625rem;width:0.5625rem;height:0.75rem;display:inline-block;}.css-mhxecd:before{left:0;width:0.5625rem;height:0.75rem;content:'';display:inline-block;-webkit-transform:rotate(-90deg);-moz-transform:rotate(-90deg);-ms-transform:rotate(-90deg);transform:rotate(-90deg);-webkit-background-size:contain;background-size:contain;background-repeat:no-repeat;}.loaded .css-mhxecd:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/caranddriver/static/icons/Arrow-Down02.017acf5.svg);} .css-d8ximg{display:inline;font-family:Interstate,Interstate-fallback,Interstate-roboto,Interstate-local,Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:-0.0225rem;margin-bottom:0;margin-top:0;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}@media (any-hover: hover){.css-d8ximg:hover{color:link-hover;}}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-d8ximg{font-size:1rem;line-height:1.2;}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.css-d8ximg{font-size:1.125rem;line-height:1.2;}} Most Fuel-Efficient Gas Cars (That Aren't Hybrid)

Bmw puts brains on the menu with neue klasse, the best odds: alfa romeo milano, seeing the eclipse from the ford bronco off-roadeo, 10best cars 2024.

.css-1sm8ry1{display:block;font-family:Gliko,Gliko-fallback,Gliko-roboto,Gliko-local,Georgia,Times,Serif;font-weight:400;margin-bottom:0;margin-top:0;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}@media (any-hover: hover){.css-1sm8ry1:hover{color:link-hover;}}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-1sm8ry1{font-size:3rem;line-height:1;}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.css-1sm8ry1{font-size:3.75rem;line-height:1;}} 10Best Cars for 2024

.css-z8t2bg{display:block;font-family:GlikoS,GlikoS-fallback,GlikoS-roboto,GlikoS-local,Georgia,Times,Serif;font-weight:400;margin-bottom:0;margin-top:0;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}@media (any-hover: hover){.css-z8t2bg:hover{color:link-hover;}}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-z8t2bg{font-size:1.125rem;line-height:1.2;}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.css-z8t2bg{font-size:1.375rem;line-height:1.2;}} 2024 Chevy Corvette/Corvette E-Ray: C/D 10Best

2024 Honda Accord: Car and Driver 10Best

2024 Lucid Air Pure: Car and Driver 10Best

2024 Toyota Prius: Car and Driver 10Best

10best trucks and suvs 2024.

10Best Trucks and SUVs for 2024

2024 Chevrolet Trax: Car and Driver 10Best

2024 Ford Maverick: Car and Driver 10Best

2024 Kia EV9: Car and Driver 10Best

2024 Toyota Grand Highlander: C/D 10Best

Dogs in cars.

Best Dog and Pet Car Seats Picked by Experts

Tested: best dog car seat covers, best car vacuums for 2024, tested, tested: best automotive glass cleaners for 2024, tested: best car interior cleaners for 2024.

2024 Editors' Choice: Best New Cars, Trucks, SUVs

Best New Truck/SUV Lease Deals for March 2024

How to Buy or Lease a New Car

How to Buy a Used Car

How to Repair, Maintain, and Care for Your Car

Lightning lap 2024.

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Garage 56 Chevy Camaro ZL1 at Lightning Lap 2024

2023 Porsche 911 GT3 RS at Lightning Lap 2024

2024 Lucid Air Sapphire at Lightning Lap 2024

Behind the Scenes of Lightning Lap 2024

From the c/d archive.

1975 Volkswagen Rabbit: A Whole Different VW

1996 Chevrolet Corvette vs. Malibu Corvette Boat

1975 Toyota Corolla SR-5 Archive Test

1989 Eagle Premier ES Limited Takes On the Taurus

1975 Porsche 911 Isn't about Sophistication

0-to-150-to-0.

Car and Driver's 0-to-150-to-0 Speed Test 2023

Porsche 911 GT3 RS at 0-to-150-to-0-MPH Test 2023

Chevrolet Corvette Z06 at 0-to-150-to-0 Test 2023

View Photos of the 0-to-150-to-0-MPH Test 2023

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See Photos of the 2025 Ram 1500 RHO

See Photos of the 2025 Lamborghini Urus SE

View Photos of the Mini Aceman

Photos of the 2025 Lamborghini Urus Plug-In Hybrid

Best dash cams of 2024, best portable tire inflators of 2024, tested.

Tested: Best Home EV Chargers for 2024

Best portable jump starters for 2024, tested.

Ezra: I Wrote a Racing Movie to Destroy All Others

Elana Scherr: Ghostbusting, Collector-Car Style

Editor's Letter: A New and Improved Car and Driver

Editor's Letter: Lotus Eater

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Long-term reviews.

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The BMW M2 has more power than an F80 M3... but is it just as sketchy?

Can you use a Porsche Cayenne as a campervan?

What's the spec like on TG's Range Rover Sport?

Life with a Nissan X-Trail: *how much* for a new windscreen?

Here’s what we learned shaking down our custom motorbike

Latest first drives.

Lamborghini Urus SE prototype review: super SUV gets hybrid power

Tesla Model 3 Performance review: a daily driver with a naughty side

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Volvo XC60 Black Edition review: cynical special edition or must have collectible?

Porsche Taycan Turbo GT review: 1,000bhp+ EV gets the Weissach Pack treatment

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You can now order a right-hand drive chevrolet camaro zl1 for the price of a bmw m4, uh oh, tesla has recalled every single cybertruck, top gear's top 20 electric cars, the isuzu d-max steel edition is a very beefy, and very grey upgrade to the v cross, subscribe to the top gear newsletter.

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This BMW E36 Broke Its Engine—Then It Became a Dream Car

This might be the cleanest BMW E36 I’ve ever seen. Spectacular color combo, mint paint, and beautifully executed M3 engine swap. The owner’s story is a good one, too.

2025 Ram 1500 RHO: A Twin-Turbo I6 Desert Truck to Rival the Raptor

I know what you’re thinking: No, it’s not a TRX. But it’s nearly as good as one and it costs way less at $71,990.

Here’s Your Chance to Own the Ultimate Senna Souvenir: His Honda NSX

My 1966 ford dump truck is still sputtering along, but i want it to sing, 2024 tesla model 3 performance: 0-60 in 2.9s for $47k after credit.

2024 Toyota Tacoma Hybrid First Drive Review: Leaping Out of the ICE Age

The most popular midsize truck in America is now electrified, and right off the bat, it’s a hoot.

The McLaren Artura Exists Merely for Its Own Entertainment

The 2024 mazda mx-5 miata is the cure for what ails us, 2025 toyota camry first drive review: the best ‘boring’ car keeps getting better.

2024 Ford Mustang GT’s Next-Gen Coyote V8 Is Now a Crate Engine

Us pressuring mexico to stop giving chinese ev makers sweet deals, nissan thinks it can beat toyota to solid-state ev batteries, fox shocks will sell this skunkworks silverado with 700 hp and wild suspension.

It’s Time for Lance Stroll’s F1 Experiment to End

Inside ea sports f1 24’s massive physics overhaul, did taylor swift just reference the alonso dating rumors in a song, f1 drivers surprised by china track that’s been ‘repainted, not resurfaced’.

Parking Garage Rally Circuit Revives ’90s Arcade Racing in All Its Glory

Initial d toyota ae86 and mazda rx-7 pc mice are for desktop drifting, world’s largest mack truck is getting a new shot at life after 55 years, i successfully swapped my ’69 charger’s rear suspension to a heidts 4-link.

Happiness Is Collecting Unloved Porsches and Driving Them Hard

How one guy built a saab sanctuary in the middle of new york city, tasteful 1986 porsche 911 3.2 build means a lot more than your average air-cooled 911, this sleeper volvo v70r does more track days than grocery runs.

Apr 25, 2024

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I’ve made a laundry list of repairs to the old F600, but when it comes to fuel problems, one leads to another.

Did Tesla just drop a bombshell of a bargain for enthusiasts?

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Elon Musk Teases ‘More Affordable Models’ to Bump Tesla’s Falling Stock

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The Michelin Man Wants To Talk About His Future And Reincarnation

The future of the tire business isn’t in petroleum replacement but in recycling what we’re already using.

2025 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe and i4 EV Double Down on Dumping Buttons

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Apr 23, 2024

Electric 2025 Mercedes G-Class Combines New and Old Tech Like Nothing Before It

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The Subaru Legacy Is Being Discontinued After 36 Years

Mark the demise of another sedan—America must have its SUVs. A long Legacy is all that’s left.

V8 Ford Mustang Returns to Police Duty in North Carolina

State Highway Patrol is taking delivery of 25 Mustangs, each said to cost about the same as a standard Interceptor.

The Aston Martin driver’s collision with Daniel Ricciardo in China should be the last straw.

Kia Asks You to Please Disregard Sightings of Its First Pickup Truck

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Big-Name Distributor Caught Stealing Small Shop’s Part Design and Selling It on Summit (UPDATED)

Speedmaster sold counterfeit versions of Broader Performance’s valve bodies, and nobody even bothered to take the name off the part.

2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro Starts at $65,395 and Wow, That’s a Lot of Money

A standard hybrid powertrain, shock-absorbing seats, and all the off-road goodies mean the Tacoma TRD Pro is approximately $17,000 more than before.

Apr 22, 2024

Tesla Cybertruck’s Unintended Acceleration Fix Is Just a Rivet

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Best Cars for 2024 and 2025

Find the best cars then compare models and read our car reviews, which provide the consensus opinion from the automotive press. You can also view new car prices in your area.

• #1 2024 Honda Civic Type R
• #2 2024 Honda Civic
• #3 2024 BMW M2

Luxury Small Cars

• #1 2024 Audi A4
• #1 2024 Acura Integra
• #3 2024 BMW 3-Series

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• #3 2024 Hyundai Elantra N

Compact Cars

• #1 2024 Honda Civic
• #2 2024 Mazda Mazda3
• #3 2024 Hyundai Elantra

Subcompact Cars

• #1 2023 Kia Rio
• #2 2024 MINI Cooper
• #3 2024 Nissan Versa

Midsize Cars

• #1 2024 Honda Accord
• #2 2024 Kia K5
• #2 2024 Toyota Camry

Luxury Midsize Cars

• #1 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
• #2 2024 Audi A6
• #2 2023 BMW 5-Series
• #1 2023 Dodge Charger
• #2 2023 Nissan Maxima
• #3 2023 Chrysler 300

Luxury Large Cars

• #1 2024 Audi A7
• #2 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
• #3 2024 BMW 7-Series

Electric Cars

• #1 2023 Chevrolet Bolt As its name suggests, the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt knows how to get up to speed quickly, but that's far from this Chevy's only strength. The Bolt provides a spacious cabin for such a petite vehicle, and it offers tremendous driving range compared to the competition.   Read More
• #2 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 6 The 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 6 brings a lot to the electric car segment with its stylish cabin, excellent driving range and great ride quality. There are some minimal complaints about the trunk size and rear headroom, but its generous list of standard features makes its shortcomings easier to forgive.   Read More
• #3 2024 Nissan Leaf The 2024 Nissan Leaf is a pleasant-to-drive EV, despite its age. It’s great for daily commuting and short trips, but its lack of driving range makes it less practical than some competitors.   Read More

Luxury Electric Cars

• #1 2024 Lucid Air The 2024 Lucid Air overachieves in almost every area, with a luxurious interior, vigorous performance, hyper-efficient powertrains and class-leading driving range all wrapped in sleek styling. All that doesn’t come cheap, but the Air is a truly satisfying luxury sedan experience.   Read More
• #2 2024 Tesla Model 3 The 2024 Tesla Model 3 receives some welcome updates while retaining the traits that make it a great EV. It’s fun to drive, fuel-efficient and cargo-friendly, but its minimalist cabin and complex infotainment setup might not be for everyone.   Read More
• #3 2024 BMW i7 The 2024 BMW i7 is precisely what you expect from an electric version of the 7 Series sedan. It combines a heavenly ride and luxury indulgence with advanced tech, instant power and fossil-free motoring. It's a benchmark sedan for the future.   Read More

Sports Cars

• #1 2024 Subaru BRZ
• #1 2024 Toyota GR86
• #3 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata

Luxury Sports Cars

• #1 2024 Chevrolet Corvette
• #2 2024 BMW M2
• #3 2023 Audi R8

Convertibles

• #1 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata
• #2 2024 Chevrolet Camaro
• #2 2024 Ford Mustang

Luxury Convertibles

• #2 2024 BMW 8-Series
• #2 2024 BMW Z4
• #1 2024 Audi A4 Allroad
• #1 2024 Audi A6 Allroad
• #3 2024 Subaru Outback

Hybrid Cars

• #1 2024 Toyota Camry Hybrid
• #2 2024 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid
• #2 2023 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

Performance Cars

Sport compact cars.

• #2 2024 Hyundai Elantra N
• #2 2024 Volkswagen GTI

Small Sport Sedans

• #1 2024 Acura Integra Type S
• #2 2024 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing
• #3 2023 Audi S4

Midsize Sport Sedans

• #1 2024 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing
• #2 2024 Audi S6
• #3 2023 BMW M5

Large Sport Sedans

• #1 2024 Audi S8
• #2 2024 Audi RS 7
• #2 2023 Audi S7

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The "T" in the badge of the turbo V8 could easily stand for "theatre".

The original Ferrari California was a soft car. Parked alongside the riotous 458 , it was more likely to be chosen just as an open-air cruiser or for day-to-day commuting than a flat-out Sunday morning blast.

I understand the appeal to people who think driving is a chore but still want a Ferrari to impress themselves and their friends.

The new California is very different, much sharper in every way. It packs the first mainstream turbo engine from the Italian supercar maker.

It keeps the name and the same basic shape and drop-top package as the original but the new California is faster and harder and much more enjoyable.

This one is "on" all the time, thanks to the bottom-end punch from its turbo V8, but it also feels more rigid in the body, sharper in the steering and grippier in corners. It also has carbon-ceramic brakes that kill speed.

Best of all, for Australia and Australians, is the "bumpy road" button — the suspension setting that keeps things tidy yet still allows the car to grip hard in all conditions, not just the super-smooth bitumen so common across Europe.

It's not just a Ferrari but it's one you can use

I know you're worrying about the price, so here it comes. A California T is going to cost at least $409,888, without worrying about on-road costs or options. So the sticker on the car I'm driving, with all sorts of tasty extras, runs to $549,387.

That's not unusual, I'm told, for Ferrari buyers. They're happy to put $10,050 into 20-inch forged alloys, or $12,500 into a two-tone roof, or $2700 into red-painted brake calipers.

Since I'm just a guest I'm not looking to quibble but I've owned cheaper houses.

What makes the California T a winner, even at this price, is that it's not just a Ferrari but it's one you can use.

The rear seats are not big but can take the six-year old, the folding roof works quickly and efficiently, fuel economy is not too bad and the look, smell and feel of the leather is, well, fantastic.

There is also the theatre of the California T.

The styling is special. There's the sound of the 4.0-litre V8 when you give it a tickle. Then there's the sensation when you slide behind the wheel.

It sits firmly on the road, a little too firm on some surfaces without the "bumpy" setting, but the brakes are just plain brilliant once you adjust to the light touch they require.

The engine is fantastic from about 3000rpm, really punching through the seven-speed DSG gearbox, although I miss the scream of a non-turbo Ferrari. It always has something to give but does not take too much skill to handle, given it has the latest electronic aids.

It's a Ferrari speed machine that's also a convertible

It's massively quick, with a 0-100km/h sprint time of just 3.6 seconds and a top speed of 315km/h, but never feels as if it's going to bite me. And it's easy to balance with old-school rear-wheel drive.

There is no way to rate the safety of the California T, because no one has crash-tested one, but it should be at least a four-star car.

On the resale front, Glass's Guide has no data but the waiting list in Australia and the Ferrari badge means it's going to do all right. The fuel economy looks good on paper but not so good after a thrash.

Of the numerous performance cars I've driven lately, including the latest Porsche 911 C4 GTS that I love, none has been as easy to live with as the California T.

It's ridiculously costly, it does what it says on the pack and it's definitely not soft. It's a Ferrari speed machine that's also a convertible, and a 2+2, and could easily be an everyday commuter car.

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EXPERT REVIEW

2024 Toyota Tacoma Hybrid Review: A Lot More Power, a Little More MPG

By Mike Hanley

The verdict: The new i-Force Max hybrid powertrain available in the redesigned 2024 Toyota Tacoma is another step in the truck’s evolution into a modern mid-size pickup.

Versus the competition: Once one of the older (but still popular) mid-size trucks on the market, the Tacoma is now one of the most modern, positioning it well to compete with the recently updated Chevrolet Colorado and Ford Ranger. The 2024 Tacoma also now has the distinction of being the only truck in its class with a gas-electric hybrid powertrain, which is built for performance first and modest fuel economy gains second.

The two Tacoma generations immediately prior to the truck’s 2024 redesign were similar in size and appearance, and both had a relatively utilitarian interior. But Toyota’s focus on incremental improvements rather than wholesale changes has been popular with shoppers, with the previous-generation Tacoma still selling more than 200,000 copies a year at the end of its life cycle.

Related: 2024 Toyota Tacoma: Which Trim Is Right for You?

We first reviewed the new 2024 Tacoma late last year when Detroit Bureau Chief Aaron Bragman tested many of the truck’s available trim levels, and after recently traveling to San Diego to drive hybrid-equipped Tacomas and the off-road-oriented TRD Pro and Trailhunter trims, we’ve now driven the newest members of the Tacoma’s extensive lineup. (Per Cars.com’s ethics policy, we pay for all travel and lodging at such manufacturer-sponsored events.)

Not Your Prius Powertrain

Toyota’s gas-electric hybrid systems are known for their impressive efficiency in vehicles like the Prius, Camry, RAV4 and Corolla, but the automaker has recently added hybrids to models like the Tundra pickup and Sequoia and Grand Highlander three-row SUVs that emphasize performance. That’s the route Toyota has taken with the 2024 Tacoma’s new i-Force Max powertrain, which pairs the truck’s turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder gas engine with a 48-horsepower electric motor between the engine and eight-speed automatic transmission. Total system output is 326 hp at 6,000 rpm and 465 pounds-feet of torque at just 1,700 rpm. Both figures are considerably higher than the 278 hp and 317 pounds-feet of torque that the gas-only turbo four-cylinder makes in most Tacomas.

Power from the i-Force Max hybrid system is readily apparent in everyday driving; the Tacoma accelerates swiftly when you get on the gas, even with three adults aboard, and it pulls strongly up to highway speeds. It feels like there’s a much larger engine under the hood than what’s actually there thanks to the system’s abundant low-end torque.

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Not only powerful, the hybrid system is also refined. Our street drive was in a Tacoma Limited, and the gas engine and electric motor work seamlessly together, with the automatic transmission making smooth shifts as needed. The truck can operate on electric power alone at slower speeds, but on the hilly and winding roads where I drove the truck, the gas engine remained on most of the time.

And while it does still feel like a truck, the Tacoma’s driving manners are also relatively refined. The light-effort steering doesn’t offer much feedback, and brake-pedal feel is numb, but the Tacoma is easy to drive and feels manageable on narrow roads. It doesn’t feel small, mind you; like a number of other long-tenured models, the Tacoma has gotten larger over time, and its exterior dimensions now rival early versions of the Tundra full-size pickup. You look out over a long hood from the driver’s seat, but Toyota has addressed the low, legs-out driving position of prior Tacomas, and this has significantly improved front-seat comfort.

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Don’t expect the Tacoma hybrid to deliver the type of high fuel economy figures that many of Toyota’s hybrid cars — or even the Ford Maverick hybrid compact pickup — achieve. The most efficient four-wheel-drive, automatic-transmission Tacoma with the gas-only turbo four-cylinder is rated 21 mpg combined, while the most efficient Limited trim level of the Tacoma hybrid is rated 24 mpg combined. That’s good by mid-size truck standards, however, especially considering the performance offered by the hybrid powertrain.

The torquey, powerful hybrid system seems like it’d be well suited for towing duty, but its maximum towing capacity of 6,000 pounds — when properly equipped — is a bit less than the gas-only four-cylinder’s towing maximum of 6,500 pounds.

Off-Roading in the Trailhunter and TRD Pro

The i-Force Max hybrid is the exclusive powertrain of the Trailhunter and TRD Pro versions of the Tacoma, and we drove these off-road-focused trims on slow- and high-speed off-road courses. The hybrid’s low-end torque and power is also a benefit off-road, but the Tacoma’s capabilities on off-road trails are more defined by the tech of these two trim levels.

With features including 2.5-inch Old Man Emu shocks, a disconnecting front stabilizer system, 33-inch Goodyear Territory all-terrain tires on bronze 18-inch alloy wheels and Crawl Control, the Trailhunter was able to confidently creep up and down hilly, uneven trails that had the truck’s hood alternately pointed skyward and toward the dirt. The truck made it all seem easy, and with Crawl Control engaged and overseeing vehicle speed, I could focus entirely on steering the truck. Trailhunter and TRD Pro trims both come with Toyota’s Multi-Terrain Monitor that uses cameras to show what’s in front of, beside and behind the truck on the dashboard touchscreen. The system was a big help on the trails, giving you the ability to self-spot yourself when visibility was limited.

The TRD Pro was on a separate, higher-speed off-road course, and while the power of the hybrid was appreciated here, the truck’s ability to handle the rough terrain without pummeling occupants in the process is more a reflection of its off-road hardware. Features include Fox 2.5-inch shocks, 33-inch Goodyear Territory all-terrain tires with black 18-inch alloy wheels, a front stabilizer disconnect and IsoDynamic Performance Seats that are exclusive to the TRD Pro. The IsoDynamic seats have a built-in shock-absorbing system that’s designed to reduce body movement and steady the head and neck. The truck’s soft landing following a small jump is a testament to the tech that’s at work in the TRD Pro.

More From Cars.com:

• 2024 Toyota Tacoma Review: The Tastier Taco You’ve Been Demanding for Years
• What’s Old Is New: 2024 Toyota Tacoma Adds Tech, Trims, Hybrid Powertrain
• Here Are the 10 Cheapest Pickup Trucks You Can Buy Right Now
• Research the 2024 Toyota Tacoma
• Shop for a 2024 Toyota Tacoma

The Price of Performance

The i-Force Max hybrid powertrain adds $3,700 to the price of a TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road or Limited trim level of the 2024 Tacoma Double Cab with a 5-foot bed, and it’s standard on Trailhunter and TRD Pro trucks. The hefty upcharge along with modestly better combined gas mileage estimates means you shouldn’t expect to recoup the extra cost of the hybrid powertrain anytime soon from savings at the pump; running the math for someone who drives 10,000 miles a year and spends $4 a gallon on gas, you’re looking at 14 to nearly 16 years before you’ve made up the hybrid’s price premium. But if you’re considering the hybrid powertrain because you like the idea of a more powerful Tacoma that also gets a bit better gas mileage, then the i-Force Max hybrid is worth a look.

Cars.com’s Editorial department is your source for automotive news and reviews. In line with Cars.com’s long-standing ethics policy, editors and reviewers don’t accept gifts or free trips from automakers. The Editorial department is independent of Cars.com’s advertising, sales and sponsored content departments.

Edmunds Top Rated Awards 2024

500+ Vehicles ranked

82 Segment leaders

18 Finalists

"At Edmunds we're committed to delivering the most rigorous, independent testing in the automotive world. Every year we drive more than 300 vehicles on the road and at our private test track to deliver the definitive Edmunds Expert Rating. It's our seal of approval and the bedrock of the Edmunds Top Rated Awards. Announced annually, our awards recognize the best vehicles on sale today, irrespective of when they were launched. Put simply, these are the cars, trucks and SUVs we'd advise our friends to buy."

— Alistair Weaver, VP Editorial and Editor-in-Chief

2023 2022 2021 2020

The 10 car brands most expensive to maintain over 10 years

Consumer reports ranked maintenance costs, and land rover is worst by far.

Car maintenance has got to be one of the least fun things you can do with your free time, right behind going to the dentist and filing your taxes. However, depending on the brand you buy, your time spent at the shop could be much more than you bargained for. Consumer Reports’ new study on the most- and least-expensive-to-maintain car brands found that European car companies are most likely to break your wallet with costs nearly five times that of the automakers at the other end of the spectrum.

Land Rover had the highest ten-year maintenance costs, at an average of $19,250. Porsche was second worst with $14,090 in costs.

10 car brands most expensive to maintain over 10 years:

• Land Rover: $19,250
• Porsche : $14,090
• Mercedes-Benz : $10,525
• Audi : $9,890
• BMW : $9,500
• Volvo : $9,285
• Infiniti : $8,500
• Acura : $7,800
• Mini: $7,625
• Subaru : $7,200

The Euro brands at the “top” of this list aren’t all that surprising. Land Rover has consistently landed as one of the most expensive vehicle brands to maintain for years now, though Porsche is generally viewed as being one of the more solid performance brands. That could suggest that some models don’t always require more repairs , but the fixes they do need are significantly more expensive.

Tesla , Buick , and Toyota were the three cheapest to maintain car brands , with 10-year maintenance costs of $4,035, $4,900, and $4,900, respectively. Consumer Reports noted that these numbers could be slightly skewed due to the fact that some automakers offer free maintenance for the first few years of ownership, and all companies cover their new vehicles for at least a few years after the purchase.

Routine maintenance is a great way to avoid costly repairs over time, as it’s much cheaper to catch a problem before it starts causing other issues. Check your oil, rotate your tires, and avoid driving like a wild person, and you’ll likely fare much better than others, even if you own one of the scarier-to-maintain brands.

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9 Best Photo Book Maker Websites

Print your favorite photos and don't let them go to waste.

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

Best Overall Photo Book Maker

Shutterfly photo books.

Best Value Custom Photo Book Maker

Walmart photo custom photo books.

Most Aesthetic Photo Book Maker

Artifact uprising photo books.

Best Themed Photo Book Maker

Mixbook photo books.

Best Photo Book Maker for Beginners

Printique photo books.

Best Photo Book Maker for Amazon Prime Members

Amazon prints.

Best Photo Book Maker for Young Kids

Pinhole press photo books.

Best Photo Book Maker for Google Photos Users

Google photo books.

Best Photo Book Maker for Families

Chatbooks custom photo books & albums.

The product analysts and experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute Media & Tech Lab continuously test everything from photo book maker websites to the best wedding photo albums , printers and much more. When making our selections, we reviewed each product for factors like ease of use and intuitiveness of the website and app, if applicable, photo quality, speed of delivery and extra features like templates, cover options and style. These are the best photo book maker websites of 2024, according to our pros.

Shutterfly offers basic photo books at an affordable price. You can choose from a wide selection of themes, like birthday, travel or wedding, or neutral styles , such as modern or rustic. You can also create your own book and choose the book size, cover style and page style, then embellish it with Shutterfly's extensive library of stickers and ribbons to make your book extra special. We appreciate how easily users can edit within their chosen template and the brand's high-quality photo book paper, making Shutterfly a top pick.

You can also opt for one of its 6" x 6" Instant Books , which let you add photos from your phone, tablet or computer in minutes. These mini photo books have only 20 pages, but they're a great place to store goofy candids or Instagram posts you never want to forget. The possibilities are essentially limitless, though the vast array of options could be overwhelming for those getting started.

If you don't want the pressure of deciding on a layout, the brand offers a convenient Make My Book option, in which Shutterfly's professional designers curate your photos and design the book for free. Plus, you'll still have the opportunity to put finishing touches on it before it gets printed. Whether you opt for 50 or 800 photos (the maximum), you'll receive an email notification within 24 hours that your book is complete.

Crunched for time? Design your photo book online and pick up select styles at a Walmart store near you in as little as one hour. Photo books picked up in one hour can have 15 single-sided pages and a linen cover, while same-day pickups (ready in a few hours) can have up to 20 double-sided pages and the option of a hardcover.

On top of the speedy turnaround, Walmart has a great selection of styles : You can choose everything from the photo size and layout to the type of cover, including hardcover glossy or matte, linen, leather and lay-flat glossy or matte. If you need help narrowing down the choices, there's also the option to shop by occasion, whether you're looking for a one-year anniversary or 15th-year anniversary gift .

Despite the fast shipping and variety, our expert tester, Rachel Rothman , former chief technologist and executive technical director at the Good Housekeeping Institute, did note that the quality is not as high as the options offered by other photo book makers on this list — but that may be expected considering the bargain price tag. Regardless, these photo books still make a superb present that can cost under $10 without compromising on sentimentality.

No matter the occasion, you can't go wrong with one of Artifact Uprising's high-quality photo books. There are numerous design options, including preset books to celebrate the birth of a new baby or commemorating a marriage. You can choose from lay-flat albums, books with photo strips and even softcover Instagram Friendly Books for the influencer in your life. The company even has an iPhone app that lets you create a photo book right from your smartphone. However, Rothman found the app to be glitchy at times and noted there's room for improvement with the software. Still, the books come out on top for elegance and simplicity .

One online reviewer wrote, "The fabric cover is beautiful. The photos are amazing quality and look amazing even though the photos were taken on film and therefore are a bit grainy." And the overall 4.6-star rating (out of 5) backs up that review. Quality and elevated designs come with a higher price tag, but there are options for $20 or less if you're shopping on a budget.

If you have a special project and a little more money to spend, Artifact Uprising offers Design Services , which allow you to work one-on-one with an expert to bring your special moments to life. Just note that the design fee is rather steep at $119 and requires an additional $100 album deposit.

When Mixbook says it has "custom photo books for every occasion," it really means it. There are 374 different themed templates to choose from, including everything f rom travel and sports to weddings and recipes. But that doesn't mean you have to give up creative control. You can still customize the look to your liking, from fun backgrounds to stickers to text using the Editor tool. Plus, there are plenty of paper varieties, from semigloss to ultra-thick matte.

Rothman appreciated the nice balance between good photo editing and price, but she did experience issues with the lay-flat option, in which the photos bled into the crease. You can also use the iPhone app to organize your photos with a tool that the brand calls "Automagic": Simply choose the images you want and select a theme. The goal of Automagic is to help arrange your camera roll so your photos are in order when it comes time to add them to your photo book.

If you're not sure where to start, our pros love Printique because it's super easy to use. You can select one of the many predesigned layouts or create an entire photo book from scratch. Choose among portrait, landscape and square orientations, as well as hardcover and softcover options. You can even store your memories in a genuine leather or vegan leather book or pick from five different fabric colors. Although you can't choose the color for a hard- or softcover photo book, you can still customize the shape, size and paper type.

Looking for something more advanced? There'sa tool for professional photographers to design and create their own photo books. But if you want to keep things simple, consider starting with one of Printique's 4" x 4" Mini Softcover photo books , which have a maximum of 40 pages and come in three sizes.

Is Amazon Photos already your preferred destination for uploading photos? Then creating a photo book through its interface is an easy solution. Similar to other photo book makers, you can create by occasion and size, or choose its 8" x 8" Premium Photo Book for a versatile option that has a laminated cover and lay-flat binding. There's also an option with standard binding at a lower cost, and all Amazon Prime members get free shipping . (Everyone else is eligible for free shipping with a minimum order of $15.)

In addition to photo books, you can shop large prints, calendars, cards and metal tabletops. There are fewer size and style options than most services when it comes to photo books, but the other photo product choices make up for the lack of available styles. After all, sometimes it's easier and quicker to have fewer options to choose from if you need to pull something together by a certain date, like a last-minute gift for your boyfriend .

RELATED: 37 Best Personalized Gifts You Can Find on Amazon

With Pinhole Press, you can choose from various photo book styles ranging from board pages to softcovers to accordion-style setups. Upload your photos and let the system do the work, or manually place the photos into the layout yourself. Rothman says her kids love the Custom Board Books , which have themes such as " Count With Me ," " Healthy Habits " and " I Can Be Anything ." These photo books aren't just visually stimulating, but they can also educate and entertain kids for years to come .

"I got my daughter the ' My First Photo Book ' as a toddler and made it all about her — like pictures with family, doing things she likes, her favorite toys, at the playground and beach, etc. — and she still is obsessed with it," says Lexie Sachs , executive director of strategy and operations at the Good Housekeeping Institute.

Rothman also notes the custom Photo Puzzle is a fun option for kids, and the Itty Bitty Books are easy to tote around in a work bag for on-hand entertainment. There's less variety in some categories, including Itty Bitty and hardcover books, but with so many additional photo categories other companies lack, there are still plenty of great options for kids.

RELATED: 12 Best Personalized Books for Kids

If you store your snaps in Google Photos, then Google's very own photo book maker might be the most convenient option for you. Even though there are no fancy designs, the process is seamless. Choose from two options: a 7" x 7" softcover photo book or a 9" x 9" hardcover photo book. You can include between 20 and 140 pages, and you have the option to add a spine title if you hit more than 48 pages for a softcover or any number of pages for a hardcover.

Another hallmark of Google Photos is that you can make one photo book and order multiple copies to give to family members and friends who are also pictured in the photos. Since they come at an affordable price point, you could give everyone on your gift list a copy, whether you decide to create a collection of candid photos for your closest friends or a tangible memento of a fun family trip. Though there may not be as many designs and styles to choose from, that can make the customization process less daunting.

RELATED: 50 Trendy and Most Popular Gifts of 2023

Chatbooks Custom Photo Books & Albums

"Set and forget it," Rothman says about the ease of using Chatbooks, which markets itself as "ridiculously easy." You can upload images from Instagram, Flickr, Dropbox, Facebook or your computer and edit them on your desktop or via the app . The service's Custom Photo Books & Albums option is great for families looking to personalize a family vacation , as you can choose colors, layouts, cover styles, collages, captions and more. Peruse its vast collection of more than 300 unique book covers, or shop the premium lay-flat and special occasion photo books.

You can also have fun with the Instagram and Facebook series — a 6" x 6" or 8" x 8" book with 60 pages — that lets you store your favorite social media posts in a tangible place to look back on for years to come.

Unique to Chatbooks is its subscription service, which allows you to receive a softcover, hardcover or mini photo book each month. If you and your family love taking photographs of walks in the park, weekend road trips or vacations, this service is ideal for getting your photos in your hands ASAP. One thing to note about the subscription option is that there are only two sizes available (5" x 7" and the monthly mini).

How we choose the best photo book makers

At the Good Housekeeping Institute , our pros in the Media & Tech Lab have been testing photo book makers for more than a decade . For this article, we referenced a robust test of photo book makers completed in 2009, examined updates to apps and ordered new products to test in 2023.

When choosing the best photo book makers, our Lab experts consider ease of use, performance and appearance . That means our pros take an in-depth look at a wide range of features, such as how easy it is to navigate the interface and add photos and text to the book; upload and delivery time; the number of styles, covers and templates offered; and the photo, paper and binding quality.

What to look for when shopping for the best custom photo book maker

Keep the following features in mind when choosing the right photo book maker website for your needs:

✔️ Size: Whether you're looking for a small photo book for kids or a much larger album to house snapshots from a long family vacation, there are regular, large and miniature photo book sizes available. It's best to think about how many photos you want to include and where you plan to store the album (i.e., will the book be too tall for your bookshelf or just right on top of your coffee table?).

✔️ Shape: Most photo books are rectangular or square in shape, but some companies also offer photo puzzles, calendars and tabletops to choose from too. The shape is really about aesthetic preference and the orientation you prefer for your photos.

✔️ Page count: Are you compiling 20 photos from your daughter's first-birthday party? Or are you putting together an anniversary album of pictures of you and your partner throughout the years? The number of pages determines the number of photos you can include in an album, so you have enough space to include everything.

✔️ Paper quality: This is probably a no-brainer, as the quality of material your photos are printed on is as important as the quality of the photos themselves. Although companies with higher-quality paper, like Artifact Uprising , may have a higher price tag, the extra money goes toward paper that won't lead to photos bleeding into the crease. But there are still services that are affordable and offer good-quality products, like our best value pick, Walmart Photo .

✔️ Binding quality: Some companies, like Google Photos , will add a binding to your photo album. This feature is especially important when considering the durability and longevity of your photo album. Whether it's a softcover, hardcover or lay-flat book, make sure the binding can withstand accidental drops and the wear and tear of passing the family album around at holiday parties.

✔️ Templates: If your photo album will have a certain theme or be centered around a specific occasion — or it's your first time using a photo book maker — choosing a service that has a variety of templates to choose from will let your creativity flow and also help you warm up to the design process.

✔️ Editing capabilities: When looking at beginner-level or more advanced designer tools, consider how robust or simple they are to use. Having lots of control over the interface is fun, but if you're looking for a more straightforward experience, opt for a service that does the majority of the decision-making for you or offers designer help, like Shutterfly .

What is the easiest way to make a custom photo book?

" It really depends upon the service and your preference ," Rothman says. Although some online custom photo book makers also have an app, it can have limited functionality, be buggy or not as easy to use as the desktop equivalent. "Often, an app makes it super simple to upload pictures from your phone (a major plus!) but doesn't allow as much flexibility for product assortment or editing once you've selected." That said, designing a photo book on your smartphone or tablet versus a desktop may come down to how many edits you intend to make .

"If you plan to do a lot of editing, the non-app version on a larger screen would likely be your best choice. If you want to quickly make a book with limited changes, an app on your mobile device may be the way to go," Rothman explains.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

Elizabeth Berry is the updates editor at the Good Housekeeping Institute , where she ensures product reviews reflect accurate information. Prior to this role, she was an editorial assistant at Woman's Day , where she covered everything from gift guides to recipes.

To update this article, Elizabeth collaborated with former Good Housekeeping Institute Chief Technologist & Executive Technical Director Rachel Rothman to gather testing notes regarding current picks. Rachel, who has tested several of the best photo book makers on this list, has more than 15 years of experience evaluating thousands of products, including toys and cars for Good Housekeeping’s annual Best Toy Awards and Best New Family Cars programs.

Amina Lake Abdelrahman is a product review writer and editor who worked as an editorial assistant at the Good Housekeeping Institute from 2018 to 2020, writing original content based on GH Institute Lab experts' product testing and analysis.

Amina is a product review writer and editor who worked as an editorial assistant in the Good Housekeeping Institute from 2018 to 2020, writing original content based on GH Lab experts' product testing and analysis. Amina graduated from Montclair State University with a B.A. in communication studies and journalism.

Elizabeth Berry (she/her) is the Updates Editor at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she optimizes lifestyle content across verticals. Prior to this role, she was an Editorial Assistant for Woman’s Day where she covered everything from gift guides to recipes. She also has experience fact checking commerce articles and holds a B.A. in English and Italian Studies from Connecticut College.

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Best Cars of the Year: 10 Top Picks of 2024

The cars, SUVs, and trucks that shine brightest in CR's tests

New-car shoppers in 2024 have more than 260 models to choose from . To help you find the right one for you, Consumer Reports selects 10 Top Picks each year, based on road-test performance, predicted reliability, owner satisfaction, and safety. (All Top Picks come standard with automatic emergency braking that works both at low speeds with pedestrian detection and at highway speeds.)

"We picked the best models in a variety of price points and categories to provide smart choices for car shoppers," says Jake Fisher, senior director of Consumer Reports’ Auto Test Center . (See how the car brands rank by their Overall Score .)

This year’s pantheon of automotive excellence includes four hybrids, three plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), and one electric vehicle, confirming that models with fully or partly electrified powertrains can best their gas-only rivals.

Subaru and Toyota made strong showings again this year, with two and four models, respectively. These two brands consistently offer smartly engineered models with simple controls, comfortable cabins, and the infotainment and advanced safety features that matter most.

History and extensive survey analysis show that the reliability of most models improves over the time they’re in production, with the last year of each generation typically being the most trouble-free, which adds to the appeal of the 2024 Subaru Forester and Toyota Camry . (Both will be redesigned for 2025. See the next-generation Forester and Camry .)

These Subaru and Toyota models, and the Ford Maverick Hybrid , are the only vehicles that were also Top Picks last year . The Tesla Model Y makes its debut on the list (the Model 3 was on it last year), aided by improved reliability. Making its second showing, the BMW X5 takes the top spot for luxury vehicles.

Read on to see which cars, SUVs, and trucks earn our highest honor for 2024.

See the vehicles that made CR’s Top Picks in 2023 ,  2022 ,  2021 ,  2020 ,  2019 ,  2018 ,  2017 ,  2016 ,  2015 ,  2014 ,  2013 , and  2012 . And see which car brands make the best vehicles .

Subaru Crosstrek

Photo: Subaru Crosstrek Photo: Subaru Crosstrek

Subcompact SUV Redesigned for 2024, the Crosstrek made evolutionary advancements with engine and transmission refinements, a more modern infotainment system, an optional power seat, and an improved EyeSight suite of active safety features that all heighten its appeal. At 29 mpg overall, the Crosstrek boasts the best fuel economy for a non-hybrid SUV with all-wheel drive, but admittedly, the base 2.0-liter engine is a bit weak. The uplevel 2.5-liter engine is quicker, quieter, and more satisfying. Adding to the experience is the Crosstrek’s excellent ride quality and good everyday handling. It’s easy to enter and the cabin is roomy, with supportive seats and good outward visibility. This versatile vehicle is as well suited to urban errands as it is to weekend adventures.

Toyota Prius & Prius Prime

Photo: Toyota Photo: Toyota

Hybrid/PHEV Car The latest Prius was treated to a glow-up, bringing much sportier styling and 75 more hp than its predecessor had. The result is a sensible car that’s as efficient as it was before while going from 0 to 60 mph a significant 2.6 seconds more quickly, even with the addition of all-wheel drive. Plus, it’s cooler-looking and more engaging to drive after the makeover, though some comfort elements, such as space and ride, aren’t equal to the previous incarnation’s, and it’s much more difficult to see out of. The Prius Prime plug-in hybrid provides 39 electric-only miles, ideal for most daily chores. Once the battery is depleted, the Prime returns 43 mpg overall. Having two powertrain choices with this unique—and striking—car doubles its appeal.

Subaru Forester

Photo: Subaru Photo: Subaru

Compact SUV In its last year before a redesign, the Forester still stands tall, making its 11th appearance as a Top Pick. The winning formula includes a boxy design that maximizes interior space and grants unrivaled visibility. Access is a cinch, thanks to large doors and an elevated ride height. The seats are comfortable, room is generous, and the squared-off cargo space is copious. The Forester is among the best-riding models in its class, and its handling is responsive and secure. This is a well-rounded small SUV that delivers, making it easy to recommend year after year.

Photo: Mazda Photo: Mazda

Small Car Mazda proves that small, low-priced cars don’t need to be boring. In fact, the Mazda3 sedan and hatchback are highly entertaining to drive, with nimble handling and smooth powertrains. The base engine is the cost-effective choice, yet it packs 191 hp—more than most rivals—and there’s a feisty 227-hp turbofour for drivers seeking more verve. The overall feel, especially on higher trims, is more premium than the price suggests, making the Mazda3 seem a half-class above its mainstream competitors. It offers all-wheel drive with either engine, and BSW and RCTW are standard for 2024. We just wish the controls were less distracting.

Toyota Camry Hybrid

Midsized Car The Camry Hybrid delivers amazing fuel economy in a comfortable package, yet it’s priced like some smaller cars that are also less efficient. It stands out for its unique and satisfying combination of virtues, as reflected in its sky-high 94-point road-test score. But it’s the stellar reliability and efficiency that are the main draws. The Camry Hybrid returned 47 mpg overall in our fuel-economy tests with 53 mpg on our highway test, making it highly cost-effective for commuting, and—with a 610-mile range per tank—road-tripping. This fuel-saving feat is performed with a 208-hp hybrid powertrain that’s smoother, quieter, more responsive, and a hint quicker than the base four-cylinder.

Ford Maverick & Maverick Hybrid

Photo: Ford Photo: Ford

Small Pickup The Maverick ’s civilized ride, maneuverability, simple step-in access, fuel economy, and low price distinguish it among trucks. The crew cab interior is roomy and practical, with good legroom and headroom in front and back for such a small vehicle. The controls are easy to use, and convenient spots for storage are placed throughout. The 191-hp hybrid stands out for its terrific fuel efficiency and added refinement. The Maverick is a high-value offering that puts the “fun” in functional.

Toyota RAV4 Prime

Plug-In Hybrid SUV The immensely popular RAV4 is available with a regular four-cylinder engine and an efficient hybrid powertrain, but the RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid takes efficiency to even greater heights. It boasts 302 hp, enabling the small SUV to scoot from 0 to 60 mph in a scant 6.3 seconds—2 seconds quicker than the gas-only version. An unusually long 42-mile electric-only range means owners can minimize their use of the gasoline engine. When the battery is depleted, the RAV4 Prime still delivers 34 mpg overall, slightly less than the 37 mpg of the hybrid version. Frisky and frugal, the Prime also rides better and is quieter than the other versions, making it a more premium experience all-around.

Toyota Highlander Hybrid

Midsized SUV The Highlander is a comfortable midsized SUV, with a compliant ride, accommodating seats, thoughtful cabin conveniences, abundant active safety features, and commendable predicted reliability. But it excels at fuel efficiency, with its 243-hp hybrid powertrain. No other three-row SUV achieves 30 mpg overall in our tests, yet the Highlander Hybrid knocks it out of the park with 35 mpg—and all-wheel drive. On the highway, it gets 41 mpg. With a full tank, it has 590 miles of range. The hybrid adds about $1,500 to the gas-only version, with a quick payoff in fuel savings.

BMW X5 & X5 PHEV

Photo: BMW Photo: BMW

Luxury SUV Traveling in the X5 is a luxury experience. Its whisper-quiet cabin is lavished with leather and wood, finished with cushioned surfaces, and fitted with coddling front seats. The balanced suspension provides a supple ride and composed handling that holds its own on curvy roads. The turbo-six delivers quick acceleration, but the plug-in hybrid version is the real ace. It also uses a turbo inline-six, but it’s teamed with an integrated electric motor and a large enough battery for robust electric propulsion. Exquisite in almost every detail, the X5 sets a high standard.

Tesla Model Y

Photo: Tesla Photo: Tesla

Electric Vehicle The Model Y tops the electric car platform shared with the Model 3; its SUV-like body provides more passenger and cargo space than the sedan does. It makes going electric easy, thanks to its appealing midsized packaging, long driving range, and robust Supercharger compatibility, allowing rapid recharging across a vast charging network. The Model Y is stunningly quick in Long Range and Performance trims, going from 0 to 60 mph in under 5 seconds. Plus, it handles like a sports car, with responsive steering and minimal body roll in turns. Features are added and enhanced through over-the-air upgrades, so this already good car can get even better over time.

Talking Cars on Top Picks

Which 2024 top pick would you be most likely to buy.

Editor’s Note: This article also appeared in the April 2024 issue of Consumer Reports magazine .

Jeff S. Bartlett

Jeff S. Bartlett is the managing editor for the autos team at Consumer Reports. He has been with CR since 2005. Previously, Jeff served as the online editorial director of Motor Trend for 11 years. Throughout his career, Jeff has driven thousands of cars, many on racetracks around the globe. Follow him on Twitter @JeffSBartlett .

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More From Forbes

The 10 best hotels in the world, according to tripadvisor travelers’ choice awards.

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Winner of the number one hotel in the world is Hotel Colline de France located in the mountains of ... [+] Brazil.

Travelers from around the world have decided on their favorite hotels for 2024, and Tripadvisor has unveiled the final results of winners for its annual Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Hotels Awards . The awards celebrate this year’s highest-rated hotels based on Tripadvisor reviews.

Deep in the heart of Brazil is the number one hotel, Hotel Colline de France . This French-inspired, 34-suite boutique hotel is located in the mountain town of Gramado. The property has the most 5-star reviews of any other listing on the site. Many travelers note the service and attention “I was greeted with warm smiles and impeccable service,” says one 5-star reviewer, another says, “This is a fairy tale not a hotel. Elegant, charming and everything is close to perfection.”

The Shore Hotel is the No. 1 hotel in the United States. The eco-friendly boutique property is located in Santa Monica, Calif., and offers stunning ocean views. Guests love the contemporary property and the personal attention from the staff. Reviewers are enthusiastic about the property saying, “By far the best service we have had at a hotel,” and “The staff pampered us and made sure every minute of our stay was handled with care.”

Shore Hotel in Santa Monica, Cailfornia ranks as the number one hotel in the United States

While travelers are often very opinionated on their favorite properties, it is essential to note that most of the winning hotels this year highlight enhanced customer service and staff that go out of their way to impress their guests. The range of properties is extensive, with Vietnam, Maldives, and Mexico leading the pack with two properties each. In the U.S., New York City and San Antonio, Texas, have the most star-reviewed hotels. Some hotels are all-inclusive and family-friendly, while others are purely for adults-only.

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“According to our Tripadvisor reviewers – each of the world’s best hotels caters to the traveler looking for accessible luxury and unique, tailored experiences,” said Dan Mitchell, Vice President & General Manager of Hotels, Tripadvisor.

Hotel Colline de France in Brazil

Here are the Best of the Best Hotels in the World for 2024 as selected by Tripadvisor readers.

1. Hotel Colline de France - Gramado, Brazil

Winner for three years in a row, this 34-suite property is a European Castle full of charm, elegance, personality, and top-notch service in a very unlikely location. With its sophistication worthy of royalty, you will feel like you are in the French Empire at this property.

Oblu Select Lobigili in the Maldives

2. OBLU SELECT Lobigili - Malé, Maldives

Located just a few minutes from Malé International Airport, Lobigili is an adults-only contemporary resort. Positioned along a turquoise lagoon, it has 68 specially designed villas, including overwater and pool villas.

La Siesta Hoi An Resort & Spa in Vietnam

3. La Siesta Hoi An Resort & Spa - Hoi An, Vietnam

Surrounded by green rice fields and small villages adjoining the Thu Bon River, the resort offers a wide selection of guestrooms, suites, and duplexes across three wings—a classical hotel style and two wings of townhouse villas with verandas, terraces, and balconies. Three wings come with four pools – one for children, a freshwater pool, a saltwater one, plus an infinity pool ‘merging’ with the rice fields

Adiwana Suweta in Bali

4. Adiwana Suweta - Bali, Indonesia

Located in a quiet haven in Ubud, the property offers spacious suites and private pool villas facing the lush green jungle. This 36-room modern property is a tranquil escape from city life, located near the heart of the city, near the famous Ubud Palace.

IBEROSTAR Grand Hotel Packard in Havana, Cuba

5. Iberostar Grand Packard - La Habana, Cuba

This 5-star hotel is located on the famed Paseo del Prado, next to iconic buildings like the Velasco Palace and the National Capitol. The 321-room modern hotel offers three floors inspired by 1950s cars, while a large infinity pool dominates the skyline.

Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa

6. Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa - Fasmendhoo Island, Maldives

Located on the Raa Atoll, in the northern part of the Maldives archipelago, this DAll-Inclusive Resort is surrounded by soft white sand on a private island. It features 120 villas, 60 located on the island and 60 directly on the sea.

Rooftop Moonlight Sky Bar at La Siesta Classic May May

7. La Siesta Classic Ma May - Hanoi, Vietnam

This property is located in the heart of the Old Quarter near Hoan Kiem Lake and has 75 unique guest rooms and suites. The popular Moonlight Sky Bar on the rooftop offers dramatic views of the bustling city.

Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya

8. Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya - Akumal, Mexico

This popular adults-only resort is located in the heart of the Riviera Maya along the famed white-sand Akumal beach. There are 434 suites, many with ocean views and a private plunge pool.

Padma Resort Ubud in Bali

9. Padma Resort Ubud - Bali, Indonesia

This 149-room resort is a dramatic luxury destination located north of Ubud. It overlooks a raw river valley and the forests of Payangan. The property offers stunning views from every room or suite, a first-class spa, and a stunning infinity swimming pool.

Opera Suite at the Sofitel Mexico City Reforma

10. Sofitel Mexico City Reforma - Mexico City, Mexico

Located on the historic Reforma Avenue, this French-inspired property offers dramatic views of the capital. It has 275 guest rooms, 56 of which are luxury modern suites. The property also offers five bars and restaurants, the stunning 38th-floor Cityzen restaurant, and a 40th-floor ballroom.

The 10 best hotels in the United States selected by Tripadvisor readers range from boutiques to super luxury offerings.

1. Shore Hotel - Santa Monica, Calif.

2. Luma Hotel Times Square - New York City, N.Y.

3. FivePine Lodge & Spa - Sisters, Ore.

4. The Bryant Park Hotel - New York City, N.Y.

Hotel Emma in San Antonio, Texas is winner of the Best Luxury Hotel in the US

5. Hotel Emma - San Antonio, Texas (Also the winner of Best Luxury Hotel)

6. The Loutrel - Charleston, S.C.

7. Lotte Hotel Seattle - Seattle, Wash.

8. Four Seasons Hotel Chicago - Chicago, IL

9. Ironworks Hotel Indy - Indianapolis, Ind.

10. San Antonio Marriott Rivercenter on the Riverwalk - San Antonio, Texas

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Album review

On ‘The Tortured Poets Department,’ Taylor Swift Could Use an Editor

Over 16 songs (and a second LP), the pop superstar litigates her recent romances. But the themes, and familiar sonic backdrops, generate diminishing returns.

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By Lindsay Zoladz

If there has been a common thread — an invisible string, if you will — connecting the last few years of Taylor Swift’s output, it has been abundance.

Nearly 20 years into her career, Swift, 34, is more popular and prolific than ever, sating her ravenous fan base and expanding her cultural domination with a near-constant stream of music — five new albums plus four rerecorded ones since 2019 alone. Her last LP, “Midnights” from 2022, rolled out in multiple editions, each with its own extra songs and collectible covers. Her record-breaking Eras Tour is a three-and-a-half-hour marathon featuring 40-plus songs, including the revised 10-minute version of her lost-innocence ballad “All Too Well.” In this imperial era of her long reign, Swift has operated under the guiding principle that more is more.

What Swift reveals on her sprawling and often self-indulgent 11th LP, “The Tortured Poets Department,” is that this stretch of productivity and commercial success was also a tumultuous time for her, emotionally. “I can read your mind: ‘She’s having the time of her life,’” Swift sings on “I Can Do It With a Broken Heart,” a percolating track that evokes the glitter and adoration of the Eras Tour but admits, “All the pieces of me shattered as the crowd was chanting ‘more.’” And yet, that’s exactly what she continues to provide, announcing two hours after the release of “Poets” that — surprise! — there was a second “volume” of the album, “The Anthology,” featuring 15 additional, though largely superfluous, tracks.

Gone are the character studies and fictionalized narratives of Swift’s 2020 folk-pop albums “Folklore” and “Evermore.” The feverish “Tortured Poets Department” is a full-throated return to her specialty: autobiographical and sometimes spiteful tales of heartbreak, full of detailed, referential lyrics that her fans will delight in decoding.

Swift doesn’t name names, but she drops plenty of boldfaced clues about exiting a long-term cross-cultural relationship that has grown cold (the wrenching “So Long, London”), briefly taking up with a tattooed bad boy who raises the hackles of the more judgmental people in her life (the wild-eyed “But Daddy I Love Him”) and starting fresh with someone who makes her sing in — ahem — football metaphors (the weightless “The Alchemy”). The subject of the most headline-grabbing track on “The Anthology,” a fellow member of the Tortured Billionaires Club whom Swift reimagines as a high school bully, is right there in the title’s odd capitalization: “thanK you aIMee.”

At times, the album is a return to form. Its first two songs are potent reminders of how viscerally Swift can summon the flushed delirium of a doomed romance. The opener, “Fortnight,” a pulsing, synth-frosted duet with Post Malone, is chilly and controlled until lines like “I love you, it’s ruining my life” inspire the song to thaw and glow. Even better is the chatty, radiant title track , on which Swift’s voice glides across smooth keyboard arpeggios, self-deprecatingly comparing herself and her lover to more daring poets before concluding, “This ain’t the Chelsea Hotel, we’re modern idiots.” Many Swift songs get lost in dense thickets of their own vocabulary, but here the goofy particularity of the lyrics — chocolate bars, first-name nods to friends, a reference to the pop songwriter Charlie Puth ?! — is strangely humanizing.

Taylor Swift’s New Album Reviewed

For all its sprawl, though, “The Tortured Poets Department” is a curiously insular album, often cradled in the familiar, amniotic throb of Jack Antonoff’s production. ( Aaron Dessner of the National, who lends a more muted and organic sensibility to Swift’s sound, produced and helped write five tracks on the first album, and the majority of “The Anthology.”) Antonoff and Swift have been working together since he contributed to her blockbuster album “1989” from 2014, and he has become her most consistent collaborator. There is a sonic uniformity to much of “The Tortured Poets Department,” however — gauzy backdrops, gently thumping synths, drum machine rhythms that lock Swift into a clipped, chirping staccato — that suggests their partnership has become too comfortable and risks growing stale.

As the album goes on, Swift’s lyricism starts to feel unrestrained, imprecise and unnecessarily verbose. Breathless lines overflow and lead their melodies down circuitous paths. As they did on “Midnights,” internal rhymes multiply like recitations of dictionary pages: “Camera flashes, welcome bashes, get the matches, toss the ashes off the ledge,” she intones in a bouncy cadence on “Fresh Out the Slammer,” one of several songs that lean too heavily on rote prison metaphors. Narcotic imagery is another inspiration for some of Swift’s most trite and head-scratching writing: “Florida,” apparently, “is one hell of a drug.” If you say so!

That song , though, is one of the album’s best — a thunderous collaboration with the pop sorceress Florence Welch, who blows in like a gust of fresh air and allows Swift to harness a more theatrical and dynamic aesthetic. “Guilty as Sin?,” another lovely entry, is the rare Antonoff production that frames Swift’s voice not in rigid electronics but in a ’90s soft-rock atmosphere. On these tracks in particular, crisp Swiftian images emerge: an imagined lover’s “messy top-lip kiss,” 30-something friends who “all smell like weed or little babies.”

It would not be a Swift album without an overheated and disproportionately scaled revenge song, and there is a doozy here called “Who’s Afraid of Little Old Me?,” which bristles with indignation over a grand, booming palette. Given the enormous cultural power that Swift wields, and the fact that she has played dexterously with humor and irony elsewhere in her catalog, it’s surprising she doesn’t deliver this one with a (needed) wink.

Plenty of great artists are driven by feelings of being underestimated, and have had to find new targets for their ire once they become too successful to convincingly claim underdog status. Beyoncé, who has reached a similar moment in her career, has opted to look outward. On her recently released “Cowboy Carter,” she takes aim at the racist traditionalists lingering in the music industry and the idea of genre as a means of confinement or limitation.

Swift’s new project remains fixed on her internal world. The villains of “The Tortured Poets Department” are a few less famous exes and, on the unexpectedly venomous “But Daddy I Love Him,” the “wine moms” and “Sarahs and Hannahs in their Sunday best” who cluck their tongues at our narrator’s dating decisions. (Some might speculate that these are actually shots at her own fans.) “The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived” is probably the most satisfyingly vicious breakup song Swift has written since “All Too Well,” but it is predicated on a power imbalance that goes unquestioned. Is a clash between the smallest man and the biggest woman in the world a fair fight?

That’s a knotty question Swift might have been more keen to untangle on “Midnights,” an uneven LP that nonetheless found Swift asking deeper and more challenging questions about gender, power and adult womanhood than she does here. It is to the detriment of “The Tortured Poets Department” that a certain starry-eyed fascination with fairy tales has crept back into Swift’s lyricism. It is almost singularly focused on the salvation of romantic love; I tried to keep a tally of how many songs yearningly reference wedding rings and ran out of fingers. By the end, this perspective makes the album feel a bit hermetic, lacking the depth and taut structure of her best work.

Swift has been promoting this poetry-themed album with hand-typed lyrics, sponsored library installations and even an epilogue written in verse. A palpable love of language and a fascination with the ways words lock together in rhyme certainly courses through Swift’s writing. But poetry is not a marketing strategy or even an aesthetic — it’s a whole way of looking at the world and its language, turning them both upside down in search of new meanings and possibilities. It is also an art form in which, quite often and counter to the governing principle of Swift’s current empire, less is more.

Sylvia Plath once called poetry “a tyrannical discipline,” because the poet must “go so far and so fast in such a small space; you’ve got to burn away all the peripherals.” Great poets know how to condense, or at least how to edit. The sharpest moments of “The Tortured Poets Department” would be even more piercing in the absence of excess, but instead the clutter lingers, while Swift holds an unlit match.

Taylor Swift “The Tortured Poets Department” (Republic)

Inside the World of Taylor Swift

A Triumph at the Grammys: Taylor Swift made history  by winning her fourth album of the year at the 2024 edition of the awards, an event that saw women take many of the top awards .

‘The T ortured Poets Department’: Poets reacted to Swift’s new album name , weighing in on the pertinent question: What do the tortured poets think ?  

In the Public Eye: The budding romance between Swift and the football player Travis Kelce created a monocultural vortex that reached its apex  at the Super Bowl in Las Vegas. Ahead of kickoff, we revisited some key moments in their relationship .

Politics (Taylor’s Version): After months of anticipation, Swift made her first foray into the 2024 election for Super Tuesday with a bipartisan message on Instagram . The singer, who some believe has enough influence  to affect the result of the election , has yet to endorse a presidential candidate.

Conspiracy Theories: In recent months, conspiracy theories about Swift and her relationship with Kelce have proliferated , largely driven by supporters of former President Donald Trump . The pop star's fans are shaking them off .