Toyota Prius and RAV4 Prime Earn Spots On 10-Best List - Tesla Dropped

Each year, Consumer Reports scours its data to find the ten best vehicles for sale in America. This year, the Toyota RAV4 Prime and Prius Prime plug-in hybrid-electric vehicles (PHEVs) both earn a spot in their given price categories. The Prius and Prius Prime earn a spot in the “Hybrid” segment. The RAV4 Prime earns the top spot in the $35K to $45K Two-Row SUV segment. Each is a “Green Choice” and also a “Recommended” vehicle from Consumer Reports.

The Tesla Model 3 gets bumped off the 2022 Consumer Reports list, but it wasn’t the Toyota’s that gave it the boot. Rather, the Ford Mustang Mach-E rose to be number one in the $45K-Plus Electric Vehicle category. Feel free to write means things about Consumer Reports in the comments below if you wish. However, it is important to remember that the Model 3 remains a “Green Choice” and is still “Recommended” by Consumer Reports. The Tesla Model 3 has taken the top spot and been a 10-Best at Consumer Reports three years in a row prior to this year.

Consumer Reports says this of how it comes to rank the ten best vehicles each year: ”To be in this group, a vehicle must have an Overall Score among the highest in its category, factoring in road tests, predicted reliability, owner satis­faction, and safety. Top Picks also must come standard in all trims with forward collision warning (FCW) and automatic emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian detection—safety features we consider critical because they have proved to save lives.”

Commenting on the RAV4 Prime, Consumer Reports listed these accolades:
- The RAV4 Prime has a more premium feel than a regular RAV4.
- It can sprint to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds.
- It has an impressive 42 miles of electric-only range, meaning local errands and commutes can be accomplished without firing up the gas engine.

Among the many reasons that Consumer Reports like the Prius and Prius Prime, the consumer group lists:
- Prius Prime has a 25-mile electric-only range before switching to hybrid operation.
- It achieves a phenomenal 52 mpg overall in real-world tests.
- Shines for its consistent reliability and owner satisfaction.

If you wish to see the full list of vehicles that earn a spot on Consumer Reports’ 10-Best list you can subscribe or give this link a shot. The publication is member-only and subscription-based, but sometimes offers summary articles that all can see.

Comment below on your thoughts on the Toyota RAV4 Prime and Prus Prime’s award. If you wish to explain why the Tesla Model 3 was robbed, feel free, but please add the trim of the Mustang Mach-E you tested.

Image courtesy of Kate Silbaugh

John Goreham is a long-time New England Motor Press Association member and recovering engineer. John's interest in EVs goes back to 1990 when he designed the thermal control system for an EV battery as part of an academic team. After earning his mechanical engineering degree, John completed a marketing program at Northeastern University and worked with automotive component manufacturers, in the semiconductor industry, and in biotech. In addition to Torque News, John's work has appeared in print in dozens of American news outlets and he provides reviews to many vehicle shopping sites. You can follow John on TikTok @ToknCars, on Twitter, and view his credentials at Linkedin

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