Every year, the Consumer Report releases a list of the most desirable vehicles. This year’s list of the top 10 cars to buy in 2024 includes 70% of Japanese cars, 2 American models, and only 1 representative from Germany. In terms of engine configuration, there are 4 hybrid cars and 3 plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models.
According to the report, the best buy for 2024 is the Subaru Crosstrek. The Japanese crossover model has been refined in terms of engine and transmission on this year’s version. It also comes with a higher-end infotainment system, optional multi-directional electric seats, and an updated EyeSight active safety technology package.
The Subaru Crosstrek has a fuel consumption of around 8.1L/100km in mixed traffic. This makes it the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid SUV among its competitors. Between the two engine options, the 2.0L version is less powerful, while the 2.5L gasoline version offers quicker acceleration, a smoother ride, and a more comfortable driving experience.
The Subaru Crosstrek excels in terms of build quality, handling, spacious interior, wide field of vision, and meeting the everyday commuting and weekend outdoor needs of users. However, the Subaru Crosstrek is not available in the Vietnamese market.
Instead, its older sibling, the Forester, is a part of the list. Developed on the same platform as the Crosstrek, the Forester is slightly larger and belongs to the compact crossover segment. The Subaru Forester is the third model on the list of top 10 cars to buy in 2024 according to the Consumer Report.
The strengths of the Subaru Forester include its spacious cabin, solid and sharp handling, and comfortable ride for passengers. However, in Vietnam, the Forester’s sales performance is the opposite of its success in the US market. It consistently lags behind its peers in the compact SUV segment. Despite frequent discounts and promotions, the Forester’s sales have yet to improve.
In this year’s list, Consumer Report recognizes 4 models from Toyota. The first of which is the Toyota Prius / Prius Prime, the best buy for hybrid/PHEV cars in 2024. The Prius Prime PHEV version is capable of running purely on electricity for over 60 km, significantly improving the car’s fuel efficiency to 5.4L / 100km in mixed driving.
The latest update of the Toyota Prius features significant improvements in terms of its appearance: eye-catching, modern, and youthful, with hints of the luxurious Toyota Crown models. This hybrid car has also been upgraded with an additional 75 horsepower compared to its predecessor. One of the highlights of the Prius is its spacious interior and responsive handling. It is still considered one of the most fuel-efficient and reliable cars in the US market today.
Alongside the Prius, Toyota is also represented by the Camry hybrid. This D-segment sedan stands out thanks to its smooth and comfortable driving experience, as well as its durability and fuel efficiency. The hybrid version, equipped with a 208-horsepower engine, significantly improves its power, making the car more agile and responsive compared to the regular gasoline version, while consuming only 5.0L / 100km in mixed driving.
In the B-segment CUV-PHEV segment, Toyota once again makes the list with the RAV4 Prime. The plug-in hybrid configuration allows the car to reach a maximum power of 302 horsepower, easily outperforming its competitors with a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of just 6.3 seconds!
With an electric range of approximately 70 km, it is more than enough for daily commuting needs in urban areas. The car’s fuel consumption is also impressive, at only 6.3L / 100km. Thanks to its electric motor, the car operates quietly and smoothly, providing a high-end driving experience similar to luxury cars.
The last Japanese representative on the list is the Mazda 3, a C-segment sedan. The Mazda 3 stands out for its smooth and agile handling, versatile and convenient interior layout, and various convenient features.
In Vietnam, the Mazda 3 is the best-selling model in its segment, surpassing its competitors such as the Kia K3, Toyota Corolla Altis, and Honda Civic. The car is equipped with a 1.5L engine with 110 horsepower. This is relatively modest compared to the 191 horsepower of the 2.0L engine or the 227 horsepower of the 2.0L turbo engine in the international market.
In addition to the Japanese models, Consumer Report includes 2 American models in the list, with the notable Ford Maverick / Maverick Hybrid in the pickup truck segment. The car is easy to afford, offers a spacious interior, solid and agile handling, a well-designed and practical cabin, and most importantly, better fuel efficiency than its competitors.
In the US market, the Ford Maverick is equipped with a hybrid engine with a power of 191 horsepower. Meanwhile, Ford has been dominating the pickup truck segment in Vietnam with its Ford Ranger model. The car is equipped with a Bi-Turbo 2.0L diesel engine that delivers a power output of 210 horsepower, 500 Nm of torque, and features a modern and practical design with abundant convenience features in the cabin.
Besides Ford, Tesla is the other American manufacturer to make it into the top 10 list, with its Model 3 in the electric car segment. Thanks to its construction, the Model Y variant of the Model 3 offers ample seating and cargo space. Since it is an electric car, it is also easier to operate compared to gasoline-powered cars.
Tesla’s extensive Supercharger network and large battery capacity make driving a Tesla in the US much more convenient. The Long Range and Performance variants of the Model Y offer impressive power and acceleration, going from 0 to 100 km/h in under 5 seconds. The responsive steering wheel and solid chassis (thanks to the underfloor battery pack) provide a more engaging driving experience.
Tesla’s position in the US market is similar to VinFast’s position in Vietnam – the largest in terms of scale and benefiting greatly from its nationwide charging station network. The Vietnamese electric car manufacturer has also made progress in entering the US and European markets.
The car’s balanced suspension system brings a smooth and comfortable ride while also providing great stability on rough terrain. In the US market, the I6 engine configuration provides the BMW X5 with exceptional performance, while the PHEV version is a compelling choice for any driver seeking excitement. However, in Vietnam, BMW’s sales, in general, have been overshadowed by its German rival, Mercedes-Benz.
