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HONDA

CR-V
HYBRID

2,251
RATED
PRODUCTS


EXCLUSIVE
RATINGS AND
BUYING ADVICE
· Dishwashers
· Gas Grills
· Laptop Computers

BEST AND
· Lawn Mowers
· Printers
· Ranges
· Refrigerators
· Smartphones
· Tablets
WORST
· ·
Cars TVs Refrigerators

Buying Guide 2021


· Tires
· TVs · ·
Laptops Vacuums Gas Grills
· Vacuum Cleaners
· Washing Machines ·
Ranges Washing Machines
And More!
· AND MORE!

REVIEWS
OF 2021:
Cars, Minivans,
Pickups, SUVs

Consumer Reports is an
independent, nonprofit
organization that works
side by side with consumers
to create a safe, fair, and
transparent marketplace.

CONSUMER REPORTS CR.ORG E1


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BG21DS
Buying

CONTENTS
ELECTRONICS

84 Computers,
Desktop
86 Computers,
Laptop
93 Digital Cameras
102 Fitness Trackers
104 Headphones

P. 133 P. 62 111 Printers, All-in-One


117 Printers, Regular
121 Smartphones
P. 212 P. 48
124 Smart Speakers
126 Smartwatches
128 Streaming Media
130 Tablets
133 TVs
141 Wireless Speakers

AUTOS

146 Highs and Lows


of the 2021 Models
168 Rating the
3 Buying Advice 30 Generators 2021 Models
at Your Fingertips 33 Lawn Mowers 183 Used Cars: The Most
4 Ratings, Reliability & 36 Lawn Tractors Reliable Models and
Owner Satisfaction the Ones to Avoid
38 Mattresses
6 Comparing 192 Detailed Used-Car
Retailers 45 Microwaves
Reliability
48 Ranges
212 Tire Ratings
HOME 54 Refrigerators
12 Air Purifiers 62 Snow Blowers
14 Clothes Dryers 65 Vacuums
19 Cooktops 73 Wall Ovens
23 Dishwashers 76 Washing Machines
26 Gas Grills 82 Washer/Dryer Pairs

2 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2021


Buying
Advice
at Your Fingertips

The Consumer Reports Buying Guide for 2021 is your handy one-stop source
for making informed, money-saving purchases. Consult it before you shop,
then take it to the store or keep it beside your computer to help you compare
brands. Here’s how to make the best use of this guide:

Packed with highlights from our Electronics and Autos. Here you’ll find
exclusive buying advice and ratings exclusive ratings based on our tough
for more than 2,000 product models, in-house tests, and, for many products,
this little book will be an invaluable brand predicted reliability and owner
shopping tool for squeezing the most satisfaction estimates from our surveys
value from every dollar you spend. of hundreds of thousands of CR
Preceding each ratings chart, you’ll members about breakages and prob-
find a Quick Guide with buying advice lems they’ve had with vari­­ous brands.
for that product. You can access our In the market for a car? The Autos
full buying advice by using the website section, starting on page 145, has all
address provided with each category. the information you need to make the
But before you delve into the best right decision on a new or used model.
stuff to buy, be sure to read about the If you’re buying new, start with a look
best places to find it—whether online at the Highs and Lows of the 2021
or at a walk-in store—in the Comparing vehicles, check out the Standout Models
Retailers section, starting on page 6. in each category, and then move on
Our surveys of thousands of Consumer to the full ratings. Used car buyers will
Reports members provide invaluable find our experts’ picks for Best and
insight into buying trends, plus the Worst models, plus detailed reliability
service, selection, and prices offered reports. We’ve even got ratings for
by dozens of re­tailers of appliances more than 100 tire models.
and electronics products. In today’s crowded marketplace, this
After you’ve honed your shopping guide can help cut through the endless
savvy, turn to the Product Ratings options, helping you choose the best,
section, starting on page 11, for guid­ safest products—and save money doing
ance from CR’s experts on 34 product it. So keep it with you whenever you
categories, in three sections: Home, shop, and buy with confidence.

3
Ratings, Reliability &
Owner Satisfaction

The Quick Guides, product ratings, and brand reliability and owner
satisfaction information that follow are designed to help you zero in on
the model you want to buy. See the buying advice highlights in the
Quick Guides to help you decide what you want from a product. Then
go to the ratings charts to get the details on performance.

For some product categories you’ll Calculating the Overall Score


find full rat­ings that include every Consumer Reports evaluates a variety
currently avail­able model we tested. of factors for every product we test—
For others, the ratings charts show performance, predicted reliability, and
a selection of models, including those owner satisfaction. We then incorporate
recommended for most people and data from all those assessments into
models designated as CR Best Buys. one Overall Score.
To develop our ratings, we put all The result is a single integrated rating
models within a category through weeks that makes it easy for you to make a
of testing, side by side, so that test results well-informed decision. By combining the
can be compared. We rank products results of performance tests in our labs
by performance. with the data we collect through surveys
Consumer Reports checked that the of CR members, our Overall Score gives
products rated in this Buying Guide a holistic picture of product quality.
were still available at press time. But One result of this is that models from
depend­ing on how long after publica- brands with high reliability ratings
tion you use this book, you might find might cluster at the top of the ratings
a rating for a product that’s no longer while brands with poor reliability are
available. Or you might not find a rating penalized. We believe that’s a good
for a model that’s available because it thing because it more closely reflects
hadn’t been tested as of publication. your experience with a product.

4 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2021


SURVEY RESULTS service contract) will indicated by a gray dash
IN THE CHARTS break or experience (−), we assume the model
■ Predicted reliability. problems. Products has average reliability.
Through our surveys, from brands that rate ■ Owner satisfaction.

tens of thousands of Fair or Poor for relia- The same surveys provide
CR members who bility can’t earn data for this assessment,
purchased appliances recommended status which asks CR members
and electronics in the from CR, regardless how likely they’d be to
past several years tell us of performance or recommend the products
about their product satisfaction, because they purchased. Here,
experiences. Then we consumers also expect too, a gray dash means
crunch the data to their products to insufficient data, and
estimate the likelihood last. In cases where we the product receives
that newly purchased have insufficient the category average
models from a given survey data to provide by default.
brand (not under a a brand-level rating,

Ratings Key 1
0 POOR   $ CR BEST BUY
These models offer the best
Overall scores are 2 FAIR   combination of performance and
based on a scale price. All are recommended.
3
0 GOOD
of 0 to 100. We ! RECOMMENDED
rate products using 4
0 VERY GOOD   These are high-performing
models that stand out.
these symbols: 5
0 EXCELLENT

5
Comparing
Retailers

Our product testers can tell you which refrigerator or computer delivers
the most value. But then you have to find the lowest price and the best
service. To help you find the best places to shop, we survey tens of thousands
of Consumer Reports members annually about their experiences buying
appliances and electronics in-store and online.

Appliances Electronics
Most purchases are still made in In our last surveys in 2017, consumers
brick-and-mortar stores but about four were quite happy with their shop-
out of five major and small appliance ping experience at electronic retailers,
shoppers use the internet to research and online shoppers tended to be
their product by doing things like significantly more satisfied in all
checking prices and reading reviews. aspects of the transaction experience
Over two-thirds of small and major compared with their in-store shopping
appliance shoppers visit a retailer’s counterparts. But more than half of
website before making a purchase at members in our ratings sample were
its store or website. still making their electronic purchases
In our 2019 Spring Survey, over at walk-in retailers.
48,000 CR members told us about
more than 72,000 major and small Research Can Yield a Good Price
appliance purchases they made between Doing online research for home
January of 2018 and June of 2018. This products, such as large and small
year we’re able to rate 23 major ap- appliances, electronics and autos is
pliance and 26 small appliance retail useful. Researching the product
chains (38 overall, as some chains online to determine the features they
are rated in both categories). We also did or didn’t need was the strategy
rate independent stores and manufac- used most often by members to help
turers’ websites as two separate groups find the best price.
in both appliance categories.

6 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2021


Appliance Retailers

RE TA IL ERS
In order of reader score, within types.

Provider Reader Survey Results

atmosphere
satisfaction

Price paid

Selection

usability

delivery
Website
In-store
Service
Overall

Home
score
MAJOR APPLIANCES

Abt 94 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
5
Nebraska Furniture Mart 92 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
3 0
4
Warners’ Stellian 92 0
3 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
5
R.C. Willey Home Furnishings 92 0
3 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
3 0
4
Costco 92 0
4 0
2 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
4
Independents 90 0
3 0
3 0
5 0
4 0
2 0
4
Ferguson 90 0
2 0
4 0
4 0
5 – 0
4
Spencer’s TV & Appliance 89 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
3 0
4
Amazon.com 89 0
3 0
4 – – 0
5 0
4
Famous Tate 89 0
3 0
4 0
5 0
4 – 0
4
Grand Appliance & TV 88 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
4 – 0
4
Albert Lee Appliance 88 0
3 0
4 0
5 0
4 – 0
4
Best Buy 87 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
3
Pacific Sales 87 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
4 – 0
4
P.C. Richard & Son 87 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
3
JCPenney 86 0
4 0
2 0
3 0
3 – 0
3
Lowe’s 86 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
3
ABC Warehouse 86 0
4 0
4 0
4 – – –
Menards 85 0
3 0
1 0
2 0
3 0
3 –
Sears 85 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
3
Home Depot 85 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
3
Sears Hometown Stores 84 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
2 0
3
Bray & Scarff 83 0
2 0
3 0
4 0
4 – 0
3
SMALL APPLIANCES

Sur La Table 95 0
3 0
3 0
5 0
5 0
4 –
Abt 93 0
4 0
5 0
5 – 0
5 –
Williams Sonoma 92 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
5 0
4 –
1 2 3 4 5
WORSE BET TER 7
Provider Reader Survey Results

atmosphere
satisfaction

Price paid

Selection

usability

delivery
Website
In-store
Service
Overall

Home
score
SMALL APPLIANCES Continued

Costco 92 0
4 0
1 0
2 0
4 0
3 –
QVC.com 92 0
4 0
2 0
4 – 0
4 –
Amazon.com 91 0
4 0
4 0
3 – 0
5 –
Bed Bath & Beyond 89 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
3 –
Kohl’s 89 0
4 0
2 0
2 0
3 0
3 –
Exchange 89 0
4 0
2 – – – –
Meijer 89 0
4 0
2 – 0
4 – –
Independents 89 0
3 0
2 0
4 0
4 0
3 –
Macy’s 89 0
3 0
3 0
2 0
3 0
3 –
Manufacturers’ websites 89 0
3 0
3 0
3 – 0
3 –
HSN 89 0
4 0
3 – – 0
4 –
Sam’s Club 89 0
4 0
1 0
1 0
3 0
3 –
Best Buy 88 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
3 –
BJ’s 88 0
3 0
1 0
1 0
2 0
2 –
Target 87 0
3 0
2 0
1 0
3 0
3 –
Canadian Tire 87 0
3 0
2 0
1 0
3 0
2 –
JCPenney 86 0
3 0
2 0
2 0
3 0
3 –
Menards 86 0
3 0
1 0
2 0
3 – –
P.C. Richard & Son 85 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
3 – –
Lowe’s 85 0
2 0
1 0
2 0
3 0
3 –
Home Depot 85 0
2 0
1 0
2 0
2 0
3 –
Walmart 84 0
3 0
1 0
1 0
1 0
3 –
Sears 84 0
3 0
2 0
2 0
1 0
2 –
HOW WE SURVEY: Ratings are experience. If all respondents scores on a scale from “very
based on Consumer Reports’ are completely satisfied with poor” to “excellent”. Ratings are
2019 Spring Survey of 48,289 a particular store, the reader based on the experiences of
CR members reporting on score would be 100; a score of CR members, who may not be
72,633 appliance purchases 80 indicates that respondents representative of the general
made between January are “very satisfied,” on average. US population. Dashes ( ), −
of 2018 and June of 2019. Differences of less than 5 indicate insufficient sample
Overall satisfaction score points are not meaningful. The size to provide a rating or that
represents shoppers’ overall other attributes listed under an attribute is not applicable
satisfaction with their retail Survey Results reflect average to a store.

8 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2021


Electronics Retailers

RE TA IL ERS
In order of reader score, within types.

Retailer Reader Survey Results

satisfaction

buying ease
Price paid

Customer

Checkout
Selection

usability
Website
Product

support
service
Overall

Walk-in
retailer
quality
score

ease

Web
ONLINE STORES
Crutchfield.com 96 0
4 0
4 0
5 0 5
5 0 0
5 0
5 NA
BHPhotoVideo.com 96 0
4 0
5 0
5 5 0
0 0
5 5 0
5 NA
Shopmyexchange.com 94 0
5 0
3 0
5 − 0
4 0
4 0
4 NA
Apple.com 94 0
1 0
3 0
5 5 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 NA
Adorama.com 93 0
4 0
5 0
5 − 0
4 0
4 0
4 NA
Costco.com 93 0
4 0
1 0
4 3 0
0 4 0
4 0
4 NA
Amazon.com 93 0
3 0
4 0
4 3 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 NA
Abt.com 93 0
4 0
4 0
4 − 0
4 0
5 0
5 NA
Target.com 92 0
4 0
3 0
4 − 0
3 0
3 0
3 NA
Newegg.com 91 0
4 0
4 0
4 2 0
0 4 0
4 0
4 NA
SamsClub.com 91 0
4 0
2 0
4 − 0
4 0
4 0
3 NA
Bose.com 91 0
1 0
2 0
5 3 0
0 4 0
4 0
3 NA
QVC.com 90 0
3 0
2 0
3 3 0
0 5 0
5 0
4 NA
Staples.com 90 0
4 0
2 0
3 − 0
3 0
3 0
3 NA
Independent websites 90 0
4 0
3 0
4 3 0
0 4 0
4 0
3 NA
BestBuy.com 89 0
3 0
3 0
4 2 0
0 3 0
3 0
3 NA
Woot.com 89 0
5 − 0
3 − 0
4 0
4 − NA
Walmart.com 89 0
4 0
3 0
3 2 0
0 3 0
3 0
3 NA
HSN.com 88 0
4 0
2 0
3 − 0
4 0
4 0
4 NA
Microsoft.com 87 0
3 0
1 0
3 − 0
3 0
3 0
3 NA
Groupon.com 87 0
4 0
1 0
3 − 0
4 0
4 0
3 NA
Samsung.com 87 0
4 0
3 0
4 − 0
3 0
3 0
2 NA
HP.com 86 0
3 0
3 0
3 3 0
0 3 0
3 0
3 NA
Lenovo.com 86 0
3 0
3 0
4 2 0
0 3 0
3 0
3 NA
Dell.com 85 0
3 0
3 0
3 2 0
0 3 0
3 0
3 NA
WALK-IN STORES
Abt Electronics 96 0 5
5 0 0 0 0
5 5 5 0
5 − 0
4
Army & Air Force Exchange 93 5 0
0 0 0
3 5 0 0
3 4 3 − 0
3
1 2 3 4 5
WORSE BET TER 9
Retailer Reader Survey Results

satisfaction

buying ease
Price paid

Customer

Checkout
Selection

usability
Website
Product

support
service
Overall

Walk-in
retailer
quality
score

ease

Web
WALK-IN STORES Continued
Independent Stores 93 0
3 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
5 0 4
3 0 0
4
Apple Store 93 0
1 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
5 5 0
0 5 0
3
Navy Exchange 93 0
4 0
3 0
5 0
3 0
4 0
3 − 0
3
Bose 92 0
2 0
3 0
5 0
4 0
5 0
4 − 0
4
Costco 92 0
4 0
1 0
4 0
3 0
4 4 0
0 4 0
3
Video Only 92 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
5 − 0
4 0
4
Nebraska Furniture Mart 92 0
3 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
4 − − 0
4
BJ’s 91 0
4 0
2 0
4 0
1 0
3 0
3 − 0
3
P.C. Richard & Son 90 0
3 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
3 − 0
3
Micro Center 89 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
3 4 0
0 4 0
3
GameStop 89 0
2 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 − − 0
3
Fred Meyer Stores 88 0
3 0
2 0
4 0
3 0
4 − − 0
3
Sam’s Club 88 0
4 0
2 0
4 0
1 0
3 0 0
3 2 0
3
Barnes & Noble 88 0
3 0
2 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
3 − 0
3
Target 88 0
3 0
2 0
4 0
2 0
3 3 0
0 3 0
3
Best Buy 87 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
4 4 0
0 3 0
3
Sears 87 0
3 0
2 0
4 0
3 0
3 − − 0
2
Microsoft 86 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
4 4 0
0 4 0
3
Kohl’s 86 0
3 0
1 0
3 − 0
3 − − 0
3
Staples 85 0
3 0
2 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
3
Fry’s Electronics 85 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
2 0
3 0
2 0
2 0
3
Office Depot/Office Max 85 0
3 0
2 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
3
Walmart 84 0
3 0
2 0
3 0
1 0
3 0
3 0
2 0
2

HOW WE SURVEY: Ratings are completely satisfied with a “excellent”. Ratings are based
based on 88,021 purchases particular retailer, the reader on the experiences of CR
of electronics purchased by score would be 100; a score of members, who may not be
56,289 Consumer Reports’ 80 indicates that respondents representative of the general
members between January are “very satisfied,” on average. US population. Dashes ( ), −
2016 and June 2017. Overall Differences of less than 4 points indicate insufficient sample
satisfaction score represents are not meaningful. The other sizes to provide a rating or that
shoppers’ overall satisfaction attributes listed under Survey an attribute is not applicable
with their retail experience. Results reflect average scores to a retailer.
If all respondents are on a scale from “very poor” to

10 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2021


Home
12 Air Purifiers 33 Lawn Mowers 62 Snow Blowers
14 Clothes Dryers 36 Lawn Tractors 65 Vacuums
19 Cooktops 38 Mattresses 73 Wall Ovens
23 Dishwashers 45 Microwaves 76 Washing
Machines
26 Gas Grills 48 Ranges
82 Washer/
30 Generators 54 Refrigerators
Dryer Pairs

BUYING GUIDE 2021 CONSUMER REPORTS 11


QUI CK GUIDE

Air Purifiers
The most effective portable air purifiers we tested
were made for rooms 350 sq. ft. or larger. These
models cleared the air quickly of dust, smoke, and
pollen at their high and low speeds.

What to Look For particles before they BUYING


■ Most portable air purifiers reach the HEPA filter, pos- ADVICE
use a fan to suck in air for sibly extending its life. Many portable
filtration. Fanless models air purifiers are
What to Skip
run more quietly, but those ■ Models with electrostatic certified for a
we tested worked poorly. clean-air delivery
precipitators or ionizer
■ Energy Star certified
technology could produce rate (CADR), their
models can save you money cleaning speed.
ozone, a lung irritant.
on utility bills compared We judge a CADR
to standard models. What You’ll Pay of 240 and up
■ Air purifiers with filter ■ Portable air purifiers will
excellent and
indicator lights let you run $50 to more than below 100 poor.
know when the filter needs $1,000; plus filter replace-
to be replaced. ments and the cost of
■ A washable—and reusable— energy required to run the For more buying
advice, go to
prefilter collects large machines 24 hours a day. CR.org/air-purifiers.

Tested products in performance order.

Brand & Model Overall Price Test Results


Score
Dust/pollen/smoke

Dust/pollen/smoke

Noise (high speed)


Noise (low speed)
Recommended

Annual cost ($)


removal (high)
removal (low)

Ease of use

0
! Blueair Classic 605 88 $830 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
1 0 224
4
0
! Blueair Blue Pure 211+ 85 $300 0
5 0
5 0
3 0
2 0
3 192
0
! Honeywell HPA300 76 $250 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
3 0
4 203
0
!
Alen BreatheSmart
Classic
72 $650 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
3 0
4 190
0
! Honeywell 50250 69 $220 0
4 0
5 0
2 0
1 0 213
3
0
! Idylis AC-2118 68 $306 0
3 0
5 0
3 0
2 0
4 121

12 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2021


A IR P UR IF IERS
Brand & Model Overall Price Test Results
Score

Dust/pollen/smoke

Dust/pollen/smoke

Noise (high speed)


Noise (low speed)
Recommended

Annual cost ($)


removal (high)
removal (low)

Ease of use
0
! LivePureBali LP550TH-W 67 $300 0
3 0
5 0
4 0
2 0 276
4
0
! SPTAC-2102 65 $310 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
2 0
4 395
0
!
GermGuardian
AC5900WCA
64 $200 0
3 0
5 0
3 0
2 0
4 231
0
! IQAirHealthPro Plus 63 $900 0
3 0
5 0
3 0
1 0 293
4
0
! Kenmore 83396 63 $150 0
3 0
4 0
3 0
2 0
4 187
0
!
Honeywell AirGenius 5
HFD-320
62 $215 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
4 80

0
! BrondellO2+ Revive 60 $430 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
4 252
0
!
Whynter EcoPure
AFR-425-SW
60 $240 0
3 0
5 0
3 0
2 0
4 155
Winix 5300-2 59 $150 0
2 0
5 0
4 0
4 0 90
4
Airmega 300 59 $550 0
2 0
5 0
4 0
3 0
4 110
Honeywell Air Genius 4
HFD310
59 $200 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
4 80

Honeywell HPA250B 58 $250 0


3 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
4 137
CowayAP-1512HH Mighty 55 $250 0
2 0
4 0
4 0
2 0
4 87
Winix C535 55 $130 0
2 0
4 0
5 0
2 0
4 75
Airdog X5 53 $600 0
2 0
4 0
4 0
2 0
4 62

0 0 0 0 0
3M Filtrete Elite
FAP-T03-A2 (Lowes)
53 $200 2 4 3 1 4 197
0 0 0 0 0
3M Filtrete FAP-C03-A2
(Lowes)
52 $139 3 4 4 2 4 106
GermGuardian
AC9200WCA
52 $300 0
2 0
4 0
4 0
2 0
4 222
Febreze FHT190W 51 $95 0
3 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
4 89
SharpFP-F60UW 51 $240 0
3 0
4 0
3 0
2 0
4 54

HOW WE TEST: Overall Score ability to remove particles at a ease, the ability to remove the
is based on the performance of lower speed (whichever one is filter, and filter life indicator.
the product in all of our tests. closest to 50 decibels). Noise is Annual cost includes filter
Dust/pollen/smoke removal measured using a decibel meter replacements and the energy
(high) indicates how well it from 4 feet away at both high required to run the purifier
removes particles at its highest and low speeds. Ease of use 24 hours a day for an entire year.
speed. Dust/pollen/smoke reflects how intuitive and easy Price is approximate retail.
removal (low) evaluates its the controls are to use , carrying

1 2 3 4 5 ! 
POOR EXCELLENT RECOMMENDED 13
QUI CK GUIDE

Clothes Dryers
Electric dryers are the bigger sellers, though decades
of testing has revealed that gas and electric dryers
perform similarly. Gas or electric, keep in mind that
larger capacities let you dry more laundry at once.

What to Look For What to Skip BUYING


■ Moisture sensors detect ■ Specialty cycles up the ADVICE
the laundry’s dampness and price. A choice of heat If you intend
shut off the appliance when level, timed dry, and auto- to install the
clothes are dry, cutting dry, along with a few dryer near a
down on energy costs. This fabric types, should do. bedroom, look
is easier on fabrics, too. for one that
■ Auto-dry cycles provide
What You’ll Pay
Prices vary from $350 to scored Very
settings of less dry to more Good or Excellent
$2,000, depending on type,
dry for damp ironing, and in our tests for
capacity, and features. Gas
points in between. noise. You’ll hear
dryers cost roughly $50 to
■ An extended-tumble
$150 more than comparable it working,
setting without heat helps but it shouldn’t
electric models, but the
prevent wrinkles when disturb you.
likely savings in fuel costs
you can’t remove the load
should more than make For more buying
immediately. advice, go to
up for the difference. CR.org/dryers.

Tested products in performance order.

Brand & Model Overall Price Survey Test Features


Score Results Results
capacity (cu. ft.)
Recommended

Stainless steel

Steam option
Convenience
performance
satisfaction
Predicted
reliability

Claimed
Drying
Owner

Noise

drum

ELECTRIC DRYERS

0
! LGDLEX9000V 92 $1,620 5 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 0
5 9.0 0 0

0
$ LGDLEX3700W 91 $650 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
5 0
5 7.4 0

0
! MaytagMEDB955FW 89 $1,185 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
5 9.2 0 0

0
! LGDLEX7900BE 89 $1,170 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
5 0
4 7.3 0 0

0
$ LGDLE7100W 89 $720 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
4 7.3

14 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2021


CL O T HE S DR Y ERS
Brand & Model Overall Price Survey Test Features
Score Results Results

capacity (cu. ft.)


Recommended

Stainless steel

Steam option
Convenience
performance
satisfaction
Predicted
reliability

Claimed
Drying
Owner

Noise

drum
ELECTRIC DRYERS Continued

0
! LGDLEX8100V 89 $1,000 5 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 0
4 9 0

0
! LGDLEX3900W 88 $750 5 0
0 5 0
4 0
5 0
4 7.4 0 0

0
! Kenmore Elite 61632 88 $1,150 4 0
0 3 0
5 0
4 0
5 9.2 0 0

Kenmore 81382 86 $680 4 0


0 3 0
5 0
5 0
4 7.3 0 0

LGSignature
DLEX9500K
86 $1,840 5 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 0
4 9.0 0 0

Kenmore 81462 84 $750 4 0


0 3 0
4 0
5 0
5 7.4 0

Kenmore Elite 81782 83 $800 4 0


0 3 0
4 0
5 0
5 7.4 0 0

Whirlpool
WED8500DW
83 $1,080 4 0
0 3 0
5 0
4 0
4 8.8 0

Kenmore 69132 82 $700 4 0


0 3 0
5 0
4 0
4 8.8 0

Samsung
DV50K7500EW
82 $1,230 3 0
0 3 0
5 0
5 0
4 7.5 0 0

Samsung
DVE50R8500W
81 $850 3 0
0 3 0
5 0
5 0
4 7.5 0 0

Whirlpool
WED7500GW
81 $810 4 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
4 7.4

Kenmore 81562 81 $900 4 0


0 3 0
4 0
5 0
4 7.4 0 0

Samsung
DVE54R7600W
81 $1,015 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
5 0
4 7.4 0

Kenmore 67132 80 $550 4 0


0 3 0
4 0
5 0
4 7.0 0

Samsung
DV45K6500EW
80 $990 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
4 7.5 0 0

Kenmore Elite 81982 79 $1,100 4 0


0 3 0
4 0
4 0
4 9.0 0 0

MaytagMEDX655DW 78 $600 4 0
0 4 0
4 0
4 0
3 7.0
Samsung
DVE54M8750V
78 $1,180 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
4 7.4 0 0

Samsung
DVE52M8650W
78 $965 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
4 7.4 0 0

Electrolux
EFME427UIW
78 $690 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
4 8.0 0

Fisher & Paykel


AeroCare DE7027P2
77 $1,000 2 0
0 3 0
5 0
5 0
4 7.0 0 0

Kenmore Elite 61433 77 $700 4 0


0 3 0
4 0
4 0
4 7.3 0

1 2 3 4 5 !  $ 
POOR EXCELLENT RECOMMENDED CR BEST BUY 15
Brand & Model Overall Price Survey Test Features
Score Results Results

capacity (cu. ft.)


Recommended

Stainless steel

Steam option
Convenience
performance
satisfaction
Predicted
reliability

Claimed
Drying
Owner

Noise

drum
ELECTRIC DRYERS Continued
Speed Queen
DR7000WE 77 $1,075 5 0
0 5 0
3 0
4 0
4 7.0
(ADEE9RGS175TW01)
Samsung
DVE45M5500W
77 $1,000 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
4 7.4 0

GEGTD84ECSNWS 77 $855 0 3
3 0 0 0 0
4 5 4 7.4 0

GEGFD85ESPNRS 77 $1,000 3 0
0 0 0
3 4 0
4 4 7.8 0 0

Samsung
DVE45R6300W
76 $700 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
4 7.5 0

GEGTD65EBSJWS 76 $720 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
5 0
4 7.4
Samsung FlexDry
DVE60M9900V
76 $1,650 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
4 7.5 0 0

SamsungFlexDry
DVE55M9600W
76 $1,200 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
4 7.5 0 0

Electrolux
EFME627UTT
76 $1,080 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
4 8.0 0 0

Whirlpool
WED9620HC
76 $1,375 4 0
0 3 0
4 0
5 0
5 7.4 0 0

GEGTD72EBSNWS 76 $580 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
5 0
4 7.4

GAS DRYERS

0
! LGDLGX9001V 92 $1,710 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
5 9.0 0 0

0
! LGDLGX3701W 91 $750 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
5 0
5 7.4 0

0
! LGDLGX7901BE 89 $1,270 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
5 0
4 7.3 0

0
$ LGDLG7101W 89 $700 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
4 7.3

0
! LGDLGX8101V 88 $1,100 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
4 9.0 0

0
! MaytagMGDB955FW 87 $1,295 0
3 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
5 9.2 0 0

0
! LGDLGX3901W 87 $850 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
5 0
4 7.4 0 0

0
! Kenmore Elite 71632 87 $1,250 0
3 0
3 0
5 0
4 0
5 9.2 0 0

0
! Kenmore Elite 71552 86 $1,000 0
3 0
3 0
5 0
5 0
5 7.3 0 0

0
!
LGSignature
DLGX9501K
85 $1,900 5 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 0
4 9.0 0 0

Kenmore 91392 84 $780 0 3


3 0 0 0 0
5 4 5 7.3 0

Kenmore 91462 84 $850 3 0


0 0 0
3 4 0
5 5 7.4 0

16 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2021


CL O T HE S DR Y ERS
Brand & Model Overall Price Survey Test Features
Score Results Results

capacity (cu. ft.)


Recommended

Stainless steel

Steam option
Convenience
performance
satisfaction
Predicted
reliability

Claimed
Drying
Owner

Noise

drum
GAS DRYERS Continued

Kenmore 91182 83 $1,180 3 0


0 3 0
5 0
4 0
4 7.3
Samsung
DV50K7500GW
83 $1,135 3 0
0 3 0
5 0
5 0
4 7.5 0 0

Kenmore Elite 91782 83 $900 3 0


0 3 0
4 0
5 0
5 7.4 0 0

Whirlpool
WGD8500DW
82 $1,100 3 0
0 3 0
5 0
4 0
4 8.8 0

Kenmore 79132 82 $800 0 3


3 0 0
5 0
4 0
4 8.8 0

GEGFD48GSSKWW 81 $1,255 3 0
0 0 0
3 4 4 0
5 8.3 0 0

Kenmore 91562 81 $1,000 3 0


0 3 0 0 0
4 5 4 7.4 0 0

Samsung
DV45K6500GW
81 $1,080 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
4 7.5 0 0

Samsung
DVG50M7450W
80 $1,000 3 0
0 3 0
5 0
4 0
4 7.4 0

Whirlpool
WGD7500GW
80 $750 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
4 7.4

Fisher & Paykel


AeroCare DG7027P2
80 $1,050 2 0
0 3 0
5 0
5 0
4 7.0 0 0

Whirlpool
WGD8700EC
80 $1,345 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
5 8.8 0

Kenmore 77132 80 $700 3 0


0 3 0
4 0
5 0
4 7.0 0

Samsung
DVG54M8750V
79 $1,080 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
4 7.4 0 0

Samsung
DVG52M8650W
79 $970 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
4 7.4 0 0

Kenmore Elite 91982 79 $1,200 3 0


0 3 0
4 0
4 0
4 9.0 0 0

Whirlpool
WGD75HEFW
78 $700 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
4 7.4

Samsung
DVG45M5500W
78 $1,045 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
4 7.4 0

Samsung
DVG45R6300W
77 $800 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
4 7.5 0

Samsung FlexDry
DVG60M9900V
77 $1,550 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
4 7.5 0 0

Samsung FlexDry
DVG55M9600W
77 $1,300 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
4 7.5 0 0

Electrolux
EFMG427UIW
76 $1,000 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
4 8.0 0

MaytagMGDX655DW 76 $700 3 0
0 4 0
4 0
4 0
3 7.0

1 2 3 4 5 !  $ 
POOR EXCELLENT RECOMMENDED CR BEST BUY 17
Brand & Model Overall Price Survey Test Features
Score Results Results

capacity (cu. ft.)


Recommended

Stainless steel

Steam option
Convenience
performance
satisfaction
Predicted
reliability

Claimed
Drying
Owner

Noise

drum
GAS DRYERS Continued
Samsung
DV40J3000GW
76 $700 3 0
0 3 0
5 0
4 0
3 7.2

GEGFD85GSPNRS 76 $1,100 0 3
3 0 0 0 0
4 4 4 7.8 0 0

GEGTD65GBSJWS 76 $810 3 0
0 0 0
3 4 0
5 4 7.4

COMPACT DRYERS

0
! MieleTWI180WP 87 $1,900 5 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 0
5 4.1 0

0
$
Samsung
DV22K6800EW
78 $800 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
5 0
4 4.0 0

0
!
Samsung
DVE22N6850X
78 $1,025 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
5 0
4 4.0 0

GEDCVH480EKWW 73 $1,050 3 0
0 1 0
4 0
5 0
4 4.0 0

Bosch800 Series
WTG86402UC
72 $1,330 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
4 4.0 0

LGDLEC888W 72 $720 0 4
4 0 0 0 0
4 4 4 4.2 0

GEGFD14ESSNWW 66 $840 3 0
0 0 0
1 4 0
5 3 4.3 0

Fisher & Paykel


DE4024P1
60 $920 – – 0
3 0
4 0
2 4.0 0

Electrolux
EFDE210TIW
55 $900 4 0
0 4 0
2 0
4 0
3 4.0 0

Whirlpool
WHD5090GW
54 $1,200 3 0
0 1 0
3 0
4 0
3 4.3 0 0

HOW WE TEST: Overall we have insufficient survey of synthetic delicates, such


Score combines performance data to provide a brand-level as women’s pajamas, slips,
test results with survey data rating, indicated by a gray and underwear. Convenience
for predicted reliability and −
dash ( ), we assume the is judged on controls and
owner satisfaction. Predicted model has average reliability ergonomics, such as ease
reliability estimates the and satisfaction. Drying of loading and unloading,
likelihood that newly purchased performance combines servicing the lint filter. Noise
models from a given brand performance on three types level is determined by a panel
will develop problems or break of laundry loads of different of judges who listen while the
within the first five years. sizes and fabric mixes: A machines dry an 8-pound
Owner satisfaction reflects 12-lb. load, predominantly load, judging both sound
the proportion of CR members cotton (6-lb. mixed loads for quality and volume. Price is
who are extremely likely to compact models); an 8-lb. approximate retail.
recommend the clothes dryer load of cotton/polyester-blend
they bought. In cases where clothing; and a 3-lb. load

18 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2021


QUI CK GUIDE

COOK T OP S
Cooktops
Cooktops can be installed wherever counter space
allows—including on an island. Gas and conventional
smoothtop electric cooktops dominate the category,
but prices are dropping for electric induction.

What to Look For What to Skip BUYING


■ All the models we test ■ Buying by Btu. Short for ADVICE
have at least one high- “British thermal unit,” the Many 30-inch
powered gas burner or measurement indicates gas cooktops now
electric element, necessary used and heat generated— have five burners,
for quick heating. and doesn’t guarantee better rather than four,
■ If you have a choice in fuel or faster cooking. but know that
and want the visual feedback using all five
What You’ll Pay
of a flame, a gas cooktop is at once often
A cooktop and wall oven can
for you; on the other hand, a requires some
cost $2,000 or more; some
smoothtop electric makes maneuvering.
top-rated ranges sell for less
for easier cleaning.
than half that.
■ Induction speeds heating,

thanks to an electromagnetic For more buying


advice, go to
field that directly heats pans. CR.org/cooktops.

Tested products in performance order.

Brand & Model Overall Price Survey Test


Score Results Results Features
Medium-power
Recommended

satisfaction

High-power

Low-power
Predicted

High heat
reliability

Low heat

burners

burners

burners
Owner

30-INCH GAS COOKTOPS

0
! Samsung NA30N7755TS 93 $1,240 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
5 2 2 1

0
! Samsung NA30N6555TS 92 $999 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
5 2 2 1

0
! Monogram ZGU30RSLSS 84 $1,730 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
5 2 3 0

0
! KitchenAid KCGS350ESS 79 $1,080 0
3 0
4 0
3 0
5 1 3 1

0
$ IkeaFramtid 602.887.01 79 $529 − − 0
3 0
5 1 3 1

1 2 3 4 5 !  $ 
POOR EXCELLENT RECOMMENDED CR BEST BUY 19
Brand & Model Overall Price Survey Test
Score Results Results Features

Medium-power
Recommended

satisfaction

High-power

Low-power
Predicted

High heat
reliability

Low heat

burners

burners

burners
Owner
30-INCH GAS COOKTOPS Continued

0
! GEProfile PGP7030SLSS 77 $1,299 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
5 2 2 1

0
!
Bosch800 Series
NGM8056UC
76 $1,035 5 0
0 5 0
3 0
5 1 2 2

0
! CaféCGP70302NS1 76 $1,229 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
5 2 2 1

GEJGP5030SLSS 72 $1,080 3 0
0 3 0
3 0
5 2 2 1

FrigidaireFFGC3026SS 70 $899 3 0
0 3 0
3 0
4 2 1 1

GEJGP3530SLSS 66 $795 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 2 1 1
Frigidaire Gallery
FGGC3047QS
61 $1,079 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
2 2 2 1

Kenmore 32683 61 $665 3 0


0 3 0
4 0
3 2 2 1

KitchenAid KCGS950ESS 55 $1,440 3 0


0 4 0
3 0
3 1 3 1

Electrolux EW30GC60PS 54 $1,249 1 0


0 3 0
4 0
3 2 2 1

KitchenAid KCGD500GSS 42 $1,800 3 0


0 4 0
3 0
1 2 1 1

Whirlpool WCG77US0HS 38 $855 3 0


0 3 0
3 0
1 1 3 1

MaytagMGC7430DS 37 $720 1 0
0 3 0
2 0
2 2 1 1

36-INCH GAS COOKTOPS

0
! Samsung NA36N7755TS 93 $1,415 5 0
0 5 0
4 0
5 2 2 1

0
!
Thermador Masterpiece Star 81
SGSX365TS
$1,999 3 0
0 5 0
4 0
5 3 2 0

0
! CaféCGP70362NS1 76 $1,329 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
5 2 2 1

Viking VGSU53616BSS 75 $2,320 2 0


0 4 0
4 0
5 3 2 1

GEProfile PGP9036SLSS 74 $1,499 3 0


0 3 0
3 0
5 2 2 1

Frigidaire Gallery
FGGC3645QS
70 $779 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 2 2 1

WolfCG365P/S 67 $2,285 2 0
0 5 0
4 0
3 2 3 0

Frigidaire Professional
FPGC3677RS
62 $1,449 3 0
0 3 0
3 0
3 2 2 1

MaytagMGC9536DS 60 $905 1 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 2 2 1

20 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2021


COOK T OP S
Brand & Model Overall Price Survey Test
Score Results Results Features

Medium-power
Recommended

satisfaction

High-power

Low-power
Predicted

High heat
reliability

elements

elements

elements
Low heat
Owner
30-INCH ELECTRIC SMOOTHTOPS

0
! GEJP5030SJSS 93 $895 4 0
0 3 0
5 0
5 1 0 3

0
! GEProfile PP9030SJSS 93 $1,499 4 0
0 3 0
5 0
5 2 2 1

0
! Samsung NZ30K7570RG/AA 90 $1,299 3 0
0 3 0
5 0
5 1 3 1

0
!
Bosch800 Series
NET8068SUC
90 $1,149 3 0
0 5 0
4 0
5 1 2 1

0
! KitchenAid KCED600GSS 90 $1,645 3 0
0 3 0
5 0
5 2 0 2

0
! KitchenAid KCES550HBL 88 $1,199 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
5 2 1 2

0
$ GEJP3030SJSS 86 $545 4 0
0 3 0
4 0
5 2 0 2

MaytagMEC8830HB 79 $775 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 1 2 1

FrigidaireFFEC3025UB 75 $699 3 0
0 2 0
4 0
4 2 0 2

GEJP3530SJSS 73 $890 4 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 2 1 1

Whirlpool WCE77US0HB 69 $849 3 0


0 3 0
4 0
3 2 0 2

Amana AEC6540KFB 66 $490 3 0


0 3 0
4 0
3 1 1 2

Whirlpool WCE55US0HB 65 $450 3 0


0 3 0
4 0
3 1 1 2

30-INCH ELECTRIC INDUCTION COOKTOPS

0
! Samsung NZ30K7880UG/AA 96 $1,749 3 0
0 3 0
5 0
5 3 1 0

0
$ FrigidaireFFIC3026TB 92 $780 3 0
0 2 0
5 0
5 2 2 0

0
! Whirlpool GCI3061XB 92 $1,345 3 0
0 3 0
5 0
5 2 0 2
DacorModernist
DTI30M977BB
87 $3,600 − − 0
5 0
5 3 1 0

Viking Virtuoso 6 Series


MVIC6304BBG
80 $2,749 1 0
0 3 0
5 0
5 3 1 0

36-INCH ELECTRIC SMOOTHTOPS

0
! CaféCEP90361NBB 92 $1,529 4 0
0 3 0
5 0
5 2 2 1

0
! Samsung NZ36K7570RG/AA 90 $1,399 3 0
0 3 0
5 0
5 2 2 1

0
! LGLCE3610SB 90 $865 3 0
0 3 0
5 0
5 2 1 1

1 2 3 4 5 !  $ 
POOR EXCELLENT RECOMMENDED CR BEST BUY 21
Brand & Model Overall Price Survey Test
Score Results Results Features

Medium-power
Recommended

satisfaction

High-power

Low-power
Predicted

High heat
reliability

elements

elements

elements
Low heat
Owner
36-INCH ELECTRIC SMOOTHTOPS Continued

0
! KitchenAid KCED606GBL 90 $1,799 0 3
3 0 0
5 0
5 2 1 2

0
! GEJP5036DJBB 85 $995 4 0
0 0 0
3 4 5 2 1 2

0
!
BoschBenchmark Series
NETP668SUC
85 $1,385 3 0
0 5 0
4 0
5 1 3 1

Whirlpool WCE55US6HB 79 $675 0 3


3 0 0
4 0
4 2 0 2
GEProfile PP7036SJSS 65 $1,399 4 0
0 0 0
3 4 3 2 2 1
CaféCEP70362MS1 50 $1,329 4 0
0 3 0 0
4 1 2 2 1

36-INCH ELECTRIC INDUCTION COOKTOPS

0
!
BoschBenchmark Series
NITP668SUC
97 $2,900 3 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 5 0 0

0
! KitchenAid KICU569XBL 96 $1,890 0
3 0
3 0
5 0
5 5 0 0

0
! Samsung NZ36K7880UG/AA 94 $1,900 0
3 0
3 0
5 0
5 4 1 0

0
! FrigidaireFPIC3677RF 93 $1,785 0
3 0
2 0
5 0
5 4 1 0

0
$ FrigidaireFFIC3626TB 92 $850 0
3 0
2 0
5 0
5 3 2 0

WolfCI365T/S 86 $3,115 0
2 0
5 0
5 0
5 3 2 0

Jenn-Air JIC4536XS 74 $2,300 0


1 0
3 0
4 0
5 5 0 0

HOW WE TEST: Overall Score portion of CR members highest-powered burner or


combines test results with who are extremely likely to element heats a large pot of
survey data for predicted recommend the cooktop water to near-boiling. Low heat
reliability and owner satisfaction. they bought. In cases where reflects how well the lowest-
Predicted reliability esti- we have insufficient survey powered burner or element
mates the likelihood that newly data to provide a brand- holds a low heat, and how
purchased models from level rating, indicated by a the most powerful element,
a given brand will develop gray dash (−), we assume the set to low, holds tomato
problems or break within model has average reliability sauce below a boil. Price is
the first five years. Owner and satisfaction. High heat approximate retail.
satisfaction reflects the pro- reflects how quickly the

22 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2021


QUI CK GUIDE

D I SH WA SHERS
Dishwashers
New dishwashers use far less energy and water than
they did a decade ago, though cycle times can
now exceed three hours. The models we recommend
aced our washing tests and are relatively quiet.

What to Look For What to Skip BUYING


■ Soil sensors gauge how ■ Drawer models, which ADVICE
dirty the load is and deter- are more expensive and tend Generally, the
mine the right amount to use more energy and three basic
of time and water needed to water than standard models. wash cycles—
get everything clean, im- light, normal,
What You’ll Pay
proving efficiency. and heavy—
A dishwasher with special
■ An adjustable upper rack
wash zones, an LED-lit tub, suffice for most
allows for flexibility when dishwashing
digital displays, and special
loading dishes. needs, even
grime-fighting cycles can
■ A rinse and hold option
cost $1,000 or more. For baked-on food.
can help prevent soil from
models with fewer features,
setting and keep odors
sparkling performance
under control while you For more buying
starts at around $600. advice, go to
wait for a full load. CR.org/dishwashers.

Tested products in performance order.

Brand & Model Overall Survey


Price Results Test Results Features
Score
Self-cleaning filter
Cycle time (min.)

Interior material
Recommended

satisfaction

Energy use
Predicted
reliability

Washing

Drying
Owner

Noise

24-INCH

0 5 0
0 5 0
5 0
4 0
5 0
BoschAscenta 95 SS/P
$ SHX3AR75UC
88 $700 4
Bosch300
0
! DLX Series 84 $775 5 0
0 5 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
4 150 SS
SHS863WD5N

0 5 0
0 5 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
Bosch100 Series 150 SS/P
! SHXM4AY55N
83 $750 4

1 2 3 4 5 !  $ 
POOR EXCELLENT RECOMMENDED CR BEST BUY 23
Brand & Model Overall Survey
Price Results Test Results Features
Score

Self-cleaning filter
Cycle time (min.)

Interior material
Recommended

satisfaction

Energy use
Predicted
reliability

Washing

Drying
Owner

Noise
24-INCH Continued

0 5 0
0 5 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
Thermador 155 SS
! DWHD660WFP
83 $1,800 5
0 5 0
0 5 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
BoschBenchmark 155 SS
! SHX89PW55N
83 $1,615 5
0 5 0
0 5 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
Thermador 150 SS
! DWHD770WFM
82 $2,300 5
0 5 0
0 3 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
IkeaRenlig 115 P
$ IUD7070DS [288921]
82 $550 3
0 5 0
0 5 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
BoschBenchmark 150 SS
! SHX88PZ55N
82 $1,600 5
0 3 0
0 4 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
KitchenAid 125 SS
! KDTM354DSS
82 $1,150 4 0

0 5 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
MieleClassic Plus 150 SS
! G4977SCVISF
81 $1,200 4
0 5 0
0 5 0
5 0
4 0
5 0
Bosch300 Series 155 SS
! SHEM63W55N
81 $770 4
Kenmore 14573 79 $600 3 0
0 3 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
4 145 SS

5 0
0 5 0
5 0
4 0
5 0
Bosch800 Series 160 SS
SHPM78W55N
79 $900 5
MieleFutura
Crystal 78 $1,800 5 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
4 140 SS
G6665SCVISF

3 0
0 4 0
5 0
3 0
5 0
KitchenAid 110 SS
KDTM404ESS
77 $1,005 4 0

Kenmore 14523 77 $630 3 0


0 3 0
5 0
4 0
5 0
4 150 SS

5 0
0 5 0
5 0
3 0
5 0
Bosch800 Series 160 SS
SHXM98W75N
77 $1,150 5
5 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
MieleDimension 145 SS
G6785SCVISF
76 $1,900 4
3 0
0 2 0
5 0
3 0
5 0
GEProfile 150 SS
PDF820SSJSS
76 $1,010 4
Kenmore Elite 14793 76 $900 3 0
0 3 0
5 0
3 0
5 0
4 145 SS

5 0
0 5 0
5 0
3 0
5 0
Bosch500 Series 160 SS
SHPM65W55N
75 $815 4
3 0
0 2 0
5 0
3 0
5 0
GEProfile 155 SS
PDT855SSJSS
75 $1,370 5
CaféCDT845P2NS1 75 $1,100 3 0
0 2 0
5 0
3 0
5 0
5 155 SS

Bertazzoni DW24XT 74 $1,105 – – 0


5 0
3 0
5 0
4 135 SS

24 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2021


D I SH WA SHERS
Brand & Model Overall Survey
Price Results Test Results Features
Score

Self-cleaning filter
Cycle time (min.)

Interior material
Recommended

satisfaction

Energy use
Predicted
reliability

Washing

Drying
Owner

Noise
24-INCH Continued

Kenmore 13223 74 $550 3 0


0 3 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
3 160 SS
Thor Kitchen
HDW2401SS
73 $800 – – 0
5 0
3 0
5 0
4 130 SS

3 0
0 4 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
KitchenAid 145 SS
KDPM604KPS
73 $900 4 0

3 0
0 4 0
4 0
3 0
5 0
KitchenAid 135 SS
KDPE234GPS
73 $1,000 4
KuchtK6502D 73 $720 – – 0
5 0
3 0
5 0
4 140 SS

Kenmore 13473 73 $450 3 0


0 3 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
3 160 P

4 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
Whirlpool 140 SS/P
WDT730PAHZ
72 $500 4
3 0
0 4 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
KitchenAid 110 SS
KDTM704ESS
72 $1,710 4 0

5 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
IkeaVASKAD 145 SS
[50422663]
72 $850 4
5 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
IkeaSPOLAD 145 SS
[80422355]
72 $750 4
IkeaRenlig
IUD7555DS 71 $550 5 0
0 3 0
4 0
3 0
5 0
4 160 SS
[90292264]
LGLDT7808BM 71 $1,250 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
5 145 SS

HOW WE TEST: Overall Score we have insufficient survey use is energy and water use
combines test results with data to provide a brand-level for our test cycle. A panel
survey data for predicted rating, indicated by a gray of testers judge Noise levels
reliability and owner satisfaction. –
dash ( ), we assume the by listening to each machine
Predicted reliability estimates model has average reliability through its entire cycle.
the likelihood that newly and satisfaction. Washing Cycle time (min.), rounded
purchased models from a given is assessed by running the to the nearest 5 minutes, is
brand will develop problems or Normal or equivalent cycle based on running the Normal
break within the first five years. to clean a full load of dishes or equivalent cycle to clean
Owner satisfaction reflects with baked-on food. Drying a full load. Under Features,
the proportion of CR members performance is our assessment in Interior materials, SS=
who are extremely likely to of how thoroughly a model stainless steel, P=plastic.
recommend the dishwasher dries plastic cups, the most Price is approximate retail.
they bought. In cases where stubborn in any load. Energy

1 2 3 4 5 !  $ 
POOR EXCELLENT RECOMMENDED CR BEST BUY 25
QUI CK GUIDE

Gas Grills
You don’t have to spend a fortune to get a grill that will
consistently deliver great-tasting food. In fact, many
midpriced grills now have side burners and other helpful
perks once found exclusively on high-end models.

What to Look For faster pre-heating or better BUYING


■ Burners made of high- searing and cooking. ADVICE
quality stainless steel, cast You might not
What You’ll Pay
iron, or cast brass, which need as big a grill
Plan on $300 to $700
usually carry a warranty as you think: We
for a grill that can handle
of 10 years or longer. found large grills
most of your cooking
■ Stainless-steel and coated
needs. Several midsized can typically fit
cast-iron grates for sturdi- 28 or more 4-inch
grills that cost less than
ness and rust-resistance. burgers at once.
$600 outperformed
■ A battery-powered elec-
models that cost hundreds Medium models
tronic igniter. fit 18 to 28.
of dollars more.
What to Skip
■ Buying by Btu. This meas- For more buying
advice, go to
ure alone doesn’t guarantee CR.org/gas-grills.

Tested products in performance order.

Brand & Model Overall Survey


Price Results Test Results
Score
Recommended

Convenience
performance

performance
Temperature
satisfaction

Sturdiness
Predicted
reliability

Evenness

cooking
Indirect
Preheat
Owner

range

MIDSIZED GAS GRILLS (ROOM FOR 18 TO 28 BURGERS)

0
! Weber Genesis II E-310 78 $750 0 5
5 0 0 0 0
4 3 0 0
4 5 4 0
5
0
!
Weber Genesis II S-335
61006001
77 $1,050 5 0
0 0 0
5 4 0 0
3 4 0 0
4 5 5
0
!
Weber Genesis II E-330
61012001
76 $900 5 0
0 5 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
5
0
!
Weber Genesis II SE-335
61016201
76 $1,000 0 5
5 0 0 0 0
4 3 0 0
4 5 5 0
5
0
! Weber Summit S-470 76 $2,100 5 0
0 0 0
5 4 0 0
4 4 0 0
4 4 5

26 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2021


G A S GR IL L S
Brand & Model Overall Survey
Price Results Test Results
Score
Recommended

Convenience
performance

performance
Temperature
satisfaction

Sturdiness
Predicted
reliability

Evenness

cooking
Indirect
Preheat
Owner

range
MIDSIZED GAS GRILLS (ROOM FOR 18 TO 28 BURGERS) Continued

0
!
Napoleon Rogue 525
RSE525SIBPSS
76 $1,200 5 0
0 0 3
5 5 0 0
3 0 0 0
4 4 5
0
! Even Embers GAS8560AS 75 $395 − − 0
5 0 0 0
5 4 4 0 0
4 3
0
!
NexgrillDeluxe 720-0896B
(Home Depot)
74 $500 4 0
0 3 0
4 0
5 0 0 0
4 4 5 0
3
0
!
Nexgrill720-0896C
(Home Depot)
73 $660 4 0
0 0 4
3 3 0 0
5 0 0 0
5 5 5
0
! 3 Embers GAS9675AF 73 $850 − − 0
4 0 0 0
4 4 4 0 0
4 5
0
$
Member’s Mark
GAS0440AS (Sam’s Club)
73 $330 3 0
0 2 0
5 0
5 0 0 0
4 4 4 0
5
0
!
Weber Spirit SP-335
46802101
72 $700 5 0
0 5 0
5 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
5 0
3
0
!
Napoleon Prestige
P500RSIB
72 $1,200 5 0
0 0
5 4 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
5
0
! 3 Embers GAS7480BS 72 $785 − − 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
5
0
!
Char-Broil Signature
463372017
71 $430 3 0
0 2 0
5 0
3 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
3
0
! Napoleon LEX485RSIB 71 $1,200 5 0
0 5 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
3
0
$ Even Embers GAS7540AS 71 $320 − − 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
3
0
$
Nexgrill720-0830H
(Home Depot)
71 $270 4 0
0 3 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
3
0
!
Member’s Mark
GAS0565ASO (Sam’s club)
71 $450 3 0
0 0
2 4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
5
0
! Monument Grills 24367 71 $395 − − 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
3
RevoAceGBC1748WS
(Walmart)
70 $160 − − 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
5
Megamaster 720-0983 70 $240 4 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
3
Nexgrill720-0925S
(Home Depot)
70 $200 4 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
3
Weber Spirit E-310
46510001
70 $530 0 5
5 0 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
5 0
5
NapoleonRogue R425SBPK 70 $750 5 0
0 0
5 4 0
3 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
3
Fuego F27S 70 $1,500 − − 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
2 0
5
KitchenAid 720-0990C
(Costco)
68 $1,500 3 0
0 2 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
5
Megamaster 720-0982 68 $220 4 0
0 3 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
3
Kenmore 6256595
[PG-40405SOL] (KMart)
68 $465 2 0
0 1 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
3
Napoleon Rogue 525
RXT525PSS-1
68 $800 5 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
3
Napoleon Rogue
R425SIBPSS
67 $1,000 5 0
0 5 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
5

1 2 3 4 5 !  $ 
POOR EXCELLENT RECOMMENDED CR BEST BUY 27
Brand & Model Overall Survey
Price Results Test Results
Score
Recommended

Convenience
performance

performance
Temperature
satisfaction

Sturdiness
Predicted
reliability

Evenness

cooking
Indirect
Preheat
Owner

range
LARGE GAS GRILLS (ROOM FOR 28 OR MORE BURGERS)

0
$ Monument Grills 77352 84 $540 − − 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
3
0
! Weber Summit E-670 80 $2,750 0 5
5 0 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
5 0
5
0
! Weber Genesis II E-410 77 $1,000 5 0
0 0 0
5 5 3 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
5
0
!
Weber Genesis II S-435
62006001
77 $1,250 5 0
0 5 0 0
5 4 0
3 0
3 0
5 0
5
0
!
Napoleon Rogue 625
RXT625SIBPSS-1
76 $1,100 0 5
5 0 0 0 0
4 4 4 0 0 0
4 4 5
0
! Napoleon LEX730RSBIPSS 76 $2,050 5 0
0 0 0
5 4 0 0
5 4 5 0 0
3 5
0
!
Signateur 5 Burner
Item #1500111 (Costco)
75 $900 − − 0
5 0
4 0 0 0
4 4 4 0
5
0
!
Fuego Premium 3 Burners
F36S
74 $2,000 − − 0
5 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
2 0
5
0
!
Napoleon Prestige Pro
665RSIB
74 $3,300 5 0
0 5 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
5
0
!
Broil KingRegal S590 Pro
958344
71 $1,100 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
5
Broil KingBaron 590 923184 67 $800 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
5
Char-Broil Performance
463276517
66 $380 0
3 0
2 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
5
Dyna-GloDGP552SSP-D 66 $590 0
4 0
2 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
3
Grill Zone BG2615B [Item
# 204381] (True Value)
65 $400 − − 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
5
Broil KingImperial 590
958884
65 $1,990 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
5
KitchenAid 720-0893 64 $900 0
3 0
2 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
3
SaberR67SC0012 64 $2,300 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
2 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
5
Broil KingRegal S520
886114
64 $1,200 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
5 0
4 0
3 0
3
FervorIC655-S 64 $1,270 − − 0
4 0
3 0
5 0
5 0
3 0
3
SMALL GAS GRILLS (ROOM FOR 18 OR FEWER BURGERS)

0
! Weber Genesis II LX S-240 76 $1,000 0 5
5 0 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
5
0
! WeberSpirit E-210 46110001 72 $430 5 0
0 0 0
5 4 3 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
3
0
!
Weber Spirit II E-210
44020001
71 $380 5 0
0 5 0 0
4 3 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
5
Royal Gourmet MG3000 70 $330 − − 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
3
CuisinartGAS0256AS [Item
# 576794497] (Walmart)
69 $250 − − 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
5
Napoleon Rogue 365
R365PK-1
68 $800 5 0
0 5 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
3
NexgrillEvolution
720-0864M (Home Depot)
68 $180 4 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
3

28 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2021


G A S GR IL L S
Brand & Model Overall Survey
Price Results Test Results
Score
Recommended

Convenience
performance

performance
Temperature
satisfaction

Sturdiness
Predicted
reliability

Evenness

cooking
Indirect
Preheat
Owner

range
SMALL GAS GRILLS (ROOM FOR 18 OR FEWER BURGERS) Continued
NexgrillEvolution Infrared
720-0864M (Home Depot)
66 $180 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
5 − 0
3
Dyna-GloDGF350CSP-D 66 $150 0
4 0
2 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
2 0
5
Blue Rhino GBC1932L [Item
#1139071] (Lowe’s)
66 $150 0
3 0
2 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
2 0
3
Dyna-GloDGC310CNP 65 $120 0
4 0
2 0
5 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
2 0
3
Char-Broil Signature
463675517
64 $430 0
3 0
2 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
3
Expert Grill XG10-101-
002-02 [Item # 577812180] 64 $100 − − 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
2
(Walmart)
Dyna-GloDGP321SNP-D 64 $400 0 2
4 0 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
3 0
3
Dyna-GloDGH485CRP 64 $300 4 0
0 0
2 3 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
3
RevoAceGBC1729W
(Walmart)
63 $130 − − 0
3 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
2
Megamaster 720-0864MA 63 $200 4 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
3
Huntington Cast 3400
30040 (Home Depot)
62 $200 3 0
0 2 0
3 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
3
Broil KingGem 320 814154 62 $300 4 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
3
Char-Broil Commercial
TRU-Infrared 463642316 62 $280 3 0
0 2 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
3
[Item #748075] (Lowe’s)

HOW WE TEST: Overall Score −


dash ( ), we assume the model range reflects how wide a
combines test results with survey has average reliability and temperature span the grill
data for predicted reliability and satisfaction. To measure offers, comparing temperatures
owner satisfaction. Predicted Evenness performance, we at the high and low setting
reliability estimates the likeli- use thermocouples to map the using all main burners. Indirect
hood that newly purchased evenness of heating over the cooking indicates grill tem-
models from a given brand will grill’s surface at the highest perature when only one or two
develop problems or break and lowest setting using all main of the burners are on, to repre-
within the first five years. Owner burners—plus the evenness sent a cooking task where
satisfaction reflects the pro- after a 10-minute preheat. the food is placed between or
portion of CR members who are Preheat performance evaluates alongside the direct flame.
extremely likely to recommend the temperature after a Convenience includes grate
the gas grill they bought. In 10-minute preheat, giving an material, wheels or casters
cases where we have insufficient indication of how quickly the for moving the grill, and useful
survey data to provide a brand- grill reaches its maximum features such as electronic ignit-
level rating, indicated by a gray temperature. Temperature er. Price is approximate retail.

1 2 3 4 5 !  $ 
POOR EXCELLENT RECOMMENDED CR BEST BUY 29
QUI CK GUIDE

Generators
The best portable generators cost about $1,000
and can power your fridge and other essentials. Larger
home standby models can power central A/C and
more—and start automatically if the power goes out.

What to Look For Choose a generator that BUYING


■ Enough wattage for your complies with PGMA G300 ADVICE
needs. Plan on at least 5,000 or UL 2201 safety standards, Factor in an extra
watts to cover the basics; marked on the packaging. $500 to $900 for
10,000 watts or more a transfer or
What to Skip
for central A/C, an electric interlock switch,
■ Disregard big surge claims;
range, and a washer/dryer. which safely
the best units can handle the
■ All stationary units
extra watts that some connects a
have a propane or natural- generator to your
appliances draw when they
gas hookup, which saves circuit panel.
cycle on.
the storage and potential Always operate a
sourcing hassles of gasoline. What You’ll Pay generator 20 feet
■ Automatic low-oil shutoff, A portable unit with 5,000 from the house,
which protects the engine to 8,000 watts will run with the exhaust
from internal damage. $600 to $1,500; stationary pointed away.
■ For portables, look for life- units start at $2,000 and
saving safety features like can cost well above $3,500 For more buying
advice, go to
a carbon monoxide shut-off. (plus installation). CR.org/generators.

Tested products in performance order.

Brand & Overall Price Test Results Features


Model Score
Recommended

Power delivery

output (watts)
Power quality

Electric start
technology
Ease of use

Fuel gauge
CO safety

Fuel type
Claimed
Noise

PORTABLE GENERATORS (7000-8000 WATTS)

0
! CatRP8000 E 72 $1,150 5 0
0 4 0
2 0
4 0
3 8000 gas 0 0

0 5 0
0 5 0
2 0
4 0
DeWalt 8000 gas
! PMC168000
71 $1,050 3 0

5 0
0 5 0
3 0
4 0
Generac 8000 gas
XT8000EFI
70 $1,380 b 0 0

30 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2021


GENER AT ORS
Brand & Overall Price Test Results Features
Model Score
Recommended

Power delivery

output (watts)
Power quality

Electric start
technology
Ease of use

Fuel gauge
CO safety

Fuel type
Claimed
Noise
PORTABLE GENERATORS (7000-8000 WATTS) Continued

Generac 7675 68 $1,000 5 0


0 4 0
2 0
4 0
4 8000 gas 0 0

5 0
0 4 0
2 0
4 0
Ryobi 7000 gas
RY907000FI
62 $1,000 b 0

5 0
0 4 0
2 0
4 0
Generac 7000 gas
RS7000E
60 $1,000 b 0 0

PORTABLE GENERATORS (5000-6900 WATTS)

0
! Generac 7680 73 $800 5 0
0 5 0
2 0
4 0
4 6500 gas 0

0 5 0
0 4 0
2 0
4 0
Briggs & 6250 gas
! Stratton 30728
72 $800 4 0

0
! Generac 7683 71 $850 5 0
0 5 0
2 0
4 0
3 6500 gas 0

5 0
0 4 0
2 0
4 0
DeWalt 6500 gas
DXGNR6500
68 $900 3 0

5 0
0 4 0
2 0
4 0
Ryobi 6500 gas
RY906500S
67 $800 4
SMALL HOME GENERATORS

0 5 0
0 5 0
4 0
Champion NG 7500 LPG/
$ 94 $2,350 5 NA LPG 8500 NG 0
100174

0 5 0
0 5 0
3 0
NG 7600 LPG/
! WincoPSS8B 92 $4,400 5 NA LPG 8400 NG 0

0 5 0
0 5 0
3 0
NG 7000 LPG/
! Kohler 8RESV 90 $2,400 5 NA LPG 8,000 NG 0

Briggs &
5 0
0 2 0
2 0
NG 7200 LPG/
Stratton 73 $2,400 4 NA LPG 8000 NG 0
040445
LARGE HOME GENERATORS

0 5 0
0 5 0
3 0
Champion NG 11000 LPG/
! 93 $3,000 5 NA LPG 12500 NG 0
100179

0 5 0
0 5 0
3 0
Cummins NG 13000 LPG/
! 91 $3,400 5 NA LPG 13000 NG 0
RS13A
Briggs &
0 5 0
0 5 0
3 0
NG 10800 LPG/
! Stratton 90 $3,600 4 NA LPG 12000 NG 0
040546

RECREATIONAL INVERTERS (UNDER 2000 WATTS)

0
! EchoEGI-2300 76 $850 4 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 0
4 1800 gas 0

0 5 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 0
DeWalt 1700 gas
! DXGNI2200
75 $650 4
5 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 0
Westinghouse 65 2200 gas
iGen2500
$550 b 0

1 2 3 4 5 !  $ 
POOR EXCELLENT RECOMMENDED CR BEST BUY 31
Brand & Overall Price Test Results Features
Model Score
Recommended

Power delivery

output (watts)
Power quality

Electric start
technology
Ease of use

Fuel gauge
CO safety

Fuel type
Claimed
Noise
RECREATIONAL INVERTERS (UNDER 2000 WATTS) Continued

5 0
0 5 0
5 0
4 0
Honda 1800 gas
EU2200i
64 $1,160 b
4 0
0 5 0
5 0
4 0
Yamaha 1600 gas
EF2000isV2
61 $900 b 0

4 0
0 5 0
5 0
4 0
Predator 1600 gas
62523
60 $500 b 0

5 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 0
Honeywell 2000 gas
6066
60 $600 b
MID-SIZED INVERTERS (110 VOLTS)

0
! EchoEGI-4000 84 $950 5 0
0 5 0
3 0
4 0
4 3400 gas 0

0 5 0
0 5 0
3 0
Ryobi 3400 gas
! RYi4022X
84 $550 4 5
0 5 0
0 5 0
4 0
5 0
Briggs & 3700 gas
! Stratton 30795
82 $1,100 3 0 0

5 0
0 5 0
5 0
4 0
Honda 2800 gas
EU3000is
74 $2,000 b 0 0

Predator 3500 72 $770 5 0


0 5 0
5 0
4 0
b 3000 gas 0

5 0
0 5 0
5 0
4 0
Champion 3100 gas
100261
69 $1,050 b 0

LARGE INVERTERS (220 VOLTS)

4 0
0 5 0
5 0
4 0
Honda 5500 gas
EU7000is
66 $4,000 b 0 0

3 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 0
Yamaha 5500 gas
EF6300ISDE
51 $3,600 b 0 0

HOW WE TEST: Overall Score consistent voltage. Noise is a partially-enclosed space.


is based on the performance of measured at 23 and 50 feet Under claimed output (watts)
the product in all of our tests. from the generator. Ease of and fuel type, LPG=propane
Power delivery indicates how use includes starting, transport and NG=natural gas. Price is
much wattage models deliver (for portables), and helpful approximate retail. Note:
and how well they handle features such as fuel shutoff. Portables have a run time of
surges in power demand over CO safety captures whether a about 6 to 18 hours on a tank
various loads. Power quality generator shuts off when CO of gas; stationary models run
evaluates a generator’s ability builds in an enclosed space, on natural gas indefinitely.
to deliver power smoothly, with and reflects CO emissions in

32 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2021


QUI CK GUIDE

L AW N MO W ERS
Lawn Mowers
Lawn size and slope should steer your decision. Most
people opt for self-propelled gas mowers, which require
regular upkeep and oil changes; self-propelled battery
mowers require little more than blade sharpening.

What to Look For ■ A washout port that accepts BUYING


■ If you have a small, level a hose for easy deck cleaning. ADVICE
lawn, a less-expensive push We test how
What to Skip
mower will do the trick. well each mower
■ Larger engines don’t guar-
■ If, on the other hand, your
antee better mowing, works in three
yard has hills, a self- cutting modes
and high rear wheels don’t
propelled mower (especially (mulching,
always help with handling.
one with rear-wheel drive) bagging, and
will make the job easier. What You’ll Pay side-discharging).
■ A blade-brake clutch, which About $400 to $1,000 for gas Find a model
stops the blade when you self-propelled mowers; $350 that earns high
release the handlebar lever, to $850 for battery models; marks in your
allows the mower to safely and about $300 for capable preferred mode.
idle while you, say, move push gas mowers.
a rock or empty the grass For more buying
advice, go to
clippings when bagging. CR.org/mowers.

Tested products in performance order.

Brand & Model Overall Survey


Price Results Test Results
score
Side discharging
Recommended

Noise at 25 ft.
satisfaction

Noise at ear
Predicted
reliability

Evenness
Mulching

Handling
Bagging
Owner

GAS SELF-PROPELLED MOWERS

0
! Honda HRX217K6HZA 88 $850 5 0
0 5 0
2 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
2 0
3
0
! Honda HRN216VLA 85 $510 5 0
0 5 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
2 0
4
0
! Honda HRX217K6VKA 84 $600 5 0
0 5 0
2 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
2 0
3
0
! ToroSuper Recycler 21387 75 $600 3 0
0 5 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
3 0
4

1 2 3 4 5 ! 
POOR EXCELLENT RECOMMENDED 33
Brand & Model Overall Survey
Price Results Test Results
score

Side discharging
Recommended

Noise at 25 ft.
satisfaction

Noise at ear
Predicted
reliability

Evenness
Mulching

Handling
Bagging
Owner
GAS SELF-PROPELLED MOWERS Continued

0
! ToroSuper Recycler 21386 74 $500 3 0
0 5 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
3 0
4
0
! ToroSuper Recycler 21385 73 $550 3 0
0 5 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
2 0
3
0
! Honda HRS216K6 VKA 71 $400 5 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 − 0
5 0
4 0
3 0
4
0
! Cub Cadet SC 700h 70 $550 3 0
0 4 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
2 0
4
0
! Cub Cadet SC 900 69 $450 3 0
0 4 − 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
2 0
3
0
!
ToroRecycler SmartStow
20340
69 $400 3 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
2 0
3
0
! ToroRecycler 20333 68 $400 3 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
1 0
1
0
!
ToroPoweReverse
Recycler SmartStow 20355
68 $450 3 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
1 0
1
0
$ ToroRecycler 20332 67 $360 3 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
2 0
3
GAS PUSH MOWERS

0
! Honda HRN216PKA 78 $400 5 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
3 0
3
0
! Cub Cadet SC100 HW 72 $300 5 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
5 0
4 0
2 0
3
0
! Troy-BiltTB160 XP 70 $280 5 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
5 0
4 0
2 0
3
0
! Snapper 2691610 68 $300 − − 0
3 0
5 0
3 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
5
0
$ Troy-BiltTB 115 68 $230 5 0
0 3 0
5 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
5 0
2 0
3
0
!
ToroRecycler SmartStow
21329
68 $300 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
2 0
2
0
! ToroRecycler 21320 66 $270 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
3 0
4
GAS WIDE-DECK SELF-PROPELLED MOWERS

0
$ Troy-BiltTB WC28 74 $850 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
1 0
2
0
! ToroTimemaster 21199 73 $1,000 3 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
1 0
2

34 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2021


L AW N MO W ERS
Brand & Model Overall Survey
Price Results Test Results
score

Side discharging
Recommended

Charge time
satisfaction
Predicted
reliability

Evenness
Mulching

Handling
Run time
Bagging
Owner
BATTERY PUSH MOWERS

0
$ EgoLM2101 75 $400 4 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
5
0
! StihlRMA 510 71 $550 5 0
0 5 0
2 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
4
0
! Toro20367 67 $500 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
1
0
! RyobiRY401110 65 $300 3 0
0 5 0
3 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
1
BATTERY SELF-PROPELLED MOWERS

0
! EgoLM2142SP 77 $750 4 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
3
0
$ EgoLM2102SP 76 $550 4 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
4
0
! EgoLM2135SP 75 $660 4 0
0 5 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
4
0
! ToroRecycler 20363 70 $550 0 5
− − 5 0 0 0 0
3 5 0 0
5 3 1
0
! GreenWorks 2510802 70 $700 5 0
0 5 − 0 0 0
5 3 0 0
3 4 0
4 1

HOW WE TEST: Overall Score we have insufficient data to clippings are cut and dispers-
combines test results with provide a brand-level rating, ed through the discharge chute,
survey data for predicted reli- −
indicated by a gray dash ( ), favoring models that don’t
ability and owner satisfaction. we assume the model has aver- leave big clumps of grass behind.
Predicted reliability estimates age reliability and satisfaction. Evenness is our measurement
the likelihood that newly pur- For mulching we measure how of how evenly the mower cuts.
chased models from a given well mowers can churn grass Handling is ease of using
brand will develop problems or into clippings that recede into drive controls, pushing, pulling,
break within the first five years. the surrounding lawn. For U-turns, and other maneuvers.
Owner satisfaction reflects bagging, we determine how easy Engine size (cc) is measured
the proportion of CR members it is to attach and remove the in cubic centimeters, unless
who are extremely likely to bag, then record the weight of a otherwise specified. Price is
recommend the lawn mower full bag. For side discharging, approximate retail for mowers
they bought. In cases where we measure how evenly grass and attachments.

1 2 3 4 5 !  $ 
POOR EXCELLENT RECOMMENDED CR BEST BUY 35
QUI CK GUIDE

Lawn Tractors
Zero-turn mowers have nimble levers for steering
that provide handling and excellent maneuverability.
Lawn tractors operate more like cars, offering
more familiar steering.

What to Look For What to Skip BUYING


■ A washout port that ■ Zero-turn mowers for ADVICE
accepts a hose for cleaning. steep slopes—they can be dif- If you’re torn
■ A fuel gauge, or a clear ficult to steer and stop. between a
fuel tank, that’s visible from tractor and a
What You’ll Pay
the drivers’ seat. zero-turn mower,
Anywhere from $1,500
■ If storage space is tight,
to more than $3,000 for trac- consider a test
a more compact rear-engine drive. Some
tors; $2,300-plus for
rider might be the right fit. stores will let
many zero-turn mowers.
■ No matter which type of
you rent a mower
rider you choose, we prefer for the day.
a high-back seat for added
comfort and support. For more buying
advice, go to
CR.org/tractors.

Tested products in performance order.

Brand & Model Overall Survey


Price Results Test Results
Score
Side discharging
Recommended

Noise at 25 ft.
satisfaction

Noise at ear
Predicted
reliability

Evenness
Mulching

Handling
Bagging
Owner

LAWN TRACTORS

0
! John Deere X350-42 91 $3,200 5 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
1 0
1
0
! John Deere S240-48 90 $2,600 5 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
2 0
2
0
! John Deere E160 90 $2,300 5 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
1 0
1
0
$ John Deere E130 88 $2,000 5 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
3 0
5 0
4 0
1 0
2
0
$ John Deere E140 86 $2,000 5 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
3 0
5 0
4 0
1 0
1

36 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2021


L AW N T R A C T ORS
Brand & Model Overall Survey
Price Results Test Results
Score

Side discharging
Recommended

Noise at 25 ft.
satisfaction

Noise at ear
Predicted
reliability

Evenness
Mulching

Handling
Bagging
Owner
LAWN TRACTORS ZERO-TURN

0
!
ToroMYRIDE TimeCutter
75755
88 $3,700 4 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 NA 5 0
0 5 0
1 0
1
0
! John Deere Z375R-54 86 $3,500 5 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 NA 5 0
0 5 0
1 0
1
0
! John Deere Z355E 86 $2,900 5 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 NA 5 0
0 5 0
1 0
2
0
! John Deere Z345R-42 86 $2,800 5 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 NA 5 0
0 5 0
1 0
1
0
$
ToroTimeCutter SS4225
75742
85 $2,500 4 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 NA 5 0
0 5 0
1 0
1
0
! Toro75750 85 $3,100 4 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 NA 5 0
0 5 0
1 0
1
0
$ John Deere Z335E-42 84 $2,500 5 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 NA 5 0
0 5 0
1 0
1
0
! Craftsman Z530 83 $2,700 4 0
0 4 0
5 0
5 NA 5 0
0 5 0
1 0
1
0
! GravelyZT HD 48 991152 81 $4,200 4 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 NA 5 0
0 5 0
1 0
1
0
! Cub Cadet RZT SX 42 80 $3,000 3 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 NA 5 0
0 5 0
1 0
1
0
! Cub Cadet Ultima ZT2-50 80 $3,700 3 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 NA 5 0
0 5 0
1 0
1
REAR ENGINE RIDERS

0
!
Cub Cadet CC30e
(Battery)
69 $2,800 4 0
0 5 0
4 0
5 0
2 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
5
0
! RyobiR48110 (Battery) 65 $2,500 − − 0
4 0
4 0
2 0
5 0
4 0
2 0
2
0
$ Cub Cadet CC30 H 65 $1,300 4 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 0
2 0
5 0
4 0
2 0
2

HOW WE TEST: Overall Score data to provide a brand-level that readily recede into the
combines test results with rating, indicated by a gray surrounding lawn. For Bagging,
survey data for predicted −
dash ( ), we assume the we determine how easy it
reliability and owner satisfaction. model has average reliability is to attach and remove the
Predicted reliability estimates and satisfaction. For Side bag, then record the weight
the likelihood that newly discharging, we measure how of a full bag. Evenness is our
purchased models from a given evenly grass clippings are measurement of how evenly
brand will develop problems cut and dispersed through the mower cuts. Handling
or break within the first five the discharge chute, favoring is ease of using drive controls,
years. Owner satisfaction models that don’t leave making U-turns, and other
reflects the proportion of CR big clumps of grass behind. maneuvers. Engine power
members who are extremely We prioritize Mulching, our (hp) is measured in horsepower,
likely to recommend the lawn recommended method, and unless otherwise specified.
tractor they bought. In cases measure how well mowers Price is approximate retail.
where we have insufficient can churn grass into clippings

1 2 3 4 5 !  $ 
POOR EXCELLENT RECOMMENDED CR BEST BUY 37
QUI CK GUIDE

Mattresses
Foam beds-in-a-box get a lot of attention, but
traditional innerspring mattresses remain the
biggest sellers. No matter which type you prefer,
the key to comfort is support.

What to Look For What to Skip BUYING


■ Use our ratings to select ■A layer of gel-infused ADVICE
a mattress that scores foam, touted to provide a If possible, lie on
Very Good or Excellent for cooling effect, doesn’t any mattress
your size and sleep position. guarantee cooler sleep. you’re considering,
■ Return windows can
What You’ll Pay spending at
range from a couple of weeks least 10 to 15
You’ll find a huge range
to 120 days. Make sure minutes on each
of prices. But you don’t
the retailer offers a refund side, your back,
have to spend much more
or credit toward another and your stomach.
than $1,000 for a com-
mattress, in case you aren’t
fortable, supportive mat-
totally happy with the one
tress—and you can For more buying
you selected. advice, go to
certainly spend less. CR.org/mattresses.

Tested products in performance order.

Brand & Model Overall Survey


Price Results Test Results
Score
Support
Large/Tall back sleeper
Large/Tall side sleeper

Average back sleeper


Average side sleeper

Petite back sleeper


Owner satisfaction

Petite side sleeper

Firmness rating
Recommended

Stabilization
Durability
Comfort

INNERSPRING

0
! AvocadoGreen 85 $1,400 5 0
0 4 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
5050
3 7

0
!
CasperThe Casper 83
Hybrid 2019 $1,200 4 0
0 4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
4050
4 3

0
!
Ethan Allen EA Signa- 81
ture Platinum Plush $2,250 4 0
0 3 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
4050
4 5

38 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2021


M ATTRESSES
Brand & Model Overall Survey
Price Results Test Results
Score
Support

Large/Tall back sleeper


Large/Tall side sleeper

Average back sleeper


Average side sleeper

Petite back sleeper


Owner satisfaction

Petite side sleeper

Firmness rating
Recommended

Stabilization
Durability
Comfort
INNERSPRING Continued

Charles P. Rogers
0
! Powercore Estate 80 $1,500 5 0
0 4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
5050
4 6
5000

0
!
AvocadoGreen
Mattress Pillowtop
79 $1,800 5 0
0 4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
3050
3 5

SealyResponse
0
!
Performance Briar
Rose 11.5” Cushion
78 $900 3 0
0 3 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
5050
4 5
Firm

0
$
Beautyrest BR-800
12 ” Medium Firm
77 $770 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
5 0
5 0
5050
4 6

0
!
Charles P. Rogers
Real Bed
77 $950 5 0
0 4 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
4050
5 3

Tuft & Needle


0
$ Nod Hybrid 76 $675 4 0
0 4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4050
4 4
MAT-NODH-01-Q
Hotel Collection
0
!
by Aireloom
Coppertech 12 ” Firm
76 $1,800 4 0
0 3 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
5050
4 6
Tight top

0
!
Charles P. Rogers
St. Regis Pillowtop
76 $1,160 5 0
0 4 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
5 0
4 0
4050
4 6

Sealy Posturepedic
0
! Performance 76 $1,580 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
4050
3 4
Copper II
WinkBeds The
0
! WinkBed Luxury 75 $1,600 4 0
0 4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
3050
4 5
Firm
BeautyrestSilver
0
$ BRS900-TSS Medium 75 $790 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
5050
4 4
Firm Tight Top

0
!
Sealy Posturepedic 
Premium Silver Chill
75 $2,000 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
5 0
4 0
4050
3 3

SealyPosturepedic
0
$ Lawson LTD 75 $710 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
5 0
4 0
4050
4 5
Cushion Firm

0
!
King Koil Luxury
Almond 13 ” Plush
75 $920 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4050
4 5

1 2 3 4 5 !  $ 
POOR EXCELLENT RECOMMENDED CR BEST BUY 39
Brand & Model Overall Survey
Price Results Test Results
Score
Support

Large/Tall back sleeper


Large/Tall side sleeper

Average back sleeper


Average side sleeper

Petite back sleeper


Owner satisfaction

Petite side sleeper

Firmness rating
Recommended

Stabilization
Durability
Comfort
INNERSPRING Continued

0
!
Diamond Intention
Hybrid
75 $1,200 – – 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
3050
4 2

0
!
Tuft & Needle Hybrid
with Pillow top
74 $1,345 4 0
0 4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4050
3 4

0
!
Beautyrest Black
L-Class
74 $2,100 4 0
0 3 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4050
4 6

Nest Bedding Alex–


ander Signature
0
!
Hybrid Copper
Infused Thermic
74 $1,300 4 0
0 4 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
3 0
3050
4 2
Phase Change
Cooling Fabric
Denver Mattress
0
$ Doctor’s Choice 74 $580 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4050
3 3
Plush

0
$ AllswellLuxe Hybrid 74 $585 – – 0 0 0
4 4 0 0
3 5 00
5 4 40
4 7

0
!
Bedgear M3 1.0
Medium Firm
73 $1,650 0 0
– – 4 0 0
4 3 0 0
4 4 4500
4 5

0
!
SertaiSeries Hybrid 73
500 14” Cushion Firm
$1,900 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
3050
4 5

0
!
Saatva Flagship
Luxury Firm Eurotop
73 $1,100 4 0
0 4 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
3050
3 3

0
! Purple 3 73 $2,200 4 0
0 4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
3050
4 3
Sealy Posturepedic
0
!
Performance
Lawson Euro
73 $1,670 3 0
0 3 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
5 0
4 0
4050
4 6
Pillowtop

0
$
Classic Brands
Sleep Trends Davy
73 $780 3 0
0 4 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
3050
4 4

Denver Mattress
Doctor’s Choice 72 $750 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
3040
5 3
Euro Top
Shifman
Metropolitan 72 $2,570 4 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
3040
5 3
Delancy Collection
Ethan Allen EA
Signature Firm
72 $1,425 4 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
5040
4 7

DuxianaDUX 1001 72 $4,950 – – 0


4 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
3050
3 4

40 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2021


M ATTRESSES
Brand & Model Overall Survey
Price Results Test Results
Score
Support

Large/Tall back sleeper


Large/Tall side sleeper

Average back sleeper


Average side sleeper

Petite back sleeper


Owner satisfaction

Petite side sleeper

Firmness rating
Recommended

Stabilization
Durability
Comfort
INNERSPRING Continued

SealyResponse
Performance Elm 72 $600 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
4050
4 6
Avenue Firm 11
Kingsdown Crown
Imperial Empire
72 $1,800 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
3050
4 3

SealyResponse
Performance Beech
Street Eurotop
72 $800 3 0
0 3 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
5 0
4 0
4050
4 5
Cushion Firm
Sealy Posturepedic
Essentials Trust II
72 $1,100 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
5 0
4 0
3050
4 4

IkeaHidrasund 72 $650 3 0
0 3 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
5 0
5 0
4050
3 7

Helix Sleep
Midnight Luxe
72 $1,745 – – 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
3050
3 4

Stearns & Foster


Estate Hurston 14” 72 $1,500 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
3050
3 4
Cushion firm tight top
Stearns & Foster
Estate Rockwell
Luxury Ultra Firm
71 $1,800 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
4050
3 5
13.5 Inch
Leesa Hybrid
Mattress
71 $1,595 4 0
0 4 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
3050
4 3

Stearns & Foster


Lux Estate Cassatt
71 $2,300 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
4050
3 4

MLily Fusion Luxe 70 $1,200 – – 0


4 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
3050
3 4

Sealy Posturepedic
Performance 70 $1,300 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
3050
3 5
Kelburn II
The Original Mat-
tress Factory Ortho- 70 $630 4 0
0 4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
3030
3 4
pedic Luxury Firm
SertaPerfect
Sleeper Hybrid 70 $1,020 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
4050
4 6
Standale II Luxury
RestonicBiltmore
Ornate Super 70 $1,220 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
3050
3 2
Pillowtop

1 2 3 4 5 !  $ 
POOR EXCELLENT RECOMMENDED CR BEST BUY 41
Brand & Model Overall Survey
Price Results Test Results
Score
Support

Large/Tall back sleeper


Large/Tall side sleeper

Average back sleeper


Average side sleeper

Petite back sleeper


Owner satisfaction

Petite side sleeper

Firmness rating
Recommended

Stabilization
Durability
Comfort
INNERSPRING Continued
OrganicPedic by
OMI Stella
70 $2,000 – – 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
5 0
4 0
4050
3 4

SealyPosturepedic
Plus Warrenville V 70 $1,050 3 0
0 3 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
4050
4 4
13 Inch Medium
Beautyrest
BRX1000-IP
70 $1,200 3 0
0 3 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
4050
3 4

MacyBedby Serta
Elite 13” Luxury Firm
70 $900 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
4040
4 3

Amore Beds Hybrid 70 $950 – – 0


4 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
3050
3 6

FOAM

0
! EssentiaStratami 82 $3,000 5 0
0 4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
4050
5 6

0
$
Sleep on LatexPure
Green Firm
81 $795 4 0
0 4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
5050
4 7

CasperThe Casper
0
! Original All-Foam 81 $1,095 4 0
0 4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
5050
3 5
2019
ReverieDream
0
! Supreme II Hybrid 80 $3,600 4 0
0 4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
4050
4 4
Sleep System Firm
0
! Tuft & NeedleMint 78 $995 4 0
0 4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4050
5 4

0
!
BedInABox
Tranquillium
78 $1,200 4 0
0 4 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
4050
4 6

NovaformSerafina
0
$ Pearl Medium 77 $800 4 0
0 4 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
5 0
5 0
5050
3 5
(Costco)
0
! Lull The Lull 77 $800 0 4
4 0 0 0 0
4 4 0 0
3 5 00
4 4 50
4 6

0
! GhostBed GhostBed 76 $895 4 0
0 0 0
4 4 0 0
4 4 0 0
5 4 4500
4 7

0
!
Nest Bedding Love
& Sleep
76 $700 4 0
0 4 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
4050
5 4

Novaform10 ”
0
$ SoFresh Responsive 76 $500 4 0
0 4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4050
4 5
Foam

0
!
Purple The Purple
Mattress
76 $1,000 5 0
0 4 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
3050
4 3

0
! GhostBed Luxe 76 $1,180 4 0
0 4 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
3050
4 4

42 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2021


M ATTRESSES
Brand & Model Overall Survey
Price Results Test Results
Score
Support

Large/Tall back sleeper


Large/Tall side sleeper

Average back sleeper


Average side sleeper

Petite back sleeper


Owner satisfaction

Petite side sleeper

Firmness rating
Recommended

Stabilization
Durability
Comfort
FOAM Continued

0
$
Sleep Innovations
Marley
75 $275 4 0
0 4 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
5 0
4 0
4050
4 7

0
! SealyEssentials 12 ” 75 $800 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
3050
3 2

0
$
Signature Sleep
Gold Inspire
74 $305 – – 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
5 0
5 0
4050
2 6

0
$
Tuft & NeedleT&N
Original Mattress
74 $535 4 0
0 4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
3050
4 5

0
!
Saatva Zenhaven
Latex
74 $1,900 4 0
0 4 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
5 0
4 0
4050
3 3

Sleepy’s10 ” Medium
0
! Quilted Foam 74 $640 – – 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
5 0
5 0
4040
4 6
Mattress mfi130999

0
! SertaSleepToGo 74 $500 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
4050
3 5
Spa Sensations
0
$
by Zinus 12 ”
Theratouch
74 $330 4 0
0 4 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
4040
4 5
M-FMS-1200Q

0
!
SertaiComfort
CF3000
74 $1,650 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
5 0
5 0
4050
3 4

Tempur-Pedic
0
! Tempur-ProAdapt 73 $3,000 4 0
0 4 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
5 0
5 0
5050
3 7
Firm

0
!
My Pillow10 ”
Mattress
73 $900 – – 0 0 0
4 3 0 0
3 5 00
4 4 50
4 6

0
!
RivetM-MAT-
10000-QN-WHT
73 $510 0 0
– – 4 0 0
3 3 0 0
4 4 4500
3 4

ReverieDream
0
!
Supreme II Hybrid
Sleep System
73 $3,600 4 0
0 4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
3050
4 3
Medium

0
!
SertaiComfort Blue
100CT Gentle Firm
73 $1,200 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
5 0
4 0
4040
3 5

0
! TuloMedium 73 $400 – – 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
3 0
3050
4 3

0
! NectarThe Nectar 73 $795 4 0
0 4 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
3050
3 6
Sleep Science
Black Diamond
11 ” Memory Foam
72 $900 4 0
0 4 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
5 0
4 0
4050
3 6
Queen Firm

1 2 3 4 5 !  $ 
POOR EXCELLENT RECOMMENDED CR BEST BUY 43
Brand & Model Overall Survey
Price Results Test Results
Score
Support

Large/Tall back sleeper


Large/Tall side sleeper

Average back sleeper


Average side sleeper

Petite back sleeper


Owner satisfaction

Petite side sleeper

Firmness rating
Recommended

Stabilization
Durability
Comfort
FOAM Continued

BearQueen 71 $650 – – 0 0 0
4 4 0 0
3 5 00
4 3 50
4 6
Renue12-inch
Memory Foam
71 $650 0 0
– – 4 0 0
3 3 0 0
4 4 4500
3 4

SertaiComfort
CF2000
71 $1,400 3 0
0 3 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
4050
3 5

SertaPerfect
Sleeper 10 ”
71 $640 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
4050
4 6

OrganicPedic by
OMI Flora Nouveau
70 $2,300 – – 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
3 0
3050
4 4

Classic Brands Cool


Gel 1.0 Ultimate Gel 70 $420 4 0
0 4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4050
2 4
Memory Foam
ADJUSTABLE AIR

0
!
Sleep Number 360
p6 Smart Bed
80 $2,400 4 0
0 4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4050
5 4

0
$
Sleep Number 360
c2 Smart Bed
80 $1,000 4 0
0 4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
5050
5 7

0
! Saatva Solaire 78 $2,700 4 0
0 4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4050
4 4

HOW WE TEST: Overall Score completely satisfied with their ability to keep its original
is based on the performance of purchase. Side sleeper is the shape, height, firmness, and
the product in all of our tests ability to keep a side sleeper’s support after a simulated
and member response. The spine relatively horizontal. Back eight to 10 years of use,
Survey Results section includes sleeper is the ability to maintain including our passing a nearly
two ratings based on a decade’s the natural curve of a back 310-pound roller over each
worth of our members’ survey sleeper’s spine. In our support mattress 30,000 times. A
feedback on nearly 75,000 tests we use a woman 4 feet high score for stabilization
mattresses. Comfort score is 11½ inches to 5 feet 1½ inches, indicates little or no bouncing
based on our mattress survey and 110 to 127.5 pounds for or vibration transferred. We
data in which our members the petite sleeper scores, and rate firmness on a scale of 1 to
rate their mattress purchases a man 6 feet 2 inches to 6 feet 10, with 10 being the firmest.
using a 5-point rating system 4 inches and 220 to 242 pounds Price is approximate retail for
from Very Poor to Excellent. for the large/tall sleeper a queen-size mattress without
Owner satisfaction is based on scores. The average sleeper is a box spring.
a 5-point rating system from an average of the other two.
completely dissatisfied to Durability gauges a mattress’

44 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2021


QUI CK GUIDE

MICROWAVES
Microwaves
Whether you’ll set it on the kitchen counter, hide it
in cabinetry, or install it over the range, start with
a microwave that heats and defrosts evenly before
considering specialty features and shortcuts.

What to Look For What You’ll Pay BUYING


■ A sensor helps prevent ■ Generally, more affordable ADVICE
over- or under-cooking by countertop models, which The higher
measuring emitted steam to run between about $80 and the wattage,
gauge when food is done. $300, are best for kitchens the higher
with ample counter space. the cooking
What to Skip
Be sure to check dimensions power. But
■ If you mostly reheat food,
as you shop. Over-the-range differences of
you don’t need a raft of pre-
microwaves can be had for 100 watts or
programmed shortcut keys.
$300 or less, though many so aren’t
■ Features like browning
cost upward of $400. These noticeable.
and grilling add versatility,
mounted appliances save
but you shouldn’t expect
space but don’t vent as well
a microwave to do either For more buying
as a capable range hood. advice, go to
very well. CR.org/microwaves

Tested products in performance order.

Brand & Model Overall Survey


Price Results Test Results
Score
Recommended

Microwaving
satisfaction

Ease of use
Defrosting
Predicted

evenness

evenness
reliability

Speed of

(air flow)
Heating

Venting
heating
Owner

noise

OVER-THE-RANGE MICROWAVES

0
! Whirlpool WMH53521H 86 $470 4 0
0 3 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
3
0
! Whirlpool WMH75021HZ 85 $470 4 0
0 3 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
3
0
! GEProfile PVM9005SJSS 80 $500 3 0
0 3 0
5 0
3 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
4
0
! CaféCVM721M2NS5 80 $855 3 0
0 3 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
3
0
! KitchenAid KMHS120ESS 79 $585 3 0
0 3 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
3
1 2 3 4 5 !  $ 
POOR EXCELLENT RECOMMENDED CR BEST BUY 45
Brand & Model Overall Survey
Price Results Test Results
Score
Recommended

Microwaving
satisfaction

Ease of use
Defrosting
Predicted

evenness

evenness
reliability

Speed of

(air flow)
Heating

Venting
heating
Owner

noise
OVER-THE-RANGE MICROWAVES Continued

0
! LGLMV2031ST 78 $350 3 0
0 4 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
4
0
! LGLMH2235ST 77 $450 3 0
0 4 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
3
0
!
Frigidaire Professional
FPBM3077RF
77 $595 4 0
0 2 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4
0
! Kenmore 83337 76 $405 0 3
3 0 0 0 0
5 5 0 0
3 4 4 0
4
Whirlpool WML55011HS 75 $405 4 0
0 0 0
3 3 0 0
4 4 0 0
5 3 5
Frigidaire Gallery
FGMV17WNVF
75 $380 4 0
0 2 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
5 0
5 0
4
Kenmore 87583 74 $500 0 3
3 0 0 0 0
4 5 0 0
4 4 5 0
3
GEJVM3160RFSS 74 $250 3 0
0 0 0
3 4 0 0
4 4 0 0
5 4 3
FrigidaireFFMV1645TD 72 $320 4 0
0 2 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
3
Frigidaire Gallery
FGMV176NTD
72 $350 4 0
0 2 0
3 0
5 0
3 0
5 0
4 0
4
SMALL COUNTERTOP MICROWAVES
AmazonBasics Works with
Alexa S9N29R
63 $60 − − 0
3 0
5 0
1 0
5 0
3 NA

AvantiMO7191TW 55 $70 4 0
0 1 0
3 0
3 0
1 0
4 0
4 NA

SharpSMC0710BB/ BW 52 $80 3 0
0 3 0
2 0
5 0
1 0
5 0
4 NA

Panasonic NN-SD372SR 51 $150 3 0


0 5 0
2 0
4 0
3 0
5 0
3 NA

MIDSIZED COUNTERTOP MICROWAVES

General GEW1000E 78 $310 − − 0


5 − 0
4 0
5 0
4 NA
Panasonic NN-GN68KS
with FlashXpress, 3-in-1
76 $300 3 0
0 5 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
4 NA

Panasonic NN-SN686S 75 $175 3 0


0 5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
3 0
3 NA
Farberware Black
FMO12AHTBSG
74 $110 3 0
0 2 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
4 NA

SummitSCM1000SS 73 $320 − − 0
4 − 0
5 0
4 0
4 NA

LARGE COUNTERTOP MICROWAVES

0
! Panasonic NN-SE785S 86 $330 0 5
3 0 0 0 0
5 4 0 0
5 4 5 NA

0
! Panasonic NN-SD975S 82 $250 3 0
0 0 0
5 5 0 0
4 5 0
4 5 NA

46 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2021


MICROWAVES
Brand & Model Overall Survey
Price Results Test Results
Score
Recommended

Microwaving
satisfaction

Ease of use
Defrosting
Predicted

evenness

evenness
reliability

Speed of

(air flow)
Heating

Venting
heating
Owner

noise
LARGE COUNTERTOP MICROWAVES Continued

0
! Panasonic NN-SN966S 81 $250 3 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
4 NA

0
! Panasonic NN-SD945S 81 $215 3 0
0 5 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
5 NA

0
! Panasonic NN-SD745S 77 $220 3 0
0 5 0
3 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
5 NA

0
! LGLMC1575 77 $220 4 0
0 3 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
3 NA

0
! Panasonic NN-SN736B 76 $190 3 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
4 NA

0
! GEProfile JES2251SJ 76 $280 3 0
0 3 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
5 NA

ToshibaEC042A5C-BS 73 $195 4 0
0 3 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
5 0
4 NA
Amazon Smart Oven plus
Echo Dot
73 $250 − − 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
5 0
4 NA

Kenmore 71613 72 $155 3 0


0 3 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
5 0
4 NA

GEProfile PES7227SLSS 71 $350 3 0


0 3 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
5 0
4 NA

BUILT-IN MICROWAVES

SharpSMD3070AS 65 $1,100 3 0
0 3 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
4 NA

SharpCarousel R-1214 63 $380 3 0


0 3 0
5 0
2 0
4 0
4 0
4 NA

KitchenAid KMBD104GSS 60 $1,440 3 0


0 3 0
3 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
5 NA

HOW WE TEST: Overall Score dash (−), we assume the model Venting (airflow) is based on
combines test results with survey has average reliability and the volume of air drawn in
data for predicted reliability and satisfaction. Heating evenness by the over-the-range model’s
owner satisfaction. Predicted reflects how evenly a model internal fan on the highest
reliability estimates the reheated a dish of cold mashed setting. Usable capacity is the
likelihood that newly purchased potatoes. Defrosting evenness usable space based on our
models from a given brand is based on how well the auto- measurements and excludes
will develop problems or break defrost program defrosted a the corner spaces for models
within the first five years. pound of frozen ground beef. with rotating turntables. Note
Owner satisfaction reflects Speed of heating is based on that most OTR models allow
the proportion of CR members the temperature rise of water you to turn off the rotation
who are extremely likely to heated. Microwaving noise to fit large dishes. With the
recommend the microwave reflects how quiet the oven is rotation off, measured capacity
they bought. In cases where while microwaving on high. approximates claimed. But
we have insufficient survey Ease of use includes how easy it food might require extra
data to provide a brand-level is to set the microwave without tending and stirring. Price is
rating, indicated by a gray referring to the instructions. approximate retail.

1 2 3 4 5 ! 
POOR EXCELLENT RECOMMENDED 47
QUI CK GUIDE

Ranges
Electric smoothtop ranges remain the biggest sellers,
but now, whether you’re renovating your kitchen or
­replacing an old model, you have more options than
ever, including induction and double-oven ranges.

What to Look For What to Skip BUYING


■ Start with your power ■ Shopping by Btu. Higher ADVICE
source—gas or electric. British thermal units don’t Generally,
Dual-fuel ranges have an elec- guarantee faster heating more expensive
tric oven and gas cook- in our tests. pro-style
top burners, so they require ranges aren’t
What You’ll Pay
a gas line and a 240-volt the best-
Anywhere from $700 to
electric outlet. performing
$3,000 for most ranges.
■ At least five oven-rack
You’ll find coil models for models we test.
positions for flexibility when
less than $700 and pro-
baking and roasting.
style options that run more
■ For home cooks who host
than $3,000.
often, double ovens allow
you to cook two dishes simul-
taneously, at different For more buying
advice, go to
temperatures. CR.org/ranges.

Tested products in performance order.

Brand & Model Overall Price Survey Test Results


Score Results
Oven capacity
Cooktop high

Self-cleaning
Cooktop low
satisfaction
Predicted
reliability

Broiling
Baking
Owner
Rec.

ELECTRIC SMOOTHTOP, SINGLE OVEN (30-INCH)

0
! GEProfile PB911SJSS 87 $1,209 0
5 0
3 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
5
0
$ LGLRE3061ST 85 $599 0
3 0
3 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
5 NA

0
! LGLRE3193ST 84 $950 0
3 0
3 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
5 0
5 NA

0
! LGLSE4613ST 82 $1,400 0
3 0
3 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
3
Samsung NE58F9500SS 80 $1,300 0
3 0
3 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
4
GEJS760SLSS 80 $1,100 0
5 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
5

48 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2021


R A NGE S
Brand & Model Overall Price Survey Test Results
Score Results

Oven capacity
Cooktop high

Self-cleaning
Cooktop low
satisfaction
Predicted
reliability

Broiling
Baking
Owner
Rec.

ELECTRIC SMOOTHTOP, SINGLE OVEN (30-INCH) Continued

GEJB655SKSS 78 $775 0
5 0
3 0
5 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
5 0
5
LGLRE3194BD 78 $865 0
3 0
3 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
3
Whirlpool WEE510S0FS 78 $900 0
4 0
2 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
5
LGLRE3060ST 77 $550 0
3 0
3 0
5 0
5 0
3 0
5 0
5 NA

Samsung NE59N6650SS 75 $1,005 0


3 0
3 0
5 0
3 0
5 0
4 0
5 0
5
Frigidaire Gallery
GCRE302LAF
75 $949 3 0
0 2 0
5 0
5 0
3 0
5 0
4 0
4
Samsung NE59M4320SS 74 $580 3 0
0 3 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
5 0
5
Frigidaire Gallery
GCRE3060AF
73 $1,349 3 0
0 2 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
5
Frigidaire Gallery
FGEH3047VF
73 $1,200 3 0
0 2 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
4
CaféCES700P2MS1 72 $2,299 0
5 0
3 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
3
GEJS645SLSS 71 $860 0
5 0
3 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
5 0
5
FrigidaireFFEF3054TS 70 $550 0
3 0
2 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
5
FrigidaireFFEH3054US 69 $940 0
3 0
2 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
5 0
4 0
4
FrigidaireFFEH3051VS 69 $1,100 0
3 0
2 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
5 0
4 NA
Electrolux EI30EF45QS 68 $2,270 0
1 0
3 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
4
GEJBS60RKSS 67 $590 0
5 0
3 0
5 0
3 0
2 0
3 0
5 NA
Kenmore Elite 95223 65 $2,400 0
3 0
3 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
1
Kenmore 95123 64 $1,200 0
3 0
3 0
5 0
5 0
3 0
5 0
5 0
1
Samsung NE59M4310SS 64 $500 0
3 0
3 0
5 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
5 0
5
KitchenAidKFEG500ESS 62 $1,000 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
5 0
1
Whirlpool WFE775H0HZ 61 $1,150 0
4 0
2 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
3 0
5 0
1
GEJB645RKSS 61 $550 0
5 0
3 0
5 0
3 0
2 0
3 0
5 0
5
Whirlpool
WFE320M0EW
60 $500 4 0
0 2 0
4 0
4 0
2 0
2 0
4 NA

KitchenAid KSEB900ESS 60 $2,440 0


3 0
3 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
5 0 0
4 1
Whirlpool WFE975H0HV 59 $1,260 0
4 0
2 0
5 0
3 0
4 0
4 5 0
0 1
Whirlpool WEE745H0FS 58 $1,200 0
4 0
2 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
5 5 0
0 1
FrigidaireFFEF3052TS 56 $680 0
3 0
2 0
4 0
4 0
2 0
3 0
3 NA
1 2 3 4 5 !  $ 
POOR EXCELLENT RECOMMENDED CR BEST BUY 49
Brand & Model Overall Price Survey Test Results
Score Results

Oven capacity
Cooktop high

Self-cleaning
Cooktop low
satisfaction
Predicted
reliability

Broiling
Baking
Owner
Rec.

ELECTRIC SMOOTHTOP, SINGLE OVEN (30-INCH) Continued

Whirlpool WEE750H0HZ 56 $1,400 0


4 0
2 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
1
Whirlpool WFE520S0FS 54 $805 0
4 0
2 0
5 0
5 0
3 0
2 0
4 0
3
Whirlpool WFE550S0HZ 51 $900 0
4 0
2 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
2 0
4 0
5
FrigidaireFCRE3052AS 50 $899 0
3 0
2 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
2 0
4 NA
Whirlpool WFE525S0HZ 48 $615 0
4 0
2 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
2 0
4 0
5
MaytagMER6600FZ 47 $650 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
2 0
2 0
4 0
3
Amana AER6303MFS 45 $650 0
3 0
1 0
3 0
5 0
2 0
2 0
4 NA

ELECTRIC SMOOTHTOP, DOUBLE OVEN (30-INCH)

0
! Samsung NE58F9710WS 81 $2,300 0
3 0
4 0
3 0
5 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
5
LGLDE4415ST 80 $1,300 0
3 0
5 0
3 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
4
GEJB860SJSS 79 $1,610 0
5 0
5 0
3 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
5 0
5
LGLTE4815ST 79 $2,250 0
3 0
5 0
3 0
5 0
3 0
5 0
5 0
5
Samsung NE59J7850WS 78 $1,200 0
3 0
4 0
3 0
5 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
4
IkeaBetrodd 602.885.60 74 $1,099 − − 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
5 0
5 0
4
MaytagMET8800FZ 74 $1,705 0 3
3 0 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
3 0
5 0
3
ELECTRIC INDUCTION

0
! GEProfile PHS930SLSS 86 $2,709 0 3
5 0 0 0 0
5 5 0 0
4 4 4 0
5
0
! LGLSE4617ST 82 $2,700 3 0
0 0 0
3 5 0 0
4 5 0 0
4 5 3
0
!
Frigidaire Gallery
FGIF3036TF
81 $1,195 3 0
0 2 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
5
Samsung
NE58K9560WS/AA
79 $2,430 3 0
0 3 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
3
FrigidaireFFIF3054TS 78 $850 0 2
3 0 0 0 0
5 5 0 0
4 3 4 0
5
KitchenAid KFID500ESS 72 $2,455 3 0
0 0 0
3 5 0 0
5 3 0 0
3 5 3
GAS AND DUAL-FUEL, SINGLE OVEN (30-INCH)

0
!
Samsung
NX58H9500WS
79 $1,600 4 0
0 5 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4
0
$ Samsung NX58H5600SS 76 $630 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
5 0
4 0
4 0 0
5 3
0
$ Samsung NX58K3310SS 75 $650 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
5 0
4 0
3 0
5 NA
0
! LGLSD4913ST (dual-fuel) 75 $1,700 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
5 5 0
0 2
0
! Samsung NX58M9420SS 74 $1,200 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
5 0
4 0
4 4 0
0 3

50 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2021


R A NGE S
Brand & Model Overall Price Survey Test Results
Score Results

Oven capacity
Cooktop high

Self-cleaning
Cooktop low
satisfaction
Predicted
reliability

Broiling
Baking
Owner
Rec.

GAS AND DUAL-FUEL, SINGLE OVEN (30-INCH) Continued

0
! LGLRG4113ST 74 $1,295 4 0
0 4 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
3 0
5 0
3
0
!
Samsung Chef Collec-
tion NX58M9960PS/AA
74 $3,999 4 0
0 5 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
2
0
! SamsungNX58M6630SS 74 $750 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
5 0
4 0
3 0
5 0
4
0
! GEJGS760SELSS 73 $2,000 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
3 0
4 0
3
0
! GEProfile PGS930SELSS 73 $2,699 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
4
0
! LGLRG3193ST 72 $800 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
5 NA

0
! LGLSG4513ST 70 $1,660 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
3 0
5 0
3
0
! LGLRG3061ST 70 $810 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
5 NA

0
! GEJGB700SEJSS 70 $1,200 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
5 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
3
CaféCGS700M2NS5 68 $3,299 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
3
GEJGB660SEJSS 68 $680 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
4
FrigidaireFFGF3054TS 68 $600 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
4
GEJGBS66EEKES 67 $900 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
5 0
3 0
3 0
5 NA
GEJGBS62REKSS 67 $680 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
5 0
3 0
3 0
4 NA
GEJGSS66EELES 66 $1,150 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
5 0
3 0
3 0
4 NA
Samsung NX58R4311SS 65 $580 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
2
GEJGBS30REKSS 64 $490 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
5 0
3 0
3 0
4 NA
FrigidaireFFGH3054US 64 $900 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
4
GEJGBS60DEKWW 64 $540 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
5 0
3 0
3 0
4 NA
FrigidaireFFGH3051VS 64 $795 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
3 NA
Frigidaire Gallery
FGGF3047TF
62 $815 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
4
FrigidaireFGGH3047VF 62 $1,900 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
4
GEJGB635REKSS 61 $770 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
3
Kenmore 74423 57 $870 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
2 0
3 0
3 NA

KitchenAidKSGG700ESS 57 $1,700 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
5 0
4 0
3 0
5 0
1
Kenmore 75123 57 $1,300 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
3 0
5 0
3 0
5 0
1
FrigidaireFFGF3052TS 55 $750 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
2 0
3 0
3 NA

KitchenAidKFGG500ESS 53 $1,400 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
3 0
5 0
3 0
5 0
1
Whirlpool WFG525S0HS 50 $810 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
2 0
4 0
4
1 2 3 4 5 !  $ 
POOR EXCELLENT RECOMMENDED CR BEST BUY 51
Brand & Model Overall Price Survey Test Results
Score Results

Oven capacity
Cooktop high

Self-cleaning
Cooktop low
satisfaction
Predicted
reliability

Broiling
Baking
Owner
Rec.

GAS AND DUAL-FUEL, SINGLE OVEN (30-INCH) Continued

Whirlpool WEG745H0FS 50 $1,300 0 3


3 0 0 0 0
3 3 0 0
4 3 5 0
1
BoschHGI8056UC 50 $2,299 3 0
0 0 0
4 3 0 0
2 3 0 0
2 3 3
Frigidaire Professional
FPGH3077RF
49 $2,649 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
1 0
4 0
2 0
4 0
3
WhirlpoolWFG975H0HZ 47 $1,260 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
2 0
5 0
3 0
5 0
1
WhirlpoolWEG750H0HZ 47 $1,890 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
1 0
5 0
3 0
5 0
1
WhirlpoolWFG540H0ES 47 $955 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
2 0
4 0
3 0
5 0
1
Kenmore 32673 Slide-in 47 $1,695 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
1 0
4 0
2 0
3 0
2
WhirlpoolWFG550S0HZ 47 $990 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
3 0
2 0
4 0
4
Electrolux EI30GF45QS 47 $2,470 0
2 0
2 0
4 0
3 0
2 0
2 0
3 0
3
Kenmore Pro 72583 45 $3,060 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
1 0
5 0
2 0
4 0
3
FrigidaireFFGF3012TW 43 $490 0
3 0
3 0
2 0
3 0
2 0
3 0
3 NA
MaytagMGR6600FZ 43 $950 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
1 0
4 0
3
Kenmore 75113 43 $1,400 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
2 0
4 0
2 0
4 0
5
Amana AGR6603SF 41 $735 0
2 0
1 0
3 0
5 0
4 0
1 0
4 0
3
Whirlpool
WFG505M0BS
40 $530 3 0
0 3 0
3 0
4 0
5 0
1 0
4 NA

Whirlpool WEG515S0FS 37 $1,000 3 0


0 0 1
3 3 0 0
4 0
2 0
4 0
4
Thor Kitchen LRG3001U 36 $1,560 − − 0
4 0 0 0
1 3 1 0
4 NA
Amana AGR5330BAS 35 $450 2 0
0 1 0
3 0
1 0 0 0
4 2 4 NA
GAS AND DUAL-FUEL, DOUBLE OVEN (30-INCH)

0
!
LGSignature
LUTD4919SN (dual-fuel)
84 $3,000 4 0
0 4 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
5
0
!
Samsung NY58J9850WS 81
(dual-fuel)
$2,700 4 0
0 5 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
3
0
!
CaféC2S950P2MS1
(dual-fuel)
76 $3,599 3 0
0 4 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
3 0
5 0
4
0
! LGLDG4315ST 76 $1,900 0 4
4 0 0 0 0
4 4 0 0
4 3 4 0
4
0
! GEProfile PGS960SELSS 72 $3,199 3 0
0 0 0
3 4 0 0
5 3 0 0
5 5 3
0
!
Samsung
NX58M6850SG
71 $1,300 4 0
0 5 0
3 0
5 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
2
GEJGB860SEJSS 63 $1,800 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
2 0
5 0
3
KitchenAid
KFGD500ESS
59 $1,800 3 0
0 3 0
3 0
5 0
3 0
2 0
5 0
3

52 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2021


R A NGE S
Brand & Model Overall Price Survey Test Results
Score Results

Oven capacity
Cooktop high

Self-cleaning
Cooktop low
satisfaction
Predicted
reliability

Broiling
Baking
Owner
Rec.

GAS AND DUAL-FUEL, DOUBLE OVEN (30-INCH) Continued

Whirlpool WGG745S0FS 58 $1,440 0 3


3 0 0 0 0
3 5 0 0
4 2 5 0
4
GEProfile PGB960SEJSS 49 $2,199 3 0
0 0 0
3 3 0 0
5 4 0 0
1 5 2
PRO-STYLE GAS AND DUAL-FUEL (30-INCH)

0
!
Monogram
ZGP304NRSS
70 $4,500 4 0
0 5 0
3 0
5 0
3 0
3 0
5 0
3
MieleHR 1124 G 60 $5,699 − − 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
4
WolfGR304 55 $4,850 2 0
0 0 5
5 3 0 0
2 0
2 0
4 NA
SmegC30GGXUI 46 $1,799 − − 0
4 0 0 0
3 3 2 0
3 NA
Viking VGIC53024BSS 41 $4,299 1 0
0 3 0
3 0
3 0 0 0
2 5 3 NA
Fisher & Paykel
OR30SCG4X1
28 $3,899 − − 0
4 0
1 0
1 0
3 0
2 NA

PRO-STYLE GAS AND DUAL-FUEL (36-INCH)

0
!
Samsung NY36R9966PS
(dual-fuel)
74 $7,410 − − 0 0 0
4 4 0 0
5 4 5 0
4
KuchtKRG3618U 65 $3,699 0 0
− − 4 0 0
5 4 0
3 3 NA
WolfGR366 61 $6,420 0 5
2 0 0
3 0
5 0
3 0
2 0 NA
5
Viking VGR5366BSS 58 $6,850 1 0
0 0 0
3 4 5 0
3 0
2 0
5 NA
Jenn-Air JGRP436HL 52 $6,199 2 0
0 3 0 0
4 5 0
4 0
2 0 0
4 2
HaierHCR6250AGS 43 $2,065 − − 0
4 0
3 0
2 0
2 0
3 NA
SmegC36GGXU 34 $3,000 − − 0
3 0
1 0
2 0
2 0
3 NA

HOW WE TEST: Overall Score insufficient survey data to on low, held tomato sauce
combines test results with survey provide a brand-level rating, below a boil. Baking reflects
data for predicted reliability −
indicated by a gray dash ( ), even browning of cakes and
and owner satisfaction. we assume the model has cookies in multirack baking
Predicted reliability estimates average reliability and tests. Broiling is even browning
the likelihood that newly satisfaction. Cooktop high of a pan of burgers and high-
purchased models from a given reflects how quickly the most heat searing. Oven capacity is
brand will develop problems or powerful element heated a our evaluation of usable space.
break within the first five years. large pot of water to near-boil. Self-cleaning is that cycle’s
Owner satisfaction reflects Cooktop low is how well the effectiveness after the oven is
the proportion of CR members lowest-powered element held coated with a mixture of eggs,
who are extremely likely to a low heat, as for melting lard, cheese, cherry pie filling,
recommend the range they chocolate, and how well the tomato puree, and tapioca.
bought. In cases where we have most powerful element, set Price is approximate retail.

1 2 3 4 5 ! 
POOR EXCELLENT RECOMMENDED 53
QUI CK GUIDE

Refrigerators
Refrigerator design continues to evolve, and new
models often boast high-tech features. But no matter
which type you choose, everyday performance still
matters most—and that’s what our tests capture.

What to Look For capacity is often less than BUYING


■ Temperature-controlled the amount claimed. ADVICE
drawers to keep meat, We measure the interior If you’re replacing
fish, and other food at lower capacity of each model, your existing
temperatures. which All-Access fridge (rather
■ In French-door models, or Digital members can than remodeling),
look for half or foldable see at CR.org/refrigerators. check each
shelves for storing taller items model’s width,
What You’ll Pay
as needed. height, and
Standard top-freezers
■ Adjustable door bins also
start around $500. depth, and make
allow for customization sure you have
Side-by-sides start around
and flexibility. room for the door
$800, while French-
What to Skip door models are $1,000 to open fully.
■Our tests found that the and up. Built-ins can run For more buying
advice, go to
amount of usable storage beyond $10,000. CR.org/refrigerators.

Tested products in performance order.

Brand & Model Overall Survey


Price Results Test Results Features
Score
Temperature
satisfaction
Thermostat

Ease of use

height (in.)
uniformity

depth (in.)
Predicted

width (in.)
efficiency
reliability

Exterior

Exterior

Exterior
control

Energy
Owner

Noise
Rec.

TOP-FREEZER (31-INCH AND WIDER WIDTHS)

0
! LGLTCS24223S 79 $970 5 0
0 4 0
4 0
3 0
5 0
4 0
2 69 33 32

0
!
Samsung
RT21M6213SG
78 $935 4 0
0 3 0
4 0
3 0
5 0
4 0
3 68 33 32

0
!
Samsung
RT21M6215SG
78 $900 4 0
0 3 0
4 0
3 0
5 0
4 0
3 68 33 32

0
!
Maytag
MRT311FFFM
77 $1,050 5 0
0 2 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
2 66 33 31

GEGTS21FSKSS 71 $1,010 4 0
0 1 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
1 67 32 32

54 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2021


REF R I GER AT ORS
Brand & Model Overall Survey
Price Results Test Results Features
Score

Temperature
satisfaction
Thermostat

Ease of use

height (in.)
uniformity

depth (in.)
Predicted

width (in.)
efficiency
reliability

Exterior

Exterior

Exterior
control

Energy
Owner

Noise
Rec.

TOP-FREEZER (31-INCH AND WIDER WIDTHS) Continued


Whirlpool
WRT511SZDM
69 $1,000 5 0
0 2 0
3 0
3 0
5 0
4 0
1 66 33 32

Kenmore 79433 67 $1,100 0 2


5 0 0 0 0
3 2 0 0
5 4 2 69 33 32

GEGIE21GSHSS 65 $1,510 4 0
0 0 0
1 3 0 0
4 5 0
4 2 67 33 33
Insignia
NS-RTM21SS7
64 $775 − − 0
3 0
3 0
5 0
3 0
2 67 33 34

TOP-FREEZER (29-30 INCH WIDTHS)

0
!
Frigidaire Gallery
FGTR2037TF
81 $890 5 0
0 1 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
3 0
1 70 30 33

0
!
Samsung
RT18M6215SG
78 $750 4 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
3 67 29 29

0
!
Frigidaire Gallery
FGTR1837TF
74 $695 5 0
0 1 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
2 0
1 66 30 31

0
!
Frigidaire
FFTR2021TS
74 $800 5 0
0 1 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
3 0
1 69 30 33

Insignia
NS-RTM18BK8Q
79 $550 − − 0
5 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
2 67 30 31

Frigidaire
FFHT1821TS
69 $850 5 0
0 1 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
1 64 30 30

Maytag
MRT118FFFZ
60 $810 5 0
0 2 0
3 0
2 0
5 0
2 0
1 66 30 32

Insignia
NS-RTM18SS7
55 $680 − − 0
2 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
1 67 30 32

GEGTE18ISHSS 55 $1,025 4 0
0 1 0
3 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
1 67 30 33

TOP-FREEZER (28-INCH AND NARROWER WIDTHS)

0
!
Blomberg
BRFT1522SS
79 $900 − − 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
2 68 28 26

0
$
Whirlpool
WRT518SZFM
73 $745 5 0
0 2 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
2 0
1 68 28 31

GEGTS17GSNRSS 66 $710 4 0
0 1 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
1 65 28 31
Amana
ART104TFDW
59 $570 5 0
0 1 0
3 0
3 0
5 0
3 0
1 63 28 30

Hotpoint
HPE15BTHWW
57 $595 4 0
0 1 0
3 0
2 0
5 0
2 0
1 62 28 30

Whirlpool
WRT106TFDW
57 $615 5 0
0 2 0
3 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
1 66 28 32

Hotpoint
HPS15BTHLWW
56 $575 4 0
0 1 0
3 0
2 0
4 0
2 0
1 62 28 30

Frigidaire
FFTR1514TW
56 $620 5 0
0 1 0
3 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
1 61 28 30

1 2 3 4 5 !  $ 
POOR EXCELLENT RECOMMENDED CR BEST BUY 55
Brand & Model Overall Survey
Price Results Test Results Features
Score

Temperature
satisfaction
Thermostat

Ease of use

height (in.)
uniformity

depth (in.)
Predicted

width (in.)
efficiency
reliability

Exterior

Exterior

Exterior
control

Energy
Owner

Noise
Rec.

BOTTOM-FREEZER (31-33 INCH WIDTHS)

0
!
Kenmore Elite
79043
92 $1,500 5 0
0 3 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
3 70 33 33

0
! LGLDCS24223S 92 $1,600 0 3
5 0 0 0 0
5 5 0 0
5 5 3 69 33 33

0
! LGLRDCS2603S 83 $970 5 0
0 0 0
3 5 0 0
5 4 0
3 3 70 33 33

0
!
Amana
ABB2224BRM
82 $1,405 4 0
0 3 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
3 0
2 69 33 31

0
! GEGDE25ESKSS 81 $1,900 4 0
0 2 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
3 69 33 35
KitchenAid
KRBR102ESS
77 $1,920 4 0
0 3 0
5 0
5 0
3 0
3 0
2 69 33 31

Whirlpool
WRB322DMBM
75 $1,440 3 0
0 3 0
5 0
5 0
3 0
3 0
2 69 33 31

Fisher & Paykel


ActiveSmart 73 $2,600 4 0
0 3 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
4 0
3 68 32 28
RF170WDRUX5
Hisense
HBM17158SS
66 $800 − − 0
4 0
2 0
4 0
4 0
2 70 32 27

BOTTOM-FREEZER (30-INCH AND NARROWER WIDTHS)

0
!
Amana
ABB1924BRM
79 $1,475 4 0
0 3 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
3 0
2 66 30 31

GEGDE21ESKSS 78 $1,585 4 0
0 2 0
5 0
5 0
3 0
4 0
3 70 30 35
Haier
HRB15N3BGS
72 $1,095 − − 0
4 0 0 0
4 4 4 0
2 68 28 24

BoschB11CB50SSS 72 $2,390 0 0
− − 5 4 0 0 0
3 4 3 79 24 26
Blomberg
BRFB1822SSN
68 $1,600 − − 0 0 0
4 3 3 0 0
4 3 60 30 31

GEGLE12HSLSS 63 $1,510 4 0
0 2 0
5 0
5 0
2 0
5 0
2 70 24 26
Whirlpool
URB551WNGZ
61 $1,360 3 0
0 3 0
5 0
5 0
2 0
2 0
2 74 24 27

FRENCH-DOOR (34-INCH AND WIDER WIDTHS)

0
! LGLRFXC2406S 86 $3,400 0
3 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
3 0
5 0
5 71 36 29

0
! LGLRFDS3006S 84 $3,420 0
3 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
5 0
5 71 36 34
GEGNE29GSKSS 83 $2,005 0
3 0
3 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
4 70 36 34
LGLRFDS3016S 82 $2,700 0
3 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
5 70 36 33
Café CYE22TSHSS 82 $3,200 0
3 0
3 0
5 0
5 0
3 0
4 0
5 70 36 30
GEProfile
PYE22PSKSS
82 $3,160 3 0
0 3 0
5 0
5 0
3 0
4 0
5 70 36 30

GEGYE22HSKSS 82 $3,130 3 0
0 3 0
5 0
5 0
3 0
4 0
5 70 36 30

56 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2021 ⁄ 4-door model.


REF R I GER AT ORS
Brand & Model Overall Survey
Price Results Test Results Features
Score

Temperature
satisfaction
Thermostat

Ease of use

height (in.)
uniformity

depth (in.)
Predicted

width (in.)
efficiency
reliability

Exterior

Exterior

Exterior
control

Energy
Owner

Noise
Rec.

FRENCH-DOOR (34-INCH AND WIDER WIDTHS) Continued

LGLRFVS3006S 81 $4,000 0
3 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
3 0
5 0
5 70 36 33

LGLNXS30866D ⁄ 81 $4,100 0
3 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
4 69 36 37
LGLFXC24726S 80 $3,400 0
3 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
3 0
4 0
5 69 36 29
LGLFXS28968S 79 $1,620 0
3 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
4 70 36 34
LGLFCS27596S 79 $1,600 0
3 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
5 0
4 70 36 33
Kenmore 73035 79 $1,500 0
3 0
3 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
4 71 36 34

LGLMXS28626S ⁄ 78 $1,900 0
3 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
3 0
4 0
4 70 36 34

LGLFXS24663S ⁄ 78 $2,880 0
3 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
3 0
5 0
4 70 36 32
LGLFXS28566S 77 $3,000 0
3 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
3 0
4 70 36 34
IkeaNutid
IX6HHEXDS 77 $1,800 − − 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
3 69 36 28
[80288757]
LGLMXC23746S ⁄ 77 $3,515 3 0
0 4 0
5 0
4 0
3 0
5 0
5 71 36 29
LGSignature
LUPXC2386N ⁄
76 $6,000 3 0
0 4 0
5 0
4 0
3 0
5 0
5 70 36 30

Café CFE28TSHSS 76 $3,100 3 0


0 3 0
5 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
5 70 36 35
GEProfile
PYD22KSLSS
75 $3,100 3 0
0 3 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
2 0
4 70 36 28

KitchenAid
KRFC704FBS
75 $4,140 2 0
0 3 0
5 0
4 0
3 0
5 0
5 71 36 29

LGLMXC23796D ⁄ 75 $4,050 0 4
3 0 0
5 0 0 0
4 2 5 0
5 69 36 30

Kenmore 72595 ⁄ 75 $2,200 3 0


0 0 0
3 5 5 0 0 0
3 4 4 70 36 34

LGLMXS27626S ⁄ 75 $1,700 3 0
0 4 0 0 0
4 4 3 0 0
5 4 69 36 33
GEProfile
PFE28KSKSS
75 $2,200 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
5 69 36 35

GEGFE28GYNFS 75 $1,900 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
3 0
5 70 36 32
GEProfile
PWE23KMKES
74 $2,600 3 0
0 3 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
4 69 36 29

LGLFXS30726S 74 $3,070 3 0
0 4 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
5 69 36 34
KitchenAid
KRFC302ESS
73 $3,220 2 0
0 3 0
5 0
5 0
3 0
5 0
3 73 36 28

LGLFXS26566S 73 $2,300 0 4
3 0 0
4 0 0 0
5 3 5 0
4 70 36 33

GEGNE27JSMSS 73 $2,200 3 0
0 0 0
3 4 4 0 0 0
5 3 3 70 36 34

Café CYE22USHSS 73 $3,600 3 0


0 3 0 0 0
4 3 3 0 0
4 5 70 36 30

1 2 3 4 5 ! 
POOR EXCELLENT RECOMMENDED 57
Brand & Model Overall Survey
Price Results Test Results Features
Score

Temperature
satisfaction
Thermostat

Ease of use

height (in.)
uniformity

depth (in.)
Predicted

width (in.)
efficiency
reliability

Exterior

Exterior

Exterior
control

Energy
Owner

Noise
Rec.

FRENCH-DOOR (34-INCH AND WIDER WIDTHS) Continued

LGLRFXS2503S 72 $2,700 3 0
0 4 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
4 70 36 33
KitchenAid
KRMF706EBS ⁄
72 $4,200 2 0
0 3 0
5 0
4 0
3 0
5 0
5 70 36 34

LGLFXC24796D 72 $3,340 0 4
3 0 0 0 0
5 4 0 0
2 5 4 70 36 29
GEGFE26JSMSS 69 $2,250 3 0
0 0 0
3 4 0 0
4 4 0
3 3 70 36 34
Samsung
RF23M8070SR ⁄
69 $2,200 2 0
0 3 0
5 0
5 0
3 0
5 0
5 70 36 29

Dacor
DRF36C100SR ⁄
68 $4,000 − − 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
5 0
5 69 36 31

Samsung
RF22K9381SR ⁄
68 $2,600 2 0
0 3 0
5 0
5 0
3 0
5 0
4 72 36 29

Samsung
RF23M8570SG ⁄
68 $3,700 2 0
0 3 0
5 0
5 0
3 0
5 0
5 70 36 29

Samsung
RF28K9070SR ⁄
68 $2,200 2 0
0 3 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
4 71 36 35

Samsung
RF28N9780SR ⁄
67 $2,900 2 0
0 3 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
5 0
4 72 36 34

Maytag
MFC2062FEZ
67 $2,400 2 0
0 2 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
3 69 36 28

Samsung
RF28JBEDBSR ⁄
67 $3,600 2 0
0 3 0
5 0
4 0
3 0
5 0
5 70 36 34

Samsung
RF23R6201SR
67 $1,600 2 0
0 3 0
5 0
5 0
3 0
5 0
5 70 36 29

Samsung
RF28R7351SG ⁄
67 $2,300 2 0
0 3 0
5 0
5 0
3 0
5 0
5 70 36 34

Samsung
RF265BEAESG
66 $3,220 2 0
0 3 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
5 70 36 34

Samsung
RF22KREDBSR ⁄
66 $3,505 2 0
0 3 0
5 0
5 0
3 0
5 0
4 70 36 29

Samsung
RF23J9011SR ⁄
66 $2,300 2 0
0 3 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
5 0
4 72 36 29

Samsung
RF28NHEDBSG ⁄
66 $2,400 2 0
0 3 0
5 0
5 0
3 0
5 0
4 70 36 34

KitchenAid
KRFF305ESS
66 $2,010 2 0
0 3 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
2 69 36 33

Samsung
RF28HFEDBSR
65 $1,900 2 0
0 3 0
5 0
5 0
3 0
4 0
4 69 36 34

Whirlpool
WRF954CIHM
65 $3,505 2 0
0 3 0
5 0
5 0
3 0
5 0
5 70 36 29

GEGYS22GSNSS 65 $3,030 3 0
0 3 0
5 0
4 0
2 0
3 0
4 70 36 29
Bertazzoni
Professional Series 65 $3,080 − − 0
5 0
5 0
3 0
5 0
4 70 36 29
REF36X ⁄

58 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2021 ⁄ 4-door model.


REF R I GER AT ORS
Brand & Model Overall Survey
Price Results Test Results Features
Score

Temperature
satisfaction
Thermostat

Ease of use

height (in.)
uniformity

depth (in.)
Predicted

width (in.)
efficiency
reliability

Exterior

Exterior

Exterior
control

Energy
Owner

Noise
Rec.

FRENCH-DOOR (31-33 INCH WIDTHS)

0
!
Kenmore Elite
71313
79 $1,800 3 0
0 3 0
5 0
5 0
3 0
5 0
3 69 33 33

0
! GEGNE25JSKSS 77 $1,900 0 3
3 0 0 0 0
5 5 0 0
4 4 3 69 33 35

0
! GEGFE24JSKSS 76 $2,500 3 0
0 0 0
3 5 0 0
5 3 0
4 3 70 33 36
KitchenAid
KRFF300ESS
74 $1,900 2 0
0 3 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
2 69 33 32

GEGWE19JSLSS 68 $1,710 3 0
0 3 0
5 0
5 0
2 0
3 0
3 70 33 28
Samsung
RF20HFENBSR
67 $1,350 2 0
0 3 0
5 0
5 0
3 0
4 0
4 71 33 31

Samsung
RF25HMEDBSR ⁄
65 $2,115 2 0
0 3 0
5 0
5 0
3 0
4 0
4 69 33 34

Whirlpool
WRF532SMHZ
64 $2,010 2 0
0 3 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
2 69 33 32

Samsung
RF18HFENBSR
60 $1,000 2 0
0 3 0
5 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
3 71 33 29

FRENCH-DOOR (30-INCH AND NARROWER WIDTHS)

0
$ LGLFC22770ST 83 $1,400 0 4
3 0 0
5 0 0 0
5 5 5 0
3 68 30 33

0
! LGLFCS22520S 79 $900 3 0
0 0 0
4 5 5 0 0 0
3 5 3 68 30 33

0
! GEGNE21FSKSS 77 $1,555 3 0
0 3 0 0 0
5 5 3 0 0
4 3 70 30 35
Samsung
RF220NCTASR
61 $1,200 2 0
0 3 0
5 0
5 0
3 0
4 0
3 67 30 34

Whirlpool
WRF560SEYM
58 $1,300 2 0
0 3 0
5 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
3 68 30 33

Whirlpool
WRF560SMHZ
58 $1,560 2 0
0 3 0
5 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
3 68 30 33

Haier
HRF15N3AGS
51 $1,260 − − 0
5 0
4 0
3 0
2 0
2 71 28 27

SIDE-BY-SIDE (34-INCH AND WIDER WIDTHS)

0
!
GEProfile
PSS28KSHSS
79 $2,150 3 0
0 1 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
5 70 36 33

0
$ LGLSXS26366S 78 $1,400 3 0
0 3 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
5 70 36 33

0
!
GEProfile
PSE25KSHSS
76 $2,000 3 0
0 1 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
5 70 36 33

0
$ LGLSXS26326S 75 $1,100 3 0
0 3 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
5 69 36 34

0
!
Kenmore Elite
51863
74 $2,000 3 0
0 2 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
5 70 36 30

0
$ Kenmore 51783 73 $1,500 3 0
0 2 0
5 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
5 69 36 29
Whirlpool
WRS586FIEM
71 $1,635 3 0
0 2 0
4 0
3 0
5 0
4 0
4 69 36 33

1 2 3 4 5 !  $ 
POOR EXCELLENT RECOMMENDED CR BEST BUY 59
Brand & Model Overall Survey
Price Results Test Results Features
Score

Temperature
satisfaction
Thermostat

Ease of use

height (in.)
uniformity

depth (in.)
Predicted

width (in.)
efficiency
reliability

Exterior

Exterior

Exterior
control

Energy
Owner

Noise
Rec.

SIDE-BY-SIDE (34-INCH AND WIDER WIDTHS) Continued


Whirlpool
WRS588FIHZ
71 $1,600 3 0
0 2 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
4 69 36 33

GEProfile
PZS22MSKSS
70 $2,800 3 0
0 1 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
5 0
4 70 36 29

KenmoreElite 51773 69 $1,800 3 0


0 2 0
4 0
2 0
5 0
4 0
5 69 36 34
Frigidaire
FFSS2625TS
69 $1,210 3 0
0 1 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
3 70 36 32

Whirlpool
WRS571CIDM
69 $1,250 3 0
0 2 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
4 69 36 28

GEGZS22IYNFS 69 $1,710 3 0
0 1 0
5 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
4 70 36 28
Frigidaire
FGSS2635TF
69 $1,345 3 0
0 1 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
4 70 36 34

GEGSS25GSHSS 68 $1,445 0 1
3 0 0
4 0 0 0
3 4 3 0
4 70 36 33
GEGSS25LSLSS 67 $1,440 3 0
0 0 0
1 4 3 0 0 0
4 3 4 70 36 34
Kenmore 51335 67 $1,300 3 0
0 2 0 0 0
4 4 4 0 0
3 3 70 36 32
KitchenAid
KRSC503ESS
67 $2,790 2 0
0 2 0
5 0
5 0
3 0
4 0
5 71 36 28

Whirlpool
WRS325SDHZ
66 $1,350 3 0
0 2 0
3 0
5 0
4 0
3 0
3 69 36 33

Frigidaire
FGSC2335TF
66 $1,300 3 0
0 1 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
3 0
4 70 36 29

Whirlpool
WRS325FDAM
66 $950 3 0
0 2 0
3 0
5 0
4 0
3 0
3 69 36 33

Maytag
MSC21C6MFZ
63 $1,620 3 0
0 1 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
4 69 36 28

Whirlpool
WRS555SIHZ
62 $1,200 3 0
0 2 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
3 70 36 32

Daewoo
FRS-Y22D2T
62 $1,290 − − 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
3 70 36 28

GEGSS25IYNFS 61 $1,620 3 0
0 1 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
3 0
4 70 36 32
KitchenAid
KRSC703HPS
61 $2,790 2 0
0 2 0
4 0
5 0
2 0
4 0
4 72 35 27

SIDE-BY-SIDE (31-33 INCH WIDTHS)

0
! GEGSS23HSHSS 71 $1,620 3 0
0 1 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
4 70 33 33

0
!
Whirlpool
WRS321SDHZ
66 $1,250 3 0
0 2 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
3 67 33 32

0
!
Amana
ASI2175GRS
65 $1,000 3 0
0 2 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
3 67 33 32

Whirlpool
WRS331SDHM
62 $1,260 3 0
0 2 0
5 0
4 0
3 0
2 0
3 67 33 32

GEGSE23GSKSS 60 $1,545 3 0
0 1 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
4 69 33 33

60 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2021 ⁄ 4-door model.


REF R I GER AT ORS
Brand & Model Overall Survey
Price Results Test Results Features
Score

Temperature
satisfaction
Thermostat

Ease of use

height (in.)
uniformity

depth (in.)
Predicted

width (in.)
efficiency
reliability

Exterior

Exterior

Exterior
control

Energy
Owner

Noise
Rec.

BUILT-IN
Thermador Free-
0
!
dom Collection
Professional Series
85 $9,300 5 0
0 5 0
5 0
4 0
3 0
5 0
4 84 36 25
T36BT920NS
Thermador Free-
0
! dom Collection 84 $8,000 5 0
0 5 0
5 0
4 0
3 0
5 0
5 84 36 25
T36IT901NP

0
!
DacorModernist
DRF427500AP
82 $11,000 − − 0
5 0
5 0
3 0
5 0
3 85 42 25

0
!
Jenn-Air
JF42NXFXDE
81 $9,400 3 0
0 3 0
5 0
5 0
3 0
5 0
3 83 42 26

0
!
DacorModernist
DRF367500AP
81 $8,600 − − 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
5 84 36 24

0
!
Jenn-Air
JB36NXFXRE
80 $7,400 3 0
0 3 0
5 0
4 0
3 0
5 0
4 83 36 26

KitchenAid
KBFN502ESS
78 $8,725 2 0
0 2 0
5 0
5 0
3 0
5 0
3 83 42 26

KitchenAid
KBBR306ESS
77 $6,900 2 0
0 2 0
5 0
4 0
3 0
5 0
4 83 36 26

MielePerfectCool
KFNF9955IDE
76 $7,100 4 0
0 4 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
4 80 36 24

MieleKFN9855IDE 74 $5,600 4 0
0 4 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
5 0
4 80 36 25
GEMonogram
ZIPP360NHSS
73 $8,700 3 0
0 2 0
5 0
5 0
2 0
3 0
4 84 36 26

Blomberg
BRFB1920SS
71 $5,730 − − 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
4 84 30 25

Café
CSB42WP2NS1
70 $7,200 3 0
0 2 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
4 84 42 26

Fisher & Paykel


RS36W80J
66 $6,000 − − 0
4 0
3 0
2 0
4 0
3 80 36 24

HOW WE TEST: Overall Score who are extremely likely to a set temperature despite
combines test results with recommend the refrigerator changes in room temperature.
survey data for predicted they bought. In cases where Temperature uniformity is
reliability and owner satisfaction. we have insufficient survey based on how well a model
Predicted reliability estimates data to provide a brand-level minimizes warm and cold
the likelihood that newly rating, indicated by a gray spots. Energy efficiency
purchased models from a −
dash ( ), we assume the is energy consumption per
given brand will develop model has average reliability cubic foot of measured
problems or break within the and satisfaction within its usable storage space.
first five years. Owner category. Thermostat control Noise is measured with the
satisfaction reflects the looks at the appliance’s compressors running. Price is
proportion of CR members ability to achieve and maintain approximate retail.

1 2 3 4 5 ! 
POOR EXCELLENT RECOMMENDED 61
QUI CK GUIDE

Snow Blowers
You don’t need a behemoth model for efficient snow
clearing. You’ll find compact, easier-handling machines
work well on smaller driveways, while midsized models
can dispatch drifts left by a heavy storm.

What to Look For operation so that you can BUYING


■ Belts. You’ll need one also operate the discharge ADVICE
drive belt for single-stage chute control. Bigger engines
machines and two for and wider
What You’ll Pay
two-stage models. clearing swaths
■ You can spend as little as
■ Shear pins. On two-stage
$500 for a snow blower that are great, but
models, they protect the some smaller
will handle light dustings
engine and transmission by machines
or well over $1,000 for a
breaking if the auger hits can out-clear
snow blower that takes care
something too hard. Keep and out-throw
of heavier snowfalls.
spares on hand. the big boys
■ Interlocking safety grips.
for less money.
These allow one-handed
For more buying
advice, go to
CR.org/snowblowers.

Tested products in performance order.

Brand & Model Overall Survey


Price Results Test Results
Score
satisfaction

Width (in.)
Predicted
reliability

Throwing

Handling
Plow pile

distance

Controls
cleaning
Removal

removal

Surface
Owner

speed

Noise
Rec.

THREE-STAGE GAS: BEST FOR HEAVY SNOW UP TO 18 INCHES

0
!
Cub Cadet 3X 30 ”
PRO H
91 $2,600 3 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
2 0
5 30

0
!
Cub Cadet 3X 30 ”
HD
91 $1,700 3 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
2 0
5 30

0
$ Troy-BiltVortex 2890 87 $1,200 3 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
5 0
2 0
5 28

0
!
Cub Cadet 3X 26”
TRAC
87 $1,800 3 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
2 0
5 26

0
$ Troy-BiltVortex 2490 80 $1,200 3 0
0 5 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
2 0
5 24

62 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2021


SNO W BL O W ERS
Brand & Model Overall Survey
Price Results Test Results
Score

satisfaction

Width (in.)
Predicted
reliability

Throwing

Handling
Plow pile

distance

Controls
cleaning
Removal

removal

Surface
Owner

speed

Noise
Rec.

TWO-STAGE GAS: BEST FOR HEAVY TO MEDIUM SNOW UP TO 16 INCHES

0
!
ToroPower Max HD
928 OAE 38840
93 $1,400 4 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
3 0
5 0
2 0
5 28

0
!
Troy-BiltArctic
Storm 30
92 $1,500 5 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
2 0
5 30

0
$
Cub Cadet 2X 30 ’’
HP
92 $1,200 5 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
5 0
2 0
5 30

0
! Ariens926078 92 $3,100 4 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
2 0
5 28

0
! AriensDeluxe 30 EFI 92 $1,700 4 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
5 0
2 0
5 30

0
$ Cub Cadet 2X 28” HP 91 $1,100 5 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
3 0
5 0
2 0
5 28

0
$
ToroPower Max 826
OXE 37799
89 $1,050 4 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
2 0
5 0
2 0
5 26

0
! Craftsman 88976 88 $1,600 4 0
0 4 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
2 0
5 30

0
! Cub Cadet 2X 26” HP 84 $1,000 5 0
0 5 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
2 0
5 26

0
!
AriensDeluxe 28
254CC 921046
84 $1,100 4 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
2 0
4 28

0
$ Troy-Bilt2860 82 $1,000 5 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
2 0
5 28

0
$ Troy-BiltStorm 2665 81 $800 5 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
2 0
5 26

0
$
Briggs & Stratton
1227MDS
81 $1,000 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
3 0
5 0
2 0
5 27

COMPACT TWO-STAGE GAS: BEST FOR MEDIUM SNOW UP TO 16 INCHES

0
$
ToroPower Max 824
OE 37798
79 $880 4 0
0 5 0
3 0
5 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
2 0
5 24

0
$ Champion 100434 79 $720 – – 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
2 0
4 24

0
! Honda HSS724AW 76 $2,200 5 0
0 5 0
3 0
3 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
2 0
5 24

0
! Cub Cadet 2X 24” 75 $900 5 0
0 5 0
2 0
5 0
3 0
4 0
5 0
2 0
5 24

0
! Craftsman 88640 75 $800 4 0
0 4 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
3 0
5 0
2 0
4 24

0
$ Troy-Bilt2410 75 $700 5 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
4 24

0
$
Briggs & Stratton
1696610
74 $730 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
3 0
4 0
2 0
4 24

0
!
AriensCompact 24
920027
74 $900 4 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
2 0
5 24

0
! Ariens920025 71 $800 4 0
0 5 0
2 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
2 0
5 24

0
! Craftsman SB410 71 $700 4 0
0 4 0
3 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
2 0
4 24

1 2 3 4 5 !  $ 
POOR EXCELLENT RECOMMENDED CR BEST BUY 63
Brand & Model Overall Survey
Price Results Test Results
Score

satisfaction

Width (in.)
Predicted
reliability

Throwing

Handling
Plow pile

distance

Controls
cleaning
Removal

removal

Surface
Owner

speed

Noise
Rec.

SINGLE-STAGE GAS: BEST FOR LIGHT TO MEDIUM SNOW UP TO 9 INCHES

0
!
ToroPower Clear 821 80
QZE 38757 $750 4 0
0 5 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
5 0
5 0
2 0
3 21

0
! Toro824 QXE 36003 78 $880 4 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
5 0
5 0
2 0
5 24

0
!
ToroPower Clear 721
QZE 38756
77 $700 4 0
0 5 0
3 0
5 0
3 0
5 0
5 0
2 0
5 21

0
$
ToroPower Clear 721
R-C 38754
76 $630 4 0
0 5 0
4 0
5 0
2 0
5 0
5 0
2 0
4 21

0
! Honda HS 720AS 72 $700 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
5 0
4 0
2 0
3 20

0
! Toro724 QXE 36002 72 $750 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
5 0
2 0
5 24

0
$ Troy-BiltSquall 208XP 70 $500 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
2 0
5 0
5 0
2 0
4 21

0
$ Troy-BiltSquall 179E 66 $450 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
2 0
5 0
5 0
2 0
4 21

0
!
Craftsman
CMXGBAM1054540
65 $550 3 0
0 3 0
2 0
5 0
2 0
5 0
5 0
2 0
4 21

SINGLE-STAGE ELECTRIC: BEST FOR LIGHT SNOW UP TO 6 INCHES


ToroPower Curve
1800 38381
44 $250 3 0
0 3 0
1 0
1 0
2 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
4 18

ToroPower Shovel
38361
36 $110 3 0
0 3 0
1 0
1 0
1 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
4 11

SINGLE-STAGE BATTERY: BEST FOR LIGHT SNOW UP TO 6 INCHES

0
! EgoSNT2102 66 $600 5 0
0 5 0
2 0
2 0
3 0
5 0
5 0
3 0
5 21

0
!
Snow Joe
ION100V-21SB
65 $800 3 0
0 3 0
2 0
4 0
3 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
4 21

0
!
ToroPower Clear
e21 39901
64 $650 – – 0
2 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
3 21

HOW WE TEST: Overall data to provide a brand-level the mixture. Surface cleaning
score combines test rating, indicated by a gray reflects how much of our
results with survey data for −
dash ( ), we assume the mixture each model leaves
predicted reliability and model has average reliability behind on a blacktop driveway.
owner satisfaction. Predicted and satisfaction. NA means Handling denotes how easy
reliability estimates the we have no data. For removal each machine is to push,
likelihood that newly purchased speed, we time how long it pull, and turn. Controls is our
models from a given brand takes models to clear a highly assessment of how easy
will develop problems or break controlled mixture of wet it is to change speeds, adjust
within the first five years. sawdust. Plow-pile removal the discharge chute, and
Owner satisfaction reflects is an assessment of how quickly, move the handle-bar. Noise is
the proportion of CR members and thoroughly, models cut measured in decibels at the ear
who are extremely likely to through a large mound of wet of the operator; a rating lower
recommend the snow blower sawdust designed to simulate than good means you’ll need
they bought. In cases where a plow pile. Throwing distance hearing protection. Price is
we have insufficient survey is how far each model throws approximate retail.

64 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2021


QUI CK GUIDE

VA CUUMS
Vacuums
The best uprights deliver the most power for deep-
cleaning carpets, but canisters are easier to
maneuver. Stick vacs and handheld models offer
supplemental floor-cleaning convenience.

What to Look For What to Skip BUYING


■ If deep-cleaning carpet is ■ No need to splurge on ADVICE
the most important thing on extra cleaning tools. Those Even if you plan
your list, go for an upright. that come standard should to order online,
■ Canisters do well when suffice for most house- try to go to a
cleaning drapes and hold cleaning jobs. store first. Push,
upholstery, on stairs, and ■ We recommend against
pull, turn, and
under furniture. They let bagless models if you have lift the vacuum
you move mostly the hose asthma or allergies, because cleaners you’re
and wand—instead of the emptying the bin is usually considering to
entire machine. a dusty, messy chore. get a sense of
■ View stick vacs and
What You’ll Pay how easy they
handheld models as are to use.
Capable bagless uprights
maintenance cleaners;
start at about $170; figure
neither can replace your
$200-plus for most canisters For more buying
full-sized vacuum. advice, go to
and bagged uprights. CR.org/vacuums.

Tested products in performance order.

Brand & Model Overall Survey


Price Results Test Results
Score
Hose suction
satisfaction

Bare floors

emissions
Predicted
reliability

Handling
Pet hair
Carpet
Owner

Clean

Noise
Rec.

BAGLESS UPRIGHT VACUUMS

0
!
SharkNavigator Powered
Lift-Away NV586 (Target)
77 $300 4 0
0 5 0
4 5 4 0
5 0
4 0
503
0
!
SharkDuoClean Powered
Lift-Away NV831
76 $350 4 0
0 5 0
4 5 4 0
5 0
4 0
303
0
!
SharkDuoClean Powered
Lift-Away Speed NV800
75 $300 4 0
0 5 0
3 5 4 0
5 0
4 0
403
0
$
Kenmore Pet Friendly
Cross-Over DU3017
75 $180 3 0
0 3 0
4 5 4 0
5 0
4 0
503

1 2 3 4 5 !  $ 
POOR EXCELLENT RECOMMENDED CR BEST BUY 65
Brand & Model Overall Survey
Price Results Test Results
Score

Hose suction
satisfaction

Bare floors

emissions
Predicted
reliability

Handling
Pet hair
Carpet
Owner

Clean

Noise
Rec.

BAGLESS UPRIGHT VACUUMS Continued

0
!
SharkRotator Powered
Lift-Away Speed NV680
74 $300 4 0
0 5 0
4 5 3 0
5 0
4 0
504
0
! DysonBall Animal 2 74 $500 3 0
0 3 0
4 5 4 0
5 0
4 0
503
0
$
Kenmore Pet Friendly
CrossOver 31220
74 $250 3 0
0 3 0
4 5 4 0
5 0
3 0
503
0
! DysonBall Multi Floor 2 74 $400 3 0
0 3 0
4 5 4 0
5 0
4 0
502
0
$
SharkRotator Professional
Lift-Away NV501
73 $260 4 0
0 5 0
4 5 3 0
4 0
4 0
304
SharkAPEX DuoClean
0
! Powered Lift-Away Speed 73 $350 4 0
0 5 0
4 5 3 0
5 0
4 0
304
AX912

0
!
Kenmore Elite Pet Friendly
CrossOver Ultra 31230
72 $350 3 0
0 3 0
4 5 4 0
5 0
3 0
503
SharkAPEX DuoClean
0
! Zero-M Powered 72 $400 4 0
0 5 0
3 5 5 0
5 0
4 0
503
Lift-Away AZ1002

0
$
SharkNavigator
Lift-Away NV352
72 $200 4 0
0 5 0
4 5 3 0
4 0
4 0
303
SharkNavigator
0
$ Professional Lift-Away 72 $250 4 0
0 5 0
4 5 3 0
5 0
4 0
303
NV356E
HooverWindTunnel
T-Series Rewind Bagless 69 $130 3 0
0 2 0
4 5 5 0
4 0
4 0
503
UH70120
KenmoreProgressive 10135 69 $170 3 0
0 3 0
4 5 3 0
4 0
3 0
503
Kenmore Pet Friendly
Progressive DU3002
68 $200 3 0
0 3 0
4 5 3 0
5 0
3 0
503
DysonCinetic Big Ball
Animal
68 $600 3 0
0 3 0
4 5 3 0
5 0
3 0
303
DysonCinetic Big Ball
Animal + Allergy
68 $700 3 0
0 3 0
4 5 3 0
5 0
3 0
303
SharkDuoClean Slim
NV201
67 $240 4 0
0 5 0
3 5 3 0
5 0
4 0
303
HooverReact Professional
Pet Plus UH73220
67 $240 3 0
0 2 0
4 5 4 0
5 0
3 0
303
Bissell Pet Hair Eraser
Lift-Off 2087
67 $270 2 0
0 2 0
4 5 3 0
5 0
4 0
503
HooverReact UH73100 66 $180 3 0
0 2 0
4 5 4 0
4 0
3 0
403
Bissell Pet Hair Eraser
Turbo Plus 2281
65 $260 2 0
0 2 0
4 4 3 0
5 0
4 0
503

66 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2021


VA CUUMS
Brand & Model Overall Survey
Price Results Test Results
Score

Hose suction
satisfaction

Bare floors

emissions
Predicted
reliability

Handling
Pet hair
Carpet
Owner

Clean

Noise
Rec.

BAGLESS UPRIGHT VACUUMS Continued

HooverReact Powered
Reach Lite UH73400
65 $270 3 0
0 2 0
4 5 3 0
5 0
3 0
403
SharkNavigator Pet Pro
ZU62
65 $230 4 0
0 5 0
3 5 3 0
5 0
4 0
503
HooverPowerDrive Pet
UH74210PC
65 $200 3 0
0 2 0
4 5 3 0
4 0
3 0
503
HooverHigh Performance
Swivel UH74200
63 $170 3 0
0 2 0
3 5 4 0
4 0
3 0
503
HooverTotal Home Pet
UH74100
63 $140 3 0
0 2 0
3 5 4 0
5 0
3 0
503
SharkNavigator Zero-M
Lift-Away Speed ZU560
63 $220 4 0
0 5 0
3 5 3 0
5 0
4 0
503
HooverAir Pro UH72450 61 $230 3 0
0 2 0
3 5 3 0
4 0
3 0
503
HooverAir Steerable
UH72400
61 $190 3 0
0 2 0
3 5 2 0
5 0
4 0
403
DysonSmall Ball Multi
Floor
60 $400 3 0
0 3 0
3 5 2 0
5 0
4 0
304
SharkION P50 Cord-Free
Powered Lift-Away IC162
51 $450 4 0
0 5 0
2 5 1 0
5 0
4 0
504
Bissell AeroSwift 2612A 50 $85 2 0
0 2 0
2 5 3 0
1 0
5 0
503
Bissell PowerGlide Lift-Off
Pet 2043
48 $170 2 0
0 2 0
3 3 2 0
2 0
3 0
502
Black+Decker AirSwivel
BDASV102
47 $80 3 0
0 1 0
3 3 1 0
3 0
5 0
503
Bissell Pet Hair Eraser
1650
46 $250 2 0
0 2 0
2 3 3 0
3 0
3 0
503
Dirt Devil Endura Max XL
UD70182
46 $95 2 0
0 1 0
2 3 3 0
1 0
4 0
503
Dirt Devil Power Max
Rewind Pet UD70187
45 $85 2 0
0 1 0
2 3 3 0
1 0
4 0
503
Dirt Devil Endura Max
UD70174
42 $65 2 0
0 1 0
2 3 2 0
1 0
4 0
503
BAGGED UPRIGHT VACUUMS

0
$
Kenmore Elite Pet Friendly
31150
77 $350 3 0
0 3 0
4 5 5 0
5 0
3 0
403
0
!
MieleDynamic U1 Cat
& Dog
76 $700 3 0
0 5 0
5 5 4 0
5 0
3 0
504
0
$
Kenmore Pet Friendly
31140
74 $280 3 0
0 3 0
4 5 5 0
5 0
3 0
503

1 2 3 4 5 !  $ 
POOR EXCELLENT RECOMMENDED CR BEST BUY 67
Brand & Model Overall Survey
Price Results Test Results
Score

Hose suction
satisfaction

Bare floors

emissions
Predicted
reliability

Handling
Pet hair
Carpet
Owner

Clean

Noise
Rec.

BAGGED UPRIGHT VACUUMS Continued

0
! Kirby Avalir 2 72 $1,600 3 0
0 2 0
5 5 4 0
5 0
2 0
502
0
$
HooverWindTunnel Max
UH30600
71 $180 3 0
0 2 0
4 5 4 0
4 0
3 0
503
0
$
HooverWindTunnel
T-Series UH30300
68 $170 3 0
0 2 0
4 5 4 0
4 0
4 0
503
OreckElevate Command 61 $450 3 0
0 3 0
4 5 2 0
5 0
5 0
503
OreckMagnesium 61 $500 3 0
0 3 0
4 5 2 0
5 0
5 0
403
OreckElevate Conquer 61 $600 3 0
0 3 0
4 5 2 0
5 0
5 0
503
OreckElevate Control 54 $300 3 0
0 3 0
3 5 2 0
4 0
5 0
502
BAGLESS CANISTER VACUUMS

0
!
MieleBlizzard CX1 Cat
& Dog
76 $900 5 0
0 5 0
3 5 0
4 0
5 0
3 50
4
0
$ Kenmore 22614 72 $390 3 0
0 3 0
4 5 0
4 0
4 0
2 50
3
DysonBall Multi Floor 61 $400 3 0
0 4 0
2 5 0
4 0
5 0
3 30
4
DysonBig Ball Multi Floor 56 $400 3 0
0 4 0
2 5 0
4 0
5 0
3 40
4
DysonCinetic Big Ball
Animal Canister
55 $600 3 0
0 4 0
2 5 0
4 0
5 0
3 40
4
BAGGED CANISTER VACUUMS

0
! MieleComplete C3 Marin 84 $1,100 5 0
0 5 0
4 5 0
5 0
5 0
3 50
4
0
!
MieleCompact C2
Electro+
77 $700 5 0
0 5 0
4 5 0
3 0
5 0
3 50
4
0
! MieleComplete C3 Alize 77 $700 5 0
0 5 0
3 5 0
5 0
5 0
3 40
5
0
!
Kenmore Elite Pet Friendly
UltraPlush 81714
76 $530 3 0
0 3 0
4 5 0
4 0
5 0
3 50
3
0
$
Kenmore Pop-N-Go
BC4026
76 $280 3 0
0 3 0
4 5 0
4 0
4 0
3 50
4
0
!
Kenmore Elite Pet Friendly
CrossOver 21814
76 $660 3 0
0 3 0
4 5 0
5 0
5 0
2 40
3
0
$
Kenmore 200 Series
BC4002
76 $220 3 0
0 3 0
4 5 0
4 0
4 0
3 50
3

68 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2021


VA CUUMS
Brand & Model Overall Survey
Price Results Test Results
Score

Hose suction
satisfaction

Bare floors

emissions
Predicted
reliability

Handling
Pet hair
Carpet
Owner

Clean

Noise
Rec.

BAGGED CANISTER VACUUMS Continued

0
$
Kenmore Pop-N-Go
UltraPlush BC4027
74 $330 3 0
0 3 0
4 5 0
4 0
5 0
3 50
4
0
$ Kenmore 81614 74 $400 3 0
0 3 0
4 5 0
3 0
5 0
3 50
3
0
$ Kenmore 200 Series 81214 73 $260 3 0
0 3 0
4 5 0
4 0
4 0
3 50
3
0
$ Kenmore 400 Series 81414 73 $330 3 0
0 3 0
4 5 0
4 0
3 0
3 50
3

Brand & Model Overall Survey


Price Results Test Results
Score
satisfaction

Bare floors

emissions
Predicted
reliability

Pet hair
Carpet
Owner

Edges

Clean
Noise
Rec.

STICK VACUUMS CORDLESS

TinecoPure One S11 95 $350 0 5


− − 5 0 0 0 0
5 5 5 0
5
TinecoPure One S11 Tango
EX
94 $470 − − 0
5 0 0 0
5 5 0 0
5 5 5
TinecoPure One S12 92 $600 − − 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0 0
5 5
DysonV11 Outsize 90 $800 2 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
5 0
5
DysonV8 Absolute 89 $450 2 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
5
DysonV11 Torque Drive 89 $700 2 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
5
LGCordZero A9 A906SM 87 $750 − − 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
5
DysonCyclone V10 Absolute 85 $700 2 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
3 0
5 0
4
DysonCyclone V10
Motorhead
84 $500 2 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
3 0
5 0
4
DysonV7 Motorhead 84 $300 2 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
5 0
4

1 2 3 4 5 !  $ 
POOR EXCELLENT RECOMMENDED CR BEST BUY 69
Brand & Model Overall Survey
Price Results Test Results
Score

satisfaction

Bare floors

emissions
Predicted
reliability

Pet hair
Carpet
Owner

Edges

Clean
Noise
Rec.

STICK VACUUMS CORDLESS Continued

Bissell Air Ram 1984 84 $250 2 0


0 4 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
5
HooverONEPWR Blade
Max BH53350
80 $350 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
5 0
4
SharkRocket IX140 78 $200 2 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
2 0
5 0
5 0
4
Black+Decker
POWERSERIES Extreme 78 $200 3 0
0 3 0
5 0
5 0
2 0
4 0
5 0
5
BSV2020P
HooverReact Whole Home
Advantage BH53210
77 $250 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
5 0
1
Kenmore Elite Complete
10441
77 $350 − − 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
5 0
4
SharkRocket Pro IZ140 76 $250 2 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
2 0
5 0
5 0
3
Kenmore Elite 10440 76 $300 − − 0
3 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
5 0
4
SharkRocket Pet Pro IZ162H 76 $300 2 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
2 0
5 0
5 0
5
SharkION F80 Cord-Free
MultiFLEX IF281
75 $450 2 0
0 5 0
3 0
5 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
5
Black+Decker Smartech
HSVJ520JMBF27
74 $200 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
5 0
2 0
5 0
5 0
5
HooverFusion Max BH53110 73 $220 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
1
SharkION X40 Cord-Free
Ultra-Light IR141
72 $300 2 0
0 5 0
3 0
5 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
5
HooverPlatinum LiNX
BH50010
70 $130 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
5 0
1
HooverONEPWR Blade+
BH53310
70 $200 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
3 0
5 0
4 0
5 0
2
Dirt Devil Reach Max Plus
BD22510PC
68 $130 2 0
0 1 0
5 0
5 0
2 0
4 0
5 0
1
SharkNavigator Freestyle
SV1106
67 $100 2 0
0 5 0
5 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
5 0
4
Kenmore CSV Go 10438 66 $140 − − 0
3 0
5 0
2 0
5 0
5 0
5
OreckPod BK51702 61 $570 3 0
0 3 0
3 0
4 0
2 0
4 0
5 0
4
Bissell Bolt 1954 59 $150 2 0
0 4 0
2 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
5
Dirt Devil Power Swerve
BD22050
56 $70 2 0
0 1 0
4 0
3 0
2 0
5 0
5 0
2

70 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2021


VA CUUMS
Brand & Model Overall Survey
Price Results Test Results
Score

satisfaction

Bare floors

emissions
Predicted
reliability

Pet hair
Carpet
Owner

Edges

Clean
Noise
Rec.

STICK VACUUMS CORDLESS Continued

HooverImpulse BH53020 52 $180 3 0


0 3 0
2 0
3 0
2 0
4 0
5 0
5
Bissell PowerLifter Ion Pet
2482
52 $115 2 0
0 4 0
1 0
3 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
5
Bissell Adapt Ion XRT 2-in-1
2387
52 $150 2 0
0 4 0
2 0
3 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
5
Bissell Adapt Ion Pet 2286A 51 $120 2 0
0 4 0
1 0
3 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
5
HooverCruise BH52210 51 $180 3 0
0 3 0
2 0
3 0
2 0
4 0
5 0
1
Bissell ICONpet 2288 44 $400 2 0
0 4 0
1 0
1 0
2 0
5 0
5 0
5
Bissell ICONpet Pro 2746A 43 $450 2 0
0 4 0
1 0
1 0
2 0
5 0
5 0
5
Bissell Multi Reach 2151 36 $250 2 0
0 4 0
1 0
2 0
3 0
4 0
5 0
5
STICK VACUUMS CORDED

0
!
SharkAPEX UpLight Lift-
Away DuoClean LZ601
97 $275 5 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
5
0
!
SharkAPEX DuoClean
Corded ZS362
94 $250 5 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
5 0
4
0
!
SharkSharkFlex DuoClean
Ultra-Light Corded HV391
94 $300 5 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
5 0
5
0
$
Dirt Devil Power Stick
SD12530
88 $100 4 0
0 2 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
2
Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Slim
2897 (Walmart)
85 $150 4 0
0 3 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
1
SharkRocket DeluxePro
TruePet HV322
84 $230 5 0
0 5 0
5 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
5 0
4
SharkRocket Zero-M Ultra-
Light ZS352
82 $220 5 0
0 5 0
3 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
5
SharkRocket HV302 79 $180 5 0
0 5 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
4
MieleSwing H1 Tactical
Power
75 $270 5 0
0 4 0
3 0
4 0
3 0
5 0
4 0
5
Dirt Devil Simpli-Stik
SD20000RED
43 $30 4 0
0 2 0
2 0
2 0
2 0
4 0
2 0
1

1 2 3 4 5 !  $ 
POOR EXCELLENT RECOMMENDED CR BEST BUY 71
Brand & Model Overall Survey
Price Results Test Results
Score

satisfaction

Bare floors
Predicted
reliability

Pet hair
Carpet
Owner

Edges

Noise
Rec.

HANDHELD VACUUMS

0
! SharkIon W1 WV201 80 $130 − − 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
5 4
Black+Decker Max+
0
! DustBuster AdvancedClean+ 79 $90 − − 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
3 4
HHVK515J00

0
$
Black+Decker DustBuster
CHV1410L
78 $50 − − 4 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 3
0
! Black+Decker Flex BDH2020FL 77 $110 − − 4 0
0 4 0
5 0
5 3
0
! HooverONEPWR BH57005 77 $100 − − 4 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 3
0
! DysonV7 Trigger 74 $200 − − 4 0
0 5 0
3 0
3 4
0
$ Bissell Pet Hair Eraser 33A1 71 $35 − − 5 0
0 5 0
1 0
3 4
Bissell Multi Cordless 1985 69 $150 − − 3 0
0 4 0
5 0
3 3
SharkPet Perfect II SV780 69 $60 − − 5 0
0 4 0
3 0
3 3
Bissell Pet Hair Eraser 2390A 69 $60 − − 3 0
0 4 0
4 0
4 4
Dirt Devil Gator BD10175 67 $60 − − 4 0
0 5 0
3 0
2 4
Eureka Easy Clean 71B 67 $50 − − 4 0
0 5 0
5 0
3 3
Dirt Devil Quick Flip Plus
BD30025B
58 $50 − − 3 0
0 4 0
2 0
2 3
Dirt Devil FlipOut BD10315B 56 $50 − − 3 0
0 3 0
2 0
2 4
Bissell Pet Hair Eraser 1782 56 $50 − − 2 0
0 3 0
3 0
3 5

HOW WE TEST: Overall Score they bought. In cases where fine wood flour to see whether
Overall Score combines we have insufficient survey tools and attachments can
test results with survey data data to provide a brand-level maintain airflow and also to
for predicted reliabilityand −
dash ( ), we assume the model gauge emissions—how much
owner satisfaction. Predicted has average reliability and dust the vacuum spews back
reliability estimates the satisfaction. In our cleaning into the air. Noise is based on
likelihood that newly purchased tests for uprights and canisters, measurements in decibels.
models from a given brand we lift embedded talc and Handling reflects how easy it
will develop problems or break sand from medium-pile carpet is to push, pull, and carry the
within the first five years. and suck up sand from bare vacuum. Pet hair reflects how
Owner satisfaction reflects floors. For sticks and hand well the vacuum picks up pet
the proportion of CR members vacs cereal, rice and sand hair from medium-pile carpet.
who are extremely likely to are used for bare floor and Price is approximate retail.
recommend the vacuum carpet pickup tests. We use

72 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2021


QUI CK GUIDE

WA L L O V ENS
Wall Ovens
Flexibility is one of the main attractions of wall ovens.
If you’re renovating, you can install one anywhere (in
an island base or into a cabinet), in a separate location
from a standalone cooktop, and at any height.

What to Look For cleanup easier and faster. BUYING


■ Controls that are easy ■ Menu databases and ADVICE
to reach and read. other high-tech features Measure your
■ A score of Very Good or may add convenience, cutout space,
Excellent for baking and but also can add consider- then check the
oven capacity, because these ably to the cost. manual of the
tests get at the function of wall oven you’re
What You’ll Pay
this appliance. considering
Electric wall ovens start
■ Five or more oven rack
around $1,300 and can for its cutout
positions for more flex- dimensions.
cost upwards of $3,000.
ibility in arranging racks
(Separate cooktops start
and bakeware.
around $1,000.) Capable
■ A covered heating element
ranges can cost far less.
beneath the floor of the For more buying
advice, go to
oven, which makes spill CR.org/ovens.

Tested products in performance order.

Brand & Model Overall Price Survey Test Results Features


Score Results
Predicted reliability

Owner satisfaction

Convection mode
Recommended

Oven capacity

Self-cleaning

Width (in.)
Broiling
Baking

SINGLE ELECTRIC WALL OVENS

0
!
KitchenAid
KOSE500ESS
85 $2,300 3 0
0 4 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
3 30 0

0
! LGLWS3063ST 82 $1,799 5 0
0 4 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
5 30 0

0
$
Maytag
MEW9530FZ
82 $1,300 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
3 30 0

0
!
Samsung
NV51K7770SG/AA
81 $2,600 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
4 30 0

1 2 3 4 5 !  $ 
POOR EXCELLENT RECOMMENDED CR BEST BUY 73
Brand & Model Overall Price Survey Test Results Features
Score Results

Predicted reliability

Owner satisfaction

Convection mode
Recommended

Oven capacity

Self-cleaning

Width (in.)
Broiling
Baking
SINGLE ELECTRIC WALL OVENS Continued

GEJTS5000SNSS 79 $1,500 4 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
3 30 0

Frigidaire Gallery
FGEW3066UF
78 $2,049 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
3 30 0

CaféCTS70DM2NS5 77 $3,049 4 0
0 3 0
3 0
5 0
4 0
4 30 0

Whirlpool
WOS72EC0HS
77 $1,890 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
3 30 0

Electrolux
EW30EW55PS
77 $2,250 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
5 30 0

Electrolux
EI30EW38TS
75 $2,070 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
3 30 0

Jenn-Air
JJW3430DS
75 $3,900 1 0
0 3 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
3 30 0

KitchenAid
KOSE900HSS
74 $2,970 3 0
0 4 0
3 0
5 0
5 0
2 30 0

Bosch800 Series
HBL8451UC
74 $2,250 3 0
0 4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 30 0

Whirlpool
WOS51EC0HS
73 $1,599 3 0
0 3 0
3 0
5 0
5 0
4 30

BoschHBLP451RUC 69 $3,100 3 0
0 4 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
5 30 0

Thermador
Masterpiece 67 $3,899 1 0
0 4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 30 0
ME301WS
MieleH 6281 BP 64 $2,999 4 0
0 5 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
4 30 0

BoschHBL5351UC 64 $1,710 3 0
0 4 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
5 30

Frigidaire
Professional 60 $2,299 3 0
0 3 0
2 0
5 0
4 0
4 30 0
FPEW3077RF
Amana
AWO6313SFS
52 $990 2 0
0 2 0
2 0
4 0
5 0
4 30

GEProfile
PT9200SLSS
51 $3,149 4 0
0 3 0
3 0
2 0
4 0
4 30 0

Frigidaire
FFEW3026TD
51 $950 3 0
0 3 0
2 0
4 0
3 0
5 30

Viking RVSOE330SS 45 $3,210 1 0


0 3 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
2 30 0

GEJTS3000SNSS 43 $1,485 4 0
0 3 0
2 0
4 0
5 0
3 30

74 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2021


WA L L O V ENS
Brand & Model Overall Price Survey Test Results Features
Score Results

Predicted reliability

Owner satisfaction

Convection mode
Recommended

Oven capacity

Self-cleaning

Width (in.)
Broiling
Baking
DOUBLE ELECTRIC WALL OVENS

0
!
KitchenAid
KODE500ESS
85 $2,700 3 0
0 4 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
3 30 0

0
! LGLWD3063ST 82 $2,200 5 0
0 4 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
5 30 0

0
!
Samsung
NV51K7770DG/AA
81 $4,199 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
4 30 0

Frigidaire Gallery
FGET3066UF
78 $2,050 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
3 30 0

Café
CTD70DM2NS5
77 $4,149 4 0
0 3 0
3 0
5 0
4 0
4 30 0

Jenn-Air
JJW3830DS
75 $5,500 1 0
0 3 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
3 30 0

HOW WE TEST: Overall who are extremely likely to is based on even browning
Score combines test recommend the wall ovens of a pan of burgers, and
results with survey data for they bought. In cases where high-heat searing ability.
predicted reliability and we have insufficient survey Oven capacity measures
owner satisfaction. Predicted data to provide a brand-level usable space. Self-cleaning
reliability estimates the rating, indicated by a gray gauges the self-cleaning
likelihood that newly purchased −
dash ( ), we assume the cycle’s effectiveness. Price
models from a given brand model has average reliability is approximate retail. The
will develop problems or break and satisfaction. Baking performance of double wall-
within the first five years. reflects whether cakes and oven models is based on
Owner satisfaction reflects cookies baked on two racks the tested oven in the single
the proportion of CR members were evenly browned. Broiling electric wall oven category.

1 2 3 4 5 ! 
POOR EXCELLENT RECOMMENDED 75
QUI CK GUIDE

Washing Machines
Today’s washers tend to boast larger capacities, so
you can do more laundry at once. You’ll also find
specialty cycles and WiFi-enabled models that provide
added perks, like notifications when a load is finished.

What to Look For are sensitive to detergent BUYING


■  Capacity that matches your residue. The cycle also ADVICE
needs. Our tests found that helps get rid of pet hair. If your laundry
washers with a claimed capac- room is near any
What You’ll Pay
ity over 4.5 cubic feet readily bedrooms or
Capable washing machines
fit a king-sized comforter. the family room,
that combine performance
■ Front-loaders spin at
and value start around narrow your
higher speeds, extracting search to washing
$600 or so. If space is tight,
more water and cutting machines that
a 24-inch-wide compact
drying time. score Very Good
washer might appeal, but the
■ Automatic dispensers
price may not be right. or Excellent in
dispense detergent, bleach, our noise and
You’ll spend $800 to $2,300
and fabric softener at just vibration tests.
on a compact washer,
the right time.
and roughly the same on
■ An extra rinse cycle if you For more buying
a compact dryer. advice, go to
or others in your household CR.org/washers.

Tested products in performance order.

Brand & Model Overall Price Survey Test Results


Score Results
Energy efficiency

Water efficiency
Recommended

performance
satisfaction

Gentleness
Predicted
reliability

Vibration
Washing
Owner

Noise

FRONT-LOAD WASHERS

0
! LGWM3900HWA 86 $1,100 4 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
2 0
4 0
4

0
$ LGWM3500CW 86 $630 4 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
3 0
4 0
4

0
! LGWM9000HVA 85 $1,200 4 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
5

76 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2021


WA SHING M A CHINE S
Brand & Model Overall Price Survey Test Results
Score Results

Energy efficiency

Water efficiency
Recommended

performance
satisfaction

Gentleness
Predicted
reliability

Vibration
Washing
Owner

Noise
FRONT-LOAD WASHERS Continued

0
!
LGSignature
WM9500HKA
84 $1,800 4 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
4
0
$ LGWM3700HWA 84 $650 4 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
3 0
4 0
4
0
! LGWM3997HWA 83 $1,850 4 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
4
0
!
Speed Queen
FF7005WN
82 $1,900 4 0
0 5 0
5 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
3 0
4
0
! Kenmore 41562 82 $1,000 4 0
0 3 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
2 0
4 0
4
0
$ MaytagMHW6630HW 82 $750 3 0
0 4 0
5 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
4 0
5
0
! LGWM8100HVA 82 $1,000 4 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
4
0
! MaytagMHW8630HC 81 $1,230 3 0
0 4 0
5 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
4 0
4
0
! Kenmore Elite 41982 81 $1,100 4 0
0 3 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
5
0
$ MaytagMHW5630HW 81 $700 3 0
0 4 0
5 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
4 0
4
0
$
Samsung
WF45R6300AW
81 $700 3 0
0 3 0
5 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
3 0
3
0
! ElectroluxEFLS627UTT 81 $1,080 4 0
0 3 0
5 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
4
0
!
Samsung
WF50K7500AW
81 $990 3 0
0 3 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
4
Samsung FlexWash
WV60M9900AV
80 $1,250 3 0
0 3 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
5
Samsung
WF50R8500AW
80 $1,080 3 0
0 3 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
3 0
4 0
3
Kenmore Elite 41072 80 $950 4 0
0 3 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4
Samsung
WF45K6500AW
80 $990 3 0
0 3 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
4
ElectroluxEFLS527UIW 80 $900 4 0
0 3 0
5 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
4
Kenmore 41462 80 $785 4 0
0 3 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
3 0
4 0
4
Kenmore Elite 41002 79 $1,300 4 0
0 3 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
4

1 2 3 4 5 !  $ 
POOR EXCELLENT RECOMMENDED CR BEST BUY 77
Brand & Model Overall Price Survey Test Results
Score Results

Energy efficiency

Water efficiency
Recommended

performance
satisfaction

Gentleness
Predicted
reliability

Vibration
Washing
Owner

Noise
FRONT-LOAD WASHERS Continued

Kenmore Elite 41782 79 $800 4 0


0 3 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
3 0
4 0
4
Amana NFW5800HW 78 $550 3 0
0 3 0
5 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
4 0
3
Samsung
WF42H5000AW
78 $550 3 0
0 3 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
3
Kenmore 41392 78 $680 4 0
0 3 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
4
Samsung FlexWash
WV55M9600AW
77 $1,095 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
5
Samsung
WF45M5500AW
77 $910 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
4
Whirlpool
WFW9620HC
76 $1,350 3 0
0 3 0
5 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
4 0
4
Whirlpool
WFW862CHC
76 $1,365 3 0
0 3 0
5 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
4 0
3
Whirlpool
WFW6620HW
76 $900 3 0
0 3 0
5 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
4 0
4
Electrolux
EFLW427UIW
74 $900 4 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
3 0
4
GEGFW650SSNWW 74 $800 3 0
0 1 0
5 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
4
GEGFW850SPNRS 74 $900 3 0
0 1 0
5 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
4
Samsung
WF45N5300AV
73 $850 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
4
GEGFW450SSMWW 68 $900 3 0
0 1 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
3 0
3
TOP-LOAD HE WASHERS

0
! LGWT7900HBA 81 $1,170 5 0
0 4 0
5 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
3 0
5
0
$ LGWT7100CW 81 $600 5 0
0 4 0
5 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
3 0
5
0
! Kenmore Elite 31552 74 $875 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
4 0
5
LGWT7300CW 71 $840 5 0
0 4 0
5 0
4 0
1 0
3 0
3 0
5
Kenmore Elite 31433 70 $700 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
3 0
3 0
5

78 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2021


WA SHING M A CHINE S
Brand & Model Overall Price Survey Test Results
Score Results

Energy efficiency

Water efficiency
Recommended

performance
satisfaction

Gentleness
Predicted
reliability

Vibration
Washing
Owner

Noise
TOP-LOAD HE WASHERS Continued

Kenmore 28132 69 $700 3 0


0 3 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
5
Whirlpool
WTW8500DW
69 $1,050 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
5
Kenmore 26132 69 $550 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
5
Kenmore 27132 69 $600 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
5
Kenmore 29132 69 $725 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
5
Samsung
WA50R5400AW
69 $630 3 0
0 2 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
3 0
3 0
5
MaytagMVWB835DW 69 $1,000 4 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
5
Samsung ActiveWash
WA54M8750AV
68 $1,145 3 0
0 2 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
4 0
5
Whirlpool
WTW8000DW
67 $900 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
5
Samsung ActiveWash
WA52M7750AW
67 $865 3 0
0 2 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
2 0
2 0
5
Samsung
WA54R7600AW
67 $990 3 0
0 2 0
5 0
4 0
5 0
2 0
3 0
5
Whirlpool
WTW7500GW
67 $810 3 0
0 3 0
3 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
3 0
5
Kenmore Elite 31632 66 $1,110 3 0
0 3 0
3 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
5
Samsung ActiveWash
WA52M8650AW
66 $815 3 0
0 2 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
3 0
5
MaytagMVW7232HW 65 $730 4 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
5
GEGTW840CSNWS 65 $855 3 0
0 2 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
2 0
3 0
5
GEGTW500ASNWS 63 $700 3 0
0 2 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
5
MaytagMVWX655DW 62 $730 4 0
0 3 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
5 0
2 0
5
Fisher & PaykelAqua
Smart WL4027P1
61 $1,000 3 0
0 3 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
5

1 2 3 4 5 !  $ 
POOR EXCELLENT RECOMMENDED CR BEST BUY 79
Brand & Model Overall Price Survey Test Results
Score Results

Energy efficiency

Water efficiency
Recommended

performance
satisfaction

Gentleness
Predicted
reliability

Vibration
Washing
Owner

Noise
TOP-LOAD HE WASHERS Continued

GEGTW720BSNWS 61 $580 3 0
0 2 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
5
GEGTW680BSJWS 61 $750 3 0
0 2 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
5
Whirlpool
WTW5100HW
61 $730 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
5

TOP-LOAD AGITATOR WASHERS

0
! MaytagMVWB965HC 70 $1,270 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
2 0
4 0
5

0
! GEGTW465ASNWW 64 $660 3 0
0 2 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
5
Speed Queen
TR7000WN
63 $1,100 5 0
0 5 0
2 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
5
MaytagMVW6230HW 62 $800 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
5
Speed Queen
TC5000WN 62 $1,050 5 0
0 5 0
4 0
2 0
3 0
3 0
2 0
5
(AWN632SP116TW01)

Kenmore 22352 61 $585 3 0


0 3 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
5
GEGTW725BSNWS 61 $760 3 0
0 2 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
2 0
3 0
5
Whirlpool
WTW5105HW
60 $650 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
5
GEGTW845CPNDG 60 $955 3 0
0 2 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
2 0
3 0
5
GEGTW335ASNWW 60 $560 3 0
0 2 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
5
Kenmore 20372 60 $600 3 0
0 3 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
2 0
3 0
5
MaytagMVWC565FW 59 $675 3 0
0 3 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
5
Insignia
NS-TWM41WH8A
58 $450 − − 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
5
Whirlpool
WTW5005KW
58 $675 3 0
0 3 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
5

80 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2021


WA SHING M A CHINE S
Brand & Model Overall Price Survey Test Results
Score Results

Energy efficiency

Water efficiency
Recommended

performance
satisfaction

Gentleness
Predicted
reliability

Vibration
Washing
Owner

Noise
TOP-LOAD AGITATOR WASHERS Continued

Frigidaire
FFTW4120SW
58 $700 3 0
0 1 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
2 0
5
Whirlpool
WTW4955HW
57 $585 3 0
0 3 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
2 0
5
MaytagMVWC465HW 57 $480 3 0
0 3 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
2 0
5

COMPACT WASHERS

0
!
Samsung
WW22N6850QX
84 $1,235 5 0
0 3 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
3

0
! MieleWWH860WCS 81 $2,000 4 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
3

0
$
Samsung
WW22K6800AW
79 $800 5 0
0 3 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
2

0
!
Bosch800 Series
WAT28402UC
76 $1,305 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
3

0
$ Electrolux EFLS210TIW 76 $900 3 0
0 5 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
3

HOW WE TEST: Overall where we have insufficient moisture left at the end of
Score combines test survey data to provide a a cycle. Water efficiency is
results with survey data for brand-level rating, indicated based on total water used
predicted reliability and −
by a gray dash ( ), we assume when washing our 8-pound
owner satisfaction. Predicted the model has average load. Models that earn lower
reliability estimates the reliability and satisfaction. scores for Gentleness are more
likelihood that newly purchased Washing performance reflects likely to treat your clothes
models from a given brand the degree of stain remo- roughly, causing wear and
will develop problems or break val from fabric using the most tear. Noise reflects panelists’
within the first five years. aggressive normal cycle. judgments during the fill,
Owner satisfaction reflects Energy efficiency is based on agitate, drain, and spin cycles.
the proportion of CR members the energy needed to heat the Vibration reflects usage on a
who are extremely likely to water using a warm wash suspended wooden floor. Price
recommend the washing and cold rinse, to run the washer, is approximate retail.
machine they bought. In cases and to dry the remaining

1 2 3 4 5 !  $ 
POOR EXCELLENT RECOMMENDED CR BEST BUY 81
Washer-Dryer Pairs
Here are our picks for six top-performing matching washer-dryer
pairs across all the categories we test. The Overall Score shown is for
the set. See our Ratings for more.

FRONT-LOADERS

0 LG
! 0 LG
!
WM9000HVA washer WM3500CW washer
DLEX9000V electric dryer DLE3500W electric dryer
Pair price: $2,820 Pair price: $1,260
88 87

HIGH-EFFICIENCY (HE) TOP LOADERS

0 LG
! 0 LG
!
WT7900HBA washer WT7100CW washer
DLEX7900BE electric dryer DLE7100W electric dryer
Pair price: $2,340 Pair price: $1,320
84 83

AGITATOR COMPACT

0 Maytag
! 0 Miele
!
MVWB965HC washer WWH860WCS washer
MEDB955FC electric dryer TWI180WP electric ventless dryer
Pair price: $2,570 Pair price: $3,900
76 83

82 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2021


Electronics
84 Computers, 104 Headphones 126 Smartwatches
Desktop
111 Printers, 128 Streaming
86 Computers, All-in-One Media
Laptop
117 Printers, 130 Tablets
93 Digital Regular
133 TVs
Cameras
121 Smartphones
141 Wireless
102 Fitness
124 Smart Speakers
Trackers
Speakers

83
QUI CK GUIDE

Computers, Desktop
Desktops typically offer more performance for the
money than laptops. They can also be upgraded more
easily than laptops, letting you increase power or
add more features down the line.

What to Look For What to Skip BUYING


■ For less clutter and sleeker ■ Upgrading beyond ADVICE
design, all-in-one desktops 16GB of memory, unless Save money on
hide the computer hardware you’re a big multitasker your purchase
in a smaller package. or video editor. by using coupon
■ A solid-state drive (which
What You’ll Pay and forum sites
is faster than a traditional such as Ebates.
■ You can get a very good
hard disk drive) will give you com, FatWallet.
all-in-one for $500 to
shorter load times and quick com, and Tech
$900, but many fuller-
access to applications and bargains.com.
featured models cost more
other data. Some desktops
than $1,000.
include an additional hard
disk drive of 1TB or more for For more buying
advice, go to
extra storage space. CR.org/computers.

Tested products in performance order.

Brand & Model Overall Survey


Price Results Test Results Features
Score
Recommended

Performance

Memory (GB)

Storage (GB)
Ergonomics
satisfaction

Display size
Versatility
Predicted
reliability

Display
Owner

( in.)

ALL-IN-ONE DESKTOPS
Apple27-inch iMac
0
! 5K Display (2019, 81 $1,800 5 0
0 5 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
5 27 8 1000
MRQY2LL/A)
0
! HPEnvy 32-a0014 81 $2,000 3 0
0 3 0
5 0
4 0
5 0
5 31.5 16 512

0
!
Apple21.5-inch
iMac MMQA2LL/A
78 $1,100 5 0
0 5 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
5 21.5 8 1000

0
$
Lenovo IdeaCentre
520-27ICB
76 $820 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
5 27 16 1000

84 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2021


COMP U T ERS , DE SK T OP
Brand & Model Overall Survey
Price Results Test Results Features
Score
Recommended

Performance

Memory (GB)

Storage (GB)
Ergonomics
satisfaction

Display size
Versatility
Predicted
reliability

Display
Owner

( in.)
ALL-IN-ONE DESKTOPS Continued
DellInspiron
7790-7012SLV
73 $1,380 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
4 27 12 512
DellInspiron
5490-5322SLV
70 $700 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
3 0
5 0
4 23.8 8 512

HP24-f0157c 68 $810 3 0
0 3 0
3 0
4 0
5 0
4 24 12 1000
HPPavilion
27-a0013w
65 $1,150 3 0
0 3 0
3 0
4 0
5 0
4 27 8 1000
HPPavilion
24-xa0024
65 $950 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
3 23.8 12 256
HPPavilion
24-xa1014
64 $930 3 0
0 3 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
3 23.8 8 256
Lenovo ideacentre
A340-22IGM
56 $550 3 0
0 3 0
2 0
4 0
5 0
4 21.5 4 1000

FULL-SIZE DESKTOPS

0
!
DellXPS
8930-7339BLK
81 $1,200 3 0
0 3 0
5 0
5 0
4 NA NA 16 1256

0
!
Lenovo ideacentre
720-18ICB
79 $1,300 3 0
0 3 0
5 0
4 0
4 NA NA 16 2000

DellInspiron
3670-5575BLK
71 $750 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
4 NA NA 12 1128

COMPACT DESKTOPS

0
!
IntelNUC 8
Enthusiast
77 $900 − − 0
5 0
4 0
5 NA NA 16 512
AppleMac Mini
Core i5
67 $1,100 5 0
0 5 0
4 0
3 0
3 NA NA 8 256
AppleMac Mini
Core i3
62 $800 5 0
0 5 0
3 0
3 0
3 NA NA 8 128

HOW WE TEST: Overall Score on the proportion of members software, such as security
combines test results with who are extremely likely to programs; and tech support
survey data for predicted relia- recommend their desktop and warranty provisions.
bility and owner satisfaction. computer brand to their friends Ergonomics represents
Predicted reliability is based and family. Performance the quality of the keyboard
on estimated problem rates reflects speed while running and pointing device, and
for newly purchased desktop productivity applications, accessibility of features. For
computers, not under service multimedia applications, and all-in-ones, display covers
contract, within the first three 3D games. Versatility includes display size, clarity, color, con-
years of ownership. Owner hardware, such as memory- trast, brightness, and glare.
satisfaction scores are based card slots and A/V connections; Price is approximate retail.

1 2 3 4 5 !  $ 
POOR EXCELLENT RECOMMENDED CR BEST BUY 85
QUI CK GUIDE

Computers, Laptop
Some laptops offer features and capabilities that
rival those of traditional desktops. You’ll find more thin-
and-light laptops than ever, and touch screens
and solid-state drives are becoming more common.

What to Look For What to Skip BUYING


■ A convertible or detach- ■ A 4K display, unless you ADVICE
able if you want a laptop/ regularly edit hi-res photos If you want
tablet combo. or videos. These displays to customize
■ A 10- to 13-inch model if pack four times as many a model, order
you plan to carry the laptop pixels as a 1080p display but à la carte
around with you frequently. typically at the cost of from the
■ A 14- to 16-inch screen battery life. manufacturer’s
for a larger area to view website.
What You’ll Pay
photos or videos and a more
A well-equipped 15-inch
comfortable keyboard fit.
laptop in the middle price
■ A 17- to 18-inch model for
range should cost you
an entertainment-oriented For more buying
$600 to $1,000. advice, go to
desktop replacement. CR.org/computers.

Tested products in performance order.

Brand & Model Overall Survey


Price Results Test Results Features
Score
Recommended

Performance

Battery life -

Battery life -
Ergonomics
satisfaction

Weight (lb.)
Portability

Versatility

video (hr.)
Predicted
reliability

web (hr.)
Display
Owner

10- TO 11-INCH LAPTOPS

0
!
Microsoft
Surface Go 2
55 $530 3 0
0 4 0
4 0
2 0
5 0
2 0
4 12 6.75 1.7

AsusVivoBook
E203MA- 51 $260 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
1 0
3 0
3 0
3 12 7.5 2.2
TBCL432B
AcerSpin 1
SP111-33-P1XD
49 $330 3 0
0 3 0
3 0
2 0
2 0
4 0
4 11.5 7.25 2.7

86 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2021


COMP U T ERS , L A P T OP
Brand & Model Overall Survey
Price Results Test Results Features
Score
Recommended

Performance

Battery life -

Battery life -
Ergonomics
satisfaction

Weight (lb.)
Portability

Versatility

video (hr.)
Predicted
reliability

web (hr.)
Display
Owner
12- TO 13-INCH LAPTOPS

0
$
LGGram 13 8th
Gen
79 $970 4 0
0 3 0
5 0
3 0
5 0
4 0
4 16.25 11 2.1

AppleMacBook
0
!
Pro 13-inch with
Touch Bar (2019,
77 $2,000 5 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
4 16 7.25 3
Core i5)
Samsung
0
$ Galaxy Book 76 $900 4 0
0 3 0
5 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
5 16.25 8.5 2.6
Flex Alpha
AppleMacBook
0
!
Pro 13-inch with
Retina Display
76 $1,600 5 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
3 13.5 7.25 3
(2019, Core i7)

0
!
AppleMacbook
Air 13-inch (2020)
73 $1,000 5 0
0 5 0
4 0
3 0
5 0
4 0
3 12.75 7 2.8

0
!
DellXPS 13
Convertible
72 $1,900 3 0
0 3 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 15.75 8.25 2.9

Microsoft
0
! Surface Laptop 71 $1,000 3 0
0 4 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
4 13.5 7 2.8
3 (13-inch)
AppleMacBook
0
! Air 13-inch (2019, 70 $1,100 5 0
0 5 0
4 0
3 0
5 0
4 0
3 11.5 7.5 2.7
MVFH2LL/A)
Samsung
0
! Notebook 9 Pro 68 $1,000 4 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
5 8.5 7.25 2.8
(2019)

0
!
DellXPS 13
(2019)
67 $1,650 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
4 11.25 6.5 2.7

DellXPS 13
0
! (XPS9380- 67 $1,860 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
4 11.25 7 2.7
7066SLV)

0
! HPSpectre Folio 67 $980 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
3 0
5 0
5 0
4 18.5 10.25 3.2

Microsoft
0
! Surface Pro X 67 $1,140 3 0
0 4 0
4 0
2 0
5 0
5 0
4 11 8.5 2.4
(128GB)
Microsoft
0
! Surface Pro X 66 $1,640 3 0
0 4 0
4 0
2 0
5 0
5 0
4 10.5 8 2.4
(256GB)
Microsoft
0
! Surface Pro 7 65 $1,060 3 0
0 4 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
4 10.5 5.5 2.4
(Core i5)

0
!
HPEnvy
13-AQ1013DX
65 $1,000 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
4 11.25 5.75 2.8

1 2 3 4 5 !  $ 
POOR EXCELLENT RECOMMENDED CR BEST BUY 87
Brand & Model Overall Survey
Price Results Test Results Features
Score
Recommended

Performance

Battery life -

Battery life -
Ergonomics
satisfaction

Weight (lb.)
Portability

Versatility

video (hr.)
Predicted
reliability

web (hr.)
Display
Owner
12- TO 13-INCH LAPTOPS Continued

0
!
RazerBlade
Stealth
65 $1,800 − − 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 11.25 7.5 3.1

Microsoft
Surface Book 3
62 $1,600 3 0
0 4 0
3 0
3 0
5 0
4 0
4 9.5 7 3.4

Microsoft
Surface Pro 7 62 $910 3 0
0 4 0
3 0
3 0
5 0
4 0
4 9.75 5 2.4
(Core i3)
HPPavilion
13-AN0030WM
58 $500 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
3 0
2 0
4 0
3 10.25 6.5 2.8

Samsung
Notebook Flash
53 $390 4 0
0 3 0
3 0
1 0
4 0
4 0
3 9.25 7.25 3

HPEnvy X2 45 $800 3 0
0 3 0
5 0
1 0
5 0
4 0
4 16.25 15.75 2.7

14-INCH LAPTOPS

0
!
LGGram 14
(2020)
73 $1,200 4 0
0 3 0
5 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
4 19.5 9 2.2

0
!
MSIModern 14
A10RAS-883
72 $900 3 0
0 3 0
5 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
4 12 9.5 2.7

0
!
AsusZenBook S
UX392FN-XS71
70 $1,190 3 0
0 3 0
5 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
4 14 8.75 2.6

0
!
Lenovo Yoga
C940-14
68 $1,600 3 0
0 3 0
3 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
5 9.5 6.25 3.1

0
!
Lenovo Yoga
C740-14
67 $700 3 0
0 3 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 13.5 9 3

0
!
Lenovo Flex
14IML
66 $750 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 11.25 7.25 3.4

0
!
AcerAspire 5
A514-52-78MD
65 $550 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 12 8.75 3.3

AsusVivoBook
S433FA-DS51
64 $650 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
4 12.75 8.75 3.1

Lenovo Flex
6-14IKB
64 $470 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
5 0
4 12 7 3.4

AsusZenBook
UX431FL-EH74
63 $890 3 0
0 3 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
4 9 7 3.4

HPPavilion
14M-DW0023DX 62 $750 3 0
0 3 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 8.5 5.75 3.6
x360
AcerSpin 3
SP314-51-59NM
61 $650 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
4 11.5 7.25 3.6

88 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2021


COMP U T ERS , L A P T OP
Brand & Model Overall Survey
Price Results Test Results Features
Score
Recommended

Performance

Battery life -

Battery life -
Ergonomics
satisfaction

Weight (lb.)
Portability

Versatility

video (hr.)
Predicted
reliability

web (hr.)
Display
Owner
14-INCH LAPTOPS Continued

HPPavilion
14M-DH1003DX 58 $750 3 0
0 3 0
2 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
4 8.25 5.75 4
x360

OnnI3 laptop 57 $400 − − 0


3 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
3 8.75 6.25 3.3

AcerSwift 1
SF114-32-P2PK
55 $300 3 0
0 3 0
5 0
2 0
4 0
4 0
3 13.75 10.75 2.9

HP
14-CF0006DX
52 $360 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
2 0
2 0
3 0
4 12 8 3.1

15- TO 16-INCH LAPTOPS

0
!
AppleMacBook
Pro 16-inch
84 $2,400 5 0
0 5 0
5 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
3 15.75 9 4.3

Samsung
0
! Notebook 9 Pen 80 $1,600 4 0
0 3 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
5 11.25 7.75 3.4
(2019)

0
!
LGGram 15
(2020)
79 $2,000 4 0
0 3 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
5 15 8 2.5

AppleMacBook
0
!
Pro 15-inch with
Touch Bar (2019,
79 $2,400 5 0
0 5 0
5 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
3 15.5 7 4
Core i7)

0
!
AsusZenBook
UX534FT-DB77
77 $1,400 3 0
0 3 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
5 0
5 13.25 8.75 3.8

0
!
DellXPS 15
(2019)
77 $1,850 3 0
0 3 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
5 14 8.5 4.5

0
!
DellXPS 15
(Core i9)
75 $2,500 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
5 11.5 8 4.4

0
$
MSIModern 15
A10RAS-096
73 $1,000 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
5 9 7.5 3.4

0
!
MSIGS65
Stealth-006
72 $1,650 3 0
0 3 0
3 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
5 7.5 6 4.4

0
$
Lenovo Yoga
C740-15
71 $830 3 0
0 3 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
4 14.75 10.5 4.1

0
!
Asus
Q526FA-BI7T10
71 $1,050 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
5 0
5 10.75 7.5 4.3

0
!
MSIGS65
Stealth-296
71 $1,700 3 0
0 3 0
3 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
5 6.5 5.25 4.4

0
$ Lenovo Flex 15 70 $900 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
4 12.25 8.25 4.7

1 2 3 4 5 !  $ 
POOR EXCELLENT RECOMMENDED CR BEST BUY 89
Brand & Model Overall Survey
Price Results Test Results Features
Score
Recommended

Performance

Battery life -

Battery life -
Ergonomics
satisfaction

Weight (lb.)
Portability

Versatility

video (hr.)
Predicted
reliability

web (hr.)
Display
Owner
15- TO 16-INCH LAPTOPS Continued

0
!
RazerBlade 15
(2019)
69 $2,400 − − 0
3 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
4 8 6 4.7

Microsoft
0
! Surface Laptop 69 $1,500 3 0
0 4 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
4 10.25 6 3.4
3 (15-inch)

0
! Alienware M15 68 $1,900 3 0
0 4 0
3 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
5 7.25 5 4.9

0
!
DellInspiron
i7590-5841BLK
68 $1,000 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 11.5 6.25 3.6

AsusZenBook
0
! Pro Duo 68 $2,500 3 0
0 3 0
3 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
5 5.5 4.5 5.5
UX581GV
HPEnvy
0
! 15M-DR1012DX 68 $1,000 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
5 10.75 7.75 4.3
x360

0
! DellG5 15 (2019) 67 $900 3 0
0 3 0
3 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
5 11.25 6 5.9

HPEnvy
0
! 15M-DR0011DX 67 $1,150 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
5 0
4 11 7.25 4.2
x360
HPEnvy
0
! 15M-DS0023DX 66 $900 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
5 0
4 11 7.25 4.3
x360
HPEnvy
0
! 15M-DS0011DX 65 $860 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
5 0
4 10 6.25 4.4
x360

0
!
AsusVivoBook
S512FL-PH77
65 $900 3 0
0 3 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
5 7 5 3.8

HPPavilion
15-CS3076NR
64 $770 3 0
0 3 0
3 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
5 8 5 3.8

AcerNitro 5
AN515-43-R0YM
64 $600 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
4 10 6.25 4.7

Lenovo IdeaPad 64
S340-15API
$530 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
5 0
4 8.25 5.5 4

AcerAspire 5
A515-52-53QM
63 $700 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
5 9.5 7.25 3.7

HP15-DA1005DX 62 $750 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
2 0
4 0
4 8 7 4.2

DellG7 15 61 $870 3 0
0 3 0
3 0
5 0
4 0
3 0
4 7.25 5 5.9

90 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2021


COMP U T ERS , L A P T OP
Brand & Model Overall Survey
Price Results Test Results Features
Score
Recommended

Performance

Battery life -

Battery life -
Ergonomics
satisfaction

Weight (lb.)
Portability

Versatility

video (hr.)
Predicted
reliability

web (hr.)
Display
Owner
15- TO 16-INCH LAPTOPS Continued

Lenovo IdeaPad 61
S340-15
$400 3 0
0 3 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
5 0
4 6.5 4.25 3.8

AsusVivoBook
15-X512DA
61 $600 3 0
0 3 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
3 0
4 7.25 4.75 3.4

HP15-DY1023DX 60 $550 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
2 0
5 0
4 8.75 4.75 3.5

DellInspiron
3593
59 $450 3 0
0 3 0
3 0
3 0
2 0
4 0
5 8 5 4.4

AsusVivoBook
F512DAPB31
56 $430 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
2 0
3 0
5 0
4 9.25 5.25 3.7

Samsung
Odyssey Z
NP850XAC-
55 $1,620 4 0
0 3 0
2 0
5 0
3 0
3 0
4 4.25 2.75 5.2
X01US
HP
15-DY1024WM
55 $280 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
3 0
2 0
3 0
3 9.25 5.5 3.5

Lenovo IdeaPad 53
330S-15ARR
$530 3 0
0 3 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
3 4.75 2.75 3.8

HP15-BS115DX 53 $650 3 0
0 3 0
3 0
3 0
2 0
4 0
5 5.25 4 4.4

Asus
X555QA-CBA12A
48 $480 3 0
0 3 0
3 0
2 0
2 0
4 0
4 5.75 3.25 4.1

Lenovo IdeaPad 44
130-15AST
$340 3 0
0 3 0
2 0
2 0
2 0
4 0
4 5 2.75 4.5

17- TO 18-INCH LAPTOPS

0
!
LGGram 17
(2020)
78 $1,500 4 0
0 3 0
5 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
5 16.75 8 3

0
$
AcerNitro 5
AN517-51-56YW
72 $1,000 3 0
0 3 0
3 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
4 9 6 5.7

0
! DellG7 17 71 $1,500 3 0
0 3 0
3 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
5 7.25 5.25 7.1

0
! MSIGE75 Raider 70 $1,400 3 0
0 3 0
2 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
5 5 3.5 5.8

HPPavilion
0
$ Gaming 69 $930 3 0
0 3 0
3 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
4 8 4.75 6.2
17-CD0020NR

0
!
AsusROG Strix
GL731GT-PH74
68 $1,300 3 0
0 3 0
3 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
4 6.5 4.25 5.8

1 2 3 4 5 !  $ 
POOR EXCELLENT RECOMMENDED CR BEST BUY 91
Brand & Model Overall Survey
Price Results Test Results Features
Score
Recommended

Performance

Battery life -

Battery life -
Ergonomics
satisfaction

Weight (lb.)
Portability

Versatility

video (hr.)
Predicted
reliability

web (hr.)
Display
Owner
17- TO 18-INCH LAPTOPS Continued

AsusROG
0
! Zephyrus 67 $2,400 3 0
0 3 0
3 0
5 0
5 0
3 0
5 5.5 4.5 5.8
GX701GW-DB76

0
!
Lenovo Legion
Y740-17IRHg
66 $2,100 3 0
0 3 0
2 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
5 4.25 2.25 6.6

0
$
DellInspiron
i3793-5657BLK
66 $750 3 0
0 3 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
5 6 4.5 5.9

DellInspiron
i7786-7929SLV
64 $1,000 3 0
0 3 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
5 0
5 5.75 5.5 6

Lenovo IdeaPad 58
L340-17IWL
$700 3 0
0 3 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
5 0
5 5.5 4.75 5.6

HP17-BY1033DX 58 $680 3 0
0 3 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
4 6.5 5.25 5.3

HP17-CA1031DX 56 $530 3 0
0 3 0
2 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
5 4.75 3 5.3

HOW WE TEST: Overall Score tasks, size, and weight, disabled and the screen
combines test results with including the keyboard dock is set to a specific brightness
survey data for predicted for detachable laptops. that’s usable indoors or
reliability and owner satisfaction. Performance is based on outdoors. Battery life - video
Predicted reliability is based performance while running (hr) is the time it takes to
on estimated problem rates productivity applications, deplete a fully charged battery
for newly purchased laptop multimedia applications, web while the laptop loops a 4K
computers, not under service browsing, and 3D games. video. Bluetooth and 3G/4G
contract, within the first three Versatility includes hardware are disabled and the screen is
years of ownership. Owner such as memory-card slots set to a specific brightness that
satisfaction icons are based and AV connections, software is usable indoors or outdoors.
on the proportion of members such as security programs, Weight (lbs) of the laptop
who are extremely likely to and tech support and warranty as you would carry it around,
recommend their laptop brand provisions. Display covers including the battery but
to their friends and family. display size, clarity, color, without the power adapter
Ergonomics represents brightness, and glare. Battery or a removable CD/DVD drive.
the quality of the keyboard life - web (hr) is the time it Detachable laptops include
and pointing device, and access- takes to deplete a fully charged the weight of the keyboard.
ibility of features. Portability battery while the laptop loads Price is approximate retail.
is based on battery life under a sequence of web pages over
a mix of light and heavy WiFi. Bluetooth and 3G/4G are

92 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2021


QUI CK GUIDE

D I G I TA L C A MER A S
Digital Cameras
Consumers are placing increasing demands on
cameras, and manufacturers are meeting those
needs by adding more capabilities, including
wireless connectivity.

What to Look For ■ An easily accessible video BUYING


■ An SLR or mirrorless mode lets you record ADVICE
model with interchange- high-quality video. If you don’t
able lenses offers maximum ■ A lens with a wide max-
intend to change
versatility. imum aperture opening the lens on your
■ A point-and-shoot model helps capture images in low- camera, consider
has fewer features, but can light situations. an advanced
still take high-quality images. ■ WiFi connectivity enables
point-and-shoot,
■ A zoom lens that includes faster uploading. with a fixed lens.
a wide-angle option—look for Some models
What to Skip
a 28mm or even wider­— ■ Buying solely based have large image
is ideal for panoramic sensors with
on megapixel count: Higher
landscapes or large group excellent optics
resolution doesn’t always
portraits. and lots
ensure better photos.
■ An optical or electronic
■ An extended warranty; of features.
viewfinder helps you
digital cameras have been
conserve battery power
very reliable overall in
or compose photos when
our subscriber surveys.
bright light washes out
your LCD. What You’ll Pay
■ An LCD screen provides For basic point-and-shoots,
an alternative to a conven- expect to spend $100 to
tional viewfinder. Look $300. For advanced point-
for one that pivots for easier and-shoots, $300 to $1,200.
viewing. Touch screen For mirrorless cameras,
capability offers easy menu $350 to $3,300. For SLRs, For more buying
advice, go to
interaction. $400 to $3,700. CR.org/cameras.

1 2 3 4 5 !  $ 
POOR EXCELLENT RECOMMENDED CR BEST BUY 93
Tested products in performance order.

Brand & Model Overall Price Survey Test Results


Score Results
Recommended

Image quality

Video quality

Flash photos

stabilization
satisfaction

LCD quality
Ease of use

Viewfinder
Predicted
reliability
Owner

Image
POINT-AND-SHOOT

0
! Fujifilm XF10 75 $500 – – 0
4 0
4 0 0 NA 0
3 5 4 0
3
0
$
Canon PowerShot ELPH
360 HS
71 $200 4 0
0 3 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
3 NA 3 0
0 4
0
! SonyCyber-shot WX350 68 $290 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
3 NA 3 0
0 4
0
$
Canon PowerShot ELPH
190 IS
66 $160 4 0
0 3 0
4 0
3 0
2 0
3 NA 3 0
0 4
Canon PowerShot ELPH
180
62 $120 4 0
0 3 0
3 0
3 0
2 0
3 NA 2 0
0 2
SonyCyber-shot W830 43 $130 3 0
0 3 0
3 0
2 0
2 0
3 NA 2 0
0 3
SonyCyber-shot W800 36 $100 3 0
0 3 0
3 0
2 0
2 0
3 NA 2 0
0 1
NikonCoolPix A10 34 $90 3 0
0 3 0
2 0
2 0
2 0
3 NA 3 0
0 1
Canon Ivy Rec 25 $80 4 0
0 3 0
2 0
1 0
3 NA NA NA 0
2
ADVANCED POINT-AND-SHOOT

0
! SonyCyber-shot RX10 II 87 $1,000 5 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
3 0
5
0
! SonyCyber-shot RX10 III 86 $1,400 5 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
3 0
5
0
! SonyCyber-shot RX10 IV 85 $1,700 5 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
3 0
5
0
$
Canon PowerShot G1 X
Mark II
84 $780 4 0
0 4 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
5 NA 5 0
0 4
0
$
Panasonic Lumix
DMC-LX10
84 $500 5 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
4 NA 4 0
0 5
0
! SonyCyber-shot RX100 VI 83 $1,200 5 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
3 0
5
0
$
Panasonic Lumix
DMC-LX100 II
83 $800 5 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
3 0
5
0
! Fujifilm X100V 83 $1,400 4 0
0 3 0
5 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
5
0
! LeicaV-Lux 5 83 $1,400 – – 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
4
0
$
Canon PowerShot G7 X
Mark II
83 $600 4 0
0 4 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
5 NA 4 0
0 5
0
!
SonyCyber-shot RX100
IV
82 $900 5 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
5
0
! SonyCyber-shot RX1R II 82 $3,300 5 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
5 NA 0
5
0
!
SonyCyber-shot RX100
VII
82 $1,300 5 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
3 0
5

94 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2021


D I G I TA L C A MER A S
Brand & Model Overall Price Survey Test Results
Score Results
Recommended

Image quality

Video quality

Flash photos

stabilization
satisfaction

LCD quality
Ease of use

Viewfinder
Predicted
reliability
Owner

Image
ADVANCED POINT-AND-SHOOT Continued

0
!
Panasonic Lumix
DMC-FZ2500
82 $1,000 5 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
3
0
! SonyCyber-shot RX100 V 82 $1,000 5 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
5
0
!
Canon PowerShot G5 X
Mark II
82 $900 4 0
0 4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
3 0
5
0
! Canon PowerShot G3 X 81 $850 4 0
0 4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
5 NA 4 0
0 4
0
$
Canon PowerShot G7 X
Mark III
81 $750 4 0
0 4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 NA 3 0
0 5
0
$
Panasonic Lumix
DMC-LX100
80 $600 5 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
5
0
!
Panasonic Lumix
DMC-FZ1000 II
80 $800 5 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
3 0
3
0
! Fujifilm X100F 80 $1,300 4 0
0 3 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
5
0
!
Canon PowerShot G1 X
Mark III
80 $1,000 4 0
0 4 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
5
0
$ SonyCyber-shot RX100 III 80 $600 5 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
4
Panasonic Lumix
DMC-ZS100
79 $400 5 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
4
LeicaC-Lux 79 $1,200 – – 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
3 0
4
Panasonic Lumix
DMC-ZS200
78 $700 5 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
3 0
5
RicohGR III 78 $900 – – 0
4 0
4 0 0 NA NA 0
3 5 5
Canon PowerShot G5 X 78 $700 4 0
0 4 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
3
RicohGR II 76 $600 – – 0
4 0
4 0 0 NA 0
3 5 3 0
4
Canon PowerShot G9 X
Mark II
74 $430 4 0
0 4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
5 NA 4 0
0 4
Canon PowerShot SX60
HS
66 $550 4 0
0 4 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4
Canon PowerShot SX70
HS
62 $550 4 0
0 4 0
3 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
2 0
1
NikonCoolpix A1000 61 $480 3 0
0 3 0
3 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
4
Panasonic Lumix FZ80 51 $300 5 0
0 5 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
4
Panasonic Lumix
DMC-ZS70
44 $350 5 0
0 5 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
4

1 2 3 4 5 !  $ 
POOR EXCELLENT RECOMMENDED CR BEST BUY 95
Brand & Model Overall Price Survey Test Results
Score Results
Recommended

Image quality

Video quality

Flash photos

stabilization
satisfaction

LCD quality
Ease of use

Viewfinder
Predicted
reliability
Owner

Image
MIRRORLESS

0
!
Fujifilm X-T4
w/ 16-80mm OIS
90 $2,200 4 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
5 0
5 NA 0
5

0
!
Fujifilm X-T4
w/ 18-55mm OIS
90 $2,100 4 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
5 0
5 NA 0
5

0
! NikonZ6 w/ 24-70mm S 89 $2,400 4 0
0 4 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
5 NA 0
5

0
! NikonZ7 w/ 24-70mm S 89 $4,000 4 0
0 4 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
5 NA 0
4

0
! Fujifilm X-T3 w/ 18-55mm 87 $1,900 4 0
0 5 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
3 0
5

0
!
SonyAlpha A7 III
w/ 28-70mm OSS
87 $2,200 3 0
0 5 0
5 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
5 NA 0
5

0
!
Panasonic Lumix DC-S1
w/ 24-105mm
86 $2,900 4 0
0 4 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
5 NA 0
5

0
!
Canon EOS R
w/ 24-105 IS USM
85 $2,700 5 0
0 4 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
5 NA 0
4

0
!
Panasonic Lumix
DC-GH5 w/ 12-60mm
85 $2,000 4 0
0 4 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
5 NA 0
5

0
!
Fujifilm X-T2 w/ XF 18-
55mm f2.8-4 R LM OIS
85 $1,550 4 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
4

0
$
Fujifilm X-T20
w/ 16-50mm OIS
84 $800 4 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
5

0
!
Fujifilm X-Pro2 w/ XF
18-55mm
84 $1,700 4 0
0 5 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
5 0
5 NA 0
4

0
$
SonyAlpha A7 II w/ FE
28-70mm f/3.5-5.6
84 $1,000 3 0
0 5 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
5 NA 0
5

0
!
Panasonic Lumix
DC-G9 w/ 12-60mm
83 $1,800 4 0
0 4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
5 NA 0
5

0
$
Fujifilm X-E3
w/ 18-55mm OIS
83 $1,000 4 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
2

0
$
Panasonic Lumix
DC-G95 w/ 12-60mm
82 $1,000 4 0
0 4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
5
Panasonic Lumix
0
$ DMC-G85 w/ 12-60mm 81 $700 4 0
0 4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
5
f/3.5-5.6 Power OIS

0
!
Fujifilm X-T30 w/ XF
18-55mm
81 $1,300 4 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
4

0
$
Panasonic Lumix
DMC-G7K w/ 14-42mm
81 $450 4 0
0 4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
3 0
5

96 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2021


D I G I TA L C A MER A S
Brand & Model Overall Price Survey Test Results
Score Results
Recommended

Image quality

Video quality

Flash photos

stabilization
satisfaction

LCD quality
Ease of use

Viewfinder
Predicted
reliability
Owner

Image
MIRRORLESS Continued

0
!
Canon EOS RP
w/ RF 24-105mm
81 $1,950 5 0
0 4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
5 NA 0
4

0
!
SonyAlpha A7S w/ T FE
24-70mm f/4 ZA OSS
81 $2,300 3 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
5 NA 0
3

0
$
Canon EOS M50 w/EF-M 80
15-45mm IS STM
$600 5 0
0 4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
3 0
4
Panasonic Lumix DMC-
GX85 w/ 12-32mm 79 $600 4 0
0 4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
5
F3.5-5.6 ASPH. Mega OIS
Canon EOS M5
w/ 18-150mm IS STM
79 $1,000 5 0
0 4 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
5
Canon EOS M5 w/ M 15-
45mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM
78 $800 5 0
0 4 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
4
Fujifilm X-E2S w/ XF
18-55mm
78 $1,000 4 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
5 0
5 0
3 0
4
Canon EOS M6
w/ 15-45mm IS STM
78 $750 5 0
0 4 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
5 NA 4 0
0 5
Canon EOS M100
w/ 15-45mm IS STM
78 $490 5 0
0 4 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
5 NA 4 0
0 5
SonyAlpha A6400
w/ E 18-135mm
78 $1,300 3 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
5
Canon EOS M10
w/ EF-M 15-45mm 78 $600 5 0
0 4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
5 NA 4 0
0 5
f/3.5-6.3 IS STM
Fujifilm X-T30
w/ XC 15-45mm
77 $1,000 4 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
4
Fujifilm X-E2S w/ XF
56mm F1.2 R APD
77 $700 4 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
4
LeicaCL w/ 18mm 76 $3,000 – – 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
5 NA 0
5
CanonEOS M3 w/ EF-M
18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM
76 $900 5 0
0 4 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
4 NA 4 0
0 5
Panasonic Lumix
DMC-GX850 w/ 12-32mm
75 $460 4 0
0 4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
5 NA 4 0
0 5
Fujifilm X-A3 w/ XC
16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OIS II
75 $600 4 0
0 5 0
4 0
3 0
2 0
4 NA 4 0
0 5
Canon EOS M6
w/ 18-150mm IS STM
75 $900 5 0
0 4 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
5 NA 3 0
0 5
SonyAlpha A5100
w/ 16-50mm OSS PZ
73 $550 3 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 NA 3 0
0 5

1 2 3 4 5 !  $ 
POOR EXCELLENT RECOMMENDED CR BEST BUY 97
Brand & Model Overall Price Survey Test Results
Score Results
Recommended

Image quality

Video quality

Flash photos

stabilization
satisfaction

LCD quality
Ease of use

Viewfinder
Predicted
reliability
Owner

Image
MIRRORLESS Continued

Olympus OM-D E-M10


Mark III w/ 14-42mm EZ
73 $600 2 0
0 4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
5
SonyAlpha A6400
w/ E PZ 16-50mm
73 $1,000 3 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
4
SonyAlpha A6300
w/ E PZ 16-50mm 73 $1,000 3 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
5
F3.5-5.6 OSS
Olympus OM-D E-M5 II
w/ 14-150mm
72 $1,000 2 0
0 4 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
5
Olympus PEN System
EPL9 w/ 14-42mm EZ
72 $500 2 0
0 4 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
4 NA 4 0
0 5
SonyAlpha A6000
w/ 16-50mm
72 $500 3 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
5 0
3 0
5
Olympus PEN System
EPL10 w/ 14-42mm EZ
71 $700 2 0
0 4 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
4 NA 4 0
0 5
Olympus OM-D E-M10
Mark II w/ 14-42mm 70 $600 2 0
0 4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
5
f/3.5-5.6 EZ
Olympus Pen System
E-PL8 w/ 14-42mm 66 $270 2 0
0 4 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
4 NA 4 0
0 5
1:3.5-5.6 EZ

LeicaCL w/ 18-56mm 61 $3,650 – – 0


2 0
4 0
3 0 0 NA 0
5 5 5
SLRs

0
$ NikonD7200 w/ 18-55mm 81 $900 4 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
5

0
$
Canon EOS 77D
w/ 18-55mm IS STM
81 $700 5 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
5

0
!
Canon EOS 6D Mark II
w/ 24-105mm IS STM
80 $1,800 5 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
5 NA 0
5

0
!
Canon EOS 90D
w/ 18-55mm IS STM
80 $1,350 5 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
5
Canon EOS 800D Rebel
T7i w/ 18-55mm IS STM
79 $820 5 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
4
Canon EOS 200D Rebel
SL2 w/ 18-55mm IS STM
79 $700 5 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
5
Canon EOS 80D
w/ 18-135mm IS USM
78 $1,150 5 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
3
Canon EOS 1300D Rebel
T6 w/ EF-S 18-55mm 77 $400 5 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
5
f/3.5-5.6 IS II

98 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2021


D I G I TA L C A MER A S
Brand & Model Overall Price Survey Test Results
Score Results
Recommended

Image quality

Video quality

Flash photos

stabilization
satisfaction

LCD quality
Ease of use

Viewfinder
Predicted
reliability
Owner

Image
SLRs Continued

Canon Rebel SL3


w/ 18-55mm
77 $600 5 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
4
Canon EOS 750D Rebel
T6i w/ 18-55mm
77 $900 5 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
5
Canon EOS 750D Rebel
T6i w/ 18-135mm IS STM
77 $950 5 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
5
Canon EOS 90D w/ 18-
135mm IS USM NANO
77 $1,600 5 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
4
Canon EOS 77D
w/ 18-135mm IS STM
76 $950 5 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
5 0
4 0
5 0
4
NikonD 750 w/ AF-S
24-120mm f/4G ED VR
75 $2,000 4 0
0 5 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
5
NikonD 3500 w/ 18-55 VR 75 $400 4 0
0 5 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
5
NikonD 5600 w/ AF-P
DX 18-55mm VR
74 $650 4 0
0 5 0
3 0
4 0
3 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
5
Canon EOS 2000D Rebel 74
T7 w/ 18-55mm
$400 5 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
4
NikonD 500 w/ AF-S DX
16-80mm f/2.8-4E ED VR
74 $2,100 4 0
0 5 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
5 NA 0
5
NikonD810 w/ AF-S
24-120mm f/4G ED VR
74 $4,100 4 0
0 5 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
5
NikonD 3400 w/ AF-P DX 73
18-55mm 1:3.5-5.6G VR
$400 4 0
0 5 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
5
NikonD7500 w/ 16-80mm 72 $1,500 4 0
0 5 0
3 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
5
PentaxK-70 w/ smc DA
18-135mm F3.5-5.6 ED AL 71 $800 3 0
0 3 0
3 0
4 0
3 0
5 0
5 0
3 0
4
[IF] DC WR
NikonD 780
w/ 24-120mm VR
71 $2,800 4 0
0 5 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
5 NA 0
3
NikonD 5600
w/ 18-140mm VR
70 $1,200 4 0
0 5 0
3 0
4 0
3 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
3
SonyAlpha SLT-A68
w/ 18-55mm
70 $700 4 0
0 3 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
3
NikonD7500
w/ 18-140mm VR
69 $1,200 4 0
0 5 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
3
SonySLT-A77 II
w/ 16-50mm f/2.8
67 $1,800 4 0
0 3 0
3 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
2

1 2 3 4 5 !  $ 
POOR EXCELLENT RECOMMENDED CR BEST BUY 99
Brand & Model Overall Survey
Price Results Test Results
Score
Recommended

Image quality

Video quality

Flash photos

stabilization
satisfaction

LCD quality
Ease of use

Battery life
Predicted
reliability

(shots)
Owner

Image
SUPERZOOM

0
!
Canon PowerShot
SX730 HS
77 $380 4 0
0 4 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
3 0
4 250

0
!
Panasonic Lumix
ZS80
77 $400 4 0
0 4 0
3 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
4 380

0
$
Canon PowerShot
SX720 HS
75 $300 4 0
0 4 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
3 0
4 250

0
! NikonCoolpix P1000 74 $1,000 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
3 0
2 250

0 3 0
0 3 0
3 0
4 0
3 0
5 0
3 0
Not
! NikonCoolPix P950 73 $800 2 stated

0
! NikonCoolpix P900 72 $600 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
2 0
4 0
4 0
4 360

0
$
Canon PowerShot
SX540 HS
71 $260 4 0
0 4 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
3 0
3 205

0
! NikonCoolpix B600 71 $300 3 0
0 3 0
3 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
3 02 280

0
!
SonyCyber-shot
HX400V
70 $450 4 0
0 3 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
1 300

0
!
Canon PowerShot
SX530 HS
70 $300 4 0
0 4 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
3 210

0
!
SonyCyber-shot
WX500
70 $350 4 0
0 3 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
3 400

NikonCoolpix B500 69 $260 3 0


0 3 0
3 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
3 0
3 600

SonyCyber-shot
HX80
68 $370 4 0
0 3 0
3 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
2 390

Canon PowerShot
SX620 HS
68 $250 4 0
0 4 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
3 02 295

Canon PowerShot
SX420 IS
67 $300 4 0
0 4 0
3 0
3 0
2 0
3 0
3 0
4 195

NikonCoolpix A900 64 $400 3 0


0 3 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
3 0
3 270

Kodak AZ401 59 $135 3 0


0 1 0
3 0
3 0
2 0
3 0
3 0
4 280

SonyCyber-shot
H300
48 $200 4 0
0 3 0
2 0
2 0
2 0
3 0
2 0
1 350

100 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2021


D I G I TA L C A MER A S
Brand & Model Overall Survey
Price Results Test Results
Score
Recommended

Image quality

Video quality

Flash photos

stabilization
satisfaction

LCD quality
Ease of use
Predicted
reliability
Owner

Image
WATERPROOF AND RUGGED

0
! NikonCoolPix W300 69 $390 4 0
0 3 0
3 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
3 0
4

0
! Olympus TG-6 68 $380 3 0
0 4 0
3 0
4 0
3 0
5 0
3 0
4
Fujifilm Finepix XP140 64 $200 4 0
0 3 0
3 0
3 0
2 0
4 0
2 0
2
RicohWG-6 61 $265 5 0
0 3 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
2 0
2
Panasonic Lumix
DMC-TS30
60 $130 4 0
0 3 0
3 0
3 0
2 0
3 0
2 0
4
Fujifilm Finepix XP130 57 $110 4 0
0 3 0
2 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
2 0
5
RicohWG-70 56 $280 5 0
0 3 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
1
RicohWG-60 56 $225 5 0
0 3 0
2 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
1
Panasonic Lumix DC-TS7 55 $300 4 0
0 3 0
2 0
3 0
2 0
3 0
3 0
5
NikonCoolPix W100 40 $160 4 0
0 3 0
2 0
2 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
1

HOW WE TEST: Overall Score survey data to provide a and low light, with audio
combines test results with brand-level rating, indicated quality and macro (close-up)
survey data for predicted −
by a gray dash ( ), we assume capability also considered.
reliability and owner satisfaction. the model has average LCD quality is a judgment of
Predicted reliability estimates reliability and satisfaction. images viewed under various
the likelihood that newly pur- Image quality combines lighting conditions. Flash
chased models from a given several tests, including regular photos tests the quality of
brand will develop problems photos, low-light photos, and the built-in flash’s light output
or break within the first four flash photos as well as color and evenness of illumination.
years. Owner satisfaction tests, among others. Ease Image stabilization is our
reflects the proportion of CR of use is our evaluation of the evaluation of the camera’s
members who are extremely camera’s controls, manual, ability to compensate for
likely to recommend the digital response time, and focusing. handheld camera shake. Price
camera they bought. In cases Video quality mostly reflects is approximate retail.
where we have insufficient footage shot in regular

1 2 3 4 5 !  $ 
POOR EXCELLENT RECOMMENDED CR BEST BUY 101
QUI CK GUIDE

Fitness Trackers
Fitness trackers range from simple to sophisticated,
with prices to match. Here’s how to find the right one
to fit your budget, fitness, lifestyle, and fashion sense.

What to Look For won’t have to take your BUYING


■ Most trackers are designed phone with you when you ADVICE
to be worn on the wrist. head out for a run or walk. If you simply
Look for a greater variety of ■ If you like to swim, it
want to know
materials, shapes, and colors. should be waterproof. how many steps
■ Preview the tracker’s ■ Double-check that the
you’re taking
companion app to make device works with your each day, you
sure it fits your needs. smartphone or computer. can save money
■ Battery life can stretch
What to Skip by buying a
from one day to up to a simpler device.
■ Most models over $200.
year depending on the
At that price, you might as
sophistication of the device.
well buy a smartwatch.
Most are rechargeable,
but some run on the coin What You’ll Pay
cell batteries often used ■ Expect to pay $25 for a For more
in cameras and calculators. basic model and $200 for buying advice,
go to CR.org/
■ Standalone GPS, so you a fully featured model. fitness-trackers

Tested products in performance order.

Brand & Model Overall Price Test Results


Score
Heart-rate monitor

Water resistance
Recommended

Ease of pairing

Readability in

Readability in
Ease of use

bright light
interaction

Step count

Versatility
accuracy

accuracy

low light
Ease of

BUILT-IN DATA READOUT

0
$
Garmin
Forerunner 35
84 $100 5 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
4

0
! Fitbit Charge 3 76 $100 4 0
0 4 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
4

102 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2021


F I T NE S S T R A CK ERS
Brand & Model Overall Price Test Results
Score

Heart-rate monitor

Water resistance
Recommended

Ease of pairing

Readability in

Readability in
Ease of use

bright light
interaction

Step count

Versatility
accuracy

accuracy

low light
Ease of
BUILT-IN DATA READOUT Continued

0
$
Samsung
Galaxy Fit
76 $100 4 0
0 4 0
3 0
5 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
4
0
$ Fitbit Inspire HR 73 $70 4 0
0 4 0
5 0
3 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
4
0
!
Garmin
Vivosmart 4
73 $100 4 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
4
0
$
Withings
Pulse HR
71 $100 4 0
0 4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
2 0
5 0
4
0
$ Garmin Vivofit 4 71 $70 5 0
0 5 0
5 NA 4 0
0 5 0
5 0
3 0
2
Fitbit Inspire 69 $50 4 0
0 4 0
5 NA 4 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
3
LetscomID115
Plus HR
56 $26 4 0
0 4 0
2 0
2 0
3 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
3
Garmin
Vivofit jr. 2
56 $70 4 0
0 4 0
5 NA 2 0
0 5 0
4 0
3 0
1
Samsung
Galaxy Fit e
43 $50 4 0
0 4 0
2 0
2 0
2 0
5 0
3 0
5 0
3
Withings Move 37 $70 3 0
0 2 0
2 NA 2 0
0 5 0
5 0
1 0
2
Fitbit Ace 2 35 $50 4 0
0 3 0
5 NA 1 0
0 5 0
3 0
5 0
2

HOW WE TEST: Overall Score the display; and responsive- watch is to submersion in
is based on the performance of ness of touch screen or water as tested by subjecting
the product in all of our tests. other control-interaction the device to a water pressure
Ease of use is composite methods. Ease of pairing is equivalent to the depth
score of ergonomics, ease of an assessment of the steps the manufacturer claims the
interaction, syncing, pairing, necessary for pairing the fitness tracker can withstand.
and read-ability of the display tracker with another device Readability in bright light
in bright light and low light. for the first time. Heart-rate such as on a sunny day.
Ease of interaction is the monitor accuracy measures Versatility indicates features
ease of accessing core func- how accurately the fitness that increase a fitness trackers
tions; performing key tasks tracker measured our testers utilities or capabilities. These
such as accessing messages, actual heart rate. Step-count include the number of sensors
calendars, alarms, etc.; accuracy measures how it has, if time can be displayed
interacting with the device accurately the fitness tracker on the tracker, GPS tracking
menu and app interface; counted our testers actual and other useful features. Price
taking activity measurements; steps. Water resistance is approximate.
reading activity results from measures how resistant the

1 2 3 4 5 !  $ 
POOR EXCELLENT RECOMMENDED CR BEST BUY 103
QUI CK GUIDE

Headphones
Headphones come in all sizes and types, from tiny
earbuds to big, over-the-ear DJ-style models. They’re
indispensable for listening to music on the go or for
watching videos on a tablet, laptop, or smartphone.

What to Look For calls without taking your BUYING


■ Clear, accurate sound and phone out of your pocket ADVICE
sufficient volume. or backpack. If you want
■ A comfortable fit.
What to Skip the best sound,
■ An isolating design that
■ Paying a high price just especially for
physically blocks sound serious music
to get a big-brand name.
or headphones with active listening, we
noise-canceling techno- What You’ll Pay recommend
logy if you don’t want to be You can find decent ear- one of the top-
disturbed by outside noise. buds for as little as $20. rated corded
■ Wireless headphones if Decent over-ear and on-ear models in our
you don’t want cords tang- models start around $50 ratings.
ling or flapping. but can cost $100 or more.
■ A model that doubles Expect to pay more for
as a headset if you want the wireless connectivity and For more buying
advice, go to
ability to answer or place active noise-cancellation. CR.org/headphones.

Tested products in performance order.

Brand & Model Overall Price Test Results


Score
Recommended

Sound quality

Sensitivity
reduction

Design
Noise

Type

PORTABLE NOISE-CANCELING HEADPHONES

0 4 0
0
Bose Medium high/
! 74 $250 5 Earbud Isolating
QuietComfort 20 Medium

WIRELESS PORTABLE NOISE-CANCELING HEADPHONES

0
!
Sony
WF-1000XM3
87 $180 5 0
0 5 NA Ear-insert Isolating

0
!
Master & Dynamic 76
MW07 PLUS $300 4 0
0 5 NA Ear-insert Isolating

104 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2021


HE A DP HONE S
Brand & Model Overall Price Test Results
Score
Recommended

Sound quality

Sensitivity
reduction

Design
Noise

Type
WIRELESS PORTABLE NOISE-CANCELING HEADPHONES Continued

0
! AppleAirPods Pro 75 $250 4 0
0 5 NA Ear-insert Isolating

0
$
JBLEverest Elite
150NC
74 $200 4 0
0 5 NA Ear-insert Isolating

0 4 0
0
Audio-Technica Medium high/
$ 68 $100 5 Ear-insert Isolating
ATH-ANC100BT Medium high
Amazon Echo
Buds
65 $130 4 0
0 5 NA Ear-insert Isolating

Plantronics
BackBeat GO 410
65 $100 4 0
0 5 Medium high Earbud Isolating

WIRELESS HOME/STUDIO STYLE NOISE-CANCELING HEADPHONES

Bose
0 5 0
0
Medium/
! QuietComfort 35 87 $280 5 Over-ear Closed
Medium
Series II
BoseNoise
0
! Cancelling 87 $340 5 0
0 5 Low/Medium Over-ear Closed
Headphones 700

0 4 0
0
Sony High/High/
! 75 $280 5 Over-ear Closed
WH-1000XM3 Medium high
beats by dre
0
$ Beats Studio3 73 $350 4 0
0 5 Medium Over-ear Closed
Wireless

0 4 0
0
JBLLIVE Medium/
$ 73 $200 5 Over-ear Closed
650BTNC Medium

0 4 0
0
Monoprice Medium high/
$ 72 $40 5 Over-ear Closed
BT-300ANC Medium

0
!
Beats by Dr. Dre
Solo Pro
70 $300 4 0
0 5 NA On-ear Closed

Beyerdynamic
0
! Lagoon ANC 69 $290 4 0
0 5 Low/Low Over-ear Closed
Traveler

0 4 0
0
Medium high/
! JabraElite 85h 69 $250 5 Over-ear Closed
Medium high
Bowers & Wilkins
PX7
66 $400 3 0
0 5 Low/Low Over-ear Closed

JAMOut There 44 $60 2 0


0 5 High/High On-ear Closed

Audio-Technica
ATH-ANC500BT
42 $100 2 0
0 4 High/High Over-ear Closed

1 2 3 4 5 !  $ 
POOR EXCELLENT RECOMMENDED CR BEST BUY 105
Brand & Model Overall Price Test Results
Score
Recommended

Sound quality

Sensitivity

Design
Type
PORTABLE STEREO HEADPHONES

0 0
1MORE E1001 86 Medium Ear-insert Isolating
$ Triple Driver $70 5
0
! 1MORE Quad Driver 86 $140 0
5 Medium high Ear-insert Isolating

0 0
Non-
! AudezeiSine 10 86 $350 5 High Ear-insert
isolating

0
$ ScoscheSportFlex 3 76 $15 0
4 Very high Ear-insert Isolating

0
$ Phiaton MS 100 BA 71 $60 0
4 High Ear-insert Isolating

0 0
Sennheiser 71 High Ear-insert Isolating
! Momentum In-Ear $100 4
0
$ Shure SE112 71 $50 0
4 Very high Ear-insert Isolating

0
Non-
! Westone AM PRO 20 71 $295 0
4 Very high Ear-insert
isolating

0 0
Panasonic 66 Medium high Ear-insert Isolating
$ RP-TCM125 $15 4
Panasonic RP-HJE120 60 $10 0
3 Medium high Earbud Isolating

Phiaton MS 300 BA 60 $60 0


3 High Ear-insert Isolating

Shure SE215 60 $80 0


3 High Ear-insert Isolating
Non-
UrbanEars Sumpan 60 $30 0
3 Medium high Earbud
isolating
Non-
AppleEarPods 56 $30 0
3 Medium high Earbud
isolating

0
JLab AudioFit 2.0 51 High Ear-insert Isolating
Sport Earbuds $30 3
Non-
UrbanEars Reimers 46 $45 0
3 Medium high Earbud
isolating
JLab AudioJBuds Pro 41 $10 0
3 Medium Ear-insert Isolating
Non-
Westone am Pro10 40 $190 0
2 High Ear-insert
isolating
WIRELESS PORTABLE STEREO HEADPHONES

0
! SamsungGalaxy Buds 86 $120 5 NA Ear-insert Isolating

0 0
Bang & Olufsen 80 NA Ear-insert Isolating
! Beoplay E6 $300 4
0 0
Anker SoundCore 76 NA Ear-insert Isolating
$ Liberty Air $75 4
0 0
BoseSoundSport 76 NA Earbud Isolating
$ Wireless $100 4
0
$ JabraElite Active 65t 76 $120 0
4 NA Ear-insert Isolating

106 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2021


HE A DP HONE S
Brand & Model Overall Price Test Results
Score
Recommended

Sound quality

Sensitivity

Design
Type
WIRELESS PORTABLE STEREO HEADPHONES Continued

0 0
JBLUA True Wireless 76 NA Ear-insert Isolating
! Flash $130 4
0
! JLab AudioEpic Air 76 $150 0
4 NA Ear-insert Isolating

0
$ JLab AudioJBuds Air 76 $50 0
4 NA Ear-insert Isolating

0 0
SOL Republic Shadow 76 NA Ear-insert Isolating
$ Wireless $30 4
0
$ 1MORETriple Driver BT 71 $75 0
4 NA Ear-insert Isolating

0 0
Anker SoundCore 71 NA Ear-insert Isolating
! Liberty 2 Pro $150 4
0 0
Audio-TechnicaSonic 71 NA Ear-insert Isolating
! Sport ATH-Sport7 TW $200 4
0 0
BoseSoundSport 71 NA Earbud Isolating
! Free Wireless $200 4
0
$ JabraElite 25e 71 $80 0
4 NA Ear-insert Isolating

0
! JabraElite Sport 71 $220 0
4 NA Ear-insert Isolating

0
! Jaybird Vista 71 $160 0
4 NA Ear-insert Isolating

0
! Jaybird X4 71 $130 0
4 NA Earbud Isolating

0
$ MEE audio X10 71 $80 0
4 NA Ear-insert Isolating
Monoprice True
0
$ Wireless Earphones 71 $30 0
4 NA Ear-insert Isolating
IPX4
0
! Sennheiser CX Sport 71 $100 0
4 NA Ear-insert Isolating

0 0
1MORE Stylish True 66 NA Ear-insert Isolating
$ Wireless $100 4
0
$ beats by dreBeatsX 66 $100 0
4 NA Ear-insert Isolating

0 0
House of Marley 66 NA Ear-insert Isolating
$ Smile Jamaica BT $25 4
0
$ JBLEndurance DIVE 66 $90 0
4 NA Ear-insert Isolating

0 0
JBLEndurance 66 NA Ear-insert Isolating
$ SPRINT $50 4
0
$ JBLReflect Mini 2 66 $100 0
4 NA Ear-insert Isolating

0 0
JVCHA-FX9BT Gumy 66 NA Ear-insert Isolating
$ Wireless $20 4
0 0
PlantronicsBackBeat 66 NA Ear-insert Isolating
! PRO 5100 $135 4
0
$ Skullcandy Indy 66 $40 0
4 NA Ear-insert Isolating

1 2 3 4 5 !  $ 
POOR EXCELLENT RECOMMENDED CR BEST BUY 107
Brand & Model Overall Price Test Results
Score
Recommended

Sound quality

Sensitivity

Design
Type
WIRELESS PORTABLE STEREO HEADPHONES Continued

0 0
Skullcandy Push Truly 66 NA Ear-insert Isolating
$ Wireless Earbuds $50 4
0
$ Skullcandy Sesh 66 $30 0
4 NA Ear-insert Isolating

0 0
V-Moda Forza 66 NA Ear-insert Isolating
! Metallo Wireless $170 4
Sennheiser
MOMENTUM 61 $200 0
4 NA Ear-insert Isolating
True Wireless

0
ApplePowerbeats 60 NA Ear-insert Isolating
Pro $200 3
0
Audio-Technica 60 NA Ear-insert Isolating
ATH-Sport 50BT $80 3
0
JLab Audio JBuds 60 NA Ear-insert Isolating
Air Executive $70 3
0
JLab Audio JBuds 60 NA Ear-insert Isolating
Air Sport $70 3
0
MEE audio M9B 60 NA Ear-insert Isolating
(2019 VERSION)
$35 3
AppleAirPods (2nd
0
Non-
Gen) with Wireless 56 $170 3 NA Earbud
isolating
Charging Case

0
Non-
SonyWI-SP500 56 $55 3 NA Earbud
isolating
Audio-Technica
Sound Reality 51 $60 0
3 NA Ear-insert Isolating
ATH-CKR35BT

0
Non-
JabraElite 45e 46 $100 3 NA Earbud
isolating

0
Klipsch T5 True 46 NA Ear-insert Isolating
Wireless $160 3
Klipsch T5 Sport 46 $100 0
3 NA Ear-insert Isolating

0
Skullcandy Jib 46 NA Ear-insert Isolating
Wireless $15 3
0
House of Marley 41 NA Ear-insert Isolating
Uprise $80 3
0
JVCMarshmallow 41 NA Ear-insert Isolating
Wireless HA-FX39BT $120 3
0
PlantronicsBackbeat Non-
41 $50 3 NA Earbud
FIT 2100 isolating

0
Audio-Technica 40 NA Ear-insert Isolating
ATH-CKS5TW $155 2
JAMLive Large 40 $35 0
2 NA Ear-insert Isolating

108 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2021


HE A DP HONE S
Brand & Model Overall Price Test Results
Score
Recommended

Sound quality

Sensitivity

Design
Type
WIRELESS PORTABLE STEREO HEADPHONES Continued
JLab Audio Rewind 40 NA On-ear Open air
Wireless Retro $20 2
Bone
AfterShokz Aeropex 31 $160 2 NA Open
conduction
WIRELESS HOME/STUDIO STYLE STEREO HEADPHONES

0
! GradoGW100 76 $250 0
4 Medium high On-ear Open air
BoseSoundLink
0
! around-ear 71 $160 0
4 Medium high Over-ear Closed
headphones II

0 0
JabraMove Style 71 Medium On-ear Closed
$ Edition $90 4
0 0
V-ModaCrossfade 2 71 Medium high Over-ear Closed
! Wireless $280 4
0 0
Audio-Technica 66 Medium On-ear Closed
! ATH-SR5BT $150 4
0 0
beats by dreSolo3 66 High On-ear Closed
! Wireless $200 4
0
$ JBLLIVE 500BT 66 $80 0
4 Medium high Over-ear Closed

0 0
Sennheiser HD 66 Medium high Over-ear Closed
$ 4.40BT $80 4
0 0
Skullcandy Hesh 3 66 Low Over-ear Closed
$ Wireless $100 4
JBLE55BT 60 $90 0
3 Medium high Over-ear Closed

Marshall Major III BT 60 $100 0


3 Low On-ear Closed

Phiaton BT460 60 $180 0


3 Medium high Over-ear Closed

0
Skullcandy Crusher 51 Low Over-ear Closed
Wireless $150 3
0
Audio-Technica 46 High On-ear Closed
SonicFuel ATH-AR3BT $150 3
0
Plantronics Backbeat 46 Low On-ear Closed
FIT 505 $60 3
0
UrbanEars Plattan 41 Medium On-ear Closed
ADV Wireless $80 3
AmazonBasics
Over-Ear-Bluetooth- 40 $45 0
2 Medium high Over-ear Closed
Wireless-Headset
JLab AudioFlex Sport 40 $100 0
2 NA Over-ear Closed

SonyMDR-XB650BT 40 $90 0
2 NA On-ear Closed

1 2 3 4 5 !  $ 
POOR EXCELLENT RECOMMENDED CR BEST BUY 109
Brand & Model Overall Price Test Results
Score
Recommended

Sound quality

Sensitivity

Design
Type
HOME/STUDIO STYLE STEREO HEADPHONES

0 0
Grado Prestige 91 Medium high Over-ear Open air
! SR325e $295 5
0 0
Grado Prestige 88 Medium high Over-ear Open air
! SR225e $200 5
0
$ Grado Prestige SR80e 86 $100 0
5 Medium high On-ear Open air

0
! Shure SRH1440 81 $300 0
5 Low Over-ear Open air

0 0
Grado Prestige 80 Medium high On-ear Open air
! SR125e $150 4
0
$ GradoPrestige SR60e 76 $80 0
4 Medium high On-ear Open air

0
! SonyMDR-1AM2 76 $300 0
4 High Over-ear Closed

0 0
Audio-Technica 71 Medium Over-ear Closed
! ATH-M50x $150 4
0
Monoprice Premium 60 High Over-ear Closed
Hi-Fi DJ Style $20 3
Skullcandy Riff 56 $20 0
3 Medium high On-ear Closed

beats by dreBeats EP 41 $95 0


3 High On-ear Closed
Monoprice Hi-Fi
Lightweight On-Ear
headphone 13191
40 $15 0
2 High On-ear Closed

UrbanEars Plattan 2 40 $50 0


2 Medium high On-ear Closed

HOW WE TEST: Overall Score wire-connected headphones switch ON and the other
is based on the performance will play for a given audio input with the lowest selectable
of the product in all of our tests. signal level; for wireless setting or noise-reduction
Sound quality represents the models, we judge sensitivity switch OFF. (Not applicable
tonal accuracy, clarity, detail, using the optional wired for wireless headphones
ambience, and dynamics connection. Some have two that lack a cord connection
of the audio reproduced by sensitivity levels given; one option.) An isolating design
the headphones. Sensitivity with the highest selectable blocks some outside noise.
assesses how loudly setting or noise reduction Price is approximate retail.

110 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2021


QUI CK GUIDE

P R IN T ERS , A L L-IN - ONE


Printers, All-in-One
All-in-ones are by far the most popular type of printer
on the market. The reason? They let you not only
print but also copy, scan, and, for some models, fax.

What to Look For What to Skip BUYING


■ Low ink replacement costs ■ An inkjet with a single ADVICE
(ink cost per year). cartridge for color inks, Today, most
■ An all-in-one color inkjet because separate color car- printers come
if you want color printing tridges may be more eco- with built-in
and a versatile model that nomical, depending on what WiFi that
excels at printing your you print. enables you to
photos, scans and other ■ High replacement ink
print photos
functions. costs. You can compare using and documents
■ A black-and-white laser our ink costs for year spec. from computers
all-in-one for high reliability, and mobile
What You’ll Pay
excellent text quality, fast devices on a
Laser models start at about
print speed, and a low cost home network.
$100. Inkjet all-in-ones cost
per page—provided you
$35 and up. If you print
don’t need to print in color.
frequently, the ink cost can For more buying
advice, go to
be even more significant. CR.org/printers.

Tested products in performance order.

Brand & Model Overall Survey


Price Results Test Results Features
Score
Graphics quality

Ink cost/year ($)


Recommended

Photo quality
Maintenance

Scan quality
satisfaction
Text quality
Text speed

Text speed
Predicted
reliability

ink use
Owner

(ppm)

ALL-IN-ONE BLACK AND WHITE LASER PRINTERS

0
!
Brother
MFC-L5700DW
81 $340 5 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
2 NA 5 0
0 4 23.1 29
0
!
Brother
DCP-L5500DN
81 $300 5 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
2 NA 5 0
0 5 23.1 29
0
! BrotherHL-L2395DW 80 $170 5 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
2 NA 5 0
0 4 18.8 71

1 2 3 4 5 !  $ 
POOR EXCELLENT RECOMMENDED CR BEST BUY 111
Brand & Model Overall Survey
Price Results Test Results Features
Score

Graphics quality

Ink cost/year ($)


Recommended

Photo quality
Maintenance

Scan quality
satisfaction
Text quality
Text speed

Text speed
Predicted
reliability

ink use
Owner

(ppm)
ALL-IN-ONE BLACK AND WHITE LASER PRINTERS Continued

0
!
Brother
MFC-L2750DW
80 $250 5 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
2 NA 0
5 0
4 14.3 32
0
!
CanonimageCLASS
MF267dw
80 $250 4 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
3 NA 0
5 0
4 20 40
0
$
CanonimageCLASS
MF269dw
80 $170 4 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
2 NA 0
5 0
5 27.3 40
0
!
CanonimageCLASS
MF264dw
79 $200 4 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
2 NA 0
5 0
5 20 52
0
!
Brother
MFC-L2720DW
79 $230 5 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
2 NA 0
5 0
4 18.8 30
0
$
Brother
MFC-L2710DW
79 $170 5 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
2 NA 0
5 0
4 16.7 44

0
!
CanonimageCLASS
D1620
78 $350 4 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
2 NA 0
5 0
4 13 48

0
$
Brother
MFC-L2685DW
76 $140 5 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
3 NA 0
5 0
4 15.8 59

0
$
Canon imageCLASS 76
MF232w
$100 4 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
2 NA 0
5 0
5 15.8 43

0
!
Brother
DCP-L2550DW
75 $130 5 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
2 NA 0
5 0
4 17.6 68

0
!
HPLaserJet Pro MFP 75
M31w
$130 4 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
2 NA 0
5 0
4 15 72
Canon imageCLASS 74
MF236n
$170 4 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
2 NA 0
5 0
5 17.6 40
LexmarkMB2236adw 74 $230 − − 0
5 0 0 NA 0
5 2 5 0
4 20 59
HPLaserJet Pro
M28W
73 $120 4 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
1 NA 0
5 0
4 14.3 79
HPLaserJet Pro
M29W
73 $140 4 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
1 NA 0
5 0
4 14.3 79
HPLaserJet Pro
M227fdw
73 $270 4 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
1 NA 0
5 0
4 18.8 54
HPLaserJet Pro MFP 73
M148fdw
$200 4 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
2 NA 0
5 0
4 20 66
HPLaserJet Pro MFP 72
M428fdw
$320 4 0
0 5 0
4 0
5 0
2 NA 0
5 0
4 23.1 50
HPLaserJet Pro MFP 70
M130fw
$200 4 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
2 NA 0
5 0
4 11.5 66
Samsung Xpress
M2070FW
69 $190 3 0
0 3 0
5 0
5 0
3 NA 0
5 0
4 13.6 60

112 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2021


P R IN T ERS , A L L-IN - ONE
Brand & Model Overall Survey
Price Results Test Results Features
Score

Graphics quality

Ink cost/year ($)


Recommended

Photo quality
Maintenance

Scan quality
satisfaction
Text quality
Text speed

Text speed
Predicted
reliability

ink use
Owner

(ppm)
ALL-IN-ONE COLOR LASER PRINTERS

0
!
Brother
MFC-L8900CDW
71 $550 4 0
0 5 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
1 0
5 0
4 15.8 126
0
!
Canon imageCLASS
MF642Cdw
69 $350 3 0
0 4 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
2 0
5 0
4 13.6 124
Canon Color
0
$ imageCLASS 69 $320 3 0
0 4 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
2 0
5 0
4 13.6 124
MF644Cdw

0
!
Brother
MFC-L3750CDW
69 $330 4 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
1 0
5 0
4 10.7 121

0
!
HPColor LaserJet
Pro MFP M281fdw
68 $430 4 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
1 0
5 0
5 14.3 95

0
!
Brother
MFC-L3710CW
68 $330 4 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
1 0
5 0
4 10.7 121
0
!
HPColor Laser MFP
178nw
67 $200 4 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
1 0
5 0
5 12 173
Canon Color
0
! imageCLASS 66 $530 3 0
0 4 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
1 0
5 0
4 15.8 136
MF743Cdw

0
!
CanonimageCLASS
MF733Cdw
66 $530 3 0
0 4 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
1 0
5 0
4 18.8 206
HPColor LaserJet
Pro M283fdw
65 $450 4 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
2 0
1 0
5 0
4 13.6 142
HPColor LaserJet
Pro MFP M180nw
63 $240 4 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
1 0
5 0
4 10.7 110
ALL-IN-ONE INKJET PRINTERS

0
$ BrotherMFC-J895DW 69 $130 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
4 10.7 101
0
$ Canon Pixma G4210 67 $280 3 0
0 4 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
4 NA 0
4 8.3 6

0
$
BrotherMFC-J775DW 65
XL
$250 3 0
0 3 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 9.1 27
0
$
Canon Pixma
Megatank G7020
65 $300 3 0
0 4 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
2 NA 0
4 8.1 5

0
! Canon Pixma G6020 64 $270 3 0
0 4 0
3 0
4 0
3 0
2 NA 0
4 9.7 5

0
!
Canon Pixma
MG3620
63 $80 3 0
0 3 0
2 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
3 0
5 8.8 108
0
$ Canon Pixma G3200 63 $200 3 0
0 4 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
3 NA 0
4 8.3 5

0
! Brother MFC-J491DW 62 $95 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
4 10.7 78

1 2 3 4 5 !  $ 
POOR EXCELLENT RECOMMENDED CR BEST BUY 113
Brand & Model Overall Survey
Price Results Test Results Features
Score

Graphics quality

Ink cost/year ($)


Recommended

Photo quality
Maintenance

Scan quality
satisfaction
Text quality
Text speed

Text speed
Predicted
reliability

ink use
Owner

(ppm)
ALL-IN-ONE INKJET PRINTERS Continued

0
! BrotherMFC-J497DW 62 $80 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
4 10.7 78
0
!
HPOfficeJet 250
Mobile
61 $380 3 0
0 3 0
3 0
5 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
4 10 97
0
! HPEnvy 4520 61 $110 3 0
0 3 0
2 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
3 0
4 9.1 171
0
!
HPEnvy Photo 7855
AiO
61 $230 3 0
0 3 0
5 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
2 0
4 9.4 187
CanonPIXMA TS5120 60 $100 3 0
0 3 0
2 0
4 0
3 0
2 0
5 0
4 9.4 93
HPEnvy Photo 7155 60 $180 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
4 9.4 118
Epson Ecotank
ET-M3170 (black- 60 $350 2 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
2 NA NA 0
4 18.8 2
and-white printer)
Epson Ecotank
ET-M2170 (black- 60 $330 2 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
2 NA NA 0
4 18.8 2
and-white printer)
HPEnvy Photo 6255 59 $80 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
2 0
4 8.6 155
Canon PIXMA
TR4520
59 $100 3 0
0 3 0
2 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
2 0
4 8.1 122
Canon PIXMA
TR7520
59 $150 3 0
0 3 0
3 0
5 0
3 0
5 0
1 0
4 11.5 155
Canon PIXMA
TS6120
59 $145 3 0
0 3 0
3 0
5 0
4 0
5 0
1 0
4 10.7 154
HPDeskJet 2652 58 $45 3 0
0 3 0
3 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
5 0
4 8.6 141
Epson Expression
ET-3600
57 $395 2 0
0 5 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
2 NA 0
4 11.5 6
Canon Pixma
MG2522
56 $35 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
2 0
2 0
4 7 144
HPSmart Tank Plus
551
56 $350 3 0
0 3 0
3 0
4 0
3 0
3 NA 0
4 9.7 1

CanonPIXMA TS9520 55 $235 3 0


0 3 0
3 0
5 0
4 0
3 0
1 0
4 11.1 168
HP OfficeJet Pro
6968
55 $150 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
4 0
1 0
4 10.7 138
HPOfficeJet Pro 8710 55 $200 3 0
0 3 0
3 0
5 0
3 0
4 0
1 0
5 16.7 99
HPOfficeJet 5255 55 $140 3 0
0 3 0
2 0
4 0
4 0
1 0
4 0
4 9.1 149
Epson Ecotank
ET-2720
55 $200 2 0
0 5 0
3 0
4 0
3 0
5 NA 0
4 8.8 7
Canon PIXMA
TR8520
55 $100 3 0
0 3 0
3 0
5 0
3 0
4 0
1 0
4 13 117

114 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2021


P R IN T ERS , A L L-IN - ONE
Brand & Model Overall Survey
Price Results Test Results Features
Score

Graphics quality

Ink cost/year ($)


Recommended

Photo quality
Maintenance

Scan quality
satisfaction
Text quality
Text speed

Text speed
Predicted
reliability

ink use
Owner

(ppm)
ALL-IN-ONE INKJET PRINTERS Continued

HPENVY 5055 54 $130 3 0


0 3 0
3 0
5 0
4 0
1 0
4 0
4 10.3 135
HPOfficeJet Pro
6978 AiO
54 $180 3 0
0 3 0
3 0
5 0
3 0
4 0
1 0
4 14.3 119
Brother
MFC-J5830DW
54 $300 3 0
0 3 0
3 0
5 0
3 0
3 0
1 0
4 18.8 59
Canon Maxify
MB2120
54 $140 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
3 0
1 0
4 15.8 129
Canon Maxify
MB2720
54 $100 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
3 0
1 0
5 20 128
Canon PIXMA
TS9120
54 $170 3 0
0 3 0
3 0
5 0
3 0
4 0
1 0
4 11.1 194
Canon PIXMA
TS8220
54 $90 3 0
0 3 0
3 0
5 0
4 0
3 0
1 0
5 12.5 186
Epson EcoTank
ET-3710
54 $300 2 0
0 5 0
2 0
5 0
3 0
3 NA 0
4 12.5 2
Epson EcoTank
ET-3760
54 $400 2 0
0 5 0
3 0
5 0
2 0
3 NA 0
3 12.5 2
HPDeskJet 3755 54 $90 3 0
0 3 0
3 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
4 8.3 153
Canon Maxify
MB5420
54 $305 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
3 0
1 0
5 20 112
Canon Maxify
MB5120
54 $235 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
3 0
1 0
5 20 112
Brother
MFC-J5330DW
54 $200 3 0
0 3 0
3 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
1 0
4 17.6 60
Epson Workforce
ET-3750
53 $405 2 0
0 5 0
3 0
5 0
2 0
3 NA 0
3 12.5 6
Epson EcoTank
ET-4750
53 $500 2 0
0 5 0
3 0
5 0
1 0
2 NA 0
4 12.5 5
Epson EcoTank
ET-4700
53 $240 2 0
0 5 0
2 0
4 0
3 0
4 NA 0
3 9.4 1
Epson Expression
Photo XP-8600
53 $255 2 0
0 2 0
1 0
4 0
3 0
5 0
2 0
4 8.1 171
Brother
MFC-J6545DW
52 $280 3 0
0 3 0
3 0
5 0
3 0
3 0
1 0
4 18.8 59
Epson EcoTank
ET-2760
52 $250 2 0
0 5 0
3 0
4 0
3 0
3 NA 0
4 9.7 2
Epson WorkForce
Pro WF-3730
52 $110 2 0
0 2 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
3 0
1 0
4 15 116
Epson Expression
ET-2550
52 $280 2 0
0 5 0
2 0
4 0
2 0
4 NA 0
3 8.3 7

HPOfficeJet Pro 7740 52 $280 3 0


0 3 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
3 0
1 0
4 16.7 98

1 2 3 4 5 !  $ 
POOR EXCELLENT RECOMMENDED CR BEST BUY 115
Brand & Model Overall Survey
Price Results Test Results Features
Score

Graphics quality

Ink cost/year ($)


Recommended

Photo quality
Maintenance

Scan quality
satisfaction
Text quality
Text speed

Text speed
Predicted
reliability

ink use
Owner

(ppm)
ALL-IN-ONE INKJET PRINTERS Continued
Brother
MFC-J5845DW
52 $250 3 0
0 3 0
3 0
5 0
3 0
3 0
1 0
4 18.8 62
Epson Workforce
WF-7720
51 $200 2 0
0 2 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
3 0
2 0
5 11.5 60
HPOfficeJet Pro
8025
51 $170 3 0
0 3 0
3 0
5 0
3 0
2 0
1 0
5 17.6 213
BrotherMFC-J995DW
INKvestment Tank 51 $200 3 0
0 3 0
3 0
5 0
3 0
3 0
1 0
4 11.1 56
Color Inkjet
EpsonWorkForce Pro
WF-4740
51 $200 2 0
0 2 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
2 0
1 0
4 12.5 83
Epson Expression
ET-2750
50 $295 2 0
0 5 0
3 0
4 0
2 0
2 NA 0
4 8.8 5
HPOfficeJet Pro
9025
50 $330 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
3 0
1 0
5 17.6 145
Epson Expression
ET-2700
50 $255 2 0
0 5 0
3 0
4 0
2 0
2 NA 0
4 8.8 5

HPOfficeJet Pro 9015 50 $230 3 0


0 3 0
3 0
5 0
3 0
1 0
1 0
5 17.6 146
Epson WorkForce
WF-7710
50 $180 2 0
0 2 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
3 0
2 0
5 14.3 61

HOW WE TEST: Overall Score has average reliability and Maintenance ink use reflects
combines test results with satisfaction. Photo quality the amount of extra ink used
survey data for predicted reflects a photo’s appearance. by an inkjet printer to maintain
reliability and owner satisfaction. Text quality assesses clarity its print heads. Scan quality is
Predicted reliability estimates and crispness of black text. for color photos, graphics, and
the likelihood that newly Text speed reflects how quickly text scanned at each model’s
purchased models from a given the model can print text on five default settings. Text speed
brand will develop problems plain, letter-sized pages. Thirty (ppm) is our measure of how
or break within the first four seconds or less is excellent; fast the printer can print pages
years. Owner satisfaction 31 to 60 seconds is very good; of monochrome text. Ink cost/
reflects the proportion of CR 61 to 90 seconds is good; 91 to year ($) is the estimated cost
members who are extremely 120 seconds is fair; and longer (in dollars) for ink or toner in
likely to recommend the printer than 120 seconds is poor. a year of typical use, based on
they bought. In cases where Graphics quality assesses the our tests and how members
we have insufficient survey appearance of color graphics told us they print. Price is
data to provide a brand-level produced by the printer. Black- approximate retail.
rating, indicated by a gray and-white lasers were judged
dash (−), we assume the model on black-and-white graphics.

116 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2021


QUI CK GUIDE

P R IN T ERS , REGUL A R
Printers, Regular
If you don’t need to scan, copy, or fax—or you own
other machines to do those tasks—a regular
printer may be the most cost-efficient option for
you. Models start at around $100.

What to Look For They’re costlier than their BUYING


■ A laser printer if you want monochrome counterparts ADVICE
a reliable printer and fast, and unsuited for photos. A low price
low-cost, top-quality black- ■ Regular inkjet printers, tag may not
and-white text. which get unfavorable be what it
■ A color inkjet if you want ratings for reliability and seems. Ink costs
the most versatile printer. owner satisfaction. can often rack
You can print color photos up hundreds
What You’ll Pay
and graphics as well as text. of dollars more
Color inkjets can cost as little
■ A black-and-white laser
as $45 and up to $350, and as the years
if you want reliability and to go by.
monochrome laser printers
maximize long-term savings.
can cost less than $100, and
What to Skip upwards of $500. If you print
■ Regular color laser printers frequently, a model’s ink cost For more buying
advice, go to
aren’t always a good choice. is even more significant. CR.org/printers.

Tested products in performance order.

Brand & Model Overall Survey


Price Results Test Results Features
Score
Graphics quality

Ink cost/year ($)


Recommended

Photo quality
Maintenance
satisfaction
Text quality
Text speed

Text speed
Predicted
reliability

ink use
Owner

(ppm)

BLACK AND WHITE LASER PRINTERS

0
! HPLaserJet Pro M501dn 81 $550 5 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
2 NA 0
5 23.1 19

0
$ Brother HL-L2370DW 81 $130 5 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
2 NA 0
5 17.6 60

0
$ Brother HL-L2350DW 81 $120 5 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
2 NA 0
5 16.7 48

1 2 3 4 5 !  $ 
POOR EXCELLENT RECOMMENDED CR BEST BUY 117
Brand & Model Overall Survey
Price Results Test Results Features
Score

Graphics quality

Ink cost/year ($)


Recommended

Photo quality
Maintenance
satisfaction
Text quality
Text speed

Text speed
Predicted
reliability

ink use
Owner

(ppm)
BLACK AND WHITE LASER PRINTERS Continued

0
$ Lexmark B2338dw 80 $120 − − 0
5 0
5 0
2 NA 0
5 21.4 58

0
! Brother HL-L6300DW 80 $350 5 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
3 NA 0
5 25 28

0
! Brother HL-L5200DW 79 $205 5 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
2 NA 0
5 23.1 29

0
! Brother HL-L6250DW 78 $285 5 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
2 NA 0
5 25 19

0
$ Brother HL-L6200DW 78 $180 5 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
2 NA 0
5 25 19

0
$ Brother HL-L2340DW 77 $120 5 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
1 NA 0
5 15 55

0
$ Brother HL-L5100DN 77 $150 5 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
2 NA 0
5 23.1 29

0
!
HPLaserJet Pro
M404dw
76 $250 5 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
1 NA 0
5 25 47

0
!
HPLaserJet Pro
M203dw
75 $200 5 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
1 NA 0
5 16.7 37

0
! HPLaserJet Pro M404n 74 $170 5 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
2 NA 0
5 23.1 43

0
$
Samsung Xpress
M2020W
73 $105 4 0
0 3 0
5 0
5 0
3 NA 0
5 14.3 56

0
!
HPLaserJet Pro
M404dn
73 $250 5 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
1 NA 0
5 21.4 47

0
$ HPLaserJet Pro M118dw 73 $130 5 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
1 NA 0
5 18.8 42

0
!
Canon imageCLASS
LBP162dw
73 $200 4 0
0 4 0
5 0
5 0
2 NA 0
5 21.4 60

0
! HPLaserJet Pro M15w 72 $110 5 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
1 NA 0
5 14.3 67

0
!
Canon imageCLASS
LBP113w
71 $170 4 0
0 4 0
5 0
5 0
2 NA 0
5 15.8 52

HPLaserJet Pro M102w 69 $120 5 0


0 5 0
4 0
5 0
2 NA 0
5 15.8 49

118 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2021


P R IN T ERS , REGUL A R
Brand & Model Overall Survey
Price Results Test Results Features
Score

Graphics quality

Ink cost/year ($)


Recommended

Photo quality
Maintenance
satisfaction
Text quality
Text speed

Text speed
Predicted
reliability

ink use
Owner

(ppm)
COLOR LASER PRINTERS

0
$
HPColor LaserJet Pro
M452nw
69 $240 4 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
2 0
5 15 104

0
$ Brother HL-L3230CDW 67 $245 4 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
1 0
5 10.3 119

0
$
HPColor LaserJet Pro
M254dw
67 $255 4 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
1 0
5 12 116

0
! Brother HL-L8360CDW 64 $345 4 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
3 0
1 0
5 16.7 122

0
!
HPColor LaserJet Pro
M454dn
64 $300 4 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
2 0
1 0
5 15 128
Canon Color
0
$ imageCLASS 63 $185 4 0
0 3 0
5 0
3 0
5 0
1 0
5 3.5 130
LBP622Cdw

0
! Brother HL-L3270CDW 62 $250 4 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
1 0
5 12.5 186

0
! Brother HL-L8260CDW 62 $285 4 0
0 5 0
3 0
5 0
3 0
1 0
5 15 134
Lexmark C2325dw 60 $270 3 0
0 3 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
3 0
5 11.1 121
Brother HL-L3210CW 59 $200 4 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
3 0
1 0
5 10.7 127
Canon imageCLASS
LBP612Cdw
58 $280 4 0
0 3 0
5 0
2 0
4 0
1 0
5 2.8 110

INKJET PRINTERS

0
$ Canon Pixma iP110 61 $150 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
2 8.3 146

Canon Pixma TS702 59 $100 3 0


0 3 0
4 0
5 0
2 0
5 0
1 12.5 110
HPOfficeJet 200
Mobile
57 $300 3 0
0 2 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
3 0
4 10 122
Canon Pixma
MegaTank G5020
57 $210 3 0
0 3 0
3 0
5 0
3 0
2 NA 10.7 5

Canon Pixma iX6820 56 $185 3 0


0 3 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
1 12 145
Epson EcoTank ET-
M1170 (black-and-white 55 $230 2 0
0 2 0
4 0
5 0
2 NA NA 12.5 2
printer)

1 2 3 4 5 !  $ 
POOR EXCELLENT RECOMMENDED CR BEST BUY 119
Brand & Model Overall Survey
Price Results Test Results Features
Score

Graphics quality

Ink cost/year ($)


Recommended

Photo quality
Maintenance
satisfaction
Text quality
Text speed

Text speed
Predicted
reliability

ink use
Owner

(ppm)
INKJET PRINTERS Continued

Canon Pixma iP8720 54 $255 3 0


0 3 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
1 11.5 203
Canon Pixma TS302 53 $70 3 0
0 3 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
2 0
3 8.3 130
HPOfficeJet Pro 6230 53 $125 3 0
0 2 0
4 0
5 0
2 0
4 0
1 11.1 127
Epson WorkForce
WF-7210
50 $200 2 0
0 2 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
3 0
2 12.5 63
Canon Maxify iB4120 50 $140 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
3 0
1 20 113
HPTango 49 $150 3 0
0 2 0
5 0
3 0
2 0
3 0
4 4.5 139
Epson Workforce Pro
WF-C5210
49 $160 2 0
0 2 0
3 0
5 0
4 0
3 0
1 12.5 84
Canon Pixma TS202 49 $50 3 0
0 3 0
2 0
4 0
3 0
2 0
3 8.3 125
Epson Expression Photo 46
HD- XP-15000 $350 2 0
0 2 0
3 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
1 5.7 226
Epson Workforce
WF-110
45 $230 2 0
0 2 0
2 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
5 5.3 114
HPOfficeJet Pro 8210 44 $150 3 0
0 2 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
3 0
1 15.8 97

HOW WE TEST: Overall Score dash (−), we assume the model duced by the printer, or
combines test results with has average reliability and black-and-white graphics for
survey data for predicted satisfaction. Photo quality black-and-white lasers.
reliability and owner satisfaction. reflects a photo’s appearance. Maintenance ink use reflects
Predicted reliability estimates Text quality assesses clarity the amount of extra ink used
the likelihood that newly and crispness of black text. by an inkjet printer to maintain
purchased models from a given Text speed reflects how quickly its print heads. Text speed
brand will develop problems the model can print text on (ppm) is our measure of how
or break within the first four five plain, letter-sized pages. fast the printer can print pages
years. Owner satisfaction Thirty seconds or less is of monochrome text. Ink cost/
reflects the proportion of CR excellent; 31 to 60 seconds year ($) is the estimated cost
members who are extremely is very good; 61 to 90 seconds (in dollars) for ink or toner in a
likely to recommend the printer is good; 91 to 120 seconds is year of typical use, based
they bought. In cases where fair; and longer than 120 on our tests and how members
we have insufficient survey seconds is poor. Graphics told us they print. Price is
data to provide a brand-level quality assesses the appear- approximate retail.
rating, indicated by a gray ance of color graphics pro-

120 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2021


QUI CK GUIDE

SM A R T P HONE S
Smartphones
Smartphones are do-it-all companions for texting,
email, and social networking, along with playing music,
shooting photos and video, and directing us with GPS.
Today, consumers have more good options than ever.

What to Look For generally speaking, are not BUYING


■ The phone’s operating worth it when you weigh ADVICE
system. Both Apple’s iOS and cost, high deductibles, and Make sure you
Google’s Android are good. low chance of using them. can read the
For most people, it comes phone’s display
What You’ll Pay
down to personal preference. in bright sunlight,
The two-year contract price
■ A display large enough
with subsidy is largely a especially for
for viewing web pages, texting and web
thing of the past. You can
maps, and videos but not surfing.
either pay full retail up
so big that it makes the
front (often $800 or more
phone difficult to handle
for premium phones) or
comfortably.
make installment payments
What to Skip over time, generally about
■ Phone insurance and $15-$40 per month for For more buying
advice, go to
extended warranties, which, two years. CR.org/smartphones.

Tested products in performance order.

Brand & Model Overall Price Survey Test Results


Score Results
Camera: Selfie image

Battery and charging

Water resistance test


Camera: Rear 1080p
Camera: Rear image
Predicted reliability

Owner satisfaction
Recommended

video quality

Ease of use
Durability
Display
quality

quality

0
!
AppleiPhone 11 85
Pro Max $1,100 5 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
5 Pass

0
!
Samsung Galaxy 85
S20
$800 5 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
5 Pass

0
!
Samsung Galaxy 84
S10+
$850 5 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
5 Pass

0
! OnePlus8 Pro 84 $700 5 0
0 5 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
5 Pass

1 2 3 4 5 ! 
POOR EXCELLENT RECOMMENDED 121
Brand & Model Overall Price Survey Test Results
Score Results

Camera: Selfie image

Battery and charging

Water resistance test


Camera: Rear 1080p
Camera: Rear image
Predicted reliability

Owner satisfaction
Recommended

video quality

Ease of use
Durability
Display
quality

quality
0
!
Samsung Galaxy 83
S20 Ultra
$1,400 5 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
3 0
5 Pass

0
!
Samsung Galaxy 83
S10
$750 5 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
5 Pass

0
! OnePlus 8 83 $700 5 0
0 5 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
5 NA

0
!
Samsung Galaxy
S20+
83 $1,000 5 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
3 0
5 Pass

0
!
Samsung Galaxy
Note10+
82 $950 5 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
5 Pass

0
!
Samsung Galaxy
Note10+ 5G
82 $1,300 5 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
5 Pass

0
!
Samsung Galaxy
Note10
82 $750 5 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
5 Pass

0
$
Samsung Galaxy
S10e
81 $600 5 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
5 Pass

0
!
Samsung Galaxy
Note9
81 $900 5 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
5 Pass

0
$ AppleiPhone XR 80 $600 5 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
5 0
5 Pass

0
!
AppleiPhone
11 Pro
80 $1,000 5 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
5 Pass

0
! OnePlus 7Pro 79 $600 5 0
0 5 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
5 0
5 0
5 NA

0
$ OnePlus 7T 79 $500 5 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
5 NA

0
!
GooglePixel
4 XL
73 $900 4 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
5 0
4 0
5 Pass

0
$
GooglePixel
3a XL
73 $480 4 0
0 5 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 NA

0
$
Samsung Galaxy 73
A50
$350 5 0
0 5 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
2 0
4 NA

0
! LGG8 ThinQ 73 $550 3 0
0 2 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
5 Pass

0
$ GooglePixel 3a 72 $400 4 0
0 5 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 NA

0 5 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
2 0
Samsung Galaxy 72
! $1,980 5 NA
Fold

0 3 0
0 2 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
LGV50 ThinQ 72
! $1,000 5 Pass
5G

0 3 0
0 2 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
5 0
5 0
3 0
LGV60 ThinQ 71
! $950 4 Pass
5G

122 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2021


SM A R T P HONE S
Brand & Model Overall Price Survey Test Results
Score Results

Camera: Selfie image

Battery and charging

Water resistance test


Camera: Rear 1080p
Camera: Rear image
Predicted reliability

Owner satisfaction
Recommended

video quality

Ease of use
Durability
Display
quality

quality
0 4 0
0 3 0
3 0
2 0
3 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
Motorola One 71
$ $350 4 NA
Zoom

0
! AppleiPhone 11 70 $700 5 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
2 0
4 0
4 0
5 Pass

0
$ LGV40 ThinQ 70 $400 3 0
0 2 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
5 0
3 0
5 Pass

0
$ LGV35 ThinQ 69 $280 3 0
0 2 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
5 0
4 0
5 Pass

0
! GooglePixel 4 68 $800 4 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
3 0
5 Pass

0 5 0
0 5 0
3 0
4 0
3 0
2 0
4 0
4 0
AppleiPhone SE 68
$ $400 4 Pass
2020

0 3 0
0 2 0
3 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
5 0
4 0
LGG8X ThinQ 68
! $700 4 NA
with Dual Screen

4 0
0 1 0
3 0
2 0
3 0
2 0
5 0
4 0
Nokia9 67 $500 4 Pass
PureView

4 0
0 3 0
3 0
2 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
Motorola Moto 67 $400 4 NA
Z4

HOW WE TEST: Overall consumption performing tasks video images shot at the high-
Score combines test that involve voice, data, display, est quality setting available
results with survey data for and other factors. Charging (1080p max.) in multiple lighting
predicted reliability and represents battery tests of conditions. Camera: selfie-
owner satisfaction. Predicted time to charge from empty, image quality tests still-image
reliability estimates the fast charging for 15 minutes, quality using the front facing
likelihood that newly purchased wireless charging capability, (selfie) camera. (See Camera:
models from a given brand and if the phone comes with a Rear Image Quality for
will develop problems or break fast charger, wireless charger complete description.) Display
within the first two years. and replaceable battery. rates the overall quality of
Owner satisfaction reflects All phones are set the same the display, including its color,
the proportion of CR members brightness level for the entire clarity, off-angle viewing, and
who are extremely likely to test. Camera: rear image touch-responsiveness. Ease
recommend the smartphone quality tests still-image quality of use includes subjective
they bought. In cases where using the rear facing (main) and objective ratings of the
we have insufficient survey camera. It is based on objective convenience of using the menu,
data to provide a brand- and subjective judgments of web browser, camera, testing,
level rating, indicated by a test images, which includes buttons, and unlocking the

gray dash ( ), we assume evaluating resolution, dynamic phone via a finger and facial
the model has average range, color accuracy, and recognition. Price is the lowest
reliability and satisfaction. visual noise. Camera: rear approximate retail cost for
Battery represents tests 1080p video quality is based the smallest capacity available
under nominal cell-network on the judgments of trained when purchased without
signals, including battery panelists who viewed recorded a contract or an agreement.
1 2 3 4 5 !  $ 
POOR EXCELLENT RECOMMENDED CR BEST BUY 123
QUI CK GUIDE

Smart Speakers
Sure, smart speakers can play music or tell you
a joke, but increasingly these versatile devices are
functioning as the hub of a connected home
because they can control other smart products.

What to Look For ■ Sound quality should be BUYING


■ An ecosystem that’s a deciding factor because ADVICE
compatible with smart home most consumers use their For better
devices that you own or smart speakers to listen sound quality,
plan to buy in the future, to music. try using
from a simple smart light- ■ A screen can be handy,
Bluetooth to
bulb to an entire connected but even models with these pair a budget
kitchen suite. visual aids are designed to smart speaker
■ Versatility and ease of be voice-controlled. with a non-
use are key because a smart smart wireless
What to Skip
speaker’s requests are han- speaker that
■ Expensive models without
dled by cloud-based ser- sounds great.
exceptional sound.
vers, so there’s little differ-
ence in basic performance What You’ll Pay For more buying
between the cheapest and ■ Pricesrange from less than advice, go to
CR.org/smart-
most expensive models. $50 to as much as $400. speakers.

Tested products in performance order.

Brand & Model Overall Price Test Results Features


Score
Recommended

Sound quality

tone settings

multi-room
Ease of use

Adjustable
Versatility

Optional
sharing

0
! GoogleHome Max 76 $300 0
4 0
5 0
4 0 0

0
$
Amazon Echo Show (2nd
Generation)
69 $230 0
3 0
5 0
4 0 0

0
$ Amazon Echo Studio 68 $200 0
4 0
5 0
4 0 0

0
! Sonos Move 68 $400 0
4 0
4 0
4 0 0

0
! BoseHome Speaker 500 65 $300 0
4 0
4 0
5 0 0

0
! BoseHome Speaker 300 65 $200 0
4 0
4 0
4 0 0

124 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2021


SM A R T SP E A K ERS
Brand & Model Overall Price Test Results Features
Score
Recommended

Sound quality

tone settings

multi-room
Ease of use

Adjustable
Versatility

Optional
sharing
0
! BosePortable Home 65 $350 0
4 0
4 0
4 0 0

0
$ Sonos One (Gen 2) 64 $200 0
4 0
3 0
4 0 0

0
! Klipsch The Three 63 $500 0
3 0
3 0
4 0

0
! GoogleNest Hub Max 63 $230 0
3 0
4 0
4 0 0

0
! SonySRS-XB501G 62 $200 0
3 0
4 0
4 0 0

0
! JBLLink 500 62 $400 0
3 0
3 0
4 0

0
$ JBLLink 300 62 $100 0
3 0
3 0
4 0

0
$
Amazon Echo Plus (2nd
Generation)
62 $230 0
3 0
5 0
4 0 0

0
! JBLLink View 61 $230 0
3 0
3 0
4 0

0
! RivaConcert 61 $200 0
3 0
5 0
4 0

0
! Marshall Stanmore II Voice 60 $350 0
3 0
3 0
4 0 0

0
! Harman Kardon Citation 100 60 $200 0
3 0
3 0
4 0

0
! JBLLink 20 59 $200 0
3 0
3 0
4 0

0
! Cavalier AudioThe Maverick 59 $250 0
3 0
3 0
4 0 0

0
! AppleHomePod 59 $300 0
4 0
3 0
4 0 0

0
! iHome AVS16 58 $150 0
3 0
3 0
4 0

0
! Ultimate Ears MEGABLAST 57 $250 0
3 0
3 0
3 0

0
! Phorus PS10 56 $60 0
3 0
3 0
4 0

0
!
Amazon Echo (2nd
Generation)
55 $100 0
3 0
4 0
4 0

GoogleHome 53 $100 0
2 0
4 0
4 0 0

Amazon Echo Dot (3rd


Generation)
53 $50 0
2 0
5 0
4 0 0

Facebook Portal+ 53 $280 0


3 0
3 0
4

HOW WE TEST: Overall Score real-world environment. Ease the useful features of each
is based on the results of of use measures how difficult model. Price is most frequent
all our tests. Sound quality it was to set up a speaker and or approximate price in retail.
measures a speaker’s ability how intuitively it functioned in
to reproduce music in a everyday use. Versatility tallies

1 2 3 4 5 !  $ 
POOR EXCELLENT RECOMMENDED CR BEST BUY 125
QUI CK GUIDE

Smartwatches
Smartwatches are great for keeping tabs on
everything from your daily step count to sports
scores and your local weather. Here’s how to
find the right smartwatch for you.

What to Look For What to Skip BUYING


■ Some models focus on ■ Ifyou’re into fitness, go ADVICE
sports and fitness, while with a sports-focused smart- Not every
others focus on having watch. Some dressier models model is water-
more varied types of apps. have limited fitness features. resistant. Make
■ Make sure to pick a model
What You’ll Pay sure yours is
that’s compatible with your before jumping
Expect to pay about $200 for
smartphone. Some models in the pool.
a basic model and up to $650
work with a variety of
for a fully featured one.
phones, but Apple Watches
only work with iPhones,
and Samsung smart- For more
watches work best with buying advice,
go to CR.org/
that company’s phones. smartwatches.

Tested products in performance order.

Brand & Model Overall Price Test Results


Score
monitor accuracy
Recommended

resistance test
Ease of pairing
Readability in

Readability in

Scratch test
bright light
interaction

Step count

Heart-rate

Versatility
accuracy
low light
Ease of

Water

AppleWatch Series 5
0
! (40mm) Stainless Steel 86 $745 5 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
5
case GPS + Cellular
AppleWatch Series 5
0
$ (40mm) Aluminum 84 $395 5 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
5
case GPS
Samsung Galaxy
0
! Watch Active2 81 $430 5 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
4
(40mm) LTE

126 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2021


SM A R T WAT CHE S
Brand & Model Overall Price Test Results
Score

monitor accuracy
Recommended

resistance test
Ease of pairing
Readability in

Readability in

Scratch test
bright light
interaction

Step count

Heart-rate

Versatility
accuracy
low light
Ease of

Water
AppleWatch Series 3
0
$ (38mm) Aluminum 80 $300 5 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
4
case GPS + Cellular

0 5 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
Samsung Galaxy 78
$ Watch Active2 (40mm) $245 4
0
$ Fitbit Versa 2 78 $200 0 4
4 0 0 0 0
5 5 0 0
5 4 0 0
5 5 4
0
! Garmin Venu 77 $350 3 0
0 0 0
4 5 0 0
5 4 0 0
4 5 0
5 4
0 4 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
Samsung Galaxy 77
$ Watch (42mm) $380 4
0
$ Fitbit Ionic 76 $230 5 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
4
4 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
Samsung Galaxy 73
Watch Active $185 3
FossilVenture HR Gen 4 72 $150 0 3
5 0 0 0 0
5 5 0 0
4 4 0 0
5 2 4
Garmin Vivoactive 3 72 $150 5 0
0 0 0
5 3 0 0
3 4 0 0
4 5 0
4 4
3 0
0 5 0
5 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
Garmin fenix 5 Plus 71
(47mm)
$540 4
5 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
3 0
4 0
5 0
1 0
Michael Kors Access 70
Women’s Sofie HR $200 4
3 0
0 5 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
Garmin fenix 5X 70
Sapphire $600 4
3 0
0 5 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
GarminForerunner 69
645 Music
$310 4
Garmin fenix 5 68 $460 0
3 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
3
Fitbit Versa 67 $160 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
2 0
3
Kate Spade Scallop 2 66 $325 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
3 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
3
Fitbit Versa Lite 65 $100 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
3

HOW WE TEST: Overall as accessing messages, with another device for


Score is based on the results calendars, alarms, etc.; the first time. Heart-rate
of all our tests. Ease of use interacting with the device monitor accuracy measures
is a composite score of menu and app interface; how accurately the smart
ease of interaction, pairing, taking activity measurements; watch measured our testers’
connecting to charger, reading results from the actual heart rate. Step count
mobile compatibility, and display; and responsiveness accuracy measures how
readability of the display in of touchscreen or other control accurately the smart-
bright light and low light. Ease interaction methods. Ease watch counted our testers’
of interaction is the ease of pairing is an assessment actual steps. Price is
of accessing core functions, of the steps necessary for approximate retail.
performing key tasks, such pairing the smartwatch

1 2 3 4 5 !  $ 
POOR EXCELLENT RECOMMENDED CR BEST BUY 127
QUI CK GUIDE

Streaming Media
Binge-watching TV shows has become an all-American
pastime. Streaming devices are an ideal solution for
those who don’t have a smart TV, or who want better
performance or services not available on their TV.

What to Look For ■ Dual-Band WiFi. Newer BUYING


■ 4K With HDR. All the major models now support the ADVICE
streaming player brands now 802.11ac standard, which We prefer devices
offer at least one 4K model has the potential to deliver with universal
that supports high dynamic stronger, faster signals, search, which can
range (HDR) content. but only if your wireless search across
■ Models with voice control. router also supports it. multiple services
More players now have to find shows,
What You’ll Pay
remote controls with built-in without favoring
Basic 1080p models now
microphones that let you one service
cost $30 to $40; expect
search for shows and movies over another.
to pay $40 to $80 or
simply by saying its name.
more for 4K models that
And many will now search For more buying
support HDR.
across multiple streaming advice, go to
CR.org/streaming-
video services. media.

Tested products in performance order.

Brand & Model Overall Price Test Results


Score
First time setup
Recommended

Picture quality

Everyday use

Connectivity
Features

HD STREAMING MEDIA DEVICES

0
!
GoogleChromecast
(3rd generation)
76 $35 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
2 0
4

0
!
Amazon Fire TV Stick with
Alexa Voice Remote
74 $40 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
3 0
4

0
! RokuStreaming Stick (2017) 72 $40 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
3 0
2

128 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2021


S T RE A MING MED I A
Brand & Model Overall Price Test Results
Score

First time setup


Recommended

Picture quality

Everyday use

Connectivity
Features
HD STREAMING MEDIA DEVICES Continued

0
$ RokuExpress (2017) 69 $30 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
3 0
2
0
$ RokuExpress (2019) 69 $30 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
3 0
2
4K STREAMING MEDIA DEVICES

0
!
Amazon Fire TV Cube
(2nd Gen)
83 $120 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
5
0
! Amazon Fire TV Cube 83 $120 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
3 0
5
0
$ RokuUltra (2018) 83 $80 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
3
0
! RokuUltra (2019) 83 $100 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
3
0
! NVIDIASHIELD TV 82 $130 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
3
0
$ Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K 81 $50 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
3 0
5
0
$ GoogleChromecast Ultra 80 $70 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
3 0
4
0
$
RokuStreaming Stick+
Headphone Edition
78 $60 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
3 0
3
0
! AppleTV 4K (32GB) 77 $180 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
3 0
3
0
$ RokuStreaming Stick + 77 $50 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
3 0
2
0
$ RokuPremiere+ (2018) 76 $50 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
3 0
3
0
$ TiVoStream 4K 75 $50 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
3 0
3
0
$ RokuPremiere (2018) 72 $40 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
3 0
2

HOW WE TEST: Overall Score reflects the presence or Connectivity reflects the type
is based on the results of all absence of features, including and amount of connections.
our tests. Picture quality how many streaming services First-time setup reflects how
includes image clarity, color it can access. Everyday use easy it is to set up the device.
accuracy, and contrast of reflects how easy the device Price is approximate retail.
streaming video. Features is to use on a daily basis.

1 2 3 4 5 !  $ 
POOR EXCELLENT RECOMMENDED CR BEST BUY 129
QUI CK GUIDE

Tablets
Lightweight and highly portable, tablets are made
to be carried wherever you go. Most have 7- to 10-inch
screens, but larger models are available as well.

What to Look For What to Skip BUYING


■ A 10-inch screen for web ■ A 4G model, unless you ADVICE
surfing, video, and gaming; a need “everywhere access” Look for
7-inch screen for portability; and will pay extra for it. a compatible
or an 11- or 12-inch screen and keyboard if
What You’ll Pay
detachable keyboard for you’re planning
At least $250 for a good
work (but watch the weight!). to do a lot of
10-inch Android tablet
■ Excellent performance
with 32 gigabytes of storage typing.
if you want to play more than
and WiFi-only access.
simple games.
An equivalent iPad costs
■ The same operating system
$330. Some smaller Android
as your other devices
tablets that we rate Very
if you want to sync across
Good start at less than $200.
hardware.
■ A rich variety of apps For more buying
advice, go to
authorized by the OS maker. CR.org/tablets.

Tested products in performance order.

Brand & Model Overall Price Survey Test Results


Score Results
Recommended

Specific tasks
Convenience
Performance
satisfaction

Versatility
Photo and
Predicted
reliability

Display
Owner

video

9-INCH SCREEN AND LARGER TABLETS

0
!
AppleiPad Pro 11
(4G, 64GB, 2018)
88 $950 5 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
3
0
!
AppleiPad Pro 12.9
(64GB, 2018)
87 $1,000 5 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
3
0
!
AppleiPad Pro 11
(64GB, 2018)
87 $800 5 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
3
0
!
AppleiPad Pro 11
(4G, 128GB, 2020)
86 $950 5 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
3

130 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2021


TA BL E T S
Brand & Model Overall Price Survey Test Results
Score Results
Recommended

Specific tasks
Convenience
Performance
satisfaction

Versatility
Photo and
Predicted
reliability

Display
Owner

video
9-INCH SCREEN AND LARGER TABLETS Continued

0
!
AppleiPad Pro 12.9
(128GB, 2020)
86 $1,000 5 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
3
0
!
AppleiPad Pro 12.9
(4G, 128GB, 2020)
86 $1,150 5 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
3
0
!
AppleiPad Pro 12.9
(4G, 64GB, 2018)
86 $1,150 5 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
3
0
!
AppleiPad Pro 11
(128GB, 2020)
85 $800 5 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
3
0
!
Samsung Galaxy Tab
S4 SM-T830, (64GB)
84 $500 5 0
0 4 0
5 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
4
0
!
Samsung Galaxy Tab
S3 SM-T820 (32GB)
83 $480 5 0
0 4 0
3 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
5
0
!
AppleiPad
(4G, 32GB, 2019)
82 $460 5 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
3
0
!
AppleiPad Air
(64GB, 2019)
81 $500 5 0
0 5 0
5 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
3
0
$
AppleiPad
(32GB, 2019)
80 $330 5 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
3
0
!
SamsungGalaxy Tab
S6 Lite (128 GB, WiFi)
80 $430 5 0
0 4 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
4
0
!
Samsung Galaxy Tab
S6 (128GB, WiFi)
80 $650 5 0
0 4 0
5 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
5
0
!
Samsung Galaxy Tab
S5e (64GB)
80 $400 5 0
0 4 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
5
0
!
Samsung Galaxy
Tab A (4G, 2019)
76 $280 5 0
0 4 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
3 0
4
0
$
Samsung Galaxy
Tab A (2019)
76 $230 5 0
0 4 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
3 0
4
Samsung Galaxy
0
$ Tab A 10.1 SM-T580 75 $150 5 0
0 4 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
4
(16GB)
GooglePixel Slate
(Core i5, 128GB)
74 $600 3 0
0 2 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
3
Lenovo Tab P10 73 $300 3 0
0 2 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
4
Amazon Fire HD 10
(2019)
72 $150 5 0
0 3 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
3
Amazon Fire HD 10
(32GB)
70 $150 5 0
0 3 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
3
Lenovo Yoga Smart
Tab with Google 69 $350 3 0
0 2 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
4
Assistant (64GB)
Lenovo Tab M10 (32GB) 68 $150 3 0
0 2 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
4

1 2 3 4 5 !  $ 
POOR EXCELLENT RECOMMENDED CR BEST BUY 131
Brand & Model Overall Price Survey Test Results
Score Results
Recommended

Specific tasks
Convenience
Performance
satisfaction

Versatility
Photo and
Predicted
reliability

Display
Owner

video
8-INCH SCREEN AND SMALLER TABLETS

0
!
AppleiPad Mini
(64GB, 2019)
82 $400 5 0
0 5 0
5 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
3
0
!
Samsung Galaxy
Tab A 8.0 (2019) Wi-Fi
77 $160 5 0
0 4 0
3 0
3 0
5 0
4 0
3 0
4
Amazon Fire 7
(16GB, 2019)
67 $50 5 0
0 3 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
3
Amazon Fire HD 8
(16GB, 2018)
66 $80 5 0
0 3 0
2 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
3
LenovoTab M7 61 $80 3 0
0 2 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
2 0
4
Amazon Fire Kids
Edition (16GB)
60 $100 5 0
0 3 0
2 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
2 0
3

HOW WE TEST: Overall dash (–), we assume the model well as the quality of produced
Score combines test has average reliability and photos and videos. Photo and
results with survey data for satisfaction. Performance video quality of the photos
predicted reliability and rates the speed of actions taken from the front and rear
owner satisfaction. Predicted and visual smoothness when cameras, and videos taken
reliability estimates the running apps with complex from the rear (main) camera.
likelihood that newly purchased graphics. Display quality of the Based on evaluations of
models from a given brand screen, including color, viewing items such as color accuracy,
will develop problems or break angle, brightness and outdoor visual noise, and video sound
within the first three years. readability. Convenience rates quality, as viewed on and
Owner satisfaction reflects the ease of using the buttons, off the tablet. Features such
the proportion of CR members key-board, and touchscreen, as autofocus, flash, and
who are extremely likely to or interacting with apps. available resolution are also
recommend the tablet they Specific tasks is based on the taken into account. Versatility
bought. In cases where we ease of performing a variety is the presence of useful
have insufficient survey data of scenarios, including reading features, such as ports, and
to provide a brand-level books, playing media, and quality of the build. Price is
rating, indicated by a gray using email and the Web, as approximate retail.

132 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2021


QUI CK GUIDE

T Vs
TVs
Most larger-sized sets are now 4K TVs with high
dynamic range (HDR) capability. Most are also smart
TVs with access to streaming online content.

What to Look For no native 8K content. BUYING


■ A 4K set with decent HDR, ■ Costly HDMI cables. Regular ADVICE
which can display greater High-Speed cables are fine Ask whether
contrast and a wider range except for runs longer than the retailer
of colors. 8 to 10 feet, even for 4K. offers a 30-day
■ A larger-sized set as your And an extended warranty, price-match
main TV, since 65-inch since TVs from major brands guarantee, which
models are now much more have been very reliable. protects you if
affordable. the price drops
■ A 1080p TV only if you’re
What You’ll Pay
As little as $250 for a 55-inch after you buy.
looking for a smaller screen
4K set; 65-inch 4K models
size, since you won’t save
now start around $450. But
much money over a 4K TV.
top-performing larger-sized
What to Skip TVs still cost $2,000 and up.
■ An 8K set, since they’re For more buying
advice, go to
still pricey and there’s CR.org/tvs.

Tested products in performance order.

Brand & Model Overall Price Survey Test Results


Score Results
UHD picture quality
Owner satisfaction

HD picture quality
Recommended

Viewing angle

Sound quality

Data security
Data privacy
Motion blur

Versatility
Predicted
reliability

HDR

60-INCH AND LARGER TVs

0
!
Sony
XBR-65A9G
86 $3,300 5 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
5 0
5 0
3 0
4

0
!
Sony
XBR-65A8G
86 $2,500 5 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
4

0
!
LG
OLED65C9PUA
85 $2,200 4 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
3 0
4

1 2 3 4 5 ! 
POOR EXCELLENT RECOMMENDED 133
Brand & Model Overall Price Survey Test Results
Score Results

UHD picture quality


Owner satisfaction

HD picture quality
Recommended

Viewing angle

Sound quality

Data security
Data privacy
Motion blur

Versatility
Predicted
reliability

HDR
60-INCH AND LARGER TVs Continued

0
!
LG
OLED65E9PUA
84 $2,800 4 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
3 0
4
0
!
Sony
XBR-65Z9F
82 $1,800 5 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
4
0
!
Sony
XBR-65X900F
79 $1,500 5 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
3 0
5 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
4
0
!
LG
75SM9070PUA
78 $1,800 4 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
3 0
4
0
$
LG
65SM9000PUA
76 $1,100 4 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
4
0
!
LG
65SM9500PUA
75 $1,995 4 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
3 0
4
0
$
LG
65SM8600AUA
74 $750 4 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
4
0
$
Samsung
UN65RU8000
73 $900 4 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
2 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
4
0
$
LG
65SM8600PUA
73 $900 4 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
4
0
$
Samsung
QN65Q60R
72 $800 4 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 0
2 0
3 0
5 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
4
0
!
Sony
XBR-75X800G
72 $1,330 5 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
5 0
3 0
4
0
! TCL75Q825 71 $2,500 3 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
2 0
3
0
$
Samsung
UN65RU7300
71 $700 4 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
1 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
4
0
$
Samsung
UN65NU6900
70 $500 4 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
2 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
4
0
! TCL65Q825 70 $1,800 3 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
2 0
3
0
!
Samsung
UN75RU710D
70 $850 4 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 0
1 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
4
0
$
LG
70UM6970PUA
70 $650 4 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
4
Sony
XBR-65X800G
68 $900 5 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 0
2 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
5 0
3 0
4
TCL65R625 67 $750 3 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
5 0
2 0
3
VizioP759-G1 67 $1,650 3 0
0 3 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
3 0
4

134 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2021


T Vs
Brand & Model Overall Price Survey Test Results
Score Results

UHD picture quality


Owner satisfaction

HD picture quality
Recommended

Viewing angle

Sound quality

Data security
Data privacy
Motion blur

Versatility
Predicted
reliability

HDR
60-INCH AND LARGER TVs Continued

TCL75R617 67 $1,300 3 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
3 0
5 0
2 0
3
Samsung
UN75TU7000
66 $850 4 0
0 5 0
4 0
5 0
1 0
2 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
4
LG
70UM7370PUA
66 $800 4 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
2 0
3 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
4
VizioP659-G1 66 $1,000 3 0
0 3 0
5 0
5 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
3 0
4
Sony
XBR-65X800H
64 $1,000 5 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
5 0
3 0
4
VizioM658-G1 62 $650 3 0
0 3 0
5 0
5 0
2 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
3 0
4
TCL65S525 61 $600 3 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
2 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
5 0
2 0
3
Samsung
UN65TU8000
61 $700 4 0
0 5 0
3 0
3 0
1 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
4
LG
65UM6900PUA
61 $480 4 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 0
1 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
3 0
4
VizioV655-G9 60 $470 3 0
0 3 0
5 0
5 0
1 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
3 0
4
LG
75UN7370PUE
60 $1,000 4 0
0 5 0
3 0
3 0
2 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
4
LG
60UM6900PUA
59 $450 4 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 0
1 0
2 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
3 0
4
TCL75S425 59 $750 3 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
1 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
5 0
2 0
3
LG
65UN7300PUF
57 $650 4 0
0 5 0
3 0
3 0
2 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
5 0
3 0
4
Hisense 65R6E1 56 $430 4 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
1 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
5 0
2 0
3
Philips
65PFL5604
52 $450 4 0
0 3 0
3 0
4 0
1 0
4 0
3 0
2 0
4 0
3 0
4
55- TO 59-INCH TVs

0
!
Sony
XBR-55A9G
87 $2,300 5 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
5 0
5 0
3 0
4
0
!
LG
OLED55B9PUA
84 $1,400 4 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
3 0
4
0
!
LG
OLED55C9AUA
83 $1,450 4 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
4

1 2 3 4 5 !  $ 
POOR EXCELLENT RECOMMENDED CR BEST BUY 135
Brand & Model Overall Price Survey Test Results
Score Results

UHD picture quality


Owner satisfaction

HD picture quality
Recommended

Viewing angle

Sound quality

Data security
Data privacy
Motion blur

Versatility
Predicted
reliability

HDR
55- TO 59-INCH TVs Continued

0
!
LG
OLED55C9PUA
83 $1,500 4 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
4
0
$
Samsung
UN55RU800D
73 $600 4 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
2 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
4
0
!
Samsung
QN55LS01T
71 $1,500 4 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
2 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
4
0
!
LG
55SM8600PUA
71 $800 4 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
4
0
$
Samsung
UN55RU7300
71 $500 4 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
1 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
4
0
$
Samsung
UN55RU7100
70 $400 4 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
1 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
4
Samsung
UN55NU6900
68 $380 4 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
1 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
4
Samsung
UN55TU7000
66 $400 4 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
1 0
2 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
3 0
4
LG
55UM6910PUC
64 $350 4 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
3 0
4
Sony
XBR-55X800H
64 $800 5 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
5 0
3 0
4
TCL55R625 64 $550 3 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
2 0
3 0
3 0
5 0
2 0
3
VizioM558-G1 63 $550 3 0
0 3 0
5 0
5 0
2 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
3 0
4
LG
55UN7300PUF
62 $470 4 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 0
2 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
5 0
3 0
4
TCL55S525 60 $400 3 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
2 0
2 0
3 0
3 0
5 0
2 0
3
VizioM557-G0 60 $450 3 0
0 3 0
5 0
5 0
2 0
3 0
3 0
2 0
4 0
3 0
4
Toshiba
55LF711U20
58 $450 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
2 0
2 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
3 0
4
Philips
55PFL5604
57 $320 4 0
0 3 0
4 0
5 0
1 0
4 0
3 0
2 0
4 0
3 0
4
VizioV555-G1 57 $340 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
2 0
2 0
3 0
2 0
4 0
3 0
4
Insignia NS-
55D420NA20
57 $330 5 0
0 3 0
4 NA NA 2 0
0 3 0
2 0
2 NA NA

VizioV556-G1 57 $550 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
2 0
2 0
3 0
2 0
4 0
3 0
4

136 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2021


T Vs
Brand & Model Overall Price Survey Test Results
Score Results

UHD picture quality


Owner satisfaction

HD picture quality
Recommended

Viewing angle

Sound quality

Data security
Data privacy
Motion blur

Versatility
Predicted
reliability

HDR
55- TO 59-INCH TVs Continued
Philips
55PFL5703
53 $500 4 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
1 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
2 0
3
Hitachi55R80 50 $320 3 0
0 2 0
3 0
4 0
1 0
3 0
3 0
2 0
5 0
2 0
3
Westinghouse
WR55UX4019
43 $250 3 0
0 1 0
2 0
3 0
2 0
2 0
3 0
2 0
5 0
2 0
3
46- TO 52-INCH TVs

0
!
Sony
XBR-49X950H
73 $1,000 5 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
2 0
3 0
3 0
5 0
3 0
4
0
!
Samsung
QN49Q6DR
73 $700 4 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
3 0
2 0
3 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
4
0
!
Samsung
QN50Q60T
69 $650 4 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
2 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
5 0
3 0
4
0
$
Samsung
UN50NU6900
68 $330 4 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
2 0
2 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
4
0
$
LG
50UM7300PUA
68 $380 4 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
3 0
2 0
3 0
3 0
5 0
3 0
4
Samsung
UN50TU8000
66 $400 4 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 0
1 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
4
Insignia
NS-50D510NA19
63 $250 5 0
0 3 0
4 NA NA 3 0
0 3 0
3 0
2 NA NA

LG
49UM6900PUA
61 $300 4 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 0
1 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
3 0
4
Toshiba
50LF711U20
60 $380 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
2 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
3 0
4
Sony
XBR-49X800H
60 $650 5 0
0 5 0
3 0
3 0
2 0
4 0
3 0
2 0
5 0
3 0
4
TCL50S525 58 $350 3 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
1 0
2 0
3 0
3 0
5 0
2 0
3
TCL50S421 58 $250 3 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
1 0
2 0
3 0
3 0
5 0
2 0
3
TCL50S423 58 $250 3 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
1 0
2 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
2 0
3
Philips
50PFL5604
58 $270 4 0
0 3 0
4 0
5 0
1 0
2 0
3 0
2 0
4 0
3 0
4
Hisense 50R7E 58 $250 4 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
2 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
2 0
3
Insignia NS-
50DF710NA19
56 $350 5 0
0 3 0
3 0
4 0
1 0
2 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
3 0
4
Hitachi50C61 34 $230 3 0
0 2 0
2 0
2 NA 2 0
0 3 0
2 0
2 NA NA

1 2 3 4 5 !  $ 
POOR EXCELLENT RECOMMENDED CR BEST BUY 137
Brand & Model Overall Price Survey Test Results
Score Results

UHD picture quality


Owner satisfaction

HD picture quality
Recommended

Viewing angle

Sound quality

Data security
Data privacy
Motion blur

Versatility
Predicted
reliability

HDR
39- TO 43-INCH TVs

0
!
Samsung
QN43Q60T
66 $530 4 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
2 0
2 0
3 0
2 0
5 0
3 0
4

0
$
Samsung
UN40N5200
64 $230 4 0
0 5 0
5 NA 3 0
0 2 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
3 0
4

0
!
Samsung
QN43Q6DR
63 $700 4 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
5 0
3 0
4
Samsung
UN43NU6900
62 $270 4 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 0
2 0
4 0
3 0
2 0
4 0
3 0
4
Sony
XBR-43X800H
62 $600 5 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 0
2 0
4 0
3 0
2 0
5 0
3 0
4
Insignia
NS-43D420NA20
60 $160 5 0
0 3 0
4 NA NA 4 0
0 3 0
2 0
2 NA NA

LG
43UM6910PUA
59 $250 4 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 0
1 0
4 0
3 0
2 0
4 0
3 0
4
LG
43UN7300PUF
59 $330 4 0
0 5 0
3 0
4 0
1 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
5 0
3 0
4
VizioV405-G9 58 $240 3 0
0 3 0
5 0
5 0
2 0
2 0
3 0
2 0
4 0
3 0
4
TCL43S525 58 $300 3 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
1 0
2 0
3 0
3 0
5 0
2 0
3
VizioV436-G1 58 $280 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
2 0
2 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
3 0
4
VizioD40F-G9 57 $200 3 0
0 3 0
5 NA NA 2 0
0 3 0
2 0
4 0
3 0
4
TCL43S421 56 $220 3 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
1 0
2 0
3 0
2 0
5 0
2 0
3
Hisense
43H4030F
56 $195 4 0
0 3 0
3 NA NA 4 0
0 3 0
2 0
4 0
2 0
3
Toshiba
43LF621U19
55 $300 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
1 0
2 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
3 0
4
TCL43S425 55 $230 3 0
0 5 0
4 0
4 0
1 0
2 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
2 0
3
Insignia
NS-39D310NA19
54 $130 5 0
0 3 0
3 NA NA 3 0
0 2 0
2 0
2 NA NA

RCARTR4360 53 $220 4 0
0 1 0
4 NA NA 3 0
0 2 0
2 0
4 0
2 0
3
Element
ELST4316S
53 $190 3 0
0 2 0
4 NA NA 4 0
0 2 0
2 0
3 0
3 0
4

138 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2021


T Vs
Brand & Model Overall Price Survey Test Results
Score Results

UHD picture quality


Owner satisfaction

HD picture quality
Recommended

Viewing angle

Sound quality

Data security
Data privacy
Motion blur

Versatility
Predicted
reliability

HDR
39- TO 43-INCH TVs Continued

Philips
43PFL5703
53 $200 4 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
1 0
4 0
3 0
2 0
3 0
2 0
3

RCARTU4300 47 $200 4 0
0 1 0
3 0
3 NA 4 0
0 3 0
2 0
3 NA NA

32-INCH TVs

0
!
Samsung
QN32Q50R
66 $500 4 0
0 5 0
5 0
5 0
2 0
2 0
3 0
3 0
5 0
3 0
4

0
!
Samsung
UN32M4500
62 $150 4 0
0 5 0
5 NA NA 2 0
0 2 0
2 0
4 0
3 0
4

0
!
Samsung
UN32N5300
62 $240 4 0
0 5 0
4 NA 2 0
0 4 0
3 0
2 0
4 0
3 0
4
Toshiba
32LF221U19
59 $140 3 0
0 3 0
4 NA NA 2 0
0 3 0
3 0
4 0
3 0
4
Insignia NS-
32DF310NA19
58 $130 5 0
0 3 0
4 NA NA 2 0
0 3 0
3 0
4 0
3 0
4
Hisense
32H5590F
58 $120 4 0
0 3 0
4 NA NA 4 0
0 3 0
2 0
4 0
3 0
4
Sanyo
FW32R19F
57 $140 5 0
0 3 0
3 NA NA 4 0
0 3 0
2 0
4 0
2 0
3

VizioD32f-G1 56 $180 3 0
0 3 0
4 NA NA 4 0
0 3 0
2 0
4 0
3 0
4
LG
32LM570BPUA
56 $170 4 0
0 5 0
4 NA 1 0
0 4 0
3 0
2 0
4 0
3 0
4
LG
32LM620BPUA
55 $160 4 0
0 5 0
4 NA 1 0
0 4 0
3 0
2 0
4 0
3 0
4
Hisense 32H4F 55 $130 4 0
0 3 0
3 NA NA 4 0
0 3 0
2 0
4 0
2 0
3
Insignia
NS-32D220NA20
54 $100 5 0
0 3 0
4 NA NA 2 0
0 3 0
3 0
2 NA NA

VizioD32h-G9 53 $160 3 0
0 3 0
4 NA NA 2 0
0 3 0
2 0
4 0
3 0
4
Toshiba
32L310U20
52 $100 3 0
0 3 0
4 NA NA 2 0
0 2 0
2 0
2 NA NA

TCL32S327 51 $150 3 0
0 5 0
3 NA NA 2 0
0 3 0
2 0
4 0
2 0
3

1 2 3 4 5 !  $ 
POOR EXCELLENT RECOMMENDED CR BEST BUY 139
Brand & Model Overall Price Survey Test Results
Score Results

UHD picture quality


Owner satisfaction

HD picture quality
Recommended

Viewing angle

Sound quality

Data security
Data privacy
Motion blur

Versatility
Predicted
reliability

HDR
32-INCH TVs Continued

Hisense
32H4030F
51 $115 4 0
0 3 0
3 NA NA 2 0
0 3 0
2 0
4 0
2 0
3
Philips
32PFL4664
50 $130 4 0
0 3 0
3 NA NA 2 0
0 2 0
2 0
4 0
2 0
3
29-INCH AND SMALLER TVs

0
$
LG
28LM400B-PU
60 $110 4 0
0 5 0
4 NA NA 4 0
0 3 0
2 0
2 NA NA

0
$
Insignia
NS-24D310NA19
59 $85 5 0
0 3 0
4 NA NA 4 0
0 3 0
2 0
2 NA NA

0
!
LG
24LM520S-WU
58 $120 4 0
0 5 0
4 NA NA 2 0
0 3 0
2 0
4 0
3 0
4

0
! LG24LF454B 57 $120 4 0
0 5 0
4 NA NA 2 0
0 3 0
2 0
1 NA NA

VizioD24f-G1 53 $140 3 0
0 3 0
4 NA NA 4 0
0 3 0
1 0
4 0
3 0
4
VizioD24h-G9 52 $120 3 0
0 3 0
4 NA NA 2 0
0 3 0
2 0
4 0
3 0
4

HOW WE TEST: Overall non-HDR 4K UHD content. is measured from the set’s
Score combines test results HDR—high dynamic range— built-in speakers with subjective
and survey data. Predicted indicates how effectively listening and test gear. We
reliability is based on the TV can reproduce the listen for overall clarity of
estimated repair rates for enhanced quality of HDR sound, depth of bass, volume
brands. Owner satisfaction is content. Very effective HDR levels and audible distortion.
based on the proportion can also reproduce fine Motion blur evaluates how
of members who are extremely gradations of shadow detail well the display can present a
likely to recommend the TV. from black to white, and blur-free image during motion
HD picture quality assesses display a wider range of colors. scenes. Versatility indicates
detail, color accuracy, and Ineffective HDR presents features that increase a TV’s
contrast using signals from images that are no better utilities or capabilities. Scores
special test patterns and than regular standard dynamic for Data privacy and Data
videos, via an HDMI input, range (SDR) TVs. Viewing angle security are a measure
after the TV is adjusted using evaluates picture quality for of how the TV and its service
standard picture controls. clarity and color accuracy at providers collect, share, use,
UHD picture quality is various horizontal and vertical and protect your data. Price
evaluated similarly, using viewing angles. Sound quality is approximate retail.

140 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2021


QUI CK GUIDE

W IREL E S S SP E A K ERS
Wireless Speakers
Wireless speakers use Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity
to let you stream your favorite tunes without a
collection of separate components or a tangle of cables.

What to Look For deck to the beach. BUYING


■ A home model, which usu- ■ Sound quality separates top ADVICE
ally requires AC power and speakers from lesser models; If you buy online,
often connects via Bluetooth that’s why our testers weigh check the return
and/or your home network via it most heavily in our ratings. policy so that
a robust WiFi connection, can ■ A USB port will let you
you can exchange
usually fill a decent-size room charge a phone or tablet. it if you’re not
with sound without distorting. happy with the
■ A portable mode with a
What to Skip
■ Portable models with limited sound quality.
rechargeable battery and Blue-
battery life that will restrict
tooth pairing to your smart-
their use.
phone, is ideal for streaming
music while you’re on the go. What You’ll Pay
■ A weatherproof portable Prices range from less than For more buying
model is great for outdoor $100 to more than $400. advice, go to
CR.org/wireless-
use, and can travel from the speakers.

Tested products in performance order.

Brand & Model Overall Price Test Results Features


Score
software/firmware
Adjustable tone
Recommended

Optional multi-
Sound quality

room sharing
Ease of use

Updatable
Versatility

settings

HOME

0
! EdifierS1000DB 74 $350 0
5 0
4 0
3 NA 0

0
! Denon Heos 7 HS2 74 $400 0
4 0
4 0
5 0 0 0

0
! Sonos Play:5 (2015) 73 $500 0
4 0
3 0
4 0 0 0

0
$ EdifierR2000DB 73 $250 0
4 0
4 0
3 0

1 2 3 4 5 !  $ 
POOR EXCELLENT RECOMMENDED CR BEST BUY 141
Brand & Model Overall Price Test Results Features
Score

software/firmware
Adjustable tone
Recommended

Optional multi-
Sound quality

room sharing
Ease of use

Updatable
Versatility

settings
HOME Continued

0
! DevialetNew Phantom 71 $2,190 0
4 0
4 0
4 0 0

0
! Denon HEOS 5 HS2 69 $300 0
4 0
3 0
4 0 0 0

0
$ Sonos One SL 64 $180 0
4 0
4 0
4 0 0 0

0
!
Master & Dynamic
MA770
62 $1,200 0
4 0
4 0
4 0 0

0
!
MartinLogan
Crescendo X
61 $1,000 0
4 0
3 0
5 0 0 0

0
$
IkeaSymfonisk
Bookshelf
61 $100 0
4 0
4 0
4 0 0 0

EdifierE30 Spinnaker
0
$ Bluetooth Speaker 61 $250 0
4 0
3 0
3 NA 0
System
Como Audio Solo 60 $300 0
3 0
5 0
5 0 0 0

Denon HEOS 1 HS2 60 $200 0


3 0
4 0
4 0 0 0

IkeaSymfonisk Lamp 60 $180 0


3 0
4 0
4 0 0 0

NaimMu-So QB 60 $600 0
3 0
3 0
4 0 0

Klipsch Heritage
Wireless The Three
60 $450 0
3 0
3 0
4 0 0

House of Marley
One Foundation
59 $1,000 0
3 0
3 0
5 0 0

KantoSyd 59 $330 0
3 0
3 0
4 NA 0

Marshall Stanmore 58 $250 0


3 0
5 0
3 0

Audioengine HD3 56 $350 0


3 0
3 0
3 NA

Marshall Woburn II 54 $500 0


3 0
2 0
3 NA 0 0

BoseSoundTouch 10 54 $160 0
3 0
4 0
4 0 0 0

JBLPartyBox 200 47 $350 0


3 0
4 0
3 NA

Tivoli Audio Sphera 45 $170 0


3 0
3 0
4 0 0

Audioengine B2 45 $200 0
3 0
3 0
3 NA

Phorus PS5 38 $50 0


3 0
2 0
4 0 0

SonyXB7 Extra Bass 30 $350 0


2 0
3 0
3 0

142 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2021


W IREL E S S SP E A K ERS
Brand & Model Overall Price Test Results Features
Score

software/firmware
Adjustable tone
Recommended

Optional multi-
Sound quality

room sharing
Ease of use

Updatable
Versatility

settings
PORTABLE

0
!
Monster SuperStar
Monster Blaster
60 $220 0
3 0
4 0
4 0

0
! JBLBoombox 60 $500 0
3 0
4 0
3 NA 0

0
$ CreativeiRoar Go 60 $120 0
3 0
4 0
4 0 0

0
! JBLPulse 3 60 $120 0
3 0
5 0
3 NA 0

0 0 0 0
BoseSoundLink 60
$ $100 3 4 3 0
Color II

0
$
Harman Kardon
Onyx Studio 5
59 $140 0
3 0
4 0
3 NA 0

0
! JBLXtreme 2 59 $250 0
3 0
4 0
3 0

0
! SonySRS-XB41 58 $150 0
3 0
4 0
4 0 0

0
! JBLCharge 4 58 $180 0
3 0
4 0
3 NA 0

0
$ SonySRS-XB31 58 $100 0
3 0
4 0
4 0 0

0
$
CreativeSound
Blaster Roar Pro
57 $100 0
3 0
3 0
4 0

0
!
BoseSoundlink
Revolve+
57 $240 0
3 0
4 0
3 0

0
!
BoseSoundlink
Revolve
57 $160 0
3 0
4 0
3 0

0
$ JBLFlip 4 57 $75 0
3 0
4 0
3 0

0
! JBLControl X Wireless 56 $400 0
3 0
4 0
3 NA

0
$
Ultimate Ears
Megaboom
56 $115 0
3 0
3 0
4 NA 0 0

0
! Libratone Zipp 56 $190 0
3 0
3 0
4 0 0 0

0
! KickerBullfrog Jump 56 $200 0
3 0
4 0
4 NA 0

0
!
Ultimate Ears
Megaboom 3
55 $200 0
3 0
3 0
3 0 0

JBLXtreme 52 $150 0
3 0
3 0
3 NA 0

EdifierMP700 52 $100 0
3 0
3 0
3 NA

Ultimate Ears Boom 3 51 $80 0


3 0
3 0
3 NA 0 0

KickerBullfrog BF100 48 $120 0


3 0
4 0
4 NA 0 0

Beats by Dr. DrePill+ 48 $120 0


3 0
4 0
3 0

1 2 3 4 5 !  $ 
POOR EXCELLENT RECOMMENDED CR BEST BUY 143
Brand & Model Overall Price Test Results Features
Score

software/firmware
Adjustable tone
Recommended

Optional multi-
Sound quality

room sharing
Ease of use

Updatable
Versatility

settings
PORTABLE Continued

BoseSoundlink Micro 47 $80 0


3 0
4 0
3 0

Altec Lansing Super


LifeJacket
46 $150 0
3 0
3 0
4 0

Libratone ONE Click 46 $160 0


3 0
3 0
4 0 0

FugooStyle XL 45 $200 0
3 0
3 0
3 0

AiwaExos-9 40 $300 0
2 0
4 0
4 0 0

Soundcast VG1 40 $60 0


2 0
4 0
3
V-Moda Remix 40 $200 0
2 0
4 0
3
Ultimate Ears
Wonderboom
40 $70 0
2 0
4 0
2
House of Marley
Chant Sport BT
40 $70 0
2 0
4 0
3 NA

House of Marley
Get Together Mini 40 $140 0
2 0
4 0
3
(EM-JA013)
EdifierMP280 40 $50 0
2 0
3 0
3
SonySRS-XB12 40 $60 0
2 0
3 0
3
BeFree Sound
Dual 12 ” (BFS-4600)
40 $170 0
2 0
4 0
4 0

Ecoxgear Sol Jam 40 $125 0


2 0
4 0
3
SonySRS-XB21 40 $100 0
2 0
4 0
4 0 0

Ultimate Ears Boom 2 40 $85 0


2 0
3 0
4 NA 0 0

Monster Superstar
Firecracker
40 $25 0
2 0
3 0
3 NA

Altec Lansing Life


Jacket 2
40 $90 0
2 0
3 0
3 NA

iHome IBT91 40 $70 0


2 0
4 0
3 0

JBLClip 2 40 $50 0
2 0
4 0
3

HOW WE TEST: Overall Score tonal accuracy and ability to use of controls. Versatility is
is based on the results of all our reproduce fine sonic detail. based on useful features. Price
tests. Sound quality measures Ease of use refers to setup and is approximate retail.

144 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2021


Autos
146 Highs and 183 Used Cars: 192 Detailed
Lows of the The Most Used-Car
2021 Models Reliable Reliability
Models & the
168 Rating the 212 Tire Ratings
Ones to Avoid
2021 Models

BUYING GUIDE 2019 CONSUMER REPORTS 145


The Highs and Lows
of the 2021 Models

THIS OVERVIEW OF the highs and lows bility and owner satisfaction surveys;
of all the major 2021 models can start availability of frontal crash-prevention
you on your search for a new car, systems with forward collision warn-
minivan, SUV, or pickup truck. Each ing (FCW), automatic emergency brak-
model’s listing includes the positive ing that operates at city speeds (AEB
and negative attributes. city) and/or at highway speeds (AEB
A majority of the highs and lows are highway), a pedestrian detection
based on our experiences with tested system, and blind spot warning (BSW);
vehicles, and the findings are applicable and, if applicable, safety tests that
to the 2021 model-year vehicles. were conducted by the government
In some cases, there are models that or the insurance industry.
we haven’t put through our formal test- The ratings include Consumer
ing. But we spent time with them by Reports’ predicted reliability rating,
renting a version from the manu­facturer an indication of how problematic
and evaluating it at our Auto Test Center. we expect a model is likely to be.
After reading the overviews, turn to It’s based on our Annual Auto Surveys,
our vehicle ratings (starting on page 168) where we asked owners about any
to see how individual models rank serious problems they had with their
according to their Overall Score, which vehicles in the previous 12 months.
accounts for a vehicle’s performance Turn to page 192 for more informa­tion
in our road tests; results from our relia- on reliability.

146 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2021


T HE 202 1 MODEL S
Make & Model Highs Lows

Acura ILX Stiff ride, loud cabin, access, con-


Reliability.
Premium trols, overpriced for what you get.

Acura MDX Fit and finish, easy third-row Reliability, controls, agility,
Tech access, rear seat, headlights. suspension noise, rear visibility.

Handing, acceleration, stop-


Reliability, controls, engine noise,
Acura RDX Tech ping distances, front-seat com-
brake-pedal feel.
fort, fit and finish.

Spacious and plush interior, seat Ride, agility, complicated


Acura RLX Tech
comfort, braking. controls, suspension noise.

Haven’t evaluated 2021


Acura TLX
redesign yet.

Alfa Romeo Reliability, controls, rear seat,


Giulia Ti Agility, steering.
(AWD) limited driver’s seat adjustments.

Controls, visibility, tight rear


Alfa Romeo
Handling, style, character. seat, limited seat adjustments,
Stelvio Ti
overly touchy brake pedal.

Audi A3 Rear seat, some controls,


Handling, solid feel, braking.
Premium headlights.

Ride, handling, quietness, trans- Ride, handling, quietness, trans-


Audi A4
mission, fit and finish, front-seat mission, fit and finish, front-seat
Premium Plus
comfort, reliability. comfort, reliability.
Ride, handling, quietness, trans- Ride, handling, quietness, trans-
Audi A5 mission, fit and finish, front-seat mission, fit and finish, front-seat
comfort, reliability. comfort, reliability.
Audi A6 Handling, braking, seat comfort, Reliability, hesitation off line,
Premium Plus
(2.0T) fit and finish. scant interior storage.

Handling, braking, seat comfort, Reliability, hesitation off line,


Audi A7
fit and finish. scant interior storage.

Ride, quietness, transmission, Reliability, controls require


Audi A8 3.0T interior room, seat comfort, fit a learning curve, scant in-cabin
and finish. storage.

147
Make & Model Highs Lows

Ride, quietness, acceleration, seat


Audi E-Tron Long charging times,
comfort, fit and finish, no emis-
Premium Plus limited range.
sions, doesn’t consume fuel.

Audi Q3 Handling, braking, seat comfort. Engine noise, rear visibility.

Audi Q5
Ride, quietness, seat comfort. Controls require a learning curve.
Premium Plus

Audi Q7 Powertrain, quietness, agility,


Learning curve for controls.
Premium Plus seat comfort, fit and finish.

Powertrain, quietness, agility,


Audi Q8 Learning curve for controls.
seat comfort, fit and finish.

Agility, braking, front-seat Controls take getting used to,


Audi TT 2.0T comfort, fit and finish, hatchback ride, access, tiny rear seat, no
versatility, high-tech features. advanced safety features offered.

BMW 228i Eager powertrain and handling,


Ride, rear seat, access.
Gran Coupe front-seat comfort, fit and finish.

Handling, acceleration, braking,


BMW 330i Reliability, controls, overzealous
transmission, fuel economy,
xDrive lane keeping assistance.
front-seat comfort, fit and finish.

BMW 530i Ride, quietness, transmission, Reliability, learning curve


xDrive seat comfort, fit and finish. for controls.

BMW 750i Ride, quietness, powertrain, seat Narrow trunk, learning curve
xDrive comfort, room, fit and finish. for controls.

Powertrain, comes as convertible, Long doors in 2-door versions,


BMW 8 Series
coupe and 4-door. access, visibility.

Short range, seats only four,


BMW i3
Agility. rear-seat access, cargo space,
Giga Rex
stingy instrumentation.

Acceleration, handling, braking,


BMW M240i Rear seat room, some controls.
front-seat comfort, quietness.

Road noise, narrow front seats,


BMW X1 Fuel economy, transmission,
stiff ride, blind spot warning
xDrive28i braking.
unavailable.

148 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2021


T HE 202 1 MODEL S
Make & Model Highs Lows

Handling, engine and transmis-


BMW X2 Visibility, ride, road noise, blind
sion, fit and finish, front-seat
xDrive28i spot warning unavailable.
comfort.
Handling, braking, transmission,
BMW X3
quietness, front-seat comfort, fit Unintuitive gear selector.
xDrive30i
and finish.

Handling, braking, transmission,


BMW X4 Coupelike profile sacrifices utility.
front-seat comfort.

Ride, quietness, acceleration,


BMW X5 Reliability, learning curve
transmission, braking, seat
xDrive40i for controls.
comfort, fit and finish.

Coupelike profile sacrifices


BMW X6 Handling, luxurious interior.
utility, visibility.

Ride, quietness, acceleration,


BMW X7 Reliability, learning curve
transmission, seat comfort, fit
xDrive40i for controls.
and finish.
Handling, braking, acceleration,
BMW Z4 Ride, visibility, controls, over-
seat comfort, fit and finish, quick
sDrive 30i zealous lane keeping assistance.
top operation.
Ride, braking, quietness, interior Confusing gear selector, fuel
Buick Enclave
room, powertrain, infotainment economy, cheap manual
Premium
system. sunroof shade.
Mid-range acceleration, fuel
Buick Encore Engine noise and vibration,
economy, braking, infotainment
GX Select (1.3T) rear seat.
system.

Buick Encore Ride, quietness, braking, Acceleration, driving position,


Preferred maneuverability. narrow cabin, rear visibility.

Buick Envision Lacks agility, unsettled ride,


Simple controls, easy access.
Premium low dash vents.

Buick Regal Ride, powertrain, braking,


Essence controls, front-seat comfort, Interior ambiance.
(2.0T, AWD) hatchback versatility.

Handling, braking, front-seat Rear-seat room and access,


Cadillac CT4
comfort, fit and finish. scant in-cabin storage.

Cadillac CT5 Unrefined transmission,


Handling, braking, front-seat
Luxury Premium engine noise, rear headroom,
(2.0T, AWD) comfort, fit and finish.
low dash vents.

149
Make & Model Highs Lows

Cadillac CT6 Agility, ride, braking, quietness,


Reliability, controls, low dash
Luxury (3.6L, seat comfort, interior room, fit
AWD) vents, scant in-cabin storage.
and finish.

Cadillac Haven’t evaluated 2021


Escalade redesign yet.

Cadillac XT4 Handling, transmission, braking,


Reliability, engine noise, ride.
Premium Luxury fit and finish, front-seat comfort.

Cadillac XT5 Plush interior, seat comfort, Reliability, stiff ride, unintuitive
Luxury quietness. gear selector, visibility.

Fuel economy, limited seat


Cadillac XT6
Ride, quietness, transmission. adjustments, missing some
Premium Luxury
luxury features, brand reliability.
Chevrolet Acceleration, braking, transmis- Visibility, fuel economy, low
Blazer Leather
(V6) sion, quietness, controls. dash vents.

Chevrolet Bolt Range, acceleration, no Charging times, brake-pedal feel,


Premier emissions, agility, quietness. ride, seat comfort, gear selector.

Chevrolet Acceleration, handling, Reliability, visibility, tight interior,


Camaro SS (V8) braking, styling. low dash vents.

Chevrolet Maneuverability, towing and


Reliability, ride, uncomfortable
Colorado LT payload capacities, fuel
(diesel) seats and driving position.
economy, damped tailgate.
Chevrolet Maneuverability, towing and
Reliability, ride, uncomfortable
Colorado LT payload capacities, damped
(V6) seats and driving position.
tailgate.

Chevrolet
Haven’t evaluated redesign yet.
Corvette

Chevrolet Interior room, ride, quietness, So-so acceleration, interior fit


Equinox LT
(1.5T) controls, infotainment system. and finish.

Reliability, raspy turbo, front-


Chevrolet
Ride, quietness, controls. seat comfort, so-so visibility,
Malibu LT (1.5T)
no standard AEB.
Chevrolet Interior room, deep bed,
Silverado 1500 Reliability, step-in height.
LT (5.3L V8) quietness.

150 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2021


T HE 202 1 MODEL S
Make & Model Highs Lows

Chevrolet Fuel economy, interior room, Reliability, stopping distances,


Silverado 1500
LT (diesel) deep bed, quietness. step-in height.

Chevrolet Spark Fuel economy, easy to park, Acceleration, ride, noise, seat
1LT braking. comfort, driving position.

Chevrolet Haven’t evaluated 2021


Suburban redesign yet.

Chevrolet Haven’t evaluated 2021


Tahoe redesign yet.

Chevrolet Interior room, deep bed,


Silverado 1500 Reliability, step-in height.
LT (5.3L V8) quietness.

Chevrolet Fuel economy, midrange torque, Rear and side visibility, agility,
Trailblazer LT
(1.3T) controls, interior room. front-seat comfort.

Acceleration, ride, engine noise,


Chevrolet Easy to park, decent room
rear visibility, front seats, fussy to
Trax LT within a small footprint.
use touch-screen radio.
Acceleration, transmission,
Chrysler 300 Expensive optional advanced
ride, quietness, seat comfort,
C (V8) safety equipment.
fit and finish.

Chrysler 300 Transmission, ride, quietness, seat Expensive optional advanced


Limited (V6) comfort, fit and finish. safety equipment.

Chrysler Interior space, ride, quietness,


Reliability, Hybrid loses Stow ‘n
Pacifica Hybrid Uconnect 8.4 infotainment
Platinum Go seating/cargo flexibility.
system, access, fuel economy.
Chrysler Interior space and flexibility, ride,
Reliability, coarse-sounding
Pacifica quietness, Uconnect 8.4 infotain-
Touring L engine.
ment system, access.
Interior space and flexibility, ride,
Chrysler Reliability, coarse-sounding
quietness, Uconnect 8.4 infotain-
Voyager engine.
ment system, access.
Dodge Braking, exhaust sound, infotain-
Challenger R/T ment system, habitable rear Ride, noise, visibility.
Plus (V8) seat, brawn.
V8 sound and power, transmis-
Dodge Charger
sion, easy-to-use infotainment Visibility, access.
R/T Plus (V8)
system.

151
Make & Model Highs Lows

Dodge Charger Transmission, quietness, ride,


Visibility, access.
SXT (V6) interior room, feature content.

Ride, quietness, transmission,


Dodge Durango interior space, access, front-seat Reliability, rear visibility, maneu-
GT (V6) comfort, usable third-row seat, verability, fuel economy.
towing capacity.
Poor IIHS small overlap crash-
Dodge Journey Standard third-row seat. test results, no advanced safety
features offered.
Ride, noise, tight quarters, access,
Agility, manual shifter, fuel
Fiat 124 Lusso infotainment system, AEB not
economy, easy manual top.
offered.
Reliability, poor IIHS small over-
lap crash-test, stiff ride, touchy
Roomy interior, handy size,
Fiat 500L Pop brake pedal, front seats, driving
access.
position, no advanced safety
features offered.
Reliability, ride, transmission,
Maneuverability, upscale noise, idle vibration, touchy
Fiat 500X Pop
features. brake pedal, visibility, front-seat
comfort.
Ride, noise, acceleration, trans-
Ford EcoSport Handling agility, easy controls,
mission, cargo space, no AEB
SES (2.0L) access, reliability.
offered.

Ford Edge SEL Quietness, handling, braking,


Driving position.
(2.0T) interior room.

Ford Escape Fuel economy, agility, stopping Can only get auto-up windows
Hybrid Sport distance, controls. on Titanium trim.

Ford Escape SE Fuel economy, agility, stopping Engine vibration with the 1.5-liter,
(1.5T) distance, controls. overly sensitive brake pedal.

Ford Expedition Quietness, acceleration, controls,


Ride, handling, fuel economy.
MAX Limited interior room.

Ford Explorer Ride, transmission’s bumpy shifts,


Agility, controls.
XLT (2.3T) loud engine.

152 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2021


T HE 202 1 MODEL S
Make & Model Highs Lows

Quiet cabin, acceleration, towing


Ford F-150 XLT Reliability, jittery ride, lackluster
and payload capacities, lots of
(2.7T) handling, braking.
clever features.

Ford Fusion Fuel economy, agility, ride, quiet- Visibility, touchy brakes, rear seat,
Hybrid SE ness, fun to drive, powertrain. small trunk opening.

Ford Fusion SE Agility, ride, quietness, fun to Visibility, rear seat, small trunk
(1.5T) drive, braking. opening.

Ford Fusion Agility, ride, quietness, fun to Visibility, rear seat, small trunk
Titanium (2.0T) drive, braking. opening.

Ford Mustang Handling, acceleration, braking,


GT Premium Fuel economy, rear seat, ride.
(V8) interior details, exhaust sound.

Ford Mustang Rear seat, noise, raspy


Handling, braking, interior details.
Premium (2.3T) engine sound.

Ford Mustang Haven’t evaluated new


Mach-E model yet.

Ford Ranger Relatively fuel efficient,


Ride, controls, high step-in.
XLT maneuverable size.

Genesis G70 Handling, controls, fit and finish, Tight quarters, gear selector,
Elite (2.0T, AWD) reliability. stopping distance.

Haven’t evaluated 2021


Genesis G80
redesign yet.

Genesis G90 Powertrain, ride, quietness, Fuel economy, unintuitive gear


Premium (3.3T,
AWD) interior room. selector, low dash vents.

Haven’t evaluated new


Genesis GV80
model yet.

GMC Acadia Quietness, ride, rear seat room, Fuel economy, missing some
Denali controls, infotainment system. common features.

Maneuverability, towing and


GMC Canyon Reliability, ride, uncomfortable
payload capacities, fuel
SLE (diesel) seats and driving position.
economy, damped tailgate.

153
Make & Model Highs Lows

Maneuverability, towing and


GMC Canyon Reliability, ride, uncomfortable
payload capacities, damped
SLE (V6) seats and driving position.
tailgate.
GMC Sierra Interior room, deep bed,
1500 SLE Reliability, step-in height.
(5.3L V8) quietness.

GMC Sierra Fuel economy, interior room, Reliability, stopping distances,


1500 SLE (diesel) deep bed, quietness. step-in height.

Loud cabin, stiff ride, agility,


GMC Terrain
Acceleration, braking. visibility, fit and finish, unintuitive
SLE (2.0T)
gear selector.

Haven’t evaluated 2021


GMC Yukon
redesign yet.

Haven’t evaluated 2021


GMC Yukon XL
redesign yet.

Honda Accord Ride, handling, fuel economy,


Low stance hurts access.
EX (1.5T) controls.

Honda Accord Low stance hurts access, unintui-


Fuel economy, ride, trunk space.
Hybrid EX tive gear selector.

Awkward access, front-seat


Honda Civic Fuel economy, ride, handling,
comfort, complicated infotain-
EX-T interior storage.
ment for EX and higher trims.

Fuel economy, ride, handling, Awkward access, front-seat


Honda Civic LX
interior storage. comfort.

Clumsy handling, front-seat


Honda Clarity Acts as an EV for short distances,
comfort, confusing controls, small
Plug-in ride, interior room, reliability.
gas tank for long trips.

Fuel economy, roomy interior, Cumbersome infotainment


Honda CR-V EX
access. system on EX and higher trims.

Honda CR-V Fuel economy, roomy interior, Ride, cumbersome infotainment


Hybrid EX access. system on EX and higher trims.

Fuel economy, interior room,


Ride, noise, confusing uplevel
Honda Fit EX versatility, handling, access,
audio system.
reliability.

154 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2021


T HE 202 1 MODEL S
Make & Model Highs Lows

Fuel economy, roomy interior, Ride, noise, acceleration, front-


Honda HR-V LX
storage, secure handling. seat comfort, rear door handles.

Honda Insight Controls, front-seat comfort,


Fuel economy, ride.
EX low stance hurts access.

Honda Odyssey Ride, quietness, interior room


Reliability.
EX-L and flexibility, kid-friendly tech.

Honda Passport Acceleration, Interior room,


Reliability, ride.
EX-L quietness.

Clumsy handling, controls,


Honda Pilot Roomy interior, visibility, access, 9-speed automatic with
EX-L smooth powertrain. push-button gear selector on
high-end versions.
Ride, quietness, clever in-bed
Honda Low towing capacity,
storage and dual-mode tailgate,
Ridgeline RTL shallow bed.
fuel economy.

Hyundai Accent Stiff ride, loud cabin, seat


Controls, fuel economy, braking.
SEL comfort, interior room.

Haven’t evaluated 2021


Hyundai Elantra
redesign yet.

Handling, braking, transmission,


Hyundai Elantra
controls, hatchback versatility, Ride, noise.
GT (2.0L)
reliability.

Hyundai Ioniq Fuel economy, controls, cargo Braking, agility, hesitation off the
SEL versatility. line, too easy to turn off DRL.

Acceleration, handling, range,


Hyundai Kona
low running costs, no emissions, Charging times, gear selector.
Electric Limited
reliability.

Hyundai Kona Agility, braking, controls, fuel


Ride, noise, acceleration.
SEL (2.0L) economy, reliability.

Hyundai
Powertrain, interior room, access. Agility, gear selector.
Palisade SEL

155
Make & Model Highs Lows

Hyundai Santa Handling, controls, rear- Uneven power delivery with


Fe Limited (2.0T) seat room. turbo engine.

Hyundai Sonata Fuel economy, handling, braking,


Ride, gear selector.
SEL (2.5) optional high-tech features.

Hyundai Tucson
Room, agility, braking. Acceleration, engine noise.
SE (2.0L)

Hyundai Tucson Humdrum interior, fuel economy


Controls, braking.
SEL (2.4L) for class.

Hyundai Handling, braking, manual


Veloster Ride, noise, visibility.
Turbo R-Spec shifter, controls.

Ride, noise, fit and finish, rear


Hyundai Venue
Controls, fuel economy, braking. seat, no adjustable seat belt
SEL
anchors.

Infiniti Q50 Acceleration, agility, braking, Cumbersome infotainment


Luxe (AWD) visibility. system, small trunk.

Infiniti QX50 Confusing controls, short on


Quietness, fit and finish, braking.
Essential agility.

Plush interior, roomy cabin,


Infiniti QX60 quietness, fit and finish, access, Agility, rear visibility, fuel
Luxe front-seat comfort, controls, economy.
surround-view camera.
Powertrain, quietness, rear seat,
Infiniti QX80 Handling, fuel economy, access,
fit and finish, cargo capacity,
Luxe NHTSA crash-test results.
towing, off-road.

Jaguar Reliability, uneven power delivery,


Handling, fit and finish.
E-Pace S ride, visibility, controls.

Reliability, ride, noise, rear


Jaguar F-Pace Agility, acceleration, braking,
visibility, so-so infotainment
Prestige transmission, rear seat.
system, wimpy A/C.
Acceleration, handling, quietness, Controls, long charging times,
Jaguar I-Pace
fit and finish, low running costs, limited range, brake-pedal feel,
HSE
no emissions. brand reliability.

156 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2021


T HE 202 1 MODEL S
Make & Model Highs Lows

Jaguar XE Tight quarters, seat comfort,


Premium Handling agility, steering. controls, interior short on luxury
(25t AWD) grade materials.
Jaguar XF Ride, agility, acceleration, brak-
Controls, no standard AEB,
Prestige ing, transmission, front-seat
(V6, AWD) weak A/C.
comfort.
Reliability, sluggish off the line,
Jeep Cherokee
Interior room, controls, braking. uncooperative transmission, ride,
Limited (2.0T)
agility, engine noise.
Feels underpowered, touchy
Jeep Compass
Controls, access. brake pedal, lacks agility, ride,
Latitude
engine noise, rear seat.

Jeep Gladiator Powertrain, towing capacity, Handling, wind noise, awkward


Sport character. window controls.

Quietness, ride, off-road and


Jeep Grand towing capability, seat comfort, Fuel economy, poor IIHS small
Cherokee
Limited (V6) fit and finish, easy infotainment overlap crash-test results.
system.
Reliability, ride, transmission,
Jeep Renegade
Styling, upscale features. visibility, front-seat comfort,
Latitude
grabby brakes, idle vibration.
Reliability, stiff ride, lots of wind
Jeep Wrangler Off-road ability, strong power-
noise, awkward access, fuel
Sahara (4-door) train with the V6 engine.
economy.
Acceleration, smooth powertrain,
Kia Cadenza
quietness, braking, interior room, Lacks agility.
Technology
controls.

Ride, noise, seat comfort, fit


Kia Forte LXS Controls, fuel economy.
and finish.

Haven’t evaluated new


Kia K5
model yet.

Kia K900 Haven’t evaluated model yet.

Robust range for an EV, no


Kia Niro EV
emissions, acceleration, quiet- Charging times.
EX Premium
ness, practicality, reliability.

157
Make & Model Highs Lows

Fuel economy, controls, cargo Braking, agility, hesitation off


Kia Niro EX
versatility. the line, front-seat comfort, ride.

Stiff ride, loud cabin, seat


Kia Rio S Controls, fuel economy.
comfort, interior room.

Powertrain, second-row comfort, Clumsy handling, stiff ride, lacks


Kia Sedona EX
fit and finish. expected minivan flexibility.

Kia Seltos S Fuel economy, braking, Ride, noise, advanced safety


(2.0L) controls, visibility. features not standard.

Smooth V6 powertrain, intuitive


Kia Sorento
controls, ride, quietness, has a Tight third-row seat.
EX (V6)
third-row seat.

Braking, controls, access,


Kia Soul EX Ride, loud engine.
passenger space, reliability.

Kia Sportage Handling, powertrain, room,


Rear visibility.
LX (2.4L) easy controls.

Kia Stinger Handling, front-seat comfort, Ride, tight rear seat, difficult
Premium
(2.0T, AWD) hatchback versatility. access, visibility.

Ride, quietness, braking, interior


Kia Telluride EX room, controls, well-equipped Agility.
for price.

Land Rover Haven’t evaluated new


Defender model yet.

Agility, fuel economy, controls,


Land Rover Acceleration, ride, quietness,
low rear-seat, third-row access,
Discovery HSE front-seat comfort, fit and finish.
brand reliability.
Land Rover Transmission, uneven power
Access, rear seat, some
Discovery Sport delivery, ride, handling, controls,
SE off-road ability.
rear visibility, brand reliability.
Land Rover Front-seat comfort, fit and finish, Ride, controls, visibility, hesitation
Range Rover
Evoque SE agility, braking. off line, brand reliability.

158 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2021


T HE 202 1 MODEL S
Make & Model Highs Lows

Ride, quietness, acceleration,


Land Rover interior room, fit and finish, Agility, fuel economy, controls,
Range Rover
HSE (3.0L) visibility, seat comfort, off-road brand reliability.
and towing capabilities.
Land Rover Handling, acceleration, fit and Stiff ride, controls, fussy gear
Range Rover finish, towing and off-road selector, fuel economy, brand
Sport HSE (3.0L) capability. reliability.
Land Rover Stiff ride, distracting controls,
Range Rover Handling, fit and finish. visibility, fuel economy, brand
Velar S reliability.

Ride, quietness, front seat


Lexus ES350 Controls, rear seat.
comfort, fit and finish, reliability.

Quietness, ride, powertrain,


Lexus GS350 front-seat comfort, fit and finish, Fussy controls.
visibility, reliability.
Powertrain, quietness, ride, fit and
Lexus GX460 Fuel economy, agility, tight third-
finish, front-seat comfort, off-
Premium row seat, side-hinged tailgate.
road ability, towing, reliability.

Haven’t evaluated 2021 redesign


Lexus IS
yet.

Lexus LS500 Acceleration, quietness, driver’s Reliability, controls, rear seat


(AWD) seat comfort, fit and finish. space for class, small trunk.

Tight quarters, visibility, fussy


Handling, maneuverability, reli-
Lexus NX300 touchpad controls, in-cabin
ability.
storage.
Tight quarters, visibility, fussy
Fuel economy, handling,
Lexus NX300h touchpad controls, in-cabin
maneuverability, reliability.
storage.

Ride, quietness, powertrain, fit Agility, wet stopping distances,


Lexus RX350
and finish. distracting controls, rear visibility.

Ride, quietness, powertrain, fit Distracting controls, tiny third-


Lexus RX350L
and finish. row seat.

Quietness, ride, fuel economy, Agility, wet stopping distances,


Lexus RX450h
fit and finish. distracting controls, rear visibility.

159
Make & Model Highs Lows

Fuel economy, transmission,


Lexus UX250h Controls, tight interior, rear seat.
quietness, reliability.

Acceleration, handling,
Lincoln Aviator Controls, gear selector, fuel
ride, quietness, fit and finish,
Reserve (3.0T) economy.
cargo room.
Lincoln
Continental Ride, quietness, acceleration, Confusing gear selector, controls,
Reserve braking, interior room. front-seat comfort.
(2.7T, AWD)

Lincoln Corsair Ride, quietness, powertrain, fit


Controls.
Reserve (2.0T) and finish.

Visibility, snug interior, hidden


Lincoln MKZ
Handling, ride, quietness. exterior trunk release, gear
(2.0T)
selector.
Visibility, snug interior, hidden
Lincoln MKZ Handling, ride, quietness, fuel
exterior trunk release, gear
Hybrid economy.
selector.
Reliability, fuel economy, gear
Lincoln Nautilus Ride, handling, quietness,
selector, small text in instrument
Reserve (2.7T) acceleration, fit and finish.
cluster.
Lincoln Front-seat comfort, unintuitive
Quietness, powertrain, second-
Navigator gear selector, clumsy handling,
Select and third-row seat room.
fuel economy.
Exhaust sound, steering feed- Ride, initial turbo lag, fuel econ-
Maserati
back, braking, acceleration, omy, rear seat, access, touchy
Ghibli S Q4
transmission, fit and finish. brake pedal, fussy gear selector.

Maserati
Have not evaluated model yet.
Levante

Mazda CX-3 Handling, fuel economy, Noise, tight rear seat and cargo
Touring reliability. room, visibility, ride.

Mazda CX-30 Controls, engine noise, tight


Fit and finish, fuel economy.
Preferred quarters, visibility.

Mazda CX-5 Ride, quietness, handling, So-so rear visibility, controls


Touring reliability. have a learning curve.

160 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2021


T HE 202 1 MODEL S
Make & Model Highs Lows

Mazda CX-9 Ride, handling, quietness, Controls have a learning


Touring reliability. curve, rear visibility.

Ride, noise, tight quarters,


Mazda MX-5 Agility, manual shifter, fuel econ-
cumbersome infotainment
Miata Club omy, easy manual top, reliability.
system, access.

Fit and finish, quietness, braking,


Mazda3 Select Controls.
fuel economy.

Mazda6 Touring
Handling, ride. Relatively tight quarters.
(2.5L)

Mercedes-Benz Handling, braking, fit and finish, Ride, controls, hesitation off the
A220 (4MATIC) front-seat comfort. line, rear seat, wimpy AC, access.

Mercedes- Handling, fit and finish, front-


Benz CLA250 Ride, controls, rear seat, access.
(4MATIC) seat comfort.

Ride, handling, acceleration,


Mercedes-Benz
quietness, front-seat comfort, Controls including gear selector.
C300 (4MATIC)
fit and finish.

Mercedes-Benz Agility, braking, quietness, front- Controls, tight rear seat, rear
E350 (4MATIC) seat comfort, fit and finish. access.

Mercedes-Benz Haven’t evaluated 2021


GLA redesign yet.

Mercedes-Benz Handling, braking, acceleration,


Controls, low and flat rear seat.
GLB250 fuel economy, fit and finish.

Mercedes-Benz Ride, agility, fit and finish, front-


Controls, engine noise.
GLC300 seat comfort.

Mercedes-Benz Acceleration, quietness, seat


Controls.
GLE450 comfort, fit and finish.

Mercedes-Benz Powertrain, ride, quietness, seat


Controls.
GLS450 comfort, fit and finish.

161
Make & Model Highs Lows

Most comfortable riding car,


Reliability, fuel economy,
Mercedes-Benz quietness, acceleration,
complicated and distracting
S560 (4MATIC) braking, interior room, seat
controls.
comfort, fit and finish.

Mini Cooper Handling, braking, powertrain,


Ride, noise, controls.
Countryman S seat comfort, fit and finish.

Handling, fuel economy, manual Rear seat, some controls,


Mini Cooper S
shifter, engine sound. premium fuel.

Controls, agility, visibility, front-


Mitsubishi
Access, rear seat. seat comfort, acceleration,
Eclipse Cross SE
cargo space.
Fuel economy, turning circle, rela- Handling, noise, vibration, accel-
Mitsubishi
tively roomy rear seat, hatchback eration, feels cheap, no advanced
Mirage ES
versatility, feature content. safety features offered.
Mitsubishi Agility, acceleration, engine noise,
Standard third-row seat,
Outlander SEL unsettled ride, no A/C vents for
(4-cyl.) access, visibility.
rear passengers.

Mitsubishi
Maneuverability. Noise, outdated design.
Outlander Sport

Nissan Altima
Controls, fuel economy, reliability. Agility, ease of entry.
2.5 SV

Smooth and robust powertrain, Agility, unsettled ride, fuel


Nissan Armada
quietness, towing capacity, fit economy, NHTSA crash-test
Platinum
and finish. results.

Ride, tight rear seat, fuel


Nissan Frontier Acceleration.
economy.

Acceleration, fit and finish,


Nissan Kicks SV Fuel economy, controls, visibility.
front-seat comfort, agility.

Low running costs, no emissions, Charging times, range still


Nissan Leaf
quick and quiet acceleration, limited, driving position, lack
SL Plus
access. of agility.

Low running cost, quietness, no Charging times, short range,


Nissan Leaf SV
emissions, power delivery, access. driving position, lack of agility.

162 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2021


T HE 202 1 MODEL S
Make & Model Highs Lows

Ride, steering, engine noise,


Nissan Maxima Acceleration, controls, fit
access, snug driving position,
Platinum and finish.
visibility, rear-seat room.

Nissan Murano Plush interior, access, easy Visibility, overly light steering,
SL infotainment system. agility, towing capacity.

Nissan Handling, fuel economy, rear visi-


Roominess, controls, access.
Pathfinder SL bility, second-row thigh support.

Haven’t evaluated 2021


Nissan Rogue
redesign yet.

Nissan Rogue Access, fuel economy, controls, Acceleration, rear-seat comfort,


Sport SV reliability. rear visibility.

Unsupportive front seat, foot-


Nissan Sentra Ride, handling, controls, rear
operated parking brake, head-
SV seat, braking, fuel economy.
light performance.

Nissan Titan Acceleration, braking, roomy Reliability, ride, fit and finish,
SV (V8) cab, light tailgate. fuel economy.

Controls, fuel economy, standard


Nissan Versa SV advanced safety features for Ride, engine noise, seat comfort.
price.

Nissan Z Acceleration, handling, braking, Ride, noise, visibility, access, no


Touring fit and finish. advanced safety features offered.

Acceleration, handling, braking,


Porsche 718 Ride, noise, access, some controls,
fit and finish, quick convertible
Boxster Base visibility with closed top.
top that works on the move.

Porsche 718 Acceleration, handling, braking, Ride, noise, access, some


Cayman fit and finish. controls, visibility.

Porsche 911 Haven’t evaluated redesign yet.

Porsche Handling, quietness, fit and Controls, ride, uneven power


Cayenne Base finish, seat comfort, reliability. delivery.

Handling, powertrain, ride, quiet- Rear visibility, modest cargo


Porsche
ness, braking, front-seat comfort, area, controls, V6 engine’s fuel
Macan S
fit and finish, towing capacity. economy.

163
Make & Model Highs Lows

Porsche
Haven’t evaluated redesign yet.
Panamera

Haven’t evaluated new


Porsche Taycan
model yet.

Ram 1500 Big Ride, quietness, transmission,


Reliability, high step-in.
Horn (5.7L V8) cabin room, controls.

Ride, quietness, interior room,


Subaru Ascent
visibility, braking, controls, usable Agility.
Limited
third-row seat.
Ride, noise, access, vestigial rear
Subaru BRZ Driving fun, handling, braking,
seating, no advanced safety fea-
Premium fuel economy, reliability.
tures offered.
Subaru Ride, braking, fuel economy, Acceleration, engine noise,
Crosstrek
Hybrid Premium reliability. battery takes up cargo room.

Subaru Ride, braking, controls, fuel Acceleration, engine noise, driver’s


Crosstrek
Premium economy, reliability. seat short on lumbar support.

Subaru Forester Fuel economy, roomy interior,


Engine noise.
Premium great visibility, easy controls.

Subaru Impreza Ride, braking, fuel economy,


Front-seat comfort.
Premium relatively roomy interior, controls.

Subaru Legacy Ride, transmission, standard all- Some controls require


Premium wheel drive. multiple steps.

Ride, transmission, seat comfort,


Subaru Outback driving position, fit and finish, Some controls require
Limited XT integrated cross bars, standard multiple steps.
all-wheel drive.
Acceleration, cornering grip, Reliability, ride, constant engine
Subaru WRX
braking, four-door practicality, drone, stiff clutch, clunky shifter,
Premium
visibility. turbo lag.
Instant power, handling agility,
Tesla Model 3 Stiff ride, distracting controls, rear
front-seat comfort, low running
Long Range seat, long charging times.
costs, no emissions.

164 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2021


T HE 202 1 MODEL S
Make & Model Highs Lows

Acceleration, handling, luggage


Tesla Model S Long charge times, access, rear-
capacity, low running costs, no
Long Range seat comfort, visibility, controls.
emissions.
Acceleration, handling, front- Reliability, limited range, long
Tesla Model X
seat comfort, fit and finish, low charge times, fussy doors, ride,
Long Range
running costs, no emissions. wind noise, rear visibility, controls.

Haven’t evaluated new


Tesla Model Y
model yet.

Fuel economy, handling,


Toyota 4Runner Off-road ability, power-retractable
ride, driving position, fit and
SR5 rear window, reliability.
finish, access.
Ride, noise, access, vestigial
Driving fun, handling, braking,
Toyota 86 rear seating, no advanced safety
fuel economy, reliability.
features offered.

Toyota Avalon Fuel economy, ride, interior room, Low stance hurts getting in and
Hybrid XLE controls, trunk space, reliability. out, too easy to cancel DRL.

Slow acceleration, wind noise,


Toyota C-HR
Controls. rear visibility, rear access, unsup-
XLE
portive driver’s seat.

Toyota Camry Low stance hurts access, too


Fuel economy, ride, controls.
Hybrid LE easy to cancel DRL.

High-rpm engine noise, transmis-


Toyota Camry Fuel economy, braking, ride,
sion refinement, low stance hurts
LE (4-cyl.) controls.
access, too easy to cancel DRL.

Toyota Corolla Handling, fuel economy, controls,


Ride, engine noise, tight rear seat.
Hatchback SE braking, reliability.

Toyota Corolla Fuel economy, ride, controls,


Acceleration, rear seat, access.
Hybrid LE reliability.

Toyota Corolla Fuel economy, ride, controls,


Acceleration, rear seat, access.
LE reliability.

Toyota Fuel economy, ride, controls,


Highlander Agility, long stopping distances.
Hybrid XLE second-row seats.

Toyota Smooth engine, ride, controls,


Highlander XLE Agility.
(V6) second-row seats.

165
Make & Model Highs Lows

Ride, quietness, powertrain,


Toyota Land acceleration, fit and finish, front Fuel economy, agility, tight third-
Cruiser and 2nd row seat comfort, off- row seat.
road capability, towing capacity.
Only seats 4, clumsy handling,
Long range for an EV, relatively
limited hydrogen infrastructure,
Toyota Mirai quick fill-ups, ride, emits only
cargo space, too easy to turn
water vapor.
off DRL.
Rear visibility, acceleration, seat
Fuel economy, hatchback comfort, insubstantial for price,
Toyota Prius LE
versatility, ride, reliability. odd gear selector and gauges,
too easy to turn off DRL.
Fuel economy, no range anxiety, Complex infotainment screen,
Toyota Prius
ride, hatchback versatility, 4-seat only, no rear wiper, too
Prime Premium
reliability. easy to turn off DRL.

Toyota RAV4
Fuel economy. Ride, fit and finish.
Hybrid XLE

Toyota RAV4
Fuel economy. Engine noise, ride, fit and finish.
XLE (2.5L)

Powertrain, accommodations, Fuel economy, agility, braking,


Toyota Sequoia towing and off-road capability, unsettled ride, high step-in, long
Limited storage, power-retractable rear reach to some controls, too easy
window, reliability. to turn off DRL.

Haven’t evaluated 2021


Toyota Sienna
redesign yet.

Toyota Supra Acceleration, transmission,


Access, visibility, ride, noise.
Premium handling, braking.

Ride, handling, braking, noise,


Toyota Tacoma
Resale value, off-road capability. driving position, seat comfort, too
SR5 (V6)
easy to turn off DRL.
Ride, visibility, braking, fuel econ-
Toyota Tundra Powertrain, towing, low-effort
omy, no full-time 4WD, too easy
SR5 (5.7L V8) tailgate, reliability.
to turn off DRL.

Haven’t evaluated new


Toyota Venza
model yet.

166 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2021


T HE 202 1 MODEL S
Make & Model Highs Lows

Noise levels, infotainment


Toyota Yaris LE Fuel economy, agility, reliability. learning curve, tight rear seat,
wet braking.
Volkswagen Handling, braking, fit and finish,
Arteon SEL Engine noise.
(AWD) controls, hatchback versatility.

Accommodations, third-row seat,


Volkswagen Reliability, acceleration trails
nimbler than size suggests, ride,
Atlas SEL (V6) competition.
quietness, controls.
Volkswagen
Atlas Cross Interior room, access, controls. Too wide for tight spaces.
Sport SE (2.0T)
Ride, handling, quietness, brak-
Volkswagen
ing, easy infotainment system, Relatively pricey.
Golf
hatchback versatility.

Volkswagen GTI Agility, seat comfort, quiet cabin,


None.
Autobahn hatchback versatility.

Volkswagen Fuel economy, controls, relatively


Reliability, low dash vents.
Jetta SE roomy cabin.

Volkswagen
Controls, rear seat, visibility. Abrupt launch, on-limit handling.
Passat SE

Volkswagen Generous interior, easy controls,


Reliability, acceleration.
Tiguan SE access, visibility.

Volvo S60 Braking, quietness, front-seat


Ride, controls.
T5 Momentum comfort, fit and finish.

Volvo S90 T6 Reliability, ride comfort, coarse


Momentum Seat comfort, fit and finish.
(AWD) engine noise, unintuitive controls.

Volvo XC40 Interior ambiance, comfortable Stiff ride, controls, annoying gear
T5 Momentum front seats. selector, engine noise.

Volvo XC60 Seat comfort, fit and finish,


Stiff ride, maddening controls.
T5 Momentum braking.

Quietness, seat comfort, fit and


Volvo XC90 Reliability, stiff ride, unintuitive
finish, visibility, braking, high-
T6 Momentum controls.
beam headlights.

167
Rating the
2021 Models

Included here are ratings on 236 Survey results include predicted


vehicles that Consumer Reports has reliability, which is our forecast of how
recently tested. Within each category, well a new car will likely hold up based
they are ranked by their Overall Score. on its recent history from our Annual
To earn our Recommendation !, Auto Survey.
vehicles must do well in our Overall Owner satisfaction is the percentage
Score, which accounts for a vehicle’s of members who say they would def-
performance in our road tests; re- initely buy or lease their vehicle again.
sults from our reliability and owner Reliability and owner satisfaction
satisfaction surveys; availability of predictions for new or redesigned models
standard frontal crash-prevention sys- are based on the manufacturer’s his-
tems with forward collision warning tory, and the previous generation of the
(FCW), automatic emergency braking vehicle or similar models.
that operates at city (AEB city) and/ Our road-test score is based on results
or at highway speeds (AEB highway), a from more than 50 tests and evalua-
pedestrian detection system, and blind tions at our 327-acre test facility including
spot warning (BSW); and, if applicable, acceleration, braking, emergency hand-
safety tests that were conducted by ling, usability, fit and finish, noise, ride,
the government or the insurance industry. and safety systems.
Price as tested is the sticker price at Overall MPG is what a vehicle achieved
the time of purchase of our test vehicle, in CR’s own fuel-economy tests, com-
including typical equipment. prising a mix of city and highway driving.

168 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2021


Standout Models by Category

T HE 202 1 MODEL S
C A RS
Subcompact & Compact $14,000-$22,000
Best Overall: Subcompact
Honda Fit
Toyota Yaris (sedan)
Best Overall: Compact
Subaru Impreza
Toyota Corolla (including Hybrid)
Kia Soul
Hyundai Elantra GT
Honda Civic
Mazda3
Nissan Sentra
Volkswagen Golf
Toyota Corolla Hatchback
Fuel-Efficient
Honda Insight
Toyota Prius
Toyota Corolla
(sedan, hybrid, and hatchback)
Electric Cars/Plug-In Hybrids
Kia Niro EV
Toyota Prius Prime
Chevrolet Bolt
Hyundai Kona Electric

Midsized $22,000-$33,000
Best Overall
Subaru Legacy
Toyota Camry
Nissan Altima
Honda Accord
Mazda6
Hyundai Sonata
Fuel-Efficient
Toyota Camry (including Hybrid)
Honda Accord (including Hybrid)
Honda Clarity Plug-in Hybrid

Large $35,000-$45,000
Best Overall
Toyota Avalon Hybrid
Kia Cadenza
Nissan Maxima
Chrysler 300

169
C A RS Continued

Luxury Compact $35,000-$45,000


Best Overall
Audi A4
Volkswagen Arteon
Tesla Model 3
Genesis G70
Fun to Drive
Audi A4
Tesla Model 3

Luxury Midsized $40,000-$60,000


Best Overall
Lincoln MKZ
Lexus ES

Luxury Large $70,000-$110,000


Best Overall
BMW 750i
Tesla Model S
Genesis G90
Great Value
Genesis G90

Sports Cars $30,000-$60,000+


Best Overall
Porsche 718 Boxster
BMW M240i
Toyota Supra
Fun Coupes
Subaru BRZ
Toyota 86
Hyundai Veloster
Volkswagen GTI
Roadsters
Porsche 718 Boxster
Mazda MX-5 Miata

170 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2021


T HE 202 1 MODEL S
SU Vs
Subcompact & Compact $25,000-$38,000
Best Overall: Subcompact
Subaru Crosstrek
Hyundai Kona
Nissan Rogue Sport
Best Overall: Compact
Subaru Forester
Mazda CX-5
Honda CR-V
Toyota RAV4
Fuel-Efficient
Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid
Subaru Forester
Honda CR-V Hybrid
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
Sporty
Mazda CX-5

Midsized $37,000-$50,000
Best Overall (two-row)
Subaru Outback
Ford Edge
Hyundai Santa Fe
Nissan Murano
Best Overall (three-row)
Kia Telluride
Hyundai Palisade
Toyota Highlander (V6 and Hybrid)
Mazda CX-9
Subaru Ascent
Honda Pilot
Kia Sorento

Large $55,000-$75,000
Best Overall
Ford Expedition
Toyota Sequoia

171
SU Vs Continued

Luxury Compact $30,000-$50,000


Best Overall
Lexus NX
Lexus UX
Audi Q3
BMW X2
Volvo XC40
Infiniti QX50
Fuel-Efficient
Lexus NX 300h
Lexus UX 250h
Fun to Drive
Audi Q5
BMW X3
Porsche Macan

Luxury Midsized $50,000-$70,000


Best Overall (two-row)
Lexus RX
Audi E-Tron
Porsche Cayenne
Best Overall (three-row)
Lexus RX 350L
Lexus GX
Infiniti QX60
Fuel-Efficient
Lexus RX 450h
Sporty
Porsche Cayenne

Luxury Large $60,000-$90,000


Best Overall
Toyota Land Cruiser

P ICKUP TRUCK
$35,000-$50,000+
Best Compact Pickup
Honda Ridgeline
Ford Ranger

172 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2021


T HE 202 1 MODEL S
Make & Model Overall Price Survey Road-Test
Score Results Results

Overall mpg
satisfaction
Road-test
Predicted
reliability
As tested

Owner

score
Rec.

CARS: COMPACT ELECTRICS

0
! Hyundai Kona Electric Limited 83 $42,330 0
5 0
5 76 120 ⁄

0
! Kia Niro EV EX Premium 81 $47,270 0
4 0
5 81 112 ⁄

0 0 0
71 113 ⁄/
! BMW i3 Giga Rex $51,095 4 4 70
29 €
0
! Chevrolet Bolt Premier 70 $43,155 0
3 0
4 76 119 ⁄
Nissan Leaf SL Plus 68 $44,330 0
3 0
3 73 104 ⁄
Toyota Mirai 66 $58,335 0
4 0
4 61 67 ⁄
Nissan Leaf SV 61 $38,115 0
3 0
3 62 112 ⁄

CARS: COMPACT HYBRIDS AND PLUG-INS

0
! Toyota Prius LE 79 $27,323 0
5 0
5 75 52

0 0 0
79 133 ⁄/
! Toyota Prius Prime Premium $29,889 5 4 74
50 €
0
! Honda Insight EX 77 $24,955 0
4 0
4 73 54

0
! Toyota Corolla Hybrid LE 76 $24,129 0
5 0
4 69 48
Hyundai Ioniq SEL 71 $25,035 0
4 0
4 67 52
Kia Niro EX 63 $26,805 0
3 0
4 65 43

CARS: SMALL SEDANS

0
! Subaru Impreza Premium 79 $23,410 0
4 0
3 85 30

0
! Toyota Corolla LE 75 $23,530 0
5 0
4 68 33

0
! Nissan Sentra SV 73 $21,400 0
3 0
3 81 32

0
! Honda Civic LX 73 $20,275 0
3 0
4 76 32

0
! Honda Civic EX-T 72 $23,035 0
3 0
4 75 31

0
! Mazda3 Select 68 $24,115 0
3 0
3 75 30

0
! Kia Forte LXS 66 $20,165 0
3 0
3 67 34

0
! Toyota Yaris LE 65 $17,570 0
4 0
3 60 35
Hyundai Accent SEL 63 $18,435 0
3 0
2 64 33
Kia Rio S 59 $17,220 0
3 0
2 61 33
Nissan Versa SV 58 $18,980 0
3 0
3 61 32
Volkswagen Jetta SE 57 $23,325 0
2 0
3 78 34
⁄ Miles-per-gallon equivalent (MPGe). € Miles per gallon while running on gas engine.

1 2 3 4 5 ! 
WORSE BET TER RECOMMENDED 173
Make & Model Overall Price Survey Road-Test
Score Results Results

Overall mpg
satisfaction
Road-test
Predicted
reliability
As tested

Owner

score
Rec.

CARS: SMALL HATCHBACKS

0
! Kia Soul EX 81 $25,320 0
5 0
4 76 28

0
! Hyundai Elantra GT (2.0L) 81 $23,265 0
5 0
4 79 28

0
! Volkswagen Golf 79 $25,315 0
3 0
4 82 28

0
! Toyota Corolla Hatchback SE 76 $24,263 0
5 0
3 66 36

0
! Honda Fit EX 71 $19,025 0
4 0
3 67 33

Hyundai Venue SEL 63 $20,720 0


3 0
4 61 32

Nissan Kicks SV 61 $21,050 0


3 0
2 64 32

Toyota C-HR XLE 61 $23,892 0


3 0
1 64 29

Chevrolet Spark 1LT 48 $16,660 0


3 0
3 47 33

Mitsubishi Mirage ES 31 $16,050 0


3 0
2 29 37

Fiat 500L Pop 29 $24,595 0


1 0
1 50 27

CARS: MIDSIZED

0
! Subaru Legacy Premium 87 $27,609 0
4 0
4 89 28

0
! Toyota Camry Hybrid LE 86 $28,949 0
4 0
4 89 47

0
! Toyota Camry LE (4-cyl.) 84 $26,364 0
4 0
4 86 32

0
! Nissan Altima 2.5 SV 84 $29,330 0
5 0
3 81 31

0
! Honda Accord EX (1.5T) 82 $28,345 0
3 0
4 89 31

0
! Honda Accord Hybrid EX 82 $29,780 0
3 0
4 89 47

0
! Mazda6 Touring (2.5L) 80 $26,590 0
4 0
4 79 28

0 0 0
78 110 ⁄/
! Honda Clarity Plug-in $34,290 5 4 74
39 €
0
! Ford Fusion Titanium (2.0T) 73 $33,180 0
3 0
4 83 22

0
! Volkswagen Passat SE 73 $28,080 0
3 0
4 77 28

0
! Ford Fusion SE (1.5T) 72 $27,720 0
3 0
4 81 24

0
! Ford Fusion Hybrid SE 71 $28,290 0
3 0
4 80 39

Chevrolet Malibu LT (1.5T) 57 $26,790 0


2 0
2 80 29

174 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2021


T HE 202 1 MODEL S
Make & Model Overall Price Survey Road-Test
Score Results Results

Overall mpg
satisfaction
Road-test
Predicted
reliability
As tested

Owner

score
Rec.

CARS: LARGE

0
! Toyota Avalon Hybrid XLE 93 $38,643 0
5 0
4 93 42

0
! Kia Cadenza Technology 85 $36,945 0
4 0
2 91 24

0
! Nissan Maxima Platinum 80 $41,995 0
4 0
3 81 25

0
! Chrysler 300 C (V8) 79 $45,650 0
4 0
4 84 20

0
! Chrysler 300 Limited (V6) 78 $38,335 0
4 0
4 83 22

0
! Dodge Charger R/T Plus (V8) 73 $40,375 0
3 0
4 85 20

0
! Dodge Charger SXT (V6) 71 $34,510 0
3 0
4 82 22

CARS: LUXURY SMALL

0
! Audi A4 Premium Plus 87 $48,890 0
5 0
4 88 27

0
! Volkswagen Arteon SEL (AWD) 82 $43,475 0
3 0
4 91 24

0
! Genesis G70 Elite (2.0T, AWD) 82 $43,115 0
5 0
4 74 23

0
! Tesla Model 3 Long Range 80 $59,000 0
3 0
5 82 130 ⁄

0
! Mercedes-Benz C300 (4MATIC) 76 $47,560 0
3 0
3 85 26

0
! Audi A3 Premium 72 $31,495 0
4 0
3 77 27

Infiniti Q50 Luxe (AWD) 71 $48,775 0


2 0
2 85 22

Kia Stinger Premium (2.0T, AWD) 68 $40,400 0


3 0
5 75 23

Acura ILX Premium 64 $30,820 0


4 0
1 61 28

Buick Regal Essence (2.0T, AWD) 64 $39,715 0


2 0
4 87 23

Volvo S60 T5 Momentum 63 $47,110 0


2 0
4 71 26

BMW 330i xDrive 63 $52,995 0


1 0
3 86 29

0 0
Cadillac CT5 Luxury Premium 59 $53,250 2 4 78 24
(2.0T, AWD)
Mercedes-Benz CLA250 (4MATIC) 57 $44,390 0
2 0
3 65 27

Mercedes-Benz A220 (4MATIC) 56 $43,385 0


2 0
3 64 27

Jaguar XE Premium (25t AWD) 55 $47,378 0


2 0
2 69 25

Alfa Romeo Giulia Ti (AWD) 51 $48,890 0


1 0
4 70 27

⁄ Miles-per-gallon equivalent (MPGe). € Miles per gallon while running on gas engine.

1 2 3 4 5 ! 
WORSE BET TER RECOMMENDED 175
Make & Model Overall Price Survey Road-Test
Score Results Results

Overall mpg
satisfaction
Road-test
Predicted
reliability
As tested

Owner

score
Rec.

CARS: LUXURY MIDSIZED

0
! Lincoln MKZ (2.0T) 89 $41,990 0
4 0
4 88 23

0
! Lincoln MKZ Hybrid 89 $41,990 0
4 0
4 88 34

0
! Lexus GS350 87 $58,858 0
5 0
4 83 21

0
! Lexus ES350 87 $48,855 0
5 0
4 84 25

0 0 0
Lincoln Continental Reserve 80
! $55,590 3 4 83 20
(2.7T, AWD)

0
! Mercedes-Benz E350 (4MATIC) 78 $69,585 0
3 0
3 85 24

BMW 530i xDrive 73 $65,210 0


2 0
4 94 26

Acura RLX Tech 72 $55,345 0


3 0
3 75 23

Cadillac CT6 Luxury (3.6L, AWD) 70 $64,485 0


2 0
3 95 22

Audi A6 Premium Plus (2.0T) 64 $59,390 0


1 0
4 93 26

Volvo S90 T6 Momentum (AWD) 63 $61,855 0


2 0
3 73 23

Jaguar XF Prestige (V6, AWD) 59 $66,586 0


2 0
3 83 21

Maserati Ghibli S Q4 51 $89,010 0


1 0
2 71 19

CARS: ULTRA LUXURY

0
! BMW 750i xDrive 86 $110,645 0
3 0
4 99 21

0
! Tesla Model S Long Range 83 $100,200 0
3 0
5 97 102 ⁄

0
! Genesis G90 Premium (3.3T, AWD) 82 $71,550 0
3 0
5 89 18

Mercedes-Benz S560 (4MATIC) 74 $114,475 0


2 0
4 96 18

Audi A8 3.0T 66 $97,595 0


1 0
4 96 21

Lexus LS500 (AWD) 52 $103,899 0


1 0
2 72 20

SPORTS CARS

0
! Porsche 718 Boxster Base 88 $69,790 0
4 0
4 95 26

0
! BMW M240i 87 $50,400 0
3 0
4 98 25

0
! Mazda MX-5 Miata Club 86 $29,905 0
5 0
5 80 34

0
! Subaru BRZ Premium 82 $27,117 0
5 0
5 79 30

176 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2021


T HE 202 1 MODEL S
Make & Model Overall Price Survey Road-Test
Score Results Results

Overall mpg
satisfaction
Road-test
Predicted
reliability
As tested

Owner

score
Rec.

SPORTS CARS Continued

0
! Toyota 86 81 $25,025 0
5 0
5 78 30

0
! Toyota Supra Premium 80 $56,115 0
3 0
5 91 27

0
! Volkswagen GTI Autobahn 80 $31,730 0
3 0
4 82 29

0
! Hyundai Veloster Turbo R-Spec 80 $23,785 0
4 0
5 83 29

0
! Mini Cooper S 79 $29,945 0
4 0
3 80 30

0
! Audi TT 2.0T 78 $50,600 0
4 0
4 84 26

0
! BMW Z4 sDrive 30i 76 $59,195 0
3 0
5 86 29

0
! Dodge Challenger R/T Plus (V8) 72 $40,860 0
5 0
5 70 20

0
! Ford Mustang GT Premium (V8) 72 $43,295 0
3 0
5 84 19

0
! Nissan Z Touring 69 $38,565 0
3 0
3 81 23

0
! Ford Mustang Premium (2.3T) 66 $33,080 0
3 0
5 76 25

Fiat 124 Lusso 64 $29,985 0


2 0
3 76 31

Subaru WRX Premium 61 $29,742 0


2 0
3 75 26

Chevrolet Camaro SS (V8) 53 $47,020 0


1 0
5 85 20

MINIVANS

Kia Sedona EX 67 $34,795 0


3 0
3 70 20

Honda Odyssey EX-L 61 $40,300 0


2 0
3 85 22

0 0
61 84 ⁄/
Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Platinum $48,380 1 3 88
27 €
Chrysler Pacifica Touring L 59 $38,245 0
1 0
3 85 21

SUVs: SMALL

0
! Subaru Crosstrek Premium 85 $25,905 0
5 0
4 87 29

0
! Subaru Forester Premium 84 $29,341 0
3 0
5 90 28

0
! Mazda CX-5 Touring 84 $29,530 0
5 0
4 80 24

0 0 0
90 ⁄/
! Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid Premium 82 $36,685 5 4 82
33 €
⁄ Miles-per-gallon equivalent (MPGe). € Miles per gallon while running on gas engine.

1 2 3 4 5 ! 
WORSE BET TER RECOMMENDED 177
Make & Model Overall Price Survey Road-Test
Score Results Results

Overall mpg
satisfaction
Road-test
Predicted
reliability
As tested

Owner

score
Rec.

SUVs: SMALL Continued

0
! Hyundai Kona SEL (2.0L) 78 $25,025 0
5 0
4 71 26

0
! Nissan Rogue Sport SV 78 $25,655 0
5 0
2 72 26

0
! Honda CR-V EX 77 $28,935 0
3 0
4 82 28

0
! Chevrolet Equinox LT (1.5T) 76 $33,730 0
4 0
3 78 25

0
! Honda CR-V Hybrid EX 75 $31,380 0
3 0
4 80 35

0
! Kia Sportage LX (2.4L) 75 $26,720 0
3 0
3 78 23

0
! Toyota RAV4 Hybrid XLE 75 $34,193 0
3 0
3 76 37

0
! Mazda CX-3 Touring 73 $25,800 0
5 0
1 64 28

0
! Toyota RAV4 XLE (2.5L) 72 $32,109 0
3 0
3 72 27

GMC Terrain SLE (2.0T) 69 $36,950 0


4 0
3 67 22

Kia Seltos S (2.0L) 68 $24,820 0


3 0
4 72 28

Ford EcoSport SES (2.0L) 68 $28,130 0


5 0
2 61 24

Hyundai Tucson SE (2.0L) 68 $25,920 0


3 0
2 76 24

Ford Escape Hybrid Sport 67 $34,740 0


2 0
4 82 34

Hyundai Tucson SEL (2.4L) 67 $28,530 0


3 0
2 75 22

Honda HR-V LX 66 $22,045 0


4 0
2 66 29

Ford Escape SE (1.5T) 62 $32,600 0


2 0
4 73 26

Mazda CX-30 Preferred 61 $28,645 0


3 0
3 64 27

Volkswagen Tiguan SE 61 $31,645 0


1 0
3 84 25

Mitsubishi Outlander SEL (4-cyl.) 54 $28,405 0


3 0
2 59 24

Chevrolet Trax LT 53 $25,560 0


3 0
1 55 25

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross SE 52 $28,470 0


3 0
2 57 24

Jeep Cherokee Limited (2.0T) 52 $37,655 0


2 0
2 68 23

Jeep Compass Latitude 51 $30,870 0


3 0
1 56 24

Jeep Renegade Latitude 48 $27,525 0


2 0
1 56 24

Fiat 500X Pop 35 $26,600 0


1 0
1 50 23

178 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2021


T HE 202 1 MODEL S
Make & Model Overall Price Survey Road-Test
Score Results Results

Overall mpg
satisfaction
Road-test
Predicted
reliability
As tested

Owner

score
Rec.

SUVs: MIDSIZED (2-ROW)

0
! Subaru Outback Limited XT 87 $39,572 0
4 0
4 91 24

0
! Ford Edge SEL (2.0T) 79 $42,610 0
3 0
3 84 22

0
! Hyundai Santa Fe Limited (2.0T) 78 $37,200 0
3 0
5 80 21

0
! Nissan Murano SL 75 $42,065 0
4 0
3 77 21
Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited (V6) 70 $41,375 0
3 0
4 80 18
Chevrolet Blazer Leather (V6) 68 $43,290 0
2 0
5 83 19
Toyota 4Runner SR5 65 $37,425 0
5 0
4 55 18
Honda Passport EX-L 59 $39,937 0
1 0
4 79 21
Jeep Wrangler Sahara (4-door) 28 $48,400 0
1 0
4 36 18

SUVs: MIDSIZED (3-ROW)

0
! Kia Telluride EX 92 $40,855 0
4 0
5 97 21

0
! Hyundai Palisade SEL 87 $43,415 0
4 0
5 88 21

0
! Toyota Highlander XLE (V6) 86 $42,843 0
4 0
4 86 22

0
! Mazda CX-9 Touring 86 $40,470 0
5 0
4 80 22

0
! Toyota Highlander Hybrid XLE 85 $44,463 0
4 0
4 84 35

0
! Subaru Ascent Limited 82 $43,867 0
3 0
5 93 22

0
! Honda Pilot EX-L 75 $40,655 0
3 0
3 80 20

0
! Kia Sorento EX (V6) 74 $41,925 0
4 0
3 78 22
Ford Explorer XLT (2.3T) 69 $49,940 0
2 0
4 78 21
Nissan Pathfinder SL 68 $40,470 0
3 0
1 72 18
Chevrolet Traverse Premier 65 $49,945 0
1 0
4 95 20
Dodge Durango GT (V6) 63 $43,525 0
2 0
4 83 18
Volkswagen Atlas SEL (V6) 61 $44,165 0
1 0
3 84 20

SUVs: LARGE

0
! Toyota Sequoia Limited 73 $54,005 0
5 0
4 60 15

0
! Ford Expedition MAX Limited 73 $75,430 0
3 0
5 73 16
Nissan Armada Platinum 63 $63,020 0
3 0
3 69 14

1 2 3 4 5 ! 
WORSE BET TER RECOMMENDED 179
Make & Model Overall Price Survey Road-Test
Score Results Results

Overall mpg
satisfaction
Road-test
Predicted
reliability
As tested

Owner

score
Rec.

SUVs: LUXURY SMALL

0
! Porsche Macan S 82 $63,290 0
4 0
4 84 19

0
! Lexus NX300 80 $43,284 0
5 0
2 74 24

0
! Lexus UX250h 80 $37,740 0
5 0
4 71 37

0
! BMW X3 xDrive30i 78 $53,745 0
3 0
4 92 24

0
! Lexus NX300h 78 $51,224 0
5 0
2 71 29

0
! Infiniti QX50 Essential 75 $51,380 0
3 0
2 77 22

0
! Audi Q5 Premium Plus 74 $51,570 0
3 0
4 83 24

0
! BMW X2 xDrive28i 74 $45,895 0
4 0
1 77 25

0
! Mercedes-Benz GLC300 72 $50,280 0
3 0
2 79 22

0
! Volvo XC40 T5 Momentum 73 $41,510 0
4 0
5 71 24

0
! BMW X1 xDrive28i 72 $44,745 0
4 0
1 74 26

0
! Volvo XC60 T5 Momentum 71 $50,040 0
3 0
3 79 23

0
! Buick Encore Preferred 71 $30,555 0
4 0
2 69 23

Mini Cooper Countryman S 69 $39,535 0


2 0
4 82 25

Mercedes-Benz GLB250 68 $47,435 0


2 0
3 81 26

Lincoln Corsair Reserve (2.0T) 67 $50,870 0


2 0
4 82 23

Alfa Romeo Stelvio Ti 67 $52,040 0


3 0
3 74 24

Buick Envision Premium 65 $45,380 0


3 0
2 69 21

Buick Encore GX Select (1.3T) 63 $33,145 0


3 0
3 67 26

Acura RDX Tech 61 $43,995 0


1 0
3 82 22

Jaguar E-Pace S 55 $48,070 0


2 0
2 69 21

Jaguar F-Pace Prestige 54 $53,895 0


2 0
2 72 20

Land Rover Range Rover Velar S 54 $59,503 0


1 0
2 76 21

Cadillac XT4 Premium Luxury 52 $49,430 0


1 0
3 78 23

0 0
Land Rover Range Rover 45 $56,997 1 3 58 20
Evoque SE

180 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2021


T HE 202 1 MODEL S
Make & Model Overall Price Survey Road-Test
Score Results Results

Overall mpg
satisfaction
Road-test
Predicted
reliability
As tested

Owner

score
Rec.

SUVs: LUXURY MIDSIZED (2-ROW)

0
! Porsche Cayenne Base 88 $79,280 0
5 0
4 87 21

0
! Lexus RX450h 82 $57,565 0
4 0
4 80 29

0
! Audi E-Tron Premium Plus 81 $80,450 0
4 0
5 84 74 ⁄

0
! Lexus RX350 80 $51,630 0
4 0
4 77 22

BMW X5 xDrive40i 72 $68,730 0


1 0
5 98 23

Mercedes-Benz GLE450 69 $75,090 0


2 0
4 80 20

Cadillac XT5 Luxury 64 $51,025 0


2 0
3 76 20

Lincoln Nautilus Reserve (2.7T) 63 $54,945 0


1 0
4 84 18

Jaguar I-Pace HSE 61 $86,841 0


2 0
5 76 76 ⁄

Land Rover Discovery Sport SE 44 $49,895 0


1 0
1 58 21

SUVs: LUXURY MIDSIZED (3-ROW)

0
! Lexus RX350L 81 $56,518 0
4 0
4 80 20

0
! Lexus GX460 Premium 79 $58,428 0
5 0
3 70 17

0
! Infiniti QX60 Luxe 78 $51,920 0
4 0
1 79 19

0
! Buick Enclave Premium 76 $55,680 0
3 0
4 87 18

Lincoln Aviator Reserve (3.0T) 72 $64,920 0


2 0
4 82 19

Audi Q7 Premium Plus 72 $71,010 0


2 0
4 92 20

GMC Acadia Denali 70 $51,585 0


3 0
3 83 19

Volvo XC90 T6 Momentum 63 $56,805 0


1 0
4 84 20

Acura MDX Tech 58 $51,410 0


1 0
2 80 21

Tesla Model X Long Range 57 $109,200 0


1 0
5 77 87 ⁄

Cadillac XT6 Premium Luxury 56 $62,515 0


1 0
3 82 18

0 0
Land Rover Range Rover Sport 54 $74,040 1 4 72 18
HSE (3.0L)
Land Rover Discovery HSE 51 $69,260 0
1 0
2 71 17

⁄ Miles-per-gallon equivalent (MPGe).

1 2 3 4 5 ! 
WORSE BET TER RECOMMENDED 181
Make & Model Overall Price Survey Road-Test
Score Results Results

Overall mpg
satisfaction
Road-test
Predicted
reliability
As tested

Owner

score
Rec.

SUVs: LUXURY LARGE

0
! Toyota Land Cruiser 74 $84,820 0
4 0
4 68 14

Mercedes-Benz GLS450 71 $89,030 0


2 0
4 86 20

BMW X7 xDrive40i 70 $84,095 0


1 0
5 94 22

Infiniti QX80 Luxe 67 $63,395 0


3 0
2 68 15

Lincoln Navigator Select 65 $86,480 0


3 0
5 65 16

0 0
Land Rover Range Rover HSE 54 $88,545 1 3 78 17
(3.0L)
PICKUP TRUCKS: COMPACT

0
! Honda Ridgeline RTL 76 $36,480 0
3 0
4 83 20

0
! Ford Ranger XLT 65 $40,355 0
4 0
4 55 20

Toyota Tacoma SR5 (V6) 47 $34,364 0


3 0
3 42 19

Jeep Gladiator Sport 46 $46,405 0


2 0
4 52 18

Chevrolet Colorado LT (V6) 37 $34,300 0


1 0
2 61 18

GMC Canyon SLE (V6) 37 $35,835 0


1 0
2 61 18

Chevrolet Colorado LT (diesel) 36 $39,295 0


1 0
2 60 24

GMC Canyon SLE (diesel) 36 $40,895 0


1 0
2 60 24

PICKUP TRUCKS: FULL-SIZED

Toyota Tundra SR5 (5.7L V8) 62 $44,245 0


4 0
4 59 15

Ram 1500 Big Horn (5.7L V8) 58 $53,120 0


1 0
4 83 17

Nissan Titan SV (V8) 58 $44,370 0


2 0
2 70 16

Ford F-150 XLT (2.7T) 57 $52,535 0


1 0
4 74 19

0 0
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT 55 $53,655 1 4 78 23
(diesel)
GMC Sierra 1500 SLE (diesel) 55 $55,100 0
1 0
4 78 23

0 0
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT 55 $50,225 1 4 78 17
(5.3L V8)
GMC Sierra 1500 SLE (5.3L V8) 55 $52,100 0
1 0
4 78 17

182 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2021


Best and Worst
Used Cars

Need new wheels but don’t want down and soaking you in repair bills.
to spend a fortune? Buying used is a In the Reliable list, each model per-
good way to get the biggest bang for formed well in our road tests when it was
your buck. It’s simple: After one year new and had above-average reliability
a new car has likely depreciated more for the model years shown. In addition,
than 20 percent off of its sticker price; each offered electronic stability control
after three years, it may be worth barely (ESC) as a standard feature.
half its sticker price. In addition to the cars we recommend,
But picking out a good used car we also included lists of used cars that
from the sea of bad ones has never been proved to be particularly troublesome—
easy. You want a vehicle that’s reliable, and that you should avoid considering.
affordable, and equipped with modern Even for the used cars that we recom-
safety features. You also want to make mend, there can be stinkers—because of a
sure it’s been maintained properly, and bad day at the factory or a former owner
that it hasn’t been in a crash. who didn’t care much for car maintenance
The process can feel overwhelming, but and ended up neglecting the car. That’s
it doesn’t have to be. We’ve created this why you should pay for a thorough inspec-
handy guide to help you find the small tion by a certified mechanic before you
cars, sedans, and SUVs that are most likely sign on the dotted line, so there are no sur-
to fulfill your needs without breaking prises down the road.

BUYING GUIDE 2021 CONSUMER REPORTS 183


Best of the Best Used Cars

UNDER $10,000 COMPACT CARS


Toyota Corolla 2015-17
COMPACT CARS The Corolla’s dependable, fuel-efficient
Mazda3 2011-14 transportation is its strength. There’s
Nissan Leaf 2011-13, ‘15 noting flashy, but the interior is comfort-
The Mazda is a fun to drive and reliable able and roomy. ESC and curtain
option, with nimble handling, but a ride airbags are standard.
that is firm. ESC was standard in 2011.
The Leaf is a very affordable electric vehi- MIDSIZED CARS
cle, with a typical range of 75 miles. Acura TSX 2012-13
Toyota Camry 2013-15
MIDSIZED CARS You can stick to your budget and still
Mazda6 2010 get a reliable premium car if you choose
Mazda’s midsized sedan is a sporty four- the slick-handling TSX. The Camry is
door, with nimble handling, good steering a solid choice because of its outstanding
feel, and a supple ride. Reliability is reliability, strong value, and fuel-
excel-lent and the four-cylinder engine efficient powertrains.
is fuel-efficient. ESC is standard.
SMALL SUVS
Toyota RAV4 2012-14
$10,000–15,000
The RAV4 is available with fuel-efficient
SUBCOMPACT CARS four- and six-cylinder engines. It’s great for
Honda Fit 2016-17 urban and suburban families, with nimble
Although it’s a bit noisy, the Fit is reliable, and secure handling.
fuel-efficient transportation, and a flexible
interior makes it a practical choice.

Honda Fit

184 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2021


Toyota Prius

USED C A RS
MIDSIZED SUVS WAGONS
Acura RDX 2013 Toyota Venza 2015
The RDX has a host of standard safety Part wagon, part SUV, the Venza has a quiet
features, including ESC, and side and head- interior, a roomy rear seat, and a gener-
protection airbags. The SUV is agile, but ous cargo area. Handling is secure, though
has a stiff ride. But reliability is very good. not sporty. Reliability is rock-solid.

SMALL & MIDSIZED SUVS


$15,000–20,000
Nissan Rogue Sport 2017-19
COMPACT CARS Toyota 4Runner 2010-12
BMW i3 2017 The Nissan’s four-cylinder engine is rela-
Toyota Prius 2016-17 tively fuel-efficient. It’s great for families
The i3 is a four-seat EV that’s best for and its nimble, secure handling is a plus.
urban use. An optional gas engine On the other hand, the 4Runner is a
expands its range from 70 to 150 miles. serious off-roader with a well-finished and
The Prius proves that you don’t have quiet interior, smooth V6 or V8 engine,
to give up space or ride comfort to get and an available third-row seat.
stellar gas mileage—its 44 mpg overall
is better than any non-plug-in vehicle. $20,000–25,000

MIDSIZED & LARGE CARS SEDANS


Chevrolet Impala 2018-19 Toyota Avalon 2017-18
Lexus CT 200h 2015 Lexus LS 2013
Consider the Impala a steal. Its roomy For less than the price of a new sedan,
interior, responsive handling, plush ride, you can buy one of these slightly older
and easy-to-use controls make it a models. The Avalon features a generously
standout choice. The Lexus CT is based sized cabin, luxury features, and an
on the Prius, but with a nicer interior available hybrid powertrain for a non-
and more responsive handling. Reliability luxury price. The LS is a competent
is excellent, but the car has a small rear cruiser that floats over bumps and ruts.
seat and cargo area. It’s supremely comfortable, emphasiz-
ing quietness and luxury over sportiness.

185
WAGONS designed for serious off-roading or haul-
Toyota Prius V 2017 ing, and its fuel economy isn’t better
Volvo XC70 2016 than larger trucks, but if you don’t need to
Longer and more versatile than a standard tow more than 5,000 pounds, consid-
Prius, the V still returns excellent fuel er buying the Ridgeline.
economy despite its extra weight and
larger size. This efficient hybrid takes $25,000–30,000
the best attributes of the Prius, but adds
MIDSIZED & LARGE CARS
a roomier rear seat and expanded cargo
Lexus ES 2017
capability. The Volvo is very comfortable,
Lexus GS 2016
relatively enjoyable to drive, and has a
raised ride height for use on gravel roads. The ES is based on the reliable Toyota
Camry and adds luxury appointments,
SMALL & MIDSIZED SUVS road-trip-worthy front seats, and a quiet
Mazda CX-5 2018-19 cabin. The GS is a true sports sedan yet has
Toyota Highlander 2015-16 a supple ride. Its roomy, comfortable,
Mazda’s small SUV is one of the sportier and luxurious cabin is an excellent place
offerings. It has taut, agile handling and to spend time as the miles tick by.
well-weighted steering, although the ride is
MIDSIZED & LARGE SUVs
choppy and the cabin gets loud. Reliabil-
Lexus RX 2016
ity is very good. The Highlander is a roomy
three-row SUV available with four-and The RX offers a cabin that is quiet, com-
six-cylinder gas engines as well as V6- fortable, and luxurious; fuel-efficient
powered hybrid version. It has a quiet gas and hybrid powertrains, and a plush
interior, room for seven, straightforward ride. Reliability is stellar.
controls, and top-notch reliability. PICKUPS
PICKUPS Toyota Tundra 2018
Honda Ridgeline 2014 Among full-sized pickups, the Tundra is a
It might not look as rugged as some trucks, reliable option. There’s plenty of power
but the Ridgeline is an excellent alternative from the V8 engine, off-road prowess and
to a traditional pickup truck. It has a car- towing capability are impressive, and
like ride, an innovative composite cargo fuel economy is competitive. The damped
bed, a lockable weatherproof trunk under tailgate is a nice convenience feature.
the bed, and a powerful V6. It isn’t

Toyota
Tundra

186 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2021


USED C A RS
Used Cars
to Avoid

Acura MDX ‘16-19; Suburban ‘15-16; Honda HR-V Mitsubishi


RDX ‘19; TLX ‘16 Tahoe ‘15-16; ‘19; Odyssey ‘18; Outlander ‘18;
Alfa Romeo Traverse ‘10-11, Passport ‘19 Outlander Sport
Giulia ‘17 ‘13, ‘15, ‘18-19; Hyundai Genesis ‘18
Trax ‘15-16 ‘10; Santa Fe ‘13; Nissan Leaf ‘18;
Audi A4 ‘10-11, ‘16;
A5 ‘12; A6 ‘18-19; Chrysler 200 ‘11, Sonata ‘11-12, ‘18; Pathfinder ‘13-16;
A8 ‘15; Q5 ‘13; Q7 ‘15; Pacifica ‘17-18; Tucson ‘16-17 Sentra ‘13; Titan
‘15, ‘17; Q8 ‘19 Town & Country Infiniti Q50 ‘15, ‘17; ‘17; Versa Note ‘14
‘10-11; QX60 ‘14-16 Porsche Cayenne
BMW 3 Series
‘10-11, ‘19; 5 Series Dodge Durango Jeep Cherokee ‘14, ‘16-17
‘11-14, ‘17-18; X1 ‘13; ‘13, ‘18; Grand ‘14-17, ‘19; Ram 1500 ‘15, ‘19;
X3 ‘11-13, ‘15, ‘18; Caravan ‘10-11; Compass ‘18; 2500 ‘14-17; 3500
X5 ‘11-14, ‘19 Journey ‘12 Grand Cherokee ‘17-18
Fiat 500 ‘12-13 ‘11, ‘13-14; Liberty Scion FR-S ‘13
Buick Enclave ‘12; Patriot ‘14;
‘10-13; Encore Ford Expedition Subaru BRZ ‘13;
‘10, ‘16; Explorer ‘ Renegade ‘15-16,
‘14-15. Envision ‘18; Wrangler ‘10, Impreza ‘10, ‘13;
‘17; LaCrosse ‘10; 13-14, ‘16-17, ‘19; XV Crosstrek ‘13
F-150 ‘15, ‘17-19; ‘12-14, ‘16, ‘18-19;
Regal ‘11 Wrangler JK ‘18 Tesla Model X
F-250 ‘19; F-350
Cadillac ATS ‘16; ‘16; Fiesta ‘11-12, ‘14; Kia Forte ‘14, ‘17; ‘16-18
CT6 ‘17; CTS ‘17; Flex ‘14; Focus ‘12- Niro ‘19; Optima Toyota C-HR ‘18;
Escalade ‘16; SRX 18; Mustang ‘12; Sportage ‘13 Tacoma ‘18
‘10-12, ‘14; XT4 ‘19; ‘15-16; Taurus ‘16
XT5 ‘17; XTS ‘13-14 Lexus LS ‘18 Volkswagen Atlas
Genesis G90 ‘18 Lincoln Nautlius ‘19 ‘18-19; Beetle
Chevrolet ‘14-15; GTI ‘12, ‘15;
Camaro ‘17-18; GMC Acadia Mazda CX-3 ‘16
‘10-15; Jetta ‘13; Jetta
Colorado ‘17-19; Mercedes-Benz SportWagen ‘11;
Corvette ‘18; Canyon ‘17-19;
Sierra 1500 ‘17, ‘19; C-Class ‘15; GLC Tiguan ‘12-13, ‘16,
Cruze ‘11-15; ‘16; M-Class ‘11; ‘18-19
Equinox ‘10- Sierra 1500
Limited ‘19; S-Class ‘18 Volvo S60 ‘13-14;
11; Impala ‘10;
Malibu ‘11, ‘13, Terrain ‘10-11; Mini Cooper V60 ‘15; XC60 ‘15,
‘16, ‘18; Silverado Yukon ‘15-16; ‘10-12; Cooper ‘19; XC90 ‘16-19
1500 ‘17, ‘19; Yukon XL ‘15-16 Clubman ‘10-12;
Silverado 1500 Cooper
LD ‘19; Sonic ‘13; Countryman
‘12, ‘19

187
Reliable Used Cars for Every Budget
These are the most reliable 2010 to the most up-to-date safety features, that
2019 models available, according to your budget allows, electronic stability con-
our Annual Auto Survey. The list on these trol (ESC)—an important safety feature—
pages shows vehicles in five price cate- is standard equipment for the model years
gories, ranging from $5,000 to$30,000. that are listed.
Each vehicle tested well when new and Models highlighted in dark gray have
has had above-average reliability. multiple years of much-better-than-average
To help you buy the newest vehicle, with reliability, according to our survey.

Prices
Make & Model $5K- $10K- $15K- $20K- $25K-
$10K $15K $20K $25K $30K
CARS: SUBCOMPACT
Honda Fit ‘11-13 ‘16-17 ‘18-19 - -
Nissan Versa Note ‘15-16 - - - -
Toyota Prius C ‘12-14 ‘15-16 - - -
Toyota Yaris ‘10 - - - -
Toyota Yaris iA - ‘17 - - -
CARS: COMPACT
Chevrolet Volt ‘12 ‘14 ‘16 - -
Ford C-Max - ‘17 ‘18 - –
Honda Civic ‘11, ‘12 ‘13-15 – – –
Honda Insight ‘10* – ‘19 – –
Hyundai Elantra ‘14 ‘17 ‘19 – –
Hyundai Elantra GT – – ‘18 – –
Hyundai Ioniq – – ‘18 ‘19 –
Kia Forte ‘10 ‘16 – – –
Kia Niro – – ‘17 ‘18 –
Kia Soul ‘10-11,’13 ‘15, ’17 ‘18-19 – –
Mazda3 ‘11-14 ‘15-16 ‘17-18 – –
Mini Cooper Clubman – – ‘16 ‘18 ‘19
Nissan Leaf ‘11-13,’15 ‘16-17 – – –
Scion xB ‘12 ‘15 – – –
Subaru Impreza – ‘16 ‘18-19 – –
Toyota Corolla ‘10-14 ‘15-17 ‘18 – –
Toyota Matrix ‘10 – – – –
Toyota Prius ‘10-12 ‘13-15 ‘16-17 ‘18-19 –
Toyota Prius Prime – – – ‘17-18 ‘19
Volkswagen Jetta – ‘16 ‘18 – –

188 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2021


USED C A RS
Prices
Make & Model $5K- $10K- $15K- $20K- $25K-
$10K $15K $20K $25K $30K
CARS: MIDSIZED AND LARGE
Chevrolet Impala – ‘14-15 ‘18-19 – –
Chevrolet Malibu ‘12 ‘15 – – –
Ford Fusion ‘12 ‘16 – – –
Ford Taurus ‘11 ‘13-14 ‘15 – –
Honda Accord ‘10-12 ‘13-14 ‘15-17 – –
Hyundai Azera ‘12-13 ‘14 – – –
Hyundai Sonata – ‘15 ‘16 – –
Kia Optima – ‘15 – ‘19 –
Mazda6 ‘10 ‘15 ‘16-18 – –
Nissan Altima ‘11-12 – ‘17 ‘19 –
Nissan Maxima ‘10-11 ‘14 ‘16 ‘17 –
Subaru Legacy ‘11-12 ‘13-14 ‘16-17 ‘19 –
Toyota Avalon ‘10-11 ‘12-14 ‘15-16 ‘17-18 ‘19
Toyota Camry ‘10-12 ‘13-15 ‘16-17 ‘18-19 –
Volkswagen Passat – ‘16 ‘17-18 – –
CARS: LUXURY
Acura TL ‘10 ‘12-13 ‘14 – –
Acura TSX ‘10-11 ‘12-13 – – –
Audi A4 – – – ‘17 ‘18-19
BMW i3 – ‘14-15 ‘17 – –
BMW 3 Series – – – ‘16-17 ‘18
Buick LaCrosse – ‘15 ‘16 – –
Buick Regal – ‘15 ‘16 – –
Buick Verano ‘13 ‘14 – – –
Genesis G80 – – – – ‘17
Hyundai Genesis ‘11 ‘13 – ‘16 –
Infiniti G ‘10-12 ‘13 – – –
Infiniti M/Q70 – ‘11-12 – ‘15 –
Lexus CT 200h ‘11 ‘12-13 ‘15 – –
Lexus ES ‘10 ‘11-13 ‘14-15 ‘16 ‘17
Lexus GS – – ‘13 ‘14-15 ‘16
Lexus HS Hybrid ‘10 – – – –
Lexus IS – ‘10-12 ‘14 ‘15-16 ‘17
Lexus LS – ‘10 ‘11-12 ‘13 ‘14
Lincoln MKZ ‘11-12 – ‘16 ‘17-18 ‘19
Mercedes-Benz C-Class – ‘13-14 – ‘16 –
Mercedes-Benz E-Class – ‘10,’12 ‘14-15 ‘16 –
Volvo S60 – – – ‘17-18 –

189
Prices
Make & Model $5K- $10K- $15K- $20K- $25K-
$10K $15K $20K $25K $30K
SPORTS CARS/CONVERTIBLES
Audi A5 – ‘13-14 ‘15 ‘16 –
BMW 2 Series – – – ‘16 –
BMW 4 Series – – – ‘16 ‘18
Chevrolet Camaro – ‘10 ‘15 – –
Ford Mustang – ‘11-12 – – –
Mazda MX-5 Miata – ‘12-14 ‘15-17 ‘18-19 –
Mini Cooper – – ‘16 ‘18-19 –
Porsche Boxster – – – – ‘13-14
Subaru BRZ – – – ‘17 –
Toyota 86 – – – ‘17 –
WAGONS AND MINIVANS
Honda Accord Crosstour ‘10 – – – –
Honda Crosstour – ‘12 – – –
Honda Odyssey – – ‘15 ‘16 –
Kia Sedona ‘12 – ‘16 ‘17 –
Mazda5 ‘13-14 ‘15 – – –
Subaru Outback ‘11 ‘14 ‘16 ‘17 ‘19
Toyota Prius V – ‘12-14 ‘15-16 ‘17 –
Toyota Sienna ‘10-11 ‘12-13 ‘15-16 ‘18 ‘19
Toyota Venza ‘10 ‘11-14 ‘15 – –
Volvo XC70 – ‘12-13 ‘15 ‘16 –
SUVs: SMALL
Audi Q3 – – – ‘16 ‘17-18
Ford Escape – ‘15 ‘18 ‘19 –
Honda CR-V ‘10-11 ‘12-14 ‘15-16 ‘19 –
Honda Element ‘10 ‘11 – – –
Honda HR-V – – ‘16-18 – –
Hyundai Kona – – ‘18 ‘19 –
Hyundai Tucson ‘11,’13 ‘14-15 – ‘19 –
Kia Sportage – ‘15 ‘18 – –
Mazda CX-3 – – ‘17-18 – –
Mazda CX-5 – ‘13-15 ‘16-17 ‘18-19 –
Nissan Rogue ‘13 – ‘17-18 – –
Nissan Rogue Sport – – ‘17-19 – –
Subaru Forester – – ‘16 ‘18 –

190 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2021


USED C A RS
Prices
Make & Model $5K- $10K- $15K- $20K- $25K-
$10K $15K $20K $25K $30K
SUVs: SMALL Continued
Subaru Crosstrek – – – ‘18-19 –
Toyota RAV4 ‘10-11 ‘12-14 ‘15-18 – –
SUVs: MIDSIZED AND LARGE
Acura MDX – ‘10,’12 ‘13-14 – –
Acura RDX ‘10 ‘13 ‘14-15 ‘16-17 ‘18
BMW X1 – – ‘15 ‘17 –
BMW X3 – – – ‘16 ‘17
Buick Encore – ‘16 ‘17-19 – –
Buick Envision – – – ‘18 ‘19
Chevrolet Equinox – ‘14,’16 ‘17-18 ‘19 –
Chevrolet Tahoe – ‘11-12 ‘13 – –
Ford Edge – ‘14 ‘15 – –
Ford Flex – – ‘16 ‘18 –
GMC Terrain – ‘14 ‘16-17 ‘18-19 –
GMC Yukon – ‘11 ‘12-13 – –
Honda Pilot – ‘11 ‘14-15 – ‘18
Hyundai Santa Fe – – ‘16 ‘17-18 –
Hyundai Santa Fe Sport – ‘14 ‘16-17 ‘18 –
Infiniti QX50 – – ‘16 ‘17 –
Infiniti QX60 – – – – ‘17-18
Kia Sorento – – ‘17 ‘18-19 –
Lexus GX – – – – ‘14-15
Lexus NX – – – ‘15 ‘16-17
Lexus RX – ‘10-11 ‘12-14 ‘15 ‘16
Lincoln MKC – – – ‘17 ‘19
Lincoln MKX – ‘13 – ‘17-18 –
Mazda CX-9 – ‘14-15 – ‘17 ‘18-19
Nissan Murano ‘12-13 ‘14 – ‘18 ‘19
Toyota 4Runner – – ‘10-12 ‘13-15 ‘16-17
Toyota Highlander – ‘10-12 ‘13-14 ‘15-16 ‘17-18
Volvo XC60 ‘10-11 ‘12 – – ‘17
PICKUP TRUCKS
Ford Ranger ‘11 – – – ‘19
Honda Ridgeline – ‘10-12 ‘13 ‘14 –
Nissan Frontier ‘10-11 ‘12-14 ‘15-16 – –
Toyota Tacoma ‘10 ‘11-13 ‘14-15 ‘19 –
Toyota Tundra – ‘10-12 ‘13-15 ‘16 ‘18

191
Detailed Used Car Reliability
These charts give you a model’s com- charts, during the previous 12 months.
plete reliability picture for its used These were considered serious be-
versions (2014 through 2019 model years). cause of cost, failure, safety, or down-
The detailed reliability ratings are time. Because high-mileage vehicles tend
based on our Annual Car Reliability to have more problems than low-mileage
Survey, for which we received respon- ones, problem rates are standardized
ses on about 420,000 vehicles. to minimize differences related to mileage.
The Annual Car Reliability Survey is The 2019 models were generally
sent to subscribers of Consumer Reports less than 6 months old at the time of
and ConsumerReports.org. Respondents the survey and had been driven an
reported on any serious problems they average of about 3,000 miles. Models
had with their vehicles in any of the with insufficient data are noted with
trouble spots included in the following a column of asterisks (*).

HOW TO USE THE CHARTS the percentage of survey may score 4 and 5 in most
respondents who reported categories, but the verdict
To check on the reliabil-
problems for that trouble is a 3 or lower because it
ity history of a particular
spot, compared with the still has more problems
year’s model, start with
average of all vehicles for than the average model.
the Used Car Verdict. This
that year. Model years with insuffi-
score shows whether the
Models that score a 1 cient data are noted with
model had more or fewer
are not necessarily unreli- a column of asterisks (*).
problems overall than
able, but they have a higher A model year in bold iden-
the average model of that
rate of problems than the tifies the year it was
year, calculated from the
average model. Similarly, introduced or underwent
total number of problems
models that score a 5 are a major redesign.
reported by subscribers
not necessarily problem-
in all trouble spots.
free but had relatively few TROUBLE SPOTS
Because problems with
problems compared with ■ Engine, Major Engine
the engine, major; engine
other models. re­build or replacement,
cooling; transmission, major;
Because problem rates cylinder head, head gasket,
and drive system can be
in some trouble spots are turbo or s­ upercharger,
more serious and expensive
very low, we do not assign timing chain or timing belt.
to repair, our calculations
a 1 or a 2 unless the ■ Engine, Minor Oil or fuel
give extra weight to prob-
model’s problem rate ex- leaks, accessory belts
lems in those areas.
ceeds 3 percent. If a prob- and pulleys, engine comput-
To assess a used car in
lem rate is below 2 or er, engine mounts, engine
more detail, look at the
1 percent, it will be assigned knock or ping.
individual ratings for each
a 4 or a 5 respectively. ■ Engine Cooling Radiator,
of the 17 trouble spots.
Newer vehicles should cooling fan, antifreeze
They will pinpoint a model’s
have few, if any, problems. leaks, water pump, thermo-
strengths and weaknesses.
In some cases a model stat, overheating.
Ratings are based on

192 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2021


■ Transmission, Major Trans- balance, springs or torsion locks and latches, tailgate,

USED C A R REL I A B IL I T Y
mission rebuild or replace- bars, bushings, elec- hatch or trunk, doors or
ment, torque converter, pre- tronic or air suspension. sliding doors, mirrors, seat
mature clutch replacement. ■ Brakes Premature wear, controls, safety belts,
■ Transmission, Minor Gear pul­sa­tion or vibration, sunroof, convertible top,
selector or linkage, coolers squeaking, master cylinder, glass defect.
and lines, rough shifting, calipers, rotors, antilock ■ Power Equipment and
slipping transmission, leaks, brake system (ABS), parking Accessories Cruise control,
transmission computer, brake, brake failure. clock, warning lights,
transmission sensor or sole- ■ Exhaust Muffler, pipes, body control module,
noid, clutch adjustment, catalytic converter, keyless entry, wiper motor
hydraulics (clutch master exhaust manifold, leaks. or washer, tire pressure
or slave cylinder). ■ Paint/Trim Paint monitor, interior or exterior
■ Drive System Driveshaft (fading, chalking, crack- light, horn, gauges,
or axle, CV joint, differen- ing, peeling), loose 12V power plug, alarm
tial, transfer case, 4WD/ trim or moldings, rust. or security system.
AWD components, driveline ■ Noises/Leaks Squeaks ■ In-Car Electronics Audio
­vibration, traction con- or rattles, seals and/or systems, entertainment
trol, s­ tability control (ESC), weather stripping, air or systems, navigation system,
­electrical failure. water leaks, wind noise. backup camera/sensors,
■ Fuel System Sensors ■ Body Hardware Windows, communication system.
(includes O2 or oxygen
sensor), emission-control
devices (includes EGR),
engine computer, fuel cap, AVERAGE PROBLEM RATES
fuel gauge/sender, fuel-in-
jection system, fuel pump. MODEL YEARS 14 15 16 17 18 19 This chart
■ Electrical Alternator, start- Engine, Major 1 1 <1 <1 <1 <1 shows the
er, hybrid/electric battery Engine, Minor 1 1 1 <1 <1 <1
average rates
of problems
replacement, hybrid/electric Engine, Cooling 1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1
for all vehicles
battery and related systems, Trans., Major 1 1 1 <1 <1 <1 in our survey.
regular battery, battery Trans., Minor 2 1 1 1 1 <1 For example,
cables, engine harness, coil, Drive System 1 1 1 1 1 <1 in 2014, fewer
ignition switch, electronic Fuel System 2 1 1 1 <1 <1 than one
ignition, spark plugs and percent of
TROUBLE SPOTS

Electrical 1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1


vehicles had
wires failure. Climate System 3 2 2 1 1 <1 exhaust prob-
■ Climate System Blower Suspension 2 1 1 1 1 <1 lems on aver-
(fan) motor, A/C compres- Brakes 3 2 1 1 1 <1 age. Models
sor, condenser, evaporator, Exhaust <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 with fewer
heater system, automatic Paint/Trim 1 1 1 1 1 <1
problems will
score a 5 or
climate control, refrigerant Noises/Leaks 2 2 2 2 2 1
4; models
leakage, electrical failure. Body Hardware 1 1 1 1 1 <1 with more
■ Suspension Shocks or problems will
Power
3 2 2 2 2 1
struts, ball joints, tie Equipment score a 2
rods, wheel bearings, align- In-Car or 1.
4 3 4 4 3 2
ment, steering linkage Electronics

(includes rack and pinion),


power steering, wheel
1 2 3 4 5
WORSE BET TER 193
TROUBLE Acura MDX Acura RDX Acura TL, Alfa Romeo Audi A3
SPOTS TLX Giulia
‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19

Engine, Major 0
5050
5050
505 0
50 50
50 50
505 50
0 50
5050
505 0
505* *04050505*
Engine, Minor 0
5040
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
405 0
304* *05050205*
Engine Cooling 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
505* *03050505*
Trans., Major 0
5050
2050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
5040
5050
505 0
505* *05050505*
Trans., Minor 0
3040
1020
403 0
4040
5040
505 0
5010
1050
405 0
505* * 0
4 0
3 0
5 5*
0
Drive System 0
5050
4040
303 0
4050
5050
505 0
5040
2050
505 0
305* *03050504*
Fuel System 0
5050
4030
404 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
4020
405 0
301* *02040505*
Electrical 0
5040
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
505* *05050505*
Climate System 0
5030
4050
504 0
2040
4050
505 0
5050
2040
505 0
105* *05040505*
Suspension 0
2030
4050
505 0
3040
4050
505 0
4050
5050
505 0
505* *04040505*
Brakes 0
3050
3050
504 0
3030
3040
503 0
5040
4040
505 0
505* *05050504*
Exhaust 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
505* *05050505*
Paint/Trim 0
4050
4040
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
4050
3050
505 0
504* * 0
4 0
4 0
5 5*
0
Noises/Leaks 0
1050
4030
105 0
3040
4050
404 0
4040
3050
505 0
505* *03040203*
Body Hardware 0
5050
5040
404 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
4050
505 0
105* *04050505*
Power Equip. 0
4020
2010
104 0
4040
5040
504 0
5050
2020
305 0
101* *04050505*
In-Car Elec. 0
2010
3020
103 0
5040
5040
401 0
5030
1030
205 0
101* *04020402*
USED-CAR
VERDICTS 0
4030
1010
101 0
4050
4040
501 0
5030
1030
303 0
102* 0
2030503*
NEW-CAR
PREDICTION

TROUBLE Audi A4 Audi A5 Audi A6 Audi Q3 Audi Q5


SPOTS
‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19

Engine, Major 0
3040
4050
505 0
5050
5 * 0
505 0
5050
5040
505 * 0
5050
5* 0
4050
5050
505
Engine, Minor 0
4040
5050
505 0
5050
5 *0505 0
3050
5050
503 *050505* 0
2050
5050
504
Engine Cooling 0
4030
4050
505 0
5050
5 *0505 0
4050
4050
505 *050505* 0
4050
4030
505
Trans., Major 0
5050
4050
505 0
5050
5 *0505 0
5050
5050
505 *050505* 0
5050
5050
505
Trans., Minor 0
5050
3050
505 0
5050
5 *0505 0
5050
5040
505 *050505* 0
5050
5040
505
Drive System 0
5050
4050
505 0
4050
5 *0505 0
5050
5050
505 *050505* 0
5040
4050
505
Fuel System 0
1040
3050
505 0
4030
5 *0505 0
1010
1030
404 *050505* 0
1020
2040
505
Electrical 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5 *0505 0
5050
5050
505 *050505* 0
5050
5050
505
Climate System 0
4040
4050
505 0
3050
3 *0504 0
5030
5050
405 *050505* 0
3030
3050
405
Suspension 0
1040
5050
505 0
5050
5 * 4
0
5 0 0
4020
4050
505 * 0
5 0
5 5*
0 0
4030
4030
505
Brakes 0
3040
4050
505 0
5050
5 *0505 0
1030
1050
205 *050405* 0
1030
5050
505
Exhaust 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5 *0505 0
5050
5050
505 *050505* 0
5050
5050
505
Paint/Trim 0
5030
5050
505 0
5050
4 *0505 0
5050
5050
505 *050505* 0
3030
5050
505
Noises/Leaks 0
5040
5050
404 0
5020
5 *0304 0
5050
3050
503 *050504* 0
1030
1030
405
Body Hardware 0
5050
4050
505 0
5050
3 *0505 0
5050
5050
505 *050505* 0
4050
5050
505
Power Equip. 0
4020
1050
505 0
4050
3 *0405 0
4040
5050
201 *010105* 0
5020
4040
305
In-Car Elec. 0
3030
2020
304 0
4030
5 *0304 0
2030
3040
102 *010202* 0
4030
4030
205
USED-CAR
VERDICTS 0
3030
1050
405 0
50 5*0
50 304 0
3030
3030
101 *050504* 0
2020
3030
303
NEW-CAR
PREDICTION

194 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2021


USED C A R RELIA BILIT Y
TROUBLE Audi Q7 BMW 1 Series, BMW 3 BMW 4 BMW 5
SPOTS 2 Series Series Series Series
‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19

Engine, Major
* * 0
4 0
5050
5 * 0
5050
5050
5 0
5050
5050
505 0
5040
5050
505 0
1030
5040
505
Engine, Minor
* * 0
4 0
4050
5 * 0
5050
5050
5 0
4040
5050
505 0
2050
5050
505 0
1050
5040
405
Engine Cooling
* * 0
5 0
5050
5 * 0
5050
5050
5 0
5050
5040
505 0
5040
5030
505 0
5050
5050
405
Trans., Major
* * 0
5 0
5050
5 * 0
4050
5050
5 0
5050
5050
505 0
2050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505
Trans., Minor
* * 0
5 0
5050
5 * 0
5050
5050
5 0
5050
5050
505 0
1050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505
Drive System
* * 0
4 0
5050
5 * 0
5050
3050
5 0
3050
5040
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
3050
5030
405
Fuel System
* * 0
1 0
1050
5 * 0
3050
5050
5 0
2040
4040
502 0
5040
5050
505 0
1040
1020
305
Electrical
* * 0
5 0
5050
5 * 0
5050
5050
5 0
5050
5050
505 0
2050
5050
505 0
3050
5050
505
Climate System
* * 0
1 0
5050
5 * 0
4040
4020
5 0
3020
2040
504 0
5050
5050
505 0
2040
5020
205
Suspension
* * 0
1 0
5050
5 * 0
1040
5050
5 0
5040
5050
505 0
5020
4050
505 0
2030
5050
405
Brakes
* * 0
1 0
1030
5 * 0
4050
5050
2 0
3030
5050
504 0
4030
5050
505 0
3030
5030
505
Exhaust
* * 0
4 0
5050
5 * 0
5040
5050
5 0
5050
4050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
5040
5050
505
Paint/Trim
* * 0
5 0
5050
4 * 0
5050
5050
5 0
5050
5050
505 0
5040
5030
505 0
5050
5030
505
Noises/Leaks
* * 0
1 0
1050
4 * 0
5050
1050
5 0
4050
3030
305 0
5030
5050
505 0
4030
4010
504
Body Hardware
* * 0
2 0
5050
5 * 0
5050
5050
5 0
5050
5050
505 0
5040
5030
505 0
5040
5050
404
Power Equip.
* * 0
1 0
4040
5 * 0
5010
3010
5 0
3020
4050
405 0
1040
3030
305 0
4040
5030
504
In-Car Elec.
* * 0
1 0
1030
3 * 0
2030
5040
5 0
4040
4040
502 0
3040
5020
301 0
3030
5010
103
USED-CAR
VERDICTS *0
1*010
305 *030
4030
304 0
3030
4040
401 0
2030
5030
505 0
1030
4010
103
NEW-CAR
PREDICTION

TROUBLE BMW i3 BMW X1 BMW X3 BMW X5 Buick


SPOTS Enclave
‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19

Engine, Major 0
505*0
5* * 0
5050
4050
5 * 0
4040
5050
505 0
2030
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505
Engine, Minor 0
505*5*
0 * 0
1040
4050
5 * 0
3050
5050
505 0
1040
4050
505 0
5050
5040
505
Engine Cooling 0
505*0
5* * 0
4050
5050
5 * 0
4040
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505
Trans., Major 0
505*0
5* * 0
5040
5050
5 * 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
4050
505
Trans., Minor 0
505*0
5* * 0
3050
5050
5 * 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
205
Drive System 0
502*0
5* * 0
4040
4050
5 * 0
4050
5050
405 0
5050
5050
404 0
3050
5050
505
Fuel System 0
505*0
5* * 0
3030
5050
5 * 0
4010
3050
205 0
1040
5030
505 0
5040
4040
505
Electrical 0
505*0
5* * 0
5050
5050
5 * 0
5040
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505
Climate System 0
305*0
5* * 0
3050
4050
5 * 0
2040
5050
405 0
2050
4050
405 0
1010
1040
505
Suspension 0
505*5*
0 * 0
2040
4040
5 * 0
3020
5050
505 0
1020
4050
505 0
1050
5050
505
Brakes 0
505*0
5* * 0
5050
4050
1 * 0
1030
5050
405 0
5030
5030
505 0
2040
5040
505
Exhaust 0
505*0
5* * 0
5050
5050
5 * 0
5050
4050
505 0
2040
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505
Paint/Trim 0
505*0
5* * 0
5040
5050
5 * 0
2040
5050
505 0
4050
4040
504 0
4040
5040
505
Noises/Leaks 0
305*0
5* * 0
4020
4040
5 * 0
1030
3020
405 0
1040
3020
404 0
2040
4040
403
Body Hardware 0
405*0
4* * 0
5040
5050
5 * 0
4040
5040
505 0
4050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
405
Power Equip. 0
204*0
1* * 0
5040
4040
1 * 0
4010
3030
303 0
5040
5030
405 0
1040
5040
405
In-Car Elec. 0
403*0
5* * 0
5050
5040
2 * 0
4030
4030
104 0
4040
3040
501 0
4030
4040
405
USED-CAR
VERDICTS 0
505*0
4* * 0
3040
30 3*
50 0
2010
4040
104 0
1030
4030
401 0
2030
3040
303
NEW-CAR
PREDICTION
1 2 3 4 5
WORSE BET TER 195
TROUBLE Buick Buick Buick Buick Buick
SPOTS Encore Envision LaCrosse Regal Verano
‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19

Engine, Major 0
1030
5050
505 * 0
5050
5 0
5050
5050
5 * 0
5050
5050
5 * 0
505* *
Engine, Minor 0
1020
4050
505 * 0
5050
5 0
4050
5050
5 * 0
3050
4050
5 * 0
505* *
Engine Cooling 0
4010
5050
505 * 0
5050
5 0
5050
5050
5 * 0
5050
5050
5 * 0
504* *
Trans., Major 0
5050
5050
505 * 0
5050
5 0
5050
5050
5 * 0
5050
5020
5 * 0
502* *
Trans., Minor 0
5050
5050
505 * 0
5050
5 0
5030
5030
5 * 0
5050
5040
4 * 0
305* *
Drive System 0
5050
4050
505 * 0
4050
5 0
2050
5040
1 * 0
2040
5040
5 * 0
505* *
Fuel System 0
2050
5040
505 * 0
5050
5 0
4050
5040
5 * 0
5040
5050
5 * 0
502* *
Electrical 0
2010
4040
505 * 0
5050
5 0
3050
5050
5 * 0
1050
4050
5 * 0
505* *
Climate System 0
3020
5040
505 * 0
1050
5 0
5050
5040
5 * 0
2050
5050
3 * 0
505* *
Suspension 0
5010
5050
405 * 0
5050
5 0
2050
4050
5 * 0
5040
4050
5 * 0
505* *
Brakes 0
3040
5040
505 * 0
4050
5 0
3050
5050
5 * 0
3050
5050
3 * 0
502* *
Exhaust 0
5050
5050
505 * 0
5050
5 0
5050
5050
5 * 0
5050
5050
5 * 0
505* *
Paint/Trim 0
1050
5050
505 * 0
3050
5 0
3050
5050
3 * 0
5050
5030
5 * 0
305* *
Noises/Leaks 0
1040
5040
405 * 0
2040
5 0
5050
3040
4 * 0
3030
5050
2 * 0
205* *
Body Hardware 0
4050
5050
505 * 0
4050
5 0
4050
5050
5 * 0
5050
5050
3 * 0
505* *
Power Equip. 0
5040
3050
505 * 0
1040
5 0
4030
4050
3 * 0
3040
1050
3 * 0
301* *
In-Car Elec. 0
1050
5020
405 * 0
2040
5 0
4030
4030
5 * 0
3010
3020
2 * 0
302* *
USED-CAR
VERDICTS 0
1010
4040
505 *010
505 0
3040
50 2*
30 0
3050
40 2*
20 0
503* *
NEW-CAR
PREDICTION

TROUBLE Cadillac Cadillac Cadillac Cadillac Cadillac


SPOTS ATS CT6 CTS SRX XT5
‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19

Engine, Major 0
5 * * 0
5 * * * 0
50*
5 0
5 * *
0
505 * 0
5050
5 0
5050
5
Engine, Minor 0
5 *0
5* * * *0204* 0
5 *0505* * 0
2050
5 0
5050
5
Engine Cooling 0
4 *0
5* * * *0505* 0
5 *0505* * 0
5050
5 0
5050
5
Trans., Major 0
4 *0
4* * * *0505* 0
5 *0204* * 0
5050
5 0
5050
5
Trans., Minor 0
4 *0
1* * * *0104* 0
5 *0101* * 0
5040
4 0
3050
5
Drive System 0
5 *0
4* * * *0104* 0
3 *0503* * 0
3050
5 0
2040
4
Fuel System 0
5 *0
1* * * *0504* 0
5 *0405* * 0
3050
5 0
5050
5
Electrical 0
4 *0
5* * * *0505* 0
3 *0505* * 0
3050
5 0
5050
5
Climate System 0
4 *0
1* * * *0405* 0
2 *0405* * 0
1050
5 0
3050
5
Suspension 0
1 *4*
0 * * * 5*
0
2 0 0
4 * 1*
0
4 0 * 0
3030
5 0
3050
4
Brakes 0
5 *0
4* * * *0505* 0
1 *0205* * 0
5050
4 0
4050
5
Exhaust 0
5 *0
1* * * *0505* 0
5 *0505* * 0
5050
5 0
5050
5
Paint/Trim 0
5 *0
5* * * *0504* 0
3 *0504* * 0
1030
5 0
5050
5
Noises/Leaks 0
4 *0
1* * * *0105* 0
2 *0503* * 0
3030
4 0
1030
4
Body Hardware 0
5 *0
5* * * *0505* 0
4 *0405* * 0
1010
3 0
5050
5
Power Equip. 0
4 *0
5* * * *0405* 0
3 *0405* * 0
1010
3 0
2050
4
In-Car Elec. 0
1 *0
1* * * *0101* 0
1 *0101* * 0
1010
1 0
1020
5
USED-CAR
VERDICTS 4*0
0 1* * * *0102* 3*0
0 201* * 0
1030
4 0
1040
3
NEW-CAR
PREDICTION

196 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2021


USED C A R RELIA BILIT Y
TROUBLE Cadillac Chevrolet Chevrolet Chevrolet Chevrolet
SPOTS XTS Bolt Camaro Colorado Corvette
‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19

Engine, Major 0
5 * *0
505 * 0
5050
5 * 0
5050*
505 0
5050
5050
5 0
40 50
50 50
505
Engine, Minor 0
5 * *0
505 * 0
5050
5 * 0
5050*
305 0
5050
4040
5 0
3050
5050
405
Engine Cooling 0
5 * *0
505 * 0
5050
5 * 0
5050*
505 0
5050
5050
5 0
4050
5050
505
Trans., Major 0
3 * *0
205 * 0
5050
5 * 0
5050*
105 0
5050
1010
3 0
3010
4050
205
Trans., Minor 0
5 * *0
505 * 0
5050
5 * 0
5050*
101 0
3030
1010
2 0
5010
5050
205
Drive System 0
2 * *0
505 * 0
3040
5 * 0
5050*
405 0
4040
1020
5 0
5050
5030
503
Fuel System 0
5 * *0
505 * 0
5050
5 * 0
5050*
505 0
4010
3030
5 0
5050
3050
505
Electrical 0
4 * *0
505 * 0
5050
5 * 0
5050*
505 0
4050
5050
5 0
5050
5050
505
Climate System 0
4 * *0
503 * 0
4050
5 * 0
5050*
205 0
1030
4050
5 0
5050
4040
405
Suspension 0
1 * *0
205 * 0
4050
5 * 0
5050*
501 0
2040
4040
5 0
5050
5040
405
Brakes 0
5 * *0
505 * 0
4040
5 * 0
5010*
505 0
4050
5050
5 0
5050
5050
405
Exhaust 0
4 * *0
504 * 0
5050
5 * 0
5050*
505 0
5050
5050
5 0
5050
5050
505
Paint/Trim 0
4 * *0
505 * 0
5050
5 * 0
5010*
101 0
5050
5050
5 0
5050
5050
204
Noises/Leaks 0
4 * *0
505 * 0
4040
5 * 0
5050*
105 0
3030
4020
4 0
5050
5050
205
Body Hardware 0
2 * *0
504 * 0
5050
5 * 0
5050*
401 0
5050
5050
5 0
3050
5050
505
Power Equip. 0
1 * *0
505 * 0
4050
5 * 0
5050*
501 0
3040
4050
5 0
3050
5050
405
In-Car Elec. 0
1 * *0
101 * 0
1010
3 * 0
2010*
304 0
1020
4030
3 0
4020
4040
305
USED-CAR
VERDICTS 1*0
0 5*
30 * 0
3030
3 * *0
30 1*
10 0
3030
1010
1 0
3030
4030
103
NEW-CAR
PREDICTION

TROUBLE Chevrolet Chevrolet Chevrolet Chevrolet Chevrolet


SPOTS Cruze Equinox Impala Malibu Silverado 1500
‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19

Engine, Major 0
1020
3040
5 * 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
3050
5 * 0
5050
5050
505
Engine, Minor 0
3030
4040
5 * 0
4050
5050
505 0
5040
5050
505 0
5050
3040
5 * 0
4050
5050
505
Engine Cooling 0
1010
5050
5 * 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
5 * 0
5050
5050
505
Trans., Major 0
5050
4050
4 * 0
4050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
5 * 0
4040
4050
505
Trans., Minor 0
5040
5040
4 * 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
503 0
2050
5010
4 * 0
4030
1020
405
Drive System 0
3050
2040
5 * 0
4040
5050
505 0
4050
5050
505 0
4040
2040
2 * 0
5040
3040
404
Fuel System 0
1010
5030
3 * 0
5040
5050
505 0
4030
4030
505 0
3050
1050
5 * 0
4050
5040
505
Electrical 0
4030
5050
5 * 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
3050
3 * 0
5050
5050
505
Climate System 0
1020
5050
4 * 0
3030
4040
505 0
5040
2030
305 0
4050
3040
5 * 0
1010
4040
505
Suspension 0
4050
5040
5 * 0
4050
4050
505 0
3040
2050
505 0
2050
4050
5 * 0
4030
5040
505
Brakes 0
3020
5050
4 * 0
3020
4050
505 0
3050
5040
505 0
1030
4050
5 * 0
2030
3040
505
Exhaust 0
3050
5050
5 * 0
4050
5050
505 0
5050
5040
503 0
5050
5050
5 * 0
5050
5050
505
Paint/Trim 0
5040
5040
5 * 0
5040
4050
505 0
5040
4050
505 0
3050
4040
5 * 0
4040
4050
505
Noises/Leaks 0
3010
4030
4 * 0
4040
4040
505 0
3040
1040
505 0
1050
2020
4 * 0
3030
4030
404
Body Hardware 0
5040
5050
4 * 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
4050
505 0
4050
5050
5 * 0
4040
4050
505
Power Equip. 0
1010
4050
5 * 0
3040
4050
405 0
1020
4050
505 0
4040
3040
4 * 0
3030
4030
505
In-Car Elec. 0
4020
3040
4 * 0
5030
4050
303 0
2030
3050
405 0
4050
2030
4 * 0
3030
3030
402
USED-CAR
VERDICTS 0
1010
30 3*
30 0
4030
4050
404 0
4040
3030
404 0
3040
10 1*
20 0
3020
2010
201
NEW-CAR
PREDICTION
1 2 3 4 5
WORSE BET TER 197
TROUBLE Chevrolet Chevrolet Chevrolet Chevrolet Chevrolet
SPOTS Sonic Suburban Tahoe Traverse Trax
‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19

Engine, Major 0
2 * * * * * 50
0 50
5050
505 0
5040
5050
505 50
0 50
5050
505 0
5010
105*
Engine, Minor 0
5 * * * * * 0
5040
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
3050
5050
405 0
5050
504*
Engine Cooling 0
5 * * * * * 0
5050
5050
505 0
3050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
5010
505*
Trans., Major 0
5 * * * * * 0
5010
3050
505 0
5030
5050
505 0
5040
5050
404 0
5050
505*
Trans., Minor 0
5 * * * * * 0
5010
1030
405 0
5040
3050
504 0
4030
5050
104 0
3010
505*
Drive System 0
5 * * * * * 0
5020
1050
505 0
2030
4040
405 0
5040
4050
304 0
1050
505*
Fuel System 0
1 * * * * * 0
5040
5030
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
5030
5050
505 0
3010
505*
Electrical 0
5 * * * * * 0
5040
5050
505 0
3050
4050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
1010
505*
Climate System 0
1 * * * * * 0
3010
1030
404 0
2010
2050
505 0
1010
1040
405 0
2040
505*
Suspension 0
2 * * * * * 0
1010
2050
505 0
2010
3050
505 0
4030
4050
505 0
3050
502*
Brakes 0
5 * * * * * 0
5030
3040
405 0
4020
3050
505 0
4020
4040
505 0
1040
305*
Exhaust 0
1 * * * * * 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
2050
505*
Paint/Trim 0
5 * * * * * 0
2010
5050
504 0
3020
5050
405 0
5050
5030
505 0
5050
402*
Noises/Leaks 0
4 * * * * * 0
3010
1020
304 0
3020
1050
405 0
5040
5040
403 0
3050
405*
Body Hardware 0
5 * * * * * 0
4010
4050
405 0
4030
5050
505 0
5050
4040
505 0
5050
505*
Power Equip. 0
3 * * * * * 0
4010
1030
304 0
1010
1030
204 0
4050
5030
205 0
2030
405*
In-Car Elec. 0
3 * * * * * 0
4010
1040
405 0
4030
1030
404 0
5040
5030
305 0
3050
504*
USED-CAR
VERDICTS 3*
0 * * * * 0
5010
1020
204 0
3010
1050
305 0
3010
3030
101 0
1010
203*
NEW-CAR
PREDICTION

TROUBLE Chevrolet Chrysler Chrysler Chrysler Town Dodge


SPOTS Volt 300 Pacifica & Country Challenger
‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19

Engine, Major 0
5050
50 50
50 5 0
40 50
50 50
5 * 0
5050
5 0
3050
5 *0505*05*
Engine, Minor 0
5050
4050
405 0
2050
5050
5 * 0
5050
5 0
3050
5 * 0
5 0
5 *5*
0
Engine Cooling 0
5050
5050
505 0
3050
5050
5 * 0
5050
5 0
5050
5 *0505*05*
Trans., Major 0
5050
5050
505 0
4050
5050
5 * 0
5050
5 0
3040
5 *0205*05*
Trans., Minor 0
5050
3040
505 0
4050
5030
5 * 0
1050
5 0
1040
3 *0201*05*
Drive System 0
4010
3030
505 0
3020
4050
5 * 0
4030
4 0
5050
5 *0205*05*
Fuel System 0
4040
4050
505 0
5050
5050
5 * 0
4040
5 0
5040
5 *0505*05*
Electrical 0
4050
5050
505 0
3050
4050
5 * 0
5050
5 0
4050
5 *0505*05*
Climate System 0
2020
5040
404 0
1050
5030
5 * 0
4050
5 0
1030
5 *0305*05*
Suspension 0
4020
5040
505 0
4050
5050
5 * 0
4010
5 0
4040
5 * 0
5 0
5 *5*
0
Brakes 0
5050
5050
505 0
4010
5050
5 * 0
5050
5 0
3030
5 *0505*05*
Exhaust 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
4050
5 * 0
5050
5 0
5050
5 *0505*05*
Paint/Trim 0
5040
4050
505 0
5040
1020
5 * 0
1050
5 0
3040
3 *0505*05*
Noises/Leaks 0
5040
3040
505 0
4040
4030
5 * 0
2040
5 0
3030
2 *0104*04*
Body Hardware 0
4030
5050
505 0
5040
4040
5 * 0
4050
5 0
4040
2 *0505*04*
Power Equip. 0
5040
5020
505 0
4010
4020
5 * 0
1020
5 0
3040
2 *0101*03*
In-Car Elec. 0
3010
3010
404 0
1010
4010
4 * 0
1010
2 0
3030
4 *0105*04*
USED-CAR
VERDICTS 0
5020
4020
305 0
2030
40 5*
30 0
1010
2 0
2030
3 *0204*05*
NEW-CAR
PREDICTION

198 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2021


USED C A R RELIA BILIT Y
TROUBLE Dodge Dodge Grand Fiat Ford Ford
SPOTS Durango Caravan 500 C-MAX Edge
‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19

Engine, Major 0
5050
5050
5 * 0
3050
5050
5 * * * 0
5 * * * 0
5050
5050
5 0
5050
5050
505
Engine, Minor 0
3050
1050
5 * 0
3050
5050
5 * * * 0
5 * * * 0
5040
5050
4 0
4040
5050
405
Engine Cooling 0
3040
5050
5 * 0
5050
5050
5 * * * 0
5 * * * 0
5050
5050
5 0
5050
5050
505
Trans., Major 0
5030
5040
5 * 0
3040
5050
5 * * * 0
5 * * * 0
4040
5050
5 0
5040
5050
505
Trans., Minor 0
5020
4040
3 * 0
1040
3050
5 * * * 0
5 * * * 0
5050
5050
5 0
5040
5050
504
Drive System 0
5050
3050
5 * 0
5050
5050
5 * * * 0
4 * * * 0
3040
4050
5 0
5050
4050
505
Fuel System 0
4030
4050
5 * 0
5040
5050
5 * * * 0
5 * * * 0
4040
5050
5 0
5040
4050
505
Electrical 0
5050
5050
5 * 0
4050
5050
5 * * * 0
5 * * * 0
4040
4050
5 0
5050
5050
505
Climate System 0
1030
4050
4 * 0
1030
5040
5 * * * 0
5 * * * 0
3050
3050
5 0
2050
4050
505
Suspension 0
2040
4050
5 * 0
4040
5050
2 * * * 0
5 * * * 0
3030
3050
5 0
3050
2050
505
Brakes 0
5050
4050
5 * 0
3030
5050
1 * * * 0
3 * * * 0
5040
5050
5 0
2040
5040
505
Exhaust 0
5050
5050
5 * 0
5050
5050
5 * * * 0
5 * * * 0
5050
5050
5 0
5050
5050
505
Paint/Trim 0
5040
4040
5 * 0
3040
3040
5 * * * 0
3 * * * 0
4050
4050
5 0
5050
5050
405
Noises/Leaks 0
3030
4050
4 * 0
3030
2040
4 * * * 0
5 * * * 0
5040
3050
5 0
4040
3020
405
Body Hardware 0
5040
5050
3 * 0
4040
2040
5 * * * 0
3 * * * 0
4040
5050
5 0
5050
4040
405
Power Equip. 0
1010
1010
3 * 0
3040
2040
4 * * * 0
1 * * * 0
2040
2050
4 0
3040
4040
404
In-Car Elec. 0
2010
4040
1 * 0
3030
4040
5 * * * 0
1 * * * 0
1010
1040
5 0
4020
2050
402
USED-CAR
VERDICTS 0
3020
20 1*
30 0
2030
30 3*
50 *0
3* * * * 0
3030
3050
5 0
4040
3030
303
NEW-CAR
PREDICTION

TROUBLE Ford Ford Ford Ford Ford


SPOTS Escape Expedition Explorer F-150 Fiesta
‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19

Engine, Major 0
5050
5040
505 0
4040
5050
505 0
30 50
50 50
505 0
4050
5040
505 0
5 *0
5* * *
Engine, Minor 0
5040
5040
505 0
4050
5040
505 0
4040
5040
505 0
4040
4030
505 0
5 *4*
0 * *
Engine Cooling 0
4050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
5 *0
5* * *
Trans., Major 0
4050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
4050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
1 *0
5* * *
Trans., Minor 0
4050
4050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
3040
4040
505 0
5040
5040
404 0
1 *0
1* * *
Drive System 0
3040
5040
505 0
5050
4030
405 0
3040
5040
405 0
3020
2030
404 0
4 *0
5* * *
Fuel System 0
4040
5040
505 0
5050
4050
505 0
4050
4040
505 0
5030
5050
505 0
4 *0
5* * *
Electrical 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
4050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
4050
5050
505 0
4 *0
5* * *
Climate System 0
3040
4050
505 0
1010
4040
405 0
1010
4040
504 0
2050
4050
505 0
2 *0
1* * *
Suspension 0
3040
5040
505 0
2050
5040
505 0
1010
1040
505 0
4040
5050
505 0
4 *3*
0 * *
Brakes 0
3040
4050
505 0
4010
5050
505 0
3040
4040
505 0
1020
3050
505 0
1 *0
5* * *
Exhaust 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
3040
4030
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
5 *0
5* * *
Paint/Trim 0
4050
5050
505 0
3010
3050
505 0
1010
1030
404 0
5040
4040
505 0
5 *0
4* * *
Noises/Leaks 0
2030
3020
405 0
5010
5020
405 0
1030
3040
405 0
4030
3040
405 0
4 *0
5* * *
Body Hardware 0
4050
4050
505 0
5010
2050
505 0
2040
3040
405 0
4020
3040
405 0
5 *0
5* * *
Power Equip. 0
2040
3040
505 0
1010
1050
305 0
4030
3030
405 0
3010
3030
405 0
2 *0
2* * *
In-Car Elec. 0
3040
2040
405 0
5020
2050
405 0
3040
3020
305 0
3030
2030
401 0
1 *0
3* * *
USED-CAR
VERDICTS 0
3040
3020
404 0
3020
1030
205 0
1020
1010
301 0
3010
2010
101 1*0
0 3* * *
NEW-CAR
PREDICTION
1 2 3 4 5
WORSE BET TER 199
TROUBLE Ford Ford Ford Ford Ford
SPOTS Flex Focus Fusion Mustang Taurus
‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19

Engine, Major 0
4050
5 * * 0
5 0
5050
4050
5 0
5050
5050
505 50
0 50
5050
405 0
4050
5 * * *
Engine, Minor 0
5050
5 * * 0
5 0
2050
5050
5 0
5050
5050
505 0
5040
4050
405 0
3050
5 * * *
Engine Cooling 0
5050
5 * * 0
5 0
4050
5050
5 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
4050
505 0
4050
5 * * *
Trans., Major 0
5050
5 * * 0
5 0
1010
1010
4 0
3040
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5 * * *
Trans., Minor 0
2040
5 * * 0
5 0
1010
1010
1 0
4040
4050
505 0
5050
5050
405 0
5050
5 * * *
Drive System 0
2020
4 * * 0
5 0
2030
2030
3 0
3040
5050
505 0
5050
5030
505 0
5040
1 * * *
Fuel System 0
5050
5 * * 0
5 0
2020
5010
5 0
3040
5050
505 0
4040
4050
505 0
4050
5 * * *
Electrical 0
5050
5 * * 0
5 0
3050
5050
5 0
5050
5050
505 0
5040
5050
504 0
5050
5 * * *
Climate System 0
1050
4 * * 0
5 0
4020
3050
5 0
4030
5050
405 0
1010
1020
505 0
3050
3 * * *
Suspension 0
1050
5 * * 0
5 0
4050
3030
5 0
2030
4030
505 0
2050
2020
505 0
4050
5 * * *
Brakes 0
4030
4 * * 0
4 0
4030
4050
5 0
4010
5050
505 0
4050
5050
505 0
4030
4 * * *
Exhaust 0
5050
5 * * 0
5 0
5050
5040
5 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
405 0
5050
5 * * *
Paint/Trim 0
5050
3 * * 0
4 0
2020
5040
5 0
4040
4050
505 0
3010
3040
503 0
4030
4 * * *
Noises/Leaks 0
4050
3 * * 0
5 0
3020
1020
4 0
4030
4030
405 0
2010
1040
405 0
2040
1 * * *
Body Hardware 0
5050
4 * * 0
5 0
4040
5050
4 0
5050
5050
505 0
1050
1040
405 0
5040
1 * * *
Power Equip. 0
1010
4 * * 0
4 0
3050
4040
5 0
3030
4010
504 0
5010
1050
405 0
2010
1 * * *
In-Car Elec. 0
2040
1 * * 0
5 0
2050
3040
2 0
3020
3020
401 0
5020
1040
405 0
5050
3 * * *
USED-CAR
VERDICTS 0
10 4*0
30 5* 0
1010
1010
1 0
3020
4020
303 0
3010
1020
304 0
40 1*
40 * *
NEW-CAR
PREDICTION

TROUBLE Genesis GMC GMC GMC Sierra GMC


SPOTS G90 Acadia Canyon 1500 Terrain
‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19

Engine, Major
* * * 0*
505 0
4050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
5 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505
Engine, Minor
* * * 0*
504 0
4040
5050
505 0
5050
4040
5 0
4050
5050
505 0
4050
5050
505
Engine Cooling
* * * 0*
503 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
5 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505
Trans., Major
* * * 0*
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
1010
3 0
4040
4050
505 0
4050
5050
505
Trans., Minor
* * * 0*
405 0
2050
5020
505 0
3030
1010
2 0
4030
1020
405 0
5050
5050
505
Drive System
* * * 0*
504 0
3020
5040
505 0
4040
1020
5 0
5040
3040
404 0
4040
5050
505
Fuel System
* * * 0*
505 0
5050
3050
505 0
4010
3030
5 0
4050
5040
505 0
5040
5050
505
Electrical
* * * 0*
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
4050
5050
5 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505
Climate System
* * * 0*
505 0
1010
1030
405 0
1030
4050
5 0
1010
4040
505 0
3030
4040
505
Suspension
* * * 0*
402 0
1030
4050
505 0
2040
4040
5 0
4030
5040
505 0
4050
4050
505
Brakes
* * * 0*
505 0
1030
4040
505 0
4050
5050
5 0
2030
3040
505 0
3020
4050
505
Exhaust
* * * 0*
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
5 0
5050
5050
505 0
4050
5050
505
Paint/Trim
* * * 0*
404 0
2050
5050
405 0
5050
5050
5 0
4040
4050
505 0
5040
4050
505
Noises/Leaks
* * * 0*
404 0
1020
5010
105 0
3030
4020
4 0
3030
4030
404 0
4040
4040
505
Body Hardware
* * * 0*
504 0
5050
4050
405 0
5050
5050
5 0
4040
4050
505 0
5050
5050
505
Power Equip.
* * * 0*
505 0
1020
1010
405 0
3040
4050
5 0
3030
4030
505 0
3040
4050
405
In-Car Elec.
* * * 0*
301 0
3050
1010
304 0
1020
4030
3 0
3030
3030
402 0
5030
4050
303
USED-CAR
VERDICTS * * *0 1*
50 0
1010
2020
305 0
3030
1010
1 0
3020
2010
201 0
4030
4050
404
NEW-CAR
PREDICTION

200 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2021


USED C A R RELIA BILIT Y
TROUBLE GMC GMC Honda Honda Honda
SPOTS Yukon Yukon XL Accord Civic CR-V
‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19

Engine, Major 0
5040
5050
505 0
50 50
50 50
50 5 50
0 50
5050
505 0
5050
50 50
50 5 0
5050
50 50
50 5
Engine, Minor 0
5050
5050
505 0
5040
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
4050
5040
405
Engine Cooling 0
3050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505
Trans., Major 0
5030
5050
505 0
5010
3050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505
Trans., Minor 0
5040
3050
504 0
5010
1030
405 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
4050
5040
505
Drive System 0
2030
4040
405 0
5020
1050
505 0
4050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
4050
5040
505
Fuel System 0
5050
5050
505 0
5040
5030
505 0
5050
4050
505 0
4050
5050
504 0
5050
5040
505
Electrical 0
3050
4050
505 0
5040
5050
505 0
3040
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505
Climate System 0
2010
2050
505 0
3010
1030
404 0
5050
4050
505 0
4050
1010
505 0
4050
5040
505
Suspension 0
2010
3050
505 0
1010
2050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
4050
505 0
5050
5050
505
Brakes 0
4020
3050
505 0
5030
3040
405 0
3040
4050
505 0
3040
4050
505 0
3040
4050
505
Exhaust 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505
Paint/Trim 0
3020
5050
405 0
2010
5050
504 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
3040
505 0
5050
5050
505
Noises/Leaks 0
3020
1050
405 0
3010
1020
304 0
4050
5050
204 0
5050
3010
504 0
3040
4040
405
Body Hardware 0
4030
5050
505 0
4010
4050
405 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505
Power Equip. 0
1010
1030
204 0
4010
1030
304 0
4040
1030
405 0
4050
3040
204 0
5040
5020
405
In-Car Elec. 0
4030
1030
404 0
4010
1040
405 0
4040
3030
103 0
5050
1010
303 0
5040
5010
204
USED-CAR
VERDICTS 0
3010
1050
305 0
5010
1020
204 0
4050
4040
303 0
5050
3030
303 0
4050
5020
304
NEW-CAR
PREDICTION

TROUBLE Honda Honda Honda Honda Honda


SPOTS Fit HR-V Odyssey Pilot Ridgeline
‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19

Engine, Major 0
5050
5050
5 0
5050
505 0
4050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
5 0
5050
5
Engine, Minor 0
5050
5050
5 0
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
5 0
5050
5
Engine Cooling 0
5050
5050
5 0
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
5 0
5050
5
Trans., Major 0
5050
5050
5 0
5050
505 0
5050
5020
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
5 0
5050
5
Trans., Minor 0
5050
5050
5 0
5050
505 0
3030
4050
405 0
5050
3030
505 0
5 0
5050
5
Drive System 0
5050
5050
5 0
5050
504 0
4050
5050
505 0
4050
5040
505 0
4 0
5050
5
Fuel System 0
4040
5050
5 0
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
3040
505 0
5 0
1010
5
Electrical 0
4030
5050
5 0
5050
505 0
4050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
5 0
5050
5
Climate System 0
3030
4050
5 0
4050
505 0
5040
5050
305 0
5050
4040
404 0
5 0
4030
3
Suspension 0
5050
5050
5 0
5040
505 0
3050
5050
505 0
2040
5050
505 0
4 0
5050
5
Brakes 0
4050
5050
5 0
5050
505 0
1020
4020
405 0
2020
4040
505 0
2 0
5050
5
Exhaust 0
5050
5050
5 0
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
5 0
5050
5
Paint/Trim 0
3050
5040
5 0
4040
505 0
3050
5050
505 0
4040
4050
405 0
4 0
4050
5
Noises/Leaks 0
4030
5040
5 0
3010
505 0
3030
4010
405 0
5040
4040
405 0
5 0
4030
4
Body Hardware 0
3050
5050
5 0
4050
505 0
4040
5050
305 0
4050
5050
505 0
4 0
4050
5
Power Equip. 0
4040
3040
4 0
4040
501 0
3030
4020
104 0
3040
3040
505 0
5 0
4050
4
In-Car Elec. 0
4050
5020
3 0
4040
502 0
4020
4030
101 0
4040
1020
303 0
5 0
3030
4
USED-CAR
VERDICTS 0
3040
5050
4 0
4050
501 0
3040
4020
102 0
4050
3030
403 0
5 0
3020
3
NEW-CAR
PREDICTION
1 2 3 4 5
WORSE BET TER 201
TROUBLE Hyundai Hyundai Hyundai Hyundai Hyundai
SPOTS Accent Azera Elantra Genesis, G80 Ioniq
‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19

Engine, Major
* * * 0
4 * * 0
5 * * * 0
4030
4050
505 * 0
5050
5050
5 0
5050
5
Engine, Minor
* * * 0
4 * * 0
4 * * * 0
5040
5050
505 * 0
5050
5050
5 0
5050
5
Engine Cooling
* * * 0
5 * * 0
5 * * * 0
5050
5050
505 * 0
5050
5050
5 0
5050
5
Trans., Major
* * * 0
5 * * 0
5 * * * 0
5050
5050
505 * 0
5050
5050
5 0
5050
5
Trans., Minor
* * * 0
5 * * 0
5 * * * 0
5050
5050
505 * 0
5050
5050
5 0
4050
5
Drive System
* * * 0
4 * * 0
5 * * * 0
5050
5050
505 * 0
4050
5050
5 0
3050
4
Fuel System
* * * 0
4 * * 0
4 * * * 0
5040
5050
505 * 0
4050
5050
5 0
5050
5
Electrical
* * * 0
5 * * 0
5 * * * 0
5050
5040
505 * 0
5050
5050
5 0
5050
5
Climate System
* * * 0
5 * * 0
5 * * * 0
5040
2050
505 * 0
4040
3050
5 0
2040
5
Suspension
* * * 0
5 * * 0
2 * * * 0
5040
5040
405 * 0
5050
4050
5 0
5050
5
Brakes
* * * 0
5 * * 0
4 * * * 0
2010
2050
405 * 0
4050
4040
5 0
4050
5
Exhaust
* * * 0
5 * * 0
5 * * * 0
5050
5050
505 * 0
5050
5050
5 0
5050
5
Paint/Trim
* * * 0
1 * * 0
4 * * * 0
3040
4040
405 * 0
3050
5050
5 0
5050
5
Noises/Leaks
* * * 0
4 * * 0
5 * * * 0
3030
3040
505 * 0
3020
3040
5 0
5050
5
Body Hardware
* * * 0
5 * * 0
5 * * * 0
5050
4050
505 * 0
3040
5050
5 0
5050
4
Power Equip.
* * * 0
5 * * 0
5 * * * 0
3030
3030
404 * 0
1030
3050
5 0
4050
5
In-Car Elec.
* * * 0
4 * * 0
3 * * * 0
4050
5050
404 * 0
1040
4030
5 0
5050
3
USED-CAR
VERDICTS * *0
3* * * 5*
0 * * 0
4030
3040
304 *020
5040
405 0
3050
4
NEW-CAR
PREDICTION

TROUBLE Hyundai Hyundai Hyundai Santa Hyundai Hyundai


SPOTS Kona Santa Fe Fe Sport Sonata Tucson
‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19

Engine, Major 0
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
4030
5050
5 0
2050
5040
505 0
5050
5050
505
Engine, Minor 0
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
4050
4 0
3040
5040
505 0
4050
5050
505
Engine Cooling 0
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
5 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505
Trans., Major 0
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
5 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
3050
505
Trans., Minor 0
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
5 0
5050
5050
305 0
5030
1010
305
Drive System 0
505 0
5040
5050
505 0
4030
5050
5 0
4040
4040
405 0
5050
1030
505
Fuel System 0
505 0
3040
5050
505 0
5050
5050
5 0
4050
5040
505 0
4050
5040
505
Electrical 0
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
5040
5050
5 0
5040
4040
305 0
4050
5050
505
Climate System 0
505 0
1010
5040
505 0
3040
4050
5 0
2050
5050
505 0
1040
4050
505
Suspension 0
505 0
4050
5040
505 0
5040
5050
5 0
2050
5040
505 0
4040
5050
505
Brakes 0
505 0
4050
5050
505 0
3010
5050
5 0
2030
5050
505 0
5040
5040
504
Exhaust 0
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
5 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505
Paint/Trim 0
505 0
5030
5050
505 0
4050
5050
5 0
4040
5050
505 0
4040
5040
505
Noises/Leaks 0
505 0
4030
5040
305 0
5050
5050
5 0
1040
5050
505 0
4010
3040
205
Body Hardware 0
505 0
5030
5050
505 0
5040
5050
5 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
4050
505
Power Equip. 0
505 0
3030
5050
505 0
5040
5050
4 0
2040
4040
405 0
1050
3040
405
In-Car Elec. 0
504 0
4040
5040
504 0
3030
5040
3 0
3040
4030
405 0
2030
4030
405
USED-CAR
VERDICTS 0
505 0
3030
5040
503 0
4020
5050
4 0
2040
4030
103 0
4050
1010
305
NEW-CAR
PREDICTION

202 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2021


USED C A R RELIA BILIT Y
TROUBLE Infiniti EX, Infiniti JX, Infiniti Jeep Jeep Grand
SPOTS QX50 QX60 Q50 Cherokee Cherokee
‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19

Engine, Major
* * 0*
505 0
5 0
3040
5050
505 0
5050
4030
5 * 0
4050
5050
505 0
5040
5050
505
Engine, Minor
* * 0*
505 0
5 0
2050
5050
505 0
5050
5030
5 * 0
2040
4050
505 0
3040
5050
505
Engine Cooling
* * 0*
505 0
5 0
5040
1050
505 0
5050
5050
5 * 0
5050
5050
505 0
3050
5050
505
Trans., Major
* * 0*
505 0
5 0
1040
5050
505 0
5050
5050
5 * 0
1020
4050
505 0
5050
5050
505
Trans., Minor
* * 0*
505 0
5 0
1020
5040
505 0
5050
5040
5 * 0
1010
1020
504 0
4030
5040
505
Drive System
* * 0*
405 0
5 0
1010
1050
505 0
5050
5020
4 * 0
1030
2040
405 0
4040
5040
505
Fuel System
* * 0*
505 0
5 0
4050
5050
505 0
3040
5050
5 * 0
2050
5040
505 0
1030
5050
505
Electrical
* * 0*
405 0
5 0
5050
5050
505 0
4050
5040
5 * 0
4040
4050
505 0
5050
5050
505
Climate System
* * 0*
505 0
4 0
4010
4030
503 0
4010
1030
5 * 0
4020
3050
505 0
2030
4030
505
Suspension
* * 0*
405 0
5 0
1050
5050
505 0
4010
2040
4 * 0
4020
5020
505 0
1030
4050
504
Brakes
* * 0*
101 0
5 0
1010
1020
505 0
1010
3040
5 * 0
4020
4030
504 0
3040
5050
505
Exhaust
* * 0*
505 0
5 0
5050
5050
503 0
5050
5050
5 * 0
4050
5050
505 0
4050
5050
505
Paint/Trim
* * 0*
505 0
4 0
1010
4050
305 0
4040
4040
5 * 0
3050
4050
504 0
2040
4040
505
Noises/Leaks
* * 0*
505 0
4 0
1020
1050
505 0
3040
1050
5 * 0
2020
3010
404 0
4040
4030
305
Body Hardware
* * 0*
505 0
5 0
3050
5050
405 0
4040
4040
5 * 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505
Power Equip.
* * 0*
405 0
4 0
2040
5030
404 0
1010
4050
5 * 0
1020
3030
404 0
1040
4040
505
In-Car Elec.
* * 0*
404 0
1 0
2030
2040
504 0
2010
1040
1 * 0
1020
5030
401 0
1030
5050
202
USED-CAR
VERDICTS * *0 5*0
40 3 0
1010
1040
503 0
3010
20 4*
10 0
1010
1010
301 0
1020
3030
403
NEW-CAR
PREDICTION

TROUBLE Jeep Jeep Kia Kia Kia


SPOTS Renegade Wrangler Cadenza Forte Niro
‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19

Engine, Major 0
5050
505* 0
4040
4050
505 0
5 * * * 0
5 * 30
0 40
5040
4 * 0
5050
5
Engine, Minor 0
5010
404* 0
2040
3030
505 0
3 * * * 0
5 * 0
1040
5040
5 * 0
5050
5
Engine Cooling 0
1010
505* 0
1050
4050
505 0
5 * * * 0
5 * 0
5050
5050
5 * 0
5050
5
Trans., Major 0
5050
505* 0
4050
5040
505 0
5 * * * 0
5 * 0
5050
5050
5 * 0
5050
5
Trans., Minor 0
1010
405* 0
3040
4040
505 0
5 * * * 0
5 * 0
4050
5050
5 * 0
5050
5
Drive System 0
5020
502* 0
3030
2040
305 0
3 * * * 0
5 * 0
2050
5050
5 * 0
4050
4
Fuel System 0
3040
505* 0
5050
5040
405 0
3 * * * 0
5 * 0
1010
5050
4 * 0
5050
5
Electrical 0
5050
505* 0
4040
5050
505 0
5 * * * 0
5 * 0
4050
5030
3 * 0
5040
5
Climate System 0
3030
401* 0
4050
5050
404 0
5 * * * 0
5 * 0
1020
5050
5 * 0
5050
5
Suspension 0
5050
502* 0
3030
4050
104 0
2 * * * 0
5 * 0
5040
5010
5 * 0
5050
5
Brakes 0
3030
205* 0
1040
3050
505 0
1 * * * 0
1 * 0
1020
3030
5 * 0
5050
4
Exhaust 0
5050
405* 0
5050
5050
505 0
5 * * * 0
5 * 0
5050
5050
5 * 0
5050
5
Paint/Trim 0
5020
505* 0
3050
5050
504 0
5 * * * 0
5 * 0
4010
4040
4 * 0
5050
5
Noises/Leaks 0
5020
401* 0
1020
1010
102 0
1 * * * 0
5 * 0
1030
3050
5 * 0
2050
4
Body Hardware 0
5050
505* 0
4040
4050
405 0
5 * * * 0
4 * 0
4040
5030
5 * 0
3030
5
Power Equip. 0
1010
304* 0
4030
3030
205 0
1 * * * 0
3 * 0
1040
4010
5 * 0
5050
5
In-Car Elec. 0
1010
304* 0
4030
2050
102 0
3 * * * 0
5 * 0
3050
5020
4 * 0
4040
4
USED-CAR
VERDICTS 0
1010
301* 0
1020
1020
101 3*
0 *0
4* * 0
1030
50 3*
10 0
4040
1
NEW-CAR
PREDICTION
1 2 3 4 5
WORSE BET TER 203
TROUBLE Kia Kia Kia Kia Kia
SPOTS Optima Sedona Sorento Soul Sportage
‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19

Engine, Major 0
2050
4050
505 * 0
5050*
505 0
3040
5050
505 0
3040
5050
505 *0203050505
Engine, Minor 0
4050
5030
405 * 0
5050*
505 0
3050
5050
505 0
4040
5050
505 *0505050405
Engine Cooling 0
5050
5050
505 * 0
5050*
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505 *0505050505
Trans., Major 0
5050
5050
505 * 0
5050*
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505 *0505050505
Trans., Minor 0
5050
5040
505 * 0
5050*
505 0
5050
5050
504 0
5050
5050
405 * 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
5
Drive System 0
4050
5040
505 * 0
3050*
505 0
5050
4050
505 0
5050
5050
505 *0505050504
Fuel System 0
5050
4040
505 * 0
5050*
505 0
4050
5050
505 0
2040
4050
505 *0505050505
Electrical 0
4050
5050
505 * 0
5050*
505 0
4040
5050
505 0
4030
4050
505 *0205050505
Climate System 0
5040
4040
405 * 0
3050*
505 0
1050
4050
505 0
3040
4050
405 *0501020505
Suspension 0
3040
5050
505 * 0
5050*
305 0
3040
4040
405 0
4050
5050
505 *0402050505
Brakes 0
3050
3050
505 * 0
5050*
405 0
2050
5050
505 0
1040
3040
505 *0503050504
Exhaust 0
5050
5050
505 * 0
5050*
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
4050
5050
505 *0505050505
Paint/Trim 0
3020
5040
405 * 0
5050*
402 0
5050
5050
505 0
4050
5050
505 * 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
5
Noises/Leaks 0
5040
2050
505 * 0
1050*
505 0
2020
5050
504 0
5050
4050
505 *0104040505
Body Hardware 0
3040
5040
505 * 0
1040*
302 0
5030
4050
505 0
5050
5050
505 *0505050505
Power Equip. 0
3030
3040
505 * 0
1020*
301 0
1010
2040
405 0
2040
4040
505 *0504030505
In-Car Elec. 0
5050
4040
404 * 0
4020*
205 0
4030
5040
505 0
5040
5040
505 *0505040404
USED-CAR
VERDICTS 0
3040
3030
305 *030
50 3*
40 0
3030
3040
404 0
3040
3040
405 *0403030402
NEW-CAR
PREDICTION

TROUBLE Lexus CT Lexus Lexus Lexus Lexus


SPOTS 200h ES GS GX IS
‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19

Engine, Major
* * 0
5 * 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
4050
5 * 0
5050
5050
5 * 0
5050
505* *
Engine, Minor
* * 0
5 * 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
5 * 0
5040
5050
5 * 0
5050
405* *
Engine Cooling
* * 0
5 * 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
5 * 0
5050
5050
5 * 0
5050
505* *
Trans., Major
* * 0
5 * 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
5 * 0
5050
5050
5 * 0
5050
505* *
Trans., Minor
* * 0
5 * 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
5 * 0
4040
5050
5 * 0
5050
505* *
Drive System
* * 0
4 * 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
5 * 0
3040
5050
5 * 0
5040
505* *
Fuel System
* * 0
5 * 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
5 * 0
5050
5050
4 * 0
5050
405* *
Electrical
* * 0
5 * 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
5 * 0
5050
5050
5 * 0
5050
505* *
Climate System
* * 0
5 * 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
4050
5 * 0
5050
5040
5 * 0
5050
505* *
Suspension
* * 0
5 * 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
5 * 0
5040
5050
5 * 0
2010
505* *
Brakes
* * 0
4 * 0
5050
5050
505 0
3010
4050
4 * 0
4030
5040
5 * 0
1050
105* *
Exhaust
* * 0
5 * 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
2 * 0
5040
5050
5 * 0
5050
505* *
Paint/Trim
* * 0
5 * 0
4050
5050
505 0
5050
4050
5 * 0
4050
5050
5 * 0
5050
505* *
Noises/Leaks
* * 0
5 * 0
4050
4050
505 0
5040
4030
5 * 0
3020
5050
5 * 0
5050
405* *
Body Hardware
* * 0
5 * 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
5 * 0
5050
5040
5 * 0
5050
505* *
Power Equip.
* * 0
3 * 0
5050
5050
505 0
1050
5040
5 * 0
5050
4050
5 * 0
4050
405* *
In-Car Elec.
* * 0
5 * 0
5040
5040
503 0
5050
4040
4 * 0
4020
4050
3 * 0
1040
504* *
USED-CAR
VERDICTS *0
5* * 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
50 5*
50 0
5040
50 5*
50 0
5040
405* *
NEW-CAR
PREDICTION

204 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2021


USED C A R RELIA BILIT Y
TROUBLE Lexus Lexus Lexus Lincoln Lincoln
SPOTS LS NX RX Continental MKC
‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19

Engine, Major 0
5050
5050
5 * 0
5050
5050
5 0
5050
5050
505 0
505* 0
4050
5050
5
Engine, Minor 0
2050
5050
5 * 0
5050
5050
5 0
5050
5050
505 0
505* 0
4050
5050
5
Engine Cooling 0
5050
5050
5 * 0
5050
5050
5 0
5050
5050
505 0
505* 0
5050
5050
5
Trans., Major 0
5050
5050
5 * 0
5050
5050
5 0
5050
5050
505 0
505* 0
5050
5050
5
Trans., Minor 0
5050
5040
2 * 0
5050
5050
5 0
5050
5050
505 0
505* 0
4050
5050
5
Drive System 0
2050
5040
4 * 0
5050
5050
5 0
5050
5050
505 0
405* 0
3050
5040
5
Fuel System 0
5050
5050
5 * 0
5050
5050
5 0
5050
5050
505 0
505* 0
4050
5050
4
Electrical 0
5050
5050
5 * 0
5050
5050
5 0
5050
5050
505 0
505* 0
5050
5050
5
Climate System 0
5030
5050
5 * 0
4050
5050
5 0
5050
5050
505 0
505* 0
4050
4040
5
Suspension 0
5050
4010
5 * 0
5050
5050
5 0
5050
5050
505 0
505* 0
3020
4040
5
Brakes 0
5030
5050
3 * 0
5050
5050
5 0
5050
4040
505 0
505* 0
4050
5050
5
Exhaust 0
5050
5050
5 * 0
5050
5050
5 0
5050
5050
505 0
505* 0
5050
5050
5
Paint/Trim 0
5040
5020
5 * 0
5050
5050
5 0
5050
5050
505 0
405* 0
4040
5050
5
Noises/Leaks 0
5050
5030
3 * 0
4040
5050
5 0
4040
3040
505 0
202* 0
1020
4050
4
Body Hardware 0
5040
5050
5 * 0
5050
5050
5 0
5050
5050
505 0
205* 0
2010
5050
5
Power Equip. 0
5040
5050
4 * 0
4050
5050
5 0
5040
5050
405 0
105* 0
1020
2020
5
In-Car Elec. 0
5020
5010
4 * 0
2040
3020
4 0
5050
5040
404 0
103* 0
5010
3020
4
USED-CAR
VERDICTS 0
5050
50 1*
30 0
5050
5050
5 0
5050
5050
404 0
205* 0
2030
4030
5
NEW-CAR
PREDICTION

TROUBLE Lincoln Lincoln Mazda3 Mazda5 Mazda6


SPOTS MKX MKZ
‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19

Engine, Major
* * 0
5050
5 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
505 0
5050
5050
5 *
Engine, Minor
* * 0
5050
5 0
5030
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
505 0
5050
5050
3 *
Engine Cooling
* * 0
5050
5 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
505 0
5050
5050
5 *
Trans., Major
* * 0
4050
5 0
3050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
505 0
5050
5050
5 *
Trans., Minor
* * 0
4050
5 0
5050
3050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
505 0
5050
5050
5 *
Drive System
* * 0
5050
5 0
5050
5050
505 0
4050
5050
505 0
505 0
5050
5050
5 *
Fuel System
* * 0
5050
5 0
5030
5050
505 0
4050
5050
505 0
305 0
5050
5050
5 *
Electrical
* * 0
5050
5 0
4050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
405 0
5050
5050
5 *
Climate System
* * 0
5050
5 0
4040
5040
505 0
4050
5050
505 0
505 0
2050
5050
5 *
Suspension
* * 0
4040
5 0
2050
5050
505 0
4050
5050
501 0
405 0
5050
5050
5 *
Brakes
* * 0
3050
5 0
3050
4050
505 0
2020
3050
505 0
405 0
1010
4030
5 *
Exhaust
* * 0
5050
5 0
5050
4050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
505 0
5050
5050
5 *
Paint/Trim
* * 0
5040
5 0
2030
4050
305 0
4050
5040
505 0
404 0
3040
4040
4 *
Noises/Leaks
* * 0
4040
4 0
3030
4050
504 0
4050
5040
504 0
105 0
3050
5040
2 *
Body Hardware
* * 0
4050
5 0
1030
3050
504 0
5050
5050
505 0
405 0
5050
5050
5 *
Power Equip.
* * 0
1040
4 0
1040
3030
504 0
4040
3030
405 0
403 0
4040
5030
4 *
In-Car Elec.
* * 0
1020
1 0
1040
1030
304 0
1010
1030
402 0
505 0
1030
3040
3 *
USED-CAR
VERDICTS * *020
404 0
3030
4040
504 0
4040
4050
503 0
505 0
3040
50 4*
40
NEW-CAR
PREDICTION
1 2 3 4 5
WORSE BET TER 205
TROUBLE Mazda Mazda Mazda Mazda Mercedes-
SPOTS CX-3 CX-5 CX-9 MX-5 Miata Benz C-Class
‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19

Engine, Major 0
5050
5 * 0
5050
5050
505 0
3040
4050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
5010
5050
505
Engine, Minor 0
5050
5 * 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
5020
5050
505
Engine Cooling 0
5050
5 * 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505
Trans., Major 0
5050
5 * 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505
Trans., Minor 0
5050
5 * 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
5040
5040
505
Drive System 0
5050
5 * 0
4050
5050
505 0
5040
3050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505
Fuel System 0
5050
5 * 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
3050
5030
405
Electrical 0
5050
5 * 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
4050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
5040
5050
505
Climate System 0
1020
5 * 0
4050
5050
505 0
5040
2050
405 0
5050
1050
505 0
5050
5030
505
Suspension 0
5050
5 * 0
4050
5050
505 0
3050
5040
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
4030
5050
505
Brakes 0
5050
5 * 0
3040
3040
505 0
5040
5010
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
4030
3040
504
Exhaust 0
5050
5 * 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505
Paint/Trim 0
1040
5 * 0
5050
5040
405 0
4050
1050
505 0
5050
5050
105 0
3050
5050
505
Noises/Leaks 0
1050
4 * 0
5030
5050
505 0
5010
5040
505 0
1010
3050
505 0
4040
5020
505
Body Hardware 0
4050
5 * 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
4050
505 0
5050
5050
505
Power Equip. 0
2030
5 * 0
4050
2040
405 0
5040
4050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
3020
4020
303
In-Car Elec. 0
1030
5 * 0
1040
2030
404 0
5050
1020
201 0
1050
5050
505 0
5010
2040
504
USED-CAR
VERDICTS 0
10 5*
50 0
4050
4040
505 0
5040
3040
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
5010
5020
402
NEW-CAR
PREDICTION

TROUBLE Mercedes- Mercedes- Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-


SPOTS Benz E-Class Benz GLA GLK, GLC M-Class, GLE Benz S-Class
‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19

Engine, Major 0
4050
5050
505 0
5 * * * 0
5 0
5030
5050
505 0
5040
5050
5 * *0
5*0
504*
Engine, Minor 0
4050
5050
505 0
5 * * * 0
5 0
5040
3050
505 0
5050
5040
5 * * * 4*
0
5 0
5 0
Engine Cooling 0
5050
5050
505 0
4 * * * 0
5 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
5 * *0
5*0
505*
Trans., Major 0
5050
5050
505 0
5 * * * 0
5 0
4050
5050
405 0
4050
5040
5 * *0
5*0
505*
Trans., Minor 0
5050
5050
505 0
4 * * * 0
5 0
4040
5050
505 0
5050
5040
5 * *0
5*0
505*
Drive System 0
4050
5050
505 0
4 * * * 0
5 0
5050
2050
505 0
5030
5050
5 * *0
5*0
505*
Fuel System 0
3050
5040
505 0
4 * * * 0
5 0
1010
3050
504 0
1030
4050
4 * *0
5*0
505*
Electrical 0
5050
5050
505 0
5 * * * 0
5 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
5 * *0
5*0
505*
Climate System 0
5030
4050
505 0
5 * * * 0
5 0
4040
5040
505 0
4050
3040
5 * *0
5*0
505*
Suspension 0
4050
5040
405 0
3 * * * 0
1 0
4030
5050
505 0
4030
4050
5 * * * 1*
0
5 0
4 0
Brakes 0
3050
5040
505 0
4 * * * 0
5 0
1020
1010
305 0
1040
3050
4 * *0
4*0
105*
Exhaust 0
5050
5050
505 0
5 * * * 0
5 0
4040
5050
505 0
3040
5050
5 * *0
5*0
505*
Paint/Trim 0
3040
5040
405 0
5 * * * 0
5 0
5050
4050
504 0
4040
5050
4 * *0
5*0
503*
Noises/Leaks 0
4010
3010
204 0
5 * * * 0
4 0
5050
1040
505 0
5030
4050
4 * *0
2*0
501*
Body Hardware 0
5040
5050
505 0
5 * * * 0
4 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
4050
5 * *0
5*0
403*
Power Equip. 0
3030
4010
405 0
5 * * * 0
4 0
4050
2040
405 0
4020
4050
5 * *0
5*0
201*
In-Car Elec. 0
3040
4020
101 0
4 * * * 0
4 0
3040
3020
201 0
4040
5010
3 * *0
2*0
101*
USED-CAR
VERDICTS 0
4040
5030
303 4*
0 *0
3* 0
3030
1020
303 0
3020
40 4*
30 *0
5*0
201*
NEW-CAR
PREDICTION

206 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2021


USED C A R RELIA BILIT Y
TROUBLE Mini Mini Cooper Nissan Nissan Nissan
SPOTS Cooper Countryman Altima Frontier Leaf
‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19

Engine, Major 10
0 50
5040
505 * * * * 0
505 0
5050
50 50
50 5 0
5050
5050
5 * 0
5050
5050
505
Engine, Minor 0
3050
5050
505 * * * * 0
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
5 * 0
5050
5050
505
Engine Cooling 0
5050
5050
505 * * * * 0
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
5 * 0
5050
5050
505
Trans., Major 0
5050
5050
505 * * * * 0
505 0
2040
4050
505 0
5040
5050
5 * 0
5050
5050
505
Trans., Minor 0
5050
5050
505 * * * * 0
505 0
3040
4050
505 0
5040
5050
5 * 0
5050
5050
505
Drive System 0
4050
5050
505 * * * * 0
505 0
5050
4050
505 0
5050
5050
5 * 0
4050
4050
205
Fuel System 0
1040
5050
405 * * * * 0
503 0
5040
5050
505 0
5040
4030
4 * 0
5050
5050
505
Electrical 0
5050
5050
505 * * * * 0
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
5 * 0
1050
5050
505
Climate System 0
5050
4050
504 * * * * 0
505 0
3030
4050
505 0
4050
4030
5 * 0
1050
5010
505
Suspension 0
5030
4050
505 * * * * 0
305 0
3040
4050
505 0
5050
4050
5 * 0
5050
5050
505
Brakes 0
5010
4040
405 * * * * 0
305 0
1010
5040
405 0
4050
4050
5 * 0
5050
5050
505
Exhaust 0
1050
5050
505 * * * * 0
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
5 * 0
5050
5050
505
Paint/Trim 0
3050
3050
405 * * * * 0
405 0
4040
5050
405 0
5050
5030
3 * 0
4050
5050
505
Noises/Leaks 0
3050
5020
204 * * * * 0
304 0
3030
4030
405 0
3040
4020
4 * 0
5050
5050
303
Body Hardware 0
3040
3050
404 * * * * 0
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5030
5 * 0
5050
5050
505
Power Equip. 0
4030
4030
505 * * * * 0
305 0
3020
5050
105 0
5040
5010
5 * 0
4020
5050
205
In-Car Elec. 0
5050
5050
404 * * * * 0
404 0
3030
4020
305 0
4050
4050
4 * 0
5030
5030
204
USED-CAR
VERDICTS 0
2030
4030
405 * * * *030
1 0
3030
3050
305 0
5050
50 3*
30 0
3050
5050
105
NEW-CAR
PREDICTION

TROUBLE Nissan Nissan Nissan Nissan Nissan


SPOTS Maxima Murano Pathfinder Rogue Rogue Sport
‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19

Engine, Major 0
5 0
5050
5 * 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
5 * 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5
Engine, Minor 0
5 0
5050
5 * 0
5050
5050
505 0
5040
4040
5 * 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5
Engine Cooling 0
5 0
5050
5 * 0
5050
5050
505 0
5010
4040
5 * 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5
Trans., Major 0
4 0
4050
5 * 0
4020
5050
505 0
1010
3050
5 * 0
3040
4050
505 0
5050
5
Trans., Minor 0
5 0
4050
5 * 0
4030
4040
505 0
1020
5050
4 * 0
4040
5050
505 0
5050
5
Drive System 0
4 0
5050
5 * 0
5040
4050
405 0
2030
5050
5 * 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5
Fuel System 0
5 0
3050
5 * 0
5050
4050
505 0
3040
4050
5 * 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5
Electrical 0
5 0
5050
5 * 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
5 * 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5
Climate System 0
5 0
4050
5 * 0
4050
5050
505 0
1020
4030
4 * 0
1030
2030
505 0
1050
5
Suspension 0
5 0
5050
5 * 0
2050
5040
505 0
1030
3050
5 * 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5
Brakes 0
4 0
3030
5 * 0
2020
2040
505 0
1050
2050
5 * 0
4040
5050
505 0
5050
5
Exhaust 0
5 0
5050
5 * 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
5 * 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5
Paint/Trim 0
4 0
5010
2 * 0
4040
4040
503 0
1040
1030
3 * 0
3030
4040
505 0
5030
5
Noises/Leaks 0
3 0
2020
3 * 0
2030
3010
405 0
1010
1040
2 * 0
1010
3030
405 0
2030
5
Body Hardware 0
4 0
5050
1 * 0
3040
3040
505 0
1040
3050
3 * 0
3040
5050
505 0
5050
5
Power Equip. 0
5 0
4040
2 * 0
4030
3040
505 0
3020
3050
5 * 0
4030
4050
404 0
5050
5
In-Car Elec. 0
4 0
5050
5 * 0
4030
4030
205 0
4050
4030
5 * 0
3030
5040
104 0
5040
3
USED-CAR
VERDICTS 0
5 0
40 2*
40 0
4030
3030
404 0
1010
10 4*
30 0
3030
3040
403 0
4050
5
NEW-CAR
PREDICTION
1 2 3 4 5
WORSE BET TER 207
TROUBLE Nissan Porsche Porsche Boxster, Porsche Porsche
SPOTS Sentra 911 718 Boxster Cayenne Macan
‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19

Engine, Major 0
505* * 0
5 * * * * 0*
305 50
0 5* * 0
5 * 0
5 * *0
503 0
5 50
0 50
505*
Engine, Minor 0
505* * 0
5 * * * * 0*
505 0
505* * 0
5 * 0
5 * *0
405 0
4 0
5030
404*
Engine Cooling 0
505* * 0
5 * * * * 0*
305 0
505* * 0
5 * 0
4 * *0
503 0
5 0
4050
505*
Trans., Major 0
105* * 0
4 * * * * 0*
505 0
303* * 0
5 * 0
2 * *0
302 0
5 0
4040
505*
Trans., Minor 0
301* * 0
5 * * * * 0*
505 0
503* * 0
5 * 0
1 * *0
304 0
5 0
4040
505*
Drive System 0
505* * 0
5 * * * * 0*
505 0
505* * 0
5 * 0
1 * *0
105 0
5 0
3040
505*
Fuel System 0
505* * 0
5 * * * * 0*
305 0
505* * 0
5 * 0
1 * *0
404 0
5 0
5050
505*
Electrical 0
505* * 0
5 * * * * 0*
305 0
505* * 0
5 * 0
5 * *0
505 0
5 0
5050
505*
Climate System 0
305* * 0
5 * * * * 0*
505 0
305* * 0
5 * 0
1 * *0
504 0
5 0
4050
505*
Suspension 0
503* * 0
3 * * * * 0*
505 0
505* * 0
5 * 0
5 * *0
505 0
5 0
5050
505*
Brakes 0
304* * 0
1 * * * * 0*
505 0
505* * 0
5 * 0
3 * *0
405 0
5 0
5050
503*
Exhaust 0
505* * 0
5 * * * * 0*
505 0
503* * 0
5 * 0
5 * *0
505 0
5 0
1050
505*
Paint/Trim 0
403* * 0
2 * * * * 0*
505 0
305* * 0
5 * 0
4 * *0
503 0
5 0
5020
505*
Noises/Leaks 0
304* * 0
2 * * * * 0*
305 0
505* * 0
1 * 0
4 * *0
302 0
5 0
3010
305*
Body Hardware 0
503* * 0
5 * * * * 0*
503 0
505* * 0
5 * 0
5 * *0
405 0
5 0
5030
505*
Power Equip. 0
405* * 0
3 * * * * 0*
505 0
504* * 0
5 * 0
3 * *0
402 0
5 0
5010
505*
In-Car Elec. 0
505* * 0
5 * * * * 0*
405 0
505* * 0
5 * 0
4 * *0
503 0
1 0
5020
405*
USED-CAR
VERDICTS 0
303*0
3* * * * *0 5*
20 0
504*0
4* * 1*0
0 1*0
10 5 0
3020
504*
NEW-CAR
PREDICTION

TROUBLE Ram Subaru Subaru Subaru Subaru


SPOTS 1500 BRZ Forester Impreza Legacy
‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19

Engine, Major 0
5050
5050
505 * * * * 0
5 * 40
0 50
5050
505 50
0 50
50 50
505 0
50 50
50 50
50 5
Engine, Minor 0
4040
5050
505 * * * * 0
5 * 0
3050
5050
505 0
4050
5050
505 0
5040
5050
405
Engine Cooling 0
5050
5050
505 * * * * 0
5 * 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505
Trans., Major 0
5050
5050
505 * * * * 0
5 * 0
4050
5050
505 0
4040
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505
Trans., Minor 0
5040
4040
505 * * * * 0
5 * 0
4050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505
Drive System 0
3030
4050
505 * * * * 0
5 * 0
3040
5050
505 0
4040
5050
505 0
5040
5050
405
Fuel System 0
1010
1040
505 * * * * 0
5 * 0
5050
5050
505 0
5040
5050
505 0
5050
5050
405
Electrical 0
5050
5050
505 * * * * 0
4 * 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505
Climate System 0
4050
5040
405 * * * * 0
4 * 0
1030
4010
505 0
4040
5050
405 0
3050
5050
505
Suspension 0
4030
4040
505 * * * * 0
5 * 0
1040
5050
505 0
4050
4040
505 0
5030
4050
505
Brakes 0
3030
5040
501 * * * * 0
5 * 0
2030
3050
505 0
1030
3050
505 0
3050
5050
505
Exhaust 0
4030
3050
505 * * * * 0
5 * 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505
Paint/Trim 0
3040
4040
405 * * * * 0
4 * 0
5050
5050
505 0
3040
4050
505 0
5040
4040
405
Noises/Leaks 0
4040
4050
403 * * * * 0
5 * 0
3040
5040
405 0
3050
5040
405 0
1040
4040
404
Body Hardware 0
5050
4030
405 * * * * 0
5 * 0
5050
5050
505 0
5040
5050
505 0
5030
5050
505
Power Equip. 0
2020
2040
403 * * * * 0
4 * 0
2010
2030
504 0
2010
1040
505 0
2040
3030
305
In-Car Elec. 0
1040
2040
301 * * * * 0
5 * 0
3020
3030
402 0
4020
4010
104 0
4030
3010
103
USED-CAR
VERDICTS 0
3010
2030
301 * * *0
5* * 0
2030
4030
503 0
3030
4030
405 0
4030
4040
205
NEW-CAR
PREDICTION

208 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2021


USED C A R RELIA BILIT Y
TROUBLE Subaru Subaru XV, Tesla Tesla Tesla
SPOTS Outback Crosstrek Model 3 Model S Model X
‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19

Engine, Major 0
40 50
50 50
505 0
5050
5050
505 * 0
505 0
4050
5050
505 0
5050
5 *
Engine, Minor 0
4050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505 * 0
505 0
4050
5050
505 0
5050
5 *
Engine Cooling 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505 * 0
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5 *
Trans., Major 0
5050
5050
505 0
5040
5050
505 * 0
505 0
4050
5050
505 0
5050
5 *
Trans., Minor 0
5050
5050
505 0
5040
4050
505 * 0
505 0
4050
5050
505 0
5050
5 *
Drive System 0
4040
5050
505 0
4030
5050
505 * 0
505 0
1020
5050
505 0
4030
3 *
Fuel System 0
5050
5050
305 0
4050
5050
505 * 0
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5 *
Electrical 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505 * 0
505 0
4050
5050
505 0
5050
5 *
Climate System 0
5050
5050
505 0
1020
4050
505 * 0
505 0
4040
3040
305 0
1040
4 *
Suspension 0
4040
4050
505 0
1040
4050
505 * 0
505 0
2040
5030
305 0
2030
4 *
Brakes 0
2050
5050
505 0
2020
3040
505 * 0
505 0
5050
5050
504 0
4020
5 *
Exhaust 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505 * 0
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5 *
Paint/Trim 0
4050
5050
505 0
4040
4050
405 * 0
404 0
5040
5030
504 0
1010
3 *
Noises/Leaks 0
2040
4040
305 0
3040
5040
505 * 0
404 0
1010
3010
304 0
1010
1 *
Body Hardware 0
5040
4050
505 0
5050
5050
505 * 0
404 0
1010
4020
404 0
1020
3 *
Power Equip. 0
3010
2020
205 0
1010
2020
405 * 0
305 0
4010
5040
304 0
1040
1 *
In-Car Elec. 0
4020
3020
103 0
3030
3050
103 * 0
403 0
1010
3020
102 0
1010
1 *
USED-CAR
VERDICTS 0
4030
4040
205 0
3020
3030
505 *040
3 0
3020
4030
202 0
10 1*
10
NEW-CAR
PREDICTION

TROUBLE Toyota Toyota Toyota Toyota Toyota


SPOTS 4Runner Avalon Camry Corolla Highlander
‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19

Engine, Major 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505 50
0 50
50 50
50 5 0
5050
5050
505 0
50 50
50 50
505
Engine, Minor 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505
Engine Cooling 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505
Trans., Major 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505
Trans., Minor 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505
Drive System 0
4050
5050
405 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505
Fuel System 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505
Electrical 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505
Climate System 0
4030
4050
505 0
5050
4050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
5040
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505
Suspension 0
4040
5050
505 0
5050
5040
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
5040
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505
Brakes 0
3010
4040
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
4040
5050
405 0
4040
5050
505 0
4040
4050
505
Exhaust 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505
Paint/Trim 0
5040
5050
505 0
5050
5050
405 0
4040
5050
505 0
5040
4050
505 0
5050
5050
505
Noises/Leaks 0
5050
5040
505 0
4050
4050
504 0
5030
4040
405 0
4040
4040
405 0
4050
4040
505
Body Hardware 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5040
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
4050
5050
505
Power Equip. 0
2030
4050
505 0
4040
4050
505 0
4050
5040
505 0
4050
4050
505 0
4040
4050
505
In-Car Elec. 0
1010
5040
405 0
4020
4040
403 0
4040
4050
104 0
3040
5050
504 0
1030
4040
402
USED-CAR
VERDICTS 0
5040
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
404 0
5050
5050
503 0
5050
5050
504
NEW-CAR
PREDICTION
1 2 3 4 5
WORSE BET TER 209
TROUBLE Toyota Toyota Toyota Toyota Toyota
SPOTS Prius Prius C Prius V RAV4 Sienna
‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19

Engine, Major 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5 * * 0
5 0
5050
505* 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505
Engine, Minor 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5 * * 0
5 0
5050
505* 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505
Engine Cooling 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5 * * 0
5 0
5050
505* 0
5050
5050
505 0
4050
5050
505
Trans., Major 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5 * * 0
5 0
5050
505* 0
5050
5050
505 0
4050
5050
505
Trans., Minor 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5 * * 0
5 0
5050
505* 0
4050
5050
504 0
5050
5040
505
Drive System 0
5050
5050
505 0
5040
5 * * 0
3 0
5050
505* 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505
Fuel System 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5 * * 0
5 0
5050
505* 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505
Electrical 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5 * * 0
5 0
5050
505* 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505
Climate System 0
5050
5050
504 0
5040
5 * * 0
5 0
5050
505* 0
5050
5050
505 0
4050
5040
405
Suspension 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5 * * 0
5 0
5050
505* 0
4050
5050
505 0
4050
5050
505
Brakes 0
5050
5050
505 0
4050
5 * * 0
5 0
4040
505* 0
3040
4050
505 0
3030
5050
505
Exhaust 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5 * * 0
5 0
5050
505* 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505
Paint/Trim 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5 * * 0
5 0
4050
505* 0
4050
5050
505 0
3050
4050
505
Noises/Leaks 0
5050
4040
505 0
4020
4 * * 0
5 0
5050
505* 0
4040
5040
504 0
3030
3030
405
Body Hardware 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5 * * 0
5 0
5050
505* 0
5050
5050
505 0
2030
4040
505
Power Equip. 0
4040
5050
505 0
5040
5 * * 0
4 0
5030
405* 0
4050
4050
505 0
3030
4040
505
In-Car Elec. 0
4040
5050
405 0
5040
5 * * 0
4 0
4010
404* 0
2050
4040
403 0
4030
4030
104
USED-CAR
VERDICTS 0
5050
5050
505 0
50 5*0
50 3* 0
5050
505* 0
5050
5050
503 0
3040
5030
405
NEW-CAR
PREDICTION

TROUBLE Toyota Toyota Toyota Volkswagen Volkswagen


SPOTS Tacoma Tundra Venza Atlas Beetle
‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19

Engine, Major 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
505 0
505 0
305*0
505*
Engine, Minor 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
505 0
505 0
105*0
505*
Engine Cooling 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
505 0
505 0
105*0
305*
Trans., Major 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
505 0
505 0
501*0
505*
Trans., Minor 0
5050
3040
205 0
5050
5050
505 0
505 0
505 0
501*0
505*
Drive System 0
5040
4030
405 0
5050
5050
505 0
405 0
405 0
505*0
505*
Fuel System 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
4050
505 0
505 0
303 0
501*0
505*
Electrical 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
505 0
505 0
505*0
505*
Climate System 0
5040
4040
505 0
5050
5050
405 0
405 0
405 0
105*0
105*
Suspension 0
4040
5050
505 0
4050
5040
505 0
404 0
504 0
505*0
505*
Brakes 0
4040
3050
205 0
3040
2040
505 0
303 0
505 0
505*0
505*
Exhaust 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
505 0
405 0
505*0
505*
Paint/Trim 0
5050
4050
405 0
5050
5030
505 0
505 0
505 0
505*0
503*
Noises/Leaks 0
4030
2040
405 0
5050
5030
505 0
505 0
403 0
304*0
502*
Body Hardware 0
5050
5050
505 0
5050
5050
505 0
505 0
505 0
302*0
505*
Power Equip. 0
4050
5050
505 0
4050
4020
405 0
504 0
103 0
405*0
305*
In-Car Elec. 0
4040
3050
405 0
2040
4040
304 0
501 0
204 0
403*0
505*
USED-CAR
VERDICTS 0
5050
3030
104 0
5050
4030
505 0
505 0
101 0
101*0
305*
NEW-CAR
PREDICTION

210 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2021


USED C A R RELIA BILIT Y
TROUBLE Volkswagen Volkswagen Golf Volkswagen Volkswagen Volkswagen
SPOTS Golf SportWagen GTI Jetta Passat
‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19

Engine, Major
*0
5050
5050
5 0
5050
505* *0
4040
505* 0
3030
5050
505 0
5050
5050
5 *
Engine, Minor
*0
5050
3050
5 0
5050
501* *0
3040
505* 0
3040
5050
505 0
5050
5050
5 *
Engine Cooling
*0
5050
4050
5 0
2030
505* *0
2030
505* 0
5050
5050
505 0
4050
5050
5 *
Trans., Major
*0
5050
5050
5 0
5050
405* *0
4050
505* 0
5050
4050
505 0
5050
5050
5 *
Trans., Minor
*0
4010
3050
5 0
5010
505* *0
5040
503* 0
4040
5050
505 0
5050
5050
5 *
Drive System
*0
4040
5050
4 0
5050
505* *0
5050
505* 0
5050
5050
305 0
5040
5050
5 *
Fuel System
*0
1050
5050
5 0
2040
405* *0
4050
505* 0
4010
5050
504 0
1010
5050
4 *
Electrical
*0
5050
5050
5 0
5050
505* *0
3050
505* 0
4040
5050
505 0
4050
5050
5 *
Climate System
*0
4050
5050
5 0
5050
505* *0
2050
404* 0
4010
4030
505 0
3010
4050
4 *
Suspension
*0
5040
4050
4 0
4050
504* *0
4050
505* 0
1050
5050
405 0
2040
4050
5 *
Brakes
*0
4030
5020
5 0
4050
405* *0
3040
504* 0
2050
4040
505 0
5020
3040
4 *
Exhaust
*0
4050
5050
4 0
5050
505* *0
5050
505* 0
5050
5050
505 0
5040
5050
5 *
Paint/Trim
*0
5050
5040
5 0
4050
505* *0
5050
505* 0
5050
4050
505 0
3050
5050
5 *
Noises/Leaks
*0
2020
1050
1 0
1010
402* *0
1010
303* 0
4050
1040
504 0
5040
3050
5 *
Body Hardware
*0
5050
5050
5 0
4050
505* *0
5050
504* 0
5050
3040
504 0
4050
4050
5 *
Power Equip.
*0
3040
5050
4 0
4050
505* *0
4020
105* 0
2040
3030
505 0
3010
3020
4 *
In-Car Elec.
*0
2040
5030
5 0
4010
303* *0
4040
503* 0
5030
3030
203 0
2030
4020
2 *
USED-CAR
VERDICTS *0
2030
3050
2 0
3020
403* *0
1020
403* 0
3020
4030
402 0
3020
40 4*
50
NEW-CAR
PREDICTION

TROUBLE Volkswagen Volvo Volvo Volvo Volvo


SPOTS Tiguan S60 XC60 XC70 XC90
‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19

Engine, Major 0
1 * 0
3050
505 0
1030
5050
5 * 0
3030
5050
505 * 0
505 * *0
5050
505
Engine, Minor 0
2 * 0
4050
505 0
4040
5050
5 * 0
3040
5040
505 *050
5 * *0
4050
505
Engine Cooling 0
3 * 0
5050
505 0
4030
5050
5 * 0
5040
5050
505 *050
5 * *0
5050
505
Trans., Major 0
5 * 0
4050
505 0
3050
4050
5 * 0
5040
5050
505 *050
5 * *0
5050
505
Trans., Minor 0
5 * 0
1050
405 0
3050
5050
5 * 0
3050
5050
505 *050
5 * *0
5050
505
Drive System 0
5 * 0
4050
405 0
5050
5050
5 * 0
1030
4050
505 *040
5 * *0
4030
404
Fuel System 0
4 * 0
5040
503 0
2050
4030
5 * 0
5030
5040
505 *040
5 * *0
4050
205
Electrical 0
5 * 0
5050
505 0
5040
5050
5 * 0
5040
5050
505 *050
5 * *0
3050
505
Climate System 0
5 * 0
4050
405 0
1050
4050
5 * 0
4040
4050
505 *030
5 * *0
3030
405
Suspension 0
5 * 0
3050
305 0
1030
2040
5 * 0
1050
4050
405 *050
5 * *0
5040
505
Brakes 0
1 * 0
2050
505 0
1030
3050
5 * 0
4040
3030
503 *030
5 * *0
1010
203
Exhaust 0
5 * 0
5050
505 0
5050
5050
5 * 0
5050
5050
505 *050
5 * *0
5050
505
Paint/Trim 0
2 * 0
5050
403 0
5050
5050
5 * 0
5050
5050
505 *040
5 * *0
5040
505
Noises/Leaks 0
4 * 0
1040
304 0
1050
4030
4 * 0
3020
2040
405 *030
5 * *0
1030
205
Body Hardware 0
5 * 0
4050
504 0
5050
5050
5 * 0
5050
5050
505 *030
2 * *0
3020
504
Power Equip. 0
5 * 0
2010
105 0
1030
2030
4 * 0
4030
2030
405 *040
5 * *0
1030
505
In-Car Elec. 0
4 * 0
4050
205 0
4030
5040
3 * 0
1020
2050
203 *050
4 * *0
1010
101
USED-CAR
VERDICTS 3*0
0 10
4010
1 0
1030
30 5*
40 0
2010
3040
301 0
1040
5 * *0
1010
101
NEW-CAR
PREDICTION
1 2 3 4 5
WORSE BET TER 211
Buying Tires

Tires have a direct impact on your car’s handling, braking, ride comfort,
and fuel economy. More important, their cornering grip, braking distances,
and resistance to hydroplaning all affect your safety on the road.

consumer reports tests 50 or more with the highest rolling resistance.


tire models every year, with each going But the mileage you get with brand-
through as many as 14 rigorous tests. new, low-rolling resistance tires may
We’ve found that you generally get what initially be worse than the old tires you are
you pay for. No matter the type, tires that replacing. This is because tires with tens
combine the best grip with the longest of thousands of miles of wear have less
tread life may cost a little more but will tread and behave more like low-rolling
probably be worth it in the long run. resistance tires.
For example, a $130 tire that will last Our latest tests include the projected
twice as long as an $87 tire is a better buy, wear-out mileage of a tire. To determine
assuming all other factors are equal. longevity, we test tread life at a contract
Still, the cheaper tire may be just fine if lab in Texas, where each tire is driven
you won’t be keeping your car for long. at least 16,000 miles or more on public
When buying new tires, we recommend roads. We’ve been conducting this test
sticking to the same type and size tire that for several years.
originally came on your car. Our tread-life estimates let you
First, check the ratings for models that compare the expected miles-to-wear-out
provide good braking and handling for the specific tires we tested, but your
capabilities, as well as good resistance actual experience will vary by how and
to hydroplaning (when there is too where you drive, and what vehicle you
much water between your tire and the use, among other factors.
pavement), which can help you avoid Many tires have a pro-rated treadwear
an accident. After that, look for those rat- warranty, but the tread-life mileage in
ed highly in areas important to you, the following charts will give you a direct
such as winter grip, tread life, ride com- comparison.
fort, and rolling resistance. Remember that if you buy tires
We have found that some tires with online, you may have to pay for shipping
lower rolling resistance allowed our test and for mounting and balancing when
cars to get 1 or 2 more mpg than tires the tires arrive.

212 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2021


Types and Features

T IRE S
ALL-SEASON CAR Best for: Wet and dry ALL-SEASON SUV
These are the tires that braking and handling. These tires deliver the
come standard on many But they trade some win- ride comfort, quiet-
cars, minivans, and SUVs. ter performance for ulti- ness, and long tread life
Best for: Year-round trac- mate warm-weather grip. of a car all-season
tion, long tread life, Speed rating: Z (more tire but in the sizes to
and a comfortable ride. than 149 mph), W (168 mph), fit crossover SUVs.
But they may lack the or Y (186 mph). Best for: Year-round trac-
precise handling and grip Treadwear warranty: tion, long tread life,
of performance tires. None or 40,000 to and a comfortable ride.
Speed rating: Most are 60,000 miles. Speed rating: H (130 mph).
S (112 mph), T (118  Treadwear warranty:
mph), or H (130 mph). ALL-WEATHER CAR Typically 60,000 to
Treadwear warranty: Designed for year-round 75,000 miles.
Typically 65,000 to use. Better snow traction
90,000 miles. than all-season tires, ALL-SEASON AND
but may wear out faster. ALL-TERRAIN TRUCK
PERFORMANCE Best for: Year-round use, Designed for the rigors
ALL-SEASON CAR and where snow and ice of truck use.
They come standard are common challenges. Best for: All-terrain mod-
on many newer cars. Speed rating: W (168 mph) els are designed for
Best for: Improved hand- or V (149 mph). on-road and light-duty
ling and grip over all- Treadwear warranty: off-pavement use; all-
season tires on wet roads, Typically 55,000 to season models are made
but often have shorter 60,000 miles. primarily for on-road use.
treadwear than many Speed rating:
all-season tires. WINTER/SNOW ALL-TERRAIN: S (112 mph)
Speed rating: Typically AND PERFORMANCE or T (118 mph).
V (149 mph). WINTER/SNOW CAR ALL-SEASON: S (112 mph),
Treadwear warranty: Specially made for use T (118 mph), H (130 mph),
Typically 40,000 to in freezing temperatures or V (149 mph).
75,000 miles. and on snow and ice. Treadwear warranty:
Best for: Maintaining ALL-TERRAIN: Typically
ULTRA-HIGH- traction on snow and ice. 50,000 to 60,000 miles.
PERFORMANCE But fast wear and so-so ALL-SEASON: Typically
ALL-SEASON CAR wet and dry braking 50,000 to 80,000 miles.
Found on sports cars, make them most suitable
sports sedans, and only for cold-weather use.
some lower-priced Speed rating: Q (99 mph
sporty models. and higher).
Treadwear warranty:
Usually none.

213
All-Season Tires Best balance of long
tread life and mostly
good all-weather
performance:
General Altimax RT43
Michelin Defender T+H

Tested products in performance order.

Brand & Model Overall Three-Season Winter Comfort Other


Score Driving Driving

Rolling resistance
Recommended

Snow traction
Hydroplaning
Speed rating

Tested tread
Wet braking
Dry braking

Ice braking
resistance

life (miles)
Handling

Noise
Ride
ALL-SEASON

0 4 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
General Altimax 70
! T 4 80,000
RT43

0 4 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
5 0
Michelin 67
! H 3 90,000
Defender T+H

3 0
0 2 0
3 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
Continental 66 T 4 95,000
TrueContact Tour

4 0
0 3 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
Falken Sincera 66 T 4 80,000
SN201 A/S

4 0
0 3 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
Falken Sincera 66 T 4 80,000
SN250 A/S
Nexen Aria AH7 66 T 4 0
0 3 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
4 90,000

4 0
0 3 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
Yokohama Avid 65 T 4 100,000
Ascend
BFGoodrich
Advantage T/A 63 T 4 0
0 3 0
3 0
5 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
2 75,000
Sport

4 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
Hankook Kinergy 63 T 3 80,000
PT
Kumho Solus TA11 61 T 4 0
0 2 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
5 0
5 75,000

4 0
0 2 0
2 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
Pirelli P4 Four 60 T 4 85,000
Seasons Plus

4 0
0 3 0
3 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
5 0
Bridgestone 60 T 5 70,000
Ecopia EP422 Plus

4 0
0 2 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
Toyo Versado 60 H 4 75,000
Noir
Firestone
Champion Fuel 58 T 4 0
0 3 0
3 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
5 60,000
Fighter

4 0
0 3 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
Firestone All 58 T 4 60,000
Season

214 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2021


Performance Best balance of long Michelin CrossClimate +*

T IRE S
All-Season Tires tread life and Continental
mostly year-round PureContact LS
performance:

Tested products in performance order.

Brand & Model Overall Three-Season Winter Comfort Other


Score Driving Driving

Rolling resistance
Recommended

Snow traction
Hydroplaning
Speed rating

Tested tread
Wet braking
Dry braking

Ice braking
resistance

life (miles)
Handling

Noise
Ride
PERFORMANCE ALL-SEASON (INCL. ALL-WEATHER, NOTED WITH *)

0 4 0
0 4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
Michelin 75
! W 4 75,000
CrossClimate +*

0 4 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
Continental 71
! V 3 90,000
PureContact LS

4 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
General Altimax 66 V 4 70,000
RT43
Goodyear
Assurance 64 V 3 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
3 75,000
WeatherReady*

4 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
Michelin Premier 64 V 3 80,000
A/S

4 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
5 0
Pirelli Cinturato 64 V 4 70,000
P7 All Season Plus

3 0
0 3 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
Vredestein 62 V 5 50,000
Quatrac 5*

3 0
0 3 0
3 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
Firestone 61 H 4 60,000
WeatherGrip*
Atlas Force HP 61 V 4 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
4 65,000
Bridgestone
Turanza 61 V 3 0
0 3 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
5 0
4 70,000
QuietTrack

4 0
0 2 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
Falken Sincera 61 V 3 75,000
SN250 A/S
BFGoodrich
Advantage T/A 60 V 4 0
0 2 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
3 80,000
Sport

4 0
0 3 0
3 0
4 0
2 0
3 0
3 0
5 0
Firestone 60 V 2 60,000
Firehawk AS
Nokian WRG4* 59 V 3 0
0 2 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
3 60,000

1 2 3 4 5 ! 
WORSE BET TER RECOMMENDED 215
Performance
All-Season Tires
Continued

Tested products in performance order.

Brand & Model Overall Three-Season Winter Comfort Other


Score Driving Driving

Rolling resistance
Recommended

Snow traction
Hydroplaning
Speed rating

Tested tread
Wet braking
Dry braking

Ice braking
resistance

life (miles)
Handling

Noise
Ride
PERFORMANCE ALL-SEASON (INCL. ALL-WEATHER, NOTED WITH *) Continued

4 0
0 2 0
3 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
5 0
Yokohama Avid 59 V 3 75,000
Ascend
Bridgestone
Turanza Serenity 59 V 4 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
5 0
3 65,000
Plus

4 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
2 0
2 0
3 0
5 0
Goodyear Eagle 58 V 4 80,000
Sport All-Season

4 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
5 0
Bridgestone 56 V 3 55,000
DriveGuard

4 0
0 1 0
3 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
Uniroyal Tiger 56 V 4 65,000
Paw AWP3
Nokian Entyre 2.0 55 V 4 0
0 2 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
3 70,000

4 0
0 3 0
3 0
4 0
2 0
2 0
3 0
5 0
Cooper CS5 Ultra 55 V 2 60,000
Touring
Kumho Solus TA71 54 V 4 0
0 3 0
3 0
5 0
3 0
2 0
3 0
4 0
3 50,000

4 0
0 2 0
3 0
4 0
2 0
2 0
3 0
4 0
Toyo Extensa 54 V 4 55,000
HP II

5 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
1 0
2 0
4 0
4 0
Sumitomo HTR 53 V 3 65,000
Enhance L/X
Toyo Celsius* 53 V 3 0
0 1 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
3 60,000

4 0
0 2 0
3 0
4 0
3 0
2 0
3 0
3 0
Falken Ziex 51 V 3 55,000
ZE950 A/S

3 0
0 1 0
3 0
4 0
2 0
1 0
3 0
3 0
Maxxis Bravo 46 V 4 65,000
HP-M3

216 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2021


Ultra-High- Best balance of long Goodyear Eagle Exhilarate

T IRE S
Performance tread life and mostly Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+
All-Season Tires good all-weather General G-MAX AS-05
performance Vredestein Quatrac Pro

Tested products in performance order.

Brand & Model Overall Three-Season Winter Comfort Other


Score Driving Driving

Rolling resistance
Recommended

Snow traction
Hydroplaning
Speed rating

Tested tread
Wet braking
Dry braking

Ice braking
resistance

life (miles)
Handling

Noise
Ride
ULTRA-HIGH-PERFORMANCE ALL-SEASON

4 0
0 4 0
5 0
5 0
3 0
4 0
2 0
4 0
Goodyear Eagle 68
! Y 2 45,000
Exhilarate

0 5 0
0 4 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
2 0
2 0
3 0
Michelin Pilot 66
! Sport A/S 3+ Y 2 55,000

0 5 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
2 0
4 0
General G-MAX 66
! W 2 65,000
AS-05

4 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
2 0
1 0
BFGoodrich g-Force 66 W 2 65,000
COMP-2 A/S

0 4 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
Vredestein 66
! Y 2 60,000
Quatrac Pro

4 0
0 3 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
3 0
2 0
4 0
Pirelli P Zero All 64 Y 2 55,000
Season Plus
Continental
ExtremeContact 64 Y 4 0
0 4 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
2 0
3 0
4 0
2 50,000
DWS06

5 0
0 4 0
5 0
5 0
2 0
3 0
2 0
4 0
Bridgestone 63 W 1 40,000
Potenza RE980AS
Kumho Ecsta PA51 62 W 4 0
0 3 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
3 0
2 0
4 0
1 50,000

4 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
2 0
4 0
2 0
3 0
Cooper Zeon 61 Y 2 55,000
RS3-G1

4 0
0 3 0
3 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
2 0
5 0
Yokohama ADVAN 60 Y 3 75,000
Sport A/S

4 0
0 3 0
3 0
5 0
3 0
3 0
2 0
2 0
Hankook Ventus 57 W 3 55,000
S1 noble 2
Nexen Nfera AU7 56 W 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
5 0
3 0
3 0
2 0
4 0
3 45,000
Nitto Motivo 54 W 0
4 0
2 0
3 0
5 0
3 0
3 0
2 0
3 0
2 60,000
Atlas Force UHP 54 Y 0
5 0
3 0
4 0
5 0
1 0
2 0
2 0
4 0
2 40,000
Nokian zLine A/S 50 W 0
4 0
2 0
3 0
5 0
1 0
2 0
2 0
4 0
3 55,000
Laufenn S Fit AS 50 W 0
4 0
1 0
3 0
5 0
3 0
3 0
2 0
4 0
4 60,000

1 2 3 4 5 ! 
WORSE BET TER RECOMMENDED 217
Winter/Snow Tires Best balance of winter Hankook Winter I*cept iZ2
and three-season Continental
performance: WinterContact SI
Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 Michelin X-Ice XI3
Cooper Discoverer Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3
True North

Tested products in performance order.

Brand & Model Overall Three-Season Winter Comfort Other


Score Driving Driving

Rolling resistance
Recommended

Snow traction
Hydroplaning
Speed rating

Tested tread
Wet braking
Dry braking

Ice braking
resistance

life (miles)
Handling

Noise
Ride
WINTER/SNOW CAR

0 3 0
0 2 0
2 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
3 0
3 0
Bridgestone 71
! H 3 NA
Blizzak WS90
Cooper
0
! Discoverer 70 H 2 0
0 1 0
3 0
3 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
3 NA
True North

0 2 0
0 1 0
2 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
Hankook Winter 70
! T 5 NA
I*cept iZ2

0 2 0
0 1 0
3 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
Continental 69
! H 4 NA
WinterContact SI
0
! Michelin X-Ice XI3 68 H 2 0
0 1 0
2 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
3 0
4 0
5 NA

0 2 0
0 1 0
2 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
3 0
3 0
Nokian 68
! R 4 NA
Hakkapeliitta R3

2 0
0 1 0
2 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
3 0
4 0
General Altimax 67 T 3 NA
Arctic 12

2 0
0 1 0
1 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
Nexen Winguard 66 T 3 NA
Ice Plus

3 0
0 3 0
3 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
2 0
Falken HS449 64 H 3 NA
Eurowinter

2 0
0 1 0
2 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
1 0
Dunlop Winter 63 T 3 NA
Maxx 2

2 0
0 1 0
2 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
1 0
Toyo Observe 62 T 5 NA
G3-Ice

2 0
0 1 0
2 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
2 0
Uniroyal Tiger 61 T 3 NA
Paw Ice & Snow 3

2 0
0 1 0
2 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
3 0
2 0
BFGoodrich 61 T 4 NA
Winter T/A KSI

2 0
0 1 0
1 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
3 0
1 0
Yokohama 60 T 4 NA
Ice Guard iG52c

2 0
0 1 0
1 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
2 0
Falken Espia 60 T 3 NA
EPZ II

218 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2021


Performance Best balance of winter

T IRE S
Winter/Snow Tires performance and
dry grip:
Vredestein Wintrac Pro
Michelin Pilot Alpin PA4

Tested products in performance order.

Brand & Model Overall Three-Season Winter Comfort Other


Score Driving Driving

Rolling resistance
Recommended

Snow traction
Hydroplaning
Speed rating

Tested tread
Wet braking
Dry braking

Ice braking
resistance

life (miles)
Handling

Noise
Ride
PERFORMANCE WINTER/SNOW

0 4 0
0 3 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
3 0
Vredestein 78
! W 2 NA
Wintrac Pro

0 4 0
0 4 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
3 0
Michelin Pilot 72
! V 2 NA
Alpin PA4

3 0
0 3 0
3 0
5 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
5 0
Nexen Winguard 71 V 2 NA
Sport 2
Yokohama Blue
Earth Winter 70 W 4 0
0 3 0
3 0
5 0
4 0
5 0
3 0
3 0
3 NA
V905

3 0
0 3 0
3 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
3 0
5 0
Hankook Winter 70 V 3 NA
i*cept evo2

3 0
0 3 0
3 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
Bridgestone 67 V 3 NA
Blizzak LM001

3 0
0 1 0
2 0
4 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
3 0
Toyo Observe 66 V 3 NA
GSi-6 HP

4 0
0 3 0
3 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
Pirelli Winter 66 V 3 NA
Sottozero 3

GUIDE TO THE R ATINGS: a tire performed in the wet- packed snow. Ride and Noise
Overall Score is based on more handling test, steering feel, and are evaluated subjectively
than a dozen tests, with an emergency handling ma- on rough and smooth roads.
braking, handling, and hydro- neuver. Hydroplaning denotes Rolling Resistance, as meas-
planing resistance more a tire’s ability to resist skim- ured by a dynamometer, is
heavily weighted for many tires. ming along the surface of a factor in fuel economy.
Braking tests on ice are from standing water. Snow Traction Treadwear is projected from
10 mph; on dry and wet pave- tests denote how far a vehicle at least a 16,000-mile vehi-
ment, from 60 to 0 mph. has to travel to accelerate from cle test run on public roads in
Handling combines how well 5 to 20 mph on moderately Texas for many tires.

1 2 3 4 5 ! 
WORSE BET TER RECOMMENDED 219
All-Season Best balance of long tread
SUV Tires life and mostly good
all-weather performance:
Kumho Crugen Premium
Bridgestone Dueler
H/L 422 Ecopia

Tested products in performance order.

Brand & Model Overall Three-Season Winter Comfort Other


Score Driving Driving

Rolling resistance
Recommended

Snow traction
Hydroplaning
Speed rating

Tested tread
Wet braking
Dry braking

Ice braking
resistance

life (miles)
Handling

Noise
Ride
ALL-SEASON SUV

0 4 0
0 3 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
Kumho Crugen 68
! V 4 60,000
Premium
Bridgestone
0
! Dueler H/L 422 68 H 4 0
0 3 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
5 65,000
Ecopia

4 0
0 2 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
2 0
3 0
4 0
Hankook 66 H 4 75,000
Dynapro HP2
Nitto NT 421Q 66 H 3 0
0 3 0
3 0
5 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
2 65,000

3 0
0 2 0
3 0
5 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
Toyo Open 66 H 3 65,000
Country Q/T

3 0
0 2 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
2 0
3 0
4 0
Yokohama 64 H 4 75,000
Geolandar G055
Toyo Celsius CUV 64 H 3 0
0 2 0
3 0
5 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
2 0
3 75,000

220 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2021


All-Season Best balance of long tread Firestone Destination LE 2

T IRE S
Truck Tires life and mostly good Pirelli Scorpion Verde
all-weather performance: All Season Plus
Continental Cross Contact Michelin Defender
LX20 EcoPlus LTX M/S
Michelin Premier LTX

Tested products in performance order.

Brand & Model Overall Three-Season Winter Comfort Other


Score Driving Driving

Rolling resistance
Recommended

Snow traction
Hydroplaning
Speed rating

Tested tread
Wet braking
Dry braking

Ice braking
resistance

life (miles)
Handling

Noise
Ride
ALL-SEASON TRUCK
Continental Cross
0
! Contact LX20 74 T 4 0
0 3 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
5 0
4 65,000
EcoPlus
0 4 0
0 3 0
3 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
3 0
5 0
Michelin 74
! H 5 40,000
Premier LTX
0 3 0
0 3 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
5 0
Firestone 72
! S 4 65,000
Destination LE 2
0 4 0
0 3 0
3 0
5 0
4 0
2 0
3 0
5 0
Pirelli Scorpion 72
! T 4 65,000
Verde All Season Plus
0 3 0
0 2 0
3 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
5 0
Michelin Defender 72
! T 4 85,000
LTX M/S
3 0
0 3 0
3 0
5 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
Cooper Discoverer 70 T 4 55,000
SRX
4 0
0 3 0
3 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
5 0
General Grabber 70 T 3 65,000
HTS60

3 0
0 2 0
3 0
4 0
5 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
Kumho 68 T 5 60,000
Crugen HT51
3 0
0 2 0
3 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
3 0
5 0
Hankook 68 T 4 70,000
Dynapro HT
4 0
0 3 0
3 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
5 0
Nexen Roadian 68 H 4 70,000
HTX RH5
3 0
0 3 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
Goodyear Wrangler 68 T 4 65,000
Fortitude HT
3 0
0 2 0
3 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
5 0
Bridgestone Dueler 66 T 3 75,000
LTH
Nokian WR G3 SUV 66 V 3 0
0 2 0
3 0
5 0
5 0
4 0
2 0
3 0
5 55,000

3 0
0 3 0
3 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
5 0
Bridgestone Dueler 66 T 4 65,000
H/L Alenza Plus
4 0
0 2 0
3 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
2 0
5 0
GT Radial Savero 66 S 5 65,000
HT2

3 0
0 2 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
Uniroyal Laredo 64 T 3 65,000
Cross Country Tour
4 0
0 2 0
3 0
5 0
2 0
3 0
3 0
5 0
Maxxis 770 Bravo 64 T 4 60,000
H/T

1 2 3 4 5 ! 
WORSE BET TER RECOMMENDED 221
All-Terrain Best balance of long tread Goodyear Wrangler
Truck Tires life and good on- and TrailRunner AT
off-road performance: Yokohama Geolandar
A/T G015
Continental
TerrainContact A/T Nexen Roadian AT Pro RA8
Michelin LTX A/T 2 Falken WildPeak A/T AT3W

Tested products in performance order.

Brand & Model Overall Three-Season Winter Comfort Other


Score Driving Driving

Rolling resistance
Recommended

Snow traction
Hydroplaning
Speed rating

Tested tread
Wet braking
Dry braking

Ice braking
resistance

life (miles)
Handling

Noise
Ride
ALL-TERRAIN TRUCK

0 4 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
Continental 72
! S 2 65,000
TerrainContact A/T
0
! Michelin LTX A/T 2 72 S 3 0
0 2 0
3 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
5 85,000

0 4 0
0 3 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
Goodyear Wrangler 68
! T 3 50,000
TrailRunner AT

0 3 0
0 2 0
3 0
5 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
Yokohama 68
! T 2 60,000
Geolandar A/T G015

0 3 0
0 2 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
Nexen Roadian 68
! S 3 75,000
AT Pro RA8

0 3 0
0 3 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
2 0
Falken WildPeak 68
! T 3 70,000
A/T AT3W
Nokian Rotiiva AT 66 T 0 2
3 0 0 0 0
3 4 0 0
5 3 0 0
4 4 4 60,000
Laufenn X Fit AT 66 T 3 0
0 0 0
2 3 0 0
4 4 0 0
4 3 0
4 4 75,000

3 0
0 2 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
2 0
3 0
Hankook Dynapro 66 T 4 85,000
AT-M
Pirelli Scorpion ATR 66 T 3 0
0 2 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
3 60,000

4 0
0 2 0
3 0
5 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
3 0
Cooper Discoverer 64 T 3 60,000
A/ T3

3 0
0 2 0
3 0
5 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
Cooper Discoverer 64 S 3 55,000
A/TW

3 0
0 2 0
3 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
Firestone 64 S 3 55,000
Destination A/T

4 0
0 2 0
3 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
2 0
Toyo Open Country 62 S 3 75,000
A/T II

3 0
0 2 0
3 0
5 0
2 0
3 0
3 0
4 0
GT Radial 62 T 3 55,000
Adventuro AT3

4 0
0 2 0
3 0
5 0
1 0
3 0
3 0
3 0
Maxxis 771 Bravo 60 S 3 65,000
A/T

3 0
0 2 0
3 0
4 0
4 0
4 0
3 0
3 0
Kumho Road 58 T 3 45,000
Venture AT51

222 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2021


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Reports. 2. Publication No: of Publisher, Editor, and and Other Security Holders
0010-7174. 3. Filing Date: Aug. Managing Editor. Pub­lisher: Owning or Holding 1 Percent or
11, 2020. 4. Issue Frequency: Consumer Reports Inc., 101 More of Total Amount of
Monthly, except two issues in Truman Avenue, Yonkers, NY Bonds, Mortgages, or Other
December. 5. No. of Issues 10703-1044. President and Securities: None. 12. For
Published Annually: 13. CEO: Marta L. Tellado; Editorial Completion by Nonprofit
6. An­nual Subscription Price: Director-Print: Ellen Kunes; Organizations Authorized to
$30. 7. Complete Mailing Managing Editor of CR: Diane Mail at Special Rates: The
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Publication: Consumer Reports 10. Owner: (If the publication is nonprofit status of this
Inc., 101 Truman Avenue, published by a nonprofit organization and the exempt
Yonkers, NY 10703-1044. organization, its name and status for federal income tax
8. Complete Mailing Address address must be stated.) Full purposes has not changed
of Headquarters or General Name: Consumer Reports Inc., during preceding 12 months.
Business Office of Publisher: a nonprofit organization. 13. Publication Title: Consumer
Consumer Reports Inc., 101 Complete Mailing Address: Reports. 14. Issue Date for
Truman Avenue, Yonkers, NY 101 Truman Avenue, Yonkers, Circulation Data Below:
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15. Extent and Nature of Circulation: Average no. No. copies of
Print Magazine, U.S. and Canada copies each single issue
issue during published nearest
past 12 mo. to filing date

a. Total no. of copies (net press run) 3,563,684 3,483,276


b. Paid circulation
1. Mailed outside-county paid subscriptions
stated on Form 3541 3,196,383 3,059,009
2. Mailed in-county paid subscriptions stated on Form 3541 0 0
3. Sales through dealers, carriers, street vendors,
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Copies included on PS Form 3541 1,253 1,114
2. Free or Nominal Rate In-County included on PS form 3541 0 0
3. Free or Nominal Rate Copies Mailed at Other 0 0
Classes Through the USPS (e.g. First-Class Mail)
4. Free or Nominal Rate Distribution Outside the Mail
(Carriers or other means) 7,163 5,157
e. Total free distribution (sum of 15d(1) and (4)) 8,416 6,271
f.  Total distribution (sum of 15c and 15e) 3,228,916 3,080,280
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1 2 3 4 5 ! 
POOR EXCELLENT RECOMMENDED 223
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CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2021 VOLUME 85, No. 13


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Buying Guide 2021


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