Get a Free Demo Today

Click on Blog title to view full blog

Preview: 2027 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport Boosts Power and Promises Fuel Economy Improvements

The next-generation Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport continues the original’s path with evolutionary updates. As with the redesigned three-row Atlas, there are no surprises here. . The styling has softened, following trends with some European luxury brands, though the proportions and size remain unchanged.  Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport. Consumer Reports' Take. Outside. Inside. What Drives It. Safety and Driver Assistance. Previous Gener...
Posted:Mon Aug 10 11:45:21 EDT 2026

Your Car’s Key Fob Has Hidden Features. Here’s How to Find Them.

Today’s new cars pack in more high-tech electronic features than ever before, including in the key fob. The device has gone far beyond simply locking or unlocking doors, remotely starting a car, or making chirping sounds to help you find your car in a parking lot. Even a basic-looking fob can have helpful features built in that owners may not even be aware of.. “Manufacturers are tasking key fobs with a multitude of functions that m...
Posted:Wed Aug 05 11:37:41 EDT 2026

Talking Cars 518: Driving the Lexus ES Electric Sedan

Main theme: In this podcast episode, we share our first driving impressions of the Lexus ES 500e that we bought for testing. The panel discusses Lexus’ newest electric sedan, commenting on its whisper-quiet ride, comfort-first philosophy, real-world range, charging performance, and interior technology, and debates whether it delivers a true luxury experience despite a few frustrating tech quirks. . Read the review of the Lexus ES.. A...
Posted:Wed Aug 05 06:00:01 EDT 2026

Preview: 2028 Mercedes-Benz GLA Goes Hybrid and Electric

The Mercedes-Benz GLA small SUV is redesigned for the 2028 model year, drawing clear design inspiration and technical features from the automaker’s premium lineup, while growing incrementally in size to provide more passenger and cargo room. . It will be available in two electric and two hybrid configurations. There is no gas-only model.  2028 Mercedes-Benz GLA. Consumer Reports' Take. Outside. Inside. What Drives It. Safety and Dri...
Posted:Wed Jul 29 14:00:12 EDT 2026

Talking Cars 517: Driving the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

Main theme: In this podcast episode, we give our first impressions of the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI. The unique twist here is that this car is the last manual-transmission Jetta to be sold in the U.S. . The podcast panelists reminisce about the last VW GTI they tested—which was also equipped with a manual—and describe the infinite sadness that comes with another three-pedal model disappearing from our shores. Indeed, there aren’t...
Posted:Wed Jul 29 06:00:02 EDT 2026

Preview: 2027 Audi Q9 and SQ9 Bring Seven Seats, Turbo Power, and New Tech

Following the announcement of the redesigned Q7 and SQ7 SUVs, Audi has unveiled the new 2027 Q9 and SQ9 SUVs, which will go on sale in late 2026. These are Audi’s first large three-row models and will offer seating for six or seven passengers, along with cargo space for their luggage. . Power for the two new SUVs comes from twin-turbocharged engines: a 429-hp, 2.9-liter V6 in the Q9, and a 591-hp, 4.0-liter V8 in the performance-orie...
Posted:Tue Jul 28 21:00:03 EDT 2026

Used 3-Row SUVs With the Best Tested Fuel Economy

If you need to carry five or more passengers and their luggage, a three-row SUV becomes a necessity. While a minivan is often the most practical choice, shoppers prefer midsized crossover SUVs. However, new models are expensive, and three-row SUVs rarely match the fuel efficiency of small or compact crossovers. To help you find a budget-friendly, efficient option, Consumer Reports’ auto experts have identified several 5-year-old, thre...
Posted:Sat Jul 25 06:00:30 EDT 2026

Talking Cars 516: Is Your Car Getting a 'Kill Switch' in 2027?

Main theme: We’ve seen a lot of chatter online about a “car surveillance law” that is supposed to go into effect in 2027. There’s a lot of misinformation out there, but given the concerns over vehicle privacy and roadway deaths, it’s easy to see why the topic is getting so much attention.. Our experts break down what’s really happening, what’s misinformation, and why car buyers shouldn’t expect to see any so-called feder...
Posted:Wed Jul 22 06:00:01 EDT 2026

How to Buy a Used Car: CR's Expert Step-by-Step Guide

Used cars—and their lower prices—are becoming more attractive amid high interest rates, high new-car prices, and market turmoil due to uncertainty regarding tariffs on new cars and car parts. At the same time, supply shortages that slowed new-car production a few years ago have led to fewer used cars being available now, especially when it comes to the newer, lower-mileage examples that are in demand. These challenges make it more d...
Posted:Tue Jul 21 12:33:27 EDT 2026

Best Used Cars and SUVs Under $20,000

While buying a pre-owned car is known as a smart way to save money, it can also get you into a model that has the safety, comfort, and convenience features you otherwise might not be able to afford in a new car.. To help you focus your search, we analyzed years of test data and hundreds of thousands of survey responses to identify the best used cars priced between $15,000 and $20,000. Small Cars. Midsized Cars. Sports Cars. Small SUVs. ...
Posted:Mon Jul 20 11:50:07 EDT 2026

How to Know When to Replace Your Tires

What stands between your family and a rain-slicked highway is just a few inches of rubber. Too many drivers ignore their vehicle’s tires until they are forced to swerve or slam on the brakes, often with devastating consequences. On average, nearly 11,000 motor vehicle crashes each year are tire-related, resulting in more than 600 fatalities, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Many of these accidents are p...
Posted:Sat Jul 18 06:05:04 EDT 2026

Best Cars for Fitting 3 Child Car Seats Across the Second Row

I headed into the car dealership quite pregnant with my third baby. My husband was checking on safety, reliability, and performance scores. I just had one big concern—which vehicle was actually going to fit three babies? It was time to get rid of my previous car, which wouldn’t accommodate our growing family, a conundrum many families encounter when they are expecting, or just need enough room to carpool another kid to day care or s...
Posted:Fri Jul 17 17:05:10 EDT 2026

How to Fit Car Seats Three Across

Having a third kid levels up both the joy and the logistical considerations. This is never more apparent than the first time you test out whether three car seats across the back seat will be doable, reachable, and safe in your current vehicle. . While this is when some parents realize it’s time for a trip to the car dealership, for many vehicles, accommodating three car seats across is possible with a few tips and the right seats. Ch...
Posted:Fri Jul 17 11:30:49 EDT 2026

Best New SUVs and Cars for Under $30,000

New car prices remain stubbornly high, largely because automakers continue to produce more expensive (and therefore more profitable) vehicles at the expense of less expensive ones. According to Cox Automotive, a global automotive services and technology company, the average new-car transaction price was $49,758 in June 2026. SUVs and Cars Under $30,000. Subcompact SUVs. Compact Cars. Midsized Cars More on Cars & SUVs Who Makes the Most ...
Posted:Thu Jul 16 13:37:58 EDT 2026

Consumer Reports' Most Popular Used Cars, SUVs, and Pickup Trucks

With more than 20 million used cars sold in 2025, according to Cox Automotive, shoppers have a wide range of choices when looking for a car, SUV, or truck. To narrow the list of candidates if you’re in the market, start with the 20 models listed below. They’re the most-searched used vehicles on CR.org, revealing which models people are most interested in right now.. Many are CR Recommended used models, which means they performed wel...
Posted:Thu Jul 16 06:10:08 EDT 2026