What Compact Pickup is a 'Top Pick' from Consumer Reports?
Among the vehicles chosen for this year's Top Picks list are the Ford Maverick, Ford Maverick Hybrid, Toyota Highlander Hybrid, and Toyota RAV4 Prime. Check it out!

The Ford Maverick was among Consumer Reports Top 10 Picks for 2024.
Photo: Ford
Consumer Reports has released its annual 10 Top Picks list, which includes multiple hybrid, plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and fully electric vehicles for 2024.
The nonprofit research, testing, and advocacy organization selected these vehicles based on their comprehensive ratings, standard safety features, and high marks for reliability and satisfaction from owners.
According to Consumer Reports, electrified vehicles are becoming increasingly more desirable than their gasoline-only counterparts. And hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and EVs accounted for 16.3% of all light-duty vehicle sales in the U.S. last year, according to Ward’s Intelligence.
“With such a diverse range of choices, from gas-powered cars to hybrids and EVs, you need trustworthy information more than ever,” said Marta Tellado, president and CEO of Consumer Reports. “Consumer Reports’ Top Picks are backed by our world-class testing, so you can confidently navigate through the seemingly countless options out there. We’re dedicated to helping you find what best fits your needs for reliability, sustainability, and safety.”
Who Made the Top Picks for 2024?
Among the vehicles chosen for this year's Top Picks list are the Ford Maverick, Ford Maverick Hybrid, Toyota Highlander Hybrid, and Toyota RAV4 Prime. The Toyota Camry Hybrid, Toyota Prius / Prius Prime, Tesla Model Y, and BMW X5 PHEV are also included in the list.
Back-to-Back… The @Ford Maverick Hybrid was named by @ConsumerReports as a Top Pick for 2nd year in a row. Thanks to customers for making Maverick America’s bestselling hybrid pickup. Proud of our @Ford team! https://t.co/keDaWgUICipic.twitter.com/I7ncDAYuMV
— Jim Farley (@jimfarley98) February 27, 2024
The Ford Maverick is also a pick from the prior year, one of only three vehicles with that distinction. Recently, Ford announced expanded production of the compact pickup truck that helped increase U.S. sales to 12,443 units in January 2024.
Plug-in hybrids, which bridge the gap between a regular hybrid and an EV, are gaining in popularity. Last year, sales of PHEVs grew by 60% - a larger increase than EVs or conventional hybrids, according to CR’s analysis of vehicle sales numbers.
For those who are not ready to go fully electric, a PHEV provides most of the benefits of driving an EV without the worries about how and where to charge.
Consumer Reports has also made some key changes to its scoring rubric for PHEVs, including assessing PHEV-specific controls and displays such as electric-only range, and the ease of operating in electric mode. Charging Ease and App functionality ratings, which CR recently added for EVs, are now included for PHEVs, too.
More Vehicle Research

Paccar Updates MX-11 and MX-13 Engine Software to Enhance Customer Operations
Kenworth Truck Company and Peterbilt Motors Company will update software for vehicles equipped with Paccar MX-11 and Paccar MX-13 engines to ensure they comply with EPA guidance on diesel exhaust fluid inducements.
Read More →
GM #1 in U.S. Sales for the Second Quarter of 2026
General Motors said it was America’s #1 automaker in U.S. sales for the second quarter of 2026 with total sales of 714,896 vehicles, down 4.2%. GM led in full-size pickup and large SUV sales and reported growth in fleet sales.
Read More →
Volvo VNL and VNR Electric Join American Truck Simulator
Volvo’s VNL and VNR Electric are now in American Truck Simulator, bringing diesel and electric truck models to virtual drivers.
Read More →
Rush Enterprises Expands with Acquisition of Peterbilt of Louisiana
Rush Enterprises’ acquisition of Peterbilt of Louisiana adds 46 service bays, more than 23,000 square feet of parts storage, and approximately 107,000 square feet of facility space to the company's footprint.
Read More →
International HV515 Dump Truck Walkaround
The International HV515 combines the new S13 Integrated Powertrain, improved driver visibility, simplified maintenance, and advanced vocational controls into a capable dump truck platform. Take a closer look at the HV515, which International showcased at EUFMC.
Read More →
Chevrolet Brings Back 'Heartbeat of America' Campaign Featuring Trucks and Everyday Workers
Chevrolet brings back Heartbeat of America, spotlighting the trucks, workers, and communities that continue to drive the brand's legacy forward.
Read More →
Light-Duty Work Truck Fleets Get a Fresh, Affordable Alternative
Work Truck caught up with Drew Walker, Slate’s head of fleet sales, at the company’s design hub in Gardena, California, for an interview on how the company’s pickup and SUV electric vehicles can meet the needs of both private and public sector fleets.
Read More →
Ford Ranks First in JD Power Initial Quality Study, Ford & GM Icons Take First in Segments
Both Ford and General Motors vehicles ranked first in their respective segments in the JD Power 2026 U.S. Initial Quality Study, and Ford ranked as the mainstream brand with the highest initial quality.
Read More →
Beyond Utilization Rates: Smarter Fleet Replacement Decisions
Vehicle replacement decisions affect every aspect of fleet performance, from operating costs to asset availability. This guide explores how fleet leaders use integrated data, benchmarking, and lifecycle analytics to determine the right fleet size and optimize replacement timing with greater confidence.
Read More →
Nissan Produces 1-Millionth Frontier in Mississippi as Demand Grows for Midsize Work Trucks
Nissan's 1-millionth Frontier marks a major manufacturing milestone as contractors, utilities, and vocational fleets turn to capable midsize pickups.
Read More →
