Work Truck Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

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!

February 27, 2024
What Compact Pickup is a 'Top Pick' from Consumer Reports?

The Ford Maverick was among Consumer Reports Top 10 Picks for 2024. 

Photo: Ford 

2 min to read


Consumer Reports has released its annual 10 Top Picks list, which includes multiple hybrid, plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and fully electric vehicles for 2024.

Ad Loading...

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.

Ad Loading...

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. 

Ad Loading...

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 Insights

GM small-block V-8 engine displayed under blue lighting, showing intake, ignition, accessory-drive, and exhaust components, with another engine exhibit visible in the background.
Vehicle Researchby Wayne ParhamSeptember 17, 2026

GM Unveils New Sixth-Generation Small Block Engines for 2027 Light-Duty Pickups

General Motors unveiled two new small-block engines, backed by extensive real-world validation and more than 70 years of small-block V8 manufacturing experience, as part of the engine portfolio for the 2027 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500.

Read More →
White 2027 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Work Truck at a construction site beneath the words “Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Fleet Guide.”
Vehicle Researchby Lauren FletcherSeptember 17, 2026

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Fleet Guide Specs Capability and 2027 Model-Year Updates

The next-generation 2027 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 brings new V-8 engines, updated technology, expanded safety features, and a fleet-focused Work Truck. Here’s what commercial fleets need to know so far.

Read More →
YouTube thumbnail for a Ram pickup review showing a red 2026 Ram 1500 Tradesman parked at an angle in a lot under a partly cloudy sky, with large text reading “2026 RAM 1500,” “TRADESMAN,” “REAL-WORLD REVIEW,” and “In the Driver’s Seat.”
Vehicle Researchby Lauren FletcherSeptember 16, 2026

2026 Ram 1500 Tradesman Put to a Real-World Fleet Test

A few days behind the wheel of a 2026 Ram 1500 Tradesman turned into a test of visibility, parking, work-ready features, and even severe-weather driving.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Work Truck graphic featuring a white Isuzu N-Series gas crew cab dump truck with raised red bed and the headline “Isuzu N-Series Gas Fleet Guide: Staying Informed About The Latest Updates.”
Vehicle Researchby Wayne ParhamSeptember 16, 2026

Isuzu N-Series Gas Fleet Guide: Specs, Capability and 2027 Model-Year Updates

Explore Isuzu Truck North America’s N-Series Gas fleet specs, engine performance, GVWR and payload capability, configurations, chassis dimensions, work-focused features, and 2027 model-year information.

Read More →
White Ram ProMaster City cargo van parked outside a modern building beneath the text “Ram ProMaster City Fleet Guide” and “Staying Informed About the Latest Updates.”
Vehicle Researchby Lauren FletcherSeptember 11, 2026

Ram ProMaster City Fleet Guide Specs Cargo Capacity and 2027 Updates

Work Truck’s Ram ProMaster City Fleet Guide tracks the latest specifications, cargo capability, configurations, fleet technology, pricing, and model-year updates for Ram’s mid-size commercial van.

Read More →
Black Ford F-150 pickup in a ranch landscape beneath the words “Ford F-150 Fleet Guide” and “Staying Informed About the Latest Updates.”
Vehicle Researchby Lauren FletcherSeptember 10, 2026

Ford F-150 Fleet Guide Specs Capability and 2026 Model-Year Updates

Explore 2026 Ford F-150 fleet specs, engines, towing and payload capability, configurations, work features, technology, and model-year updates.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
White Battle Motors refuse truck with a Heil side-loading waste collection body and yellow hydraulic lifting arm, shown against a plain white background.
Vehicle Researchby News/Media ReleaseSeptember 8, 2026

TCI Now Sells & Supports Battle Motors’ Vocational Trucks

Midwest truck dealer Truck Centers, Inc. (TCI) has expanded its transportation solutions with sales and service support for Battle Motors’ heavy-duty vocational trucks at locations in locations in Indiana, Illinois, and Missouri

Read More →
Dark green Ram 1500 pickup parked in a desert landscape beneath the words “Ram 1500 Fleet Guide.”
Vehicle Researchby Lauren FletcherSeptember 8, 2026

Ram 1500 Fleet Guide Specs, Capability and 2027 Model-Year Updates

Explore always up-to-date Ram 1500 fleet specs, engines, towing and payload capability, configurations, technology, pricing updates, and model-year changes.

Read More →
Two red Peterbilt vocational trucks, a concrete mixer and dump truck, parked at a construction site with dirt piles and a partly cloudy sky in the background.
Vehicle Researchby News/Media ReleaseSeptember 4, 2026

Peterbilt Trucks Equipped with Paccar TX-18 Pro Boost Efficiency for Maryland Fleet

Patuxent Companies is replacing aging trucks with the Peterbilt Model 567 and Model 589, specified with the Paccar TX-18 Pro 18-speed automated transmissions, and is reporting an 8% to 10% improvement in fuel economy.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Red Midwest Fire service truck equipped with a Stellar body parked along a rural road, with Midwest Fire and Stellar logos displayed at the bottom.
Vehicle Researchby News/Media ReleaseSeptember 2, 2026

Stellar Expands into Fire Apparatus Market with Acquisition of Midwest Fire

Stellar Industries has acquired Midwest Fire, a custom fire apparatus manufacturer headquartered in Luverne, Minnesota, with nearly four decades of specialized apparatus experience.

Read More →