3 Popular New Cars Worth Skipping and What to Buy Instead
Buying a popular new car might seem tempting, but better options exist. Consumer Reports has some popular new cars worth skipping and some more reliable options in a similar price range. Looking for a stress-free ownership experience? Those suggestions are below.
The Toyota Corolla Hatchback is a popular new car worth skipping
Consumer Reports tested the 2022 Toyota Corolla Hatchback, but it did not lead the pack of compact cars. While the 2022 Corolla Hatchback is a green choice with its 36 mpg overall, it didn’t impress in other categories. The predicted reliability score was below average, as was owner satisfaction. Consumer Reports says the unreliable nature is one of the Corolla Hatchback’s “significant flaws.” Toyota included forward collision warning (FCW), and automatic emergency braking (AEB) are standard safety features, but others are only optional.
Price Range: $21,165 – $25,215
What to buy instead: 2022 Subaru Impreza
Consumer Reports says the new Subaru Impreza has a lot to offer buyers in the same price range. It has a comfortable ride, a roomy interior, and still gets 30 mpg overall in fuel economy. The Impreza also has high marks for the road test and predicted reliability.
Price Range: $19,295 – $26,895
Kia’s Forte is another popular new car worth skipping
Upon reviewing the 2022 Kia Forte, Consumer Reports found some positive things, like the 34 mpg overall. It also did well on the road test. However, the predicted reliability and owner satisfaction scores were not part of the positives. The ride is stiff, and the handling is responsive, but the suspension leaves a lot to be desired. Consumer Reports says the inside of the 2022 Forte is “drab and spartan.” FCW and AEB are standard, but that’s all for safety features on this popular new car.
Price Range: $19,090 – $24,490
What to buy instead: 2022 Hyundai Elantra
The Hyundai Elantra has everything the Forte is lacking and then some. It has 33 mpg overall and high scores on the road test. Hyundai also offers the Elantra in a hybrid version. The Elantra also scores high for the predicted reliability and owner satisfaction. While the starting price of the 2022 Elantra is a bit higher, it also has more to offer buyers right off the bat.
Price Range: $20,200 – $33,650
While the Cadillac CT5 is fun to drive, it isn’t the most reliable choice
The 2022 Cadillac CT5 is definitely a popular car, but Consumer Reports found a few reasons to skip it. Technically, the CT5 is fast and fun to drive in the luxury compact car category. However, the predicted reliability and predicted owner satisfaction scores did not impress. In testing, the turbo powertrain was loud and a bit clunky. Cadillac did equip the 2022 CT5 with FCW, AEB, and blind-spot warning (BSW) as standard safety features.
Price Range: $37,295 – $83,995
The 2022 Audi A4 is still a luxury compact car like the Cadillac but offers a more reliable ownership experience. Audi equipped the A4 with responsive handling, all-wheel drive, and high scores on the road test. The predicted reliability is pretty high for this popular car as well.
Price Range: $39,900 – $42,000
There are a lot of popular cars on the market for buyers, but not all of the options are good. Most people value reliability over popularity, which is why it is a good idea to skip some of these sedans.
