Uploaded October 2023 | Updated September 2026, 18 minutes ago
2024 Kia Niro.
The Kia Niro is a small hybrid SUV that works well as a commuter and family vehicle. It's at the top of the compact class when it comes to standard technology and fuel economy. The Niro has a futuristic cabin design as well as the utility of a hatchback. Driver safety aids come standard, as does a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
2024 Toyota Grand Highlander.
A new model from Toyota, the 2024 Grand Highlander is a large, midsize SUV with more room inside than either the midsize Toyota Highlander or full-size Toyota Sequoia. The seven- or eight-passenger Grand Highlander offers equivalent or superior third-row and cargo space than the competing Chevrolet Traverse, Kia Telluride, or Volkswagen Atlas.
In a segment not known for outstanding fuel economy, the Grand Highlander offers three powertrains: a 265-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder and two hybrid models, one with an estimated 34 mpg combined city/highway rating and another "performance hybrid" rated at 362 hp and capable of going from zero to 60 mph in 6 seconds while still returning 27 mpg.
2023 Toyota Prius.
A complete makeover for 2023 turned Toyota’s ugly duckling hybrid into a true beauty. The five-seat compact hatchback lost headroom and cargo space in its transformation but gained improved handling, a more comfortable ride, an updated interior, and a 60% boost in power while retaining its best-in-class fuel efficiency. The base model actually gained 1 mpg over the old L Eco trim.
Crossovers and SUVs are rapidly replacing sedans and sedan-like hatchbacks such as the Prius in car shoppers’ affections, but the Prius still has a few direct competitors, and in most comparisons, the Prius wins.
Despite its lowered head room, the Prius has a surprisingly airy front cockpit area with the most front legroom among its rivals. It ties with the Corolla hybrid, however, for least rear legroom and stands alone with the least rear headroom. Even so, the 2023 Prius has more power and better overall fuel efficiency than any of its competitors and, hands down, looks a whole lot nicer.
2023 Toyota Crown.
It has been 50 years since Toyota last sold its Crown sedan in the U.S., but the model was introduced in Japan in 1955 as the Toyopet Crown. It has been Toyota's mainstream sedan there ever since, the choice of families, executives, taxi drivers, and police.
The 2023 Crown, now in its 16th generation, is back in the States as the three-trim, all-hybrid, all-wheel-drive, tall-roofed, fastback-styled four-door replacing the venerable Toyota Avalon sedan. It is almost the same size, inside and out, as the Honda Accord and Volkswagen Arteon sedans.
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We found that generally, it succeeds but still falls short on driving excitement, even with the 340-horsepower hybrid system and adaptive suspension that come exclusively with the Platinum trim.
2024 Honda Accord.
Positives.
Exterior is still fresh after last year's redesign. Spacious backseat and trunk. Hybrid models are quick and extremely fuel-efficient.
Considerations.
No all-wheel-drive option. Not as much rear headroom as in some rivals. Key competitors offer more power.
2024 Lexus RX.
At first glance, it's not obvious that the Lexus RX was fully redesigned last year. But underneath its subtle styling changes is a midsize luxury SUV that epitomizes understated luxury. Unlike the previous generation, the latest RX comes only as a five-passenger SUV. The previous model's extended-length RX-L version has been discontinued, with a new three-row Lexus TX model launching in its place.
The RX continues to offer both gas and hybrid models, and this year, the 2024 Lexus RX 450h+ plug-in hybrid joins the lineup. It delivers up to 37 miles of driving range on battery power alone. The standard hybrid models use their electric motors to help the gas engines deliver exceptional mileage along with the sure-footedness of standard all-wheel drive. Even the base non-hybrid RX 350 delivers good fuel economy thanks to a powerful but efficient turbocharged four-cylinder engine. New last year was the RX 500h, a performance-oriented trim that offers additional horsepower and revised suspension tuning. It's still the quickest and most agile RX available, but it's not particularly sporty. Competitors such as the Alfa Romeo Stelvio and BMW X5 deliver more fun behind the wheel, at the expense of some ride comfort. The Genesis GV80 is a closer competitor to the Lexus RX as it prioritizes comfort and practicality over performance, as does the Lincoln Nautilus.
2024 Toyota Sequoia.
Named for the world's tallest trees, the Toyota Sequoia is a full-size SUV with outsized capabilities. It lifts its rugged components from the Toyota Tundra pickup truck, with body-on-frame construction, smooth performance, and optional four-wheel drive. The large cabin exhibits Toyota's trademark craftsmanship and durability to meet life's demands with ease.
2024 Kia Niro.
The Kia Niro is a small hybrid SUV that works well as a commuter and family vehicle. It's at the top of the compact class when it comes to standard technology and fuel economy. The Niro has a futuristic cabin design as well as the utility of a hatchback. Driver safety aids come standard, as does a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
2024 Toyota Grand Highlander.
A new model from Toyota, the 2024 Grand Highlander is a large, midsize SUV with more room inside than either the midsize Toyota Highlander or full-size Toyota Sequoia. The seven- or eight-passenger Grand Highlander offers equivalent or superior third-row and cargo space than the competing Chevrolet Traverse, Kia Telluride, or Volkswagen Atlas.
In a segment not known for outstanding fuel economy, the Grand Highlander offers three powertrains: a 265-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder and two hybrid models, one with an estimated 34 mpg combined city/highway rating and another "performance hybrid" rated at 362 hp and capable of going from zero to 60 mph in 6 seconds while still returning 27 mpg.
2023 Toyota Prius.
A complete makeover for 2023 turned Toyota’s ugly duckling hybrid into a true beauty. The five-seat compact hatchback lost headroom and cargo space in its transformation but gained improved handling, a more comfortable ride, an updated interior, and a 60% boost in power while retaining its best-in-class fuel efficiency. The base model actually gained 1 mpg over the old L Eco trim.
Crossovers and SUVs are rapidly replacing sedans and sedan-like hatchbacks such as the Prius in car shoppers’ affections, but the Prius still has a few direct competitors, and in most comparisons, the Prius wins.
Despite its lowered head room, the Prius has a surprisingly airy front cockpit area with the most front legroom among its rivals. It ties with the Corolla hybrid, however, for least rear legroom and stands alone with the least rear headroom. Even so, the 2023 Prius has more power and better overall fuel efficiency than any of its competitors and, hands down, looks a whole lot nicer.
2023 Toyota Crown.
It has been 50 years since Toyota last sold its Crown sedan in the U.S., but the model was introduced in Japan in 1955 as the Toyopet Crown. It has been Toyota's mainstream sedan there ever since, the choice of families, executives, taxi drivers, and police.
The 2023 Crown, now in its 16th generation, is back in the States as the three-trim, all-hybrid, all-wheel-drive, tall-roofed, fastback-styled four-door replacing the venerable Toyota Avalon sedan. It is almost the same size, inside and out, as the Honda Accord and Volkswagen Arteon sedans.
.
.
We found that generally, it succeeds but still falls short on driving excitement, even with the 340-horsepower hybrid system and adaptive suspension that come exclusively with the Platinum trim.
2024 Honda Accord.
Positives.
Exterior is still fresh after last year's redesign. Spacious backseat and trunk. Hybrid models are quick and extremely fuel-efficient.
Considerations.
No all-wheel-drive option. Not as much rear headroom as in some rivals. Key competitors offer more power.
2024 Lexus RX.
At first glance, it's not obvious that the Lexus RX was fully redesigned last year. But underneath its subtle styling changes is a midsize luxury SUV that epitomizes understated luxury. Unlike the previous generation, the latest RX comes only as a five-passenger SUV. The previous model's extended-length RX-L version has been discontinued, with a new three-row Lexus TX model launching in its place.
The RX continues to offer both gas and hybrid models, and this year, the 2024 Lexus RX 450h+ plug-in hybrid joins the lineup. It delivers up to 37 miles of driving range on battery power alone. The standard hybrid models use their electric motors to help the gas engines deliver exceptional mileage along with the sure-footedness of standard all-wheel drive. Even the base non-hybrid RX 350 delivers good fuel economy thanks to a powerful but efficient turbocharged four-cylinder engine. New last year was the RX 500h, a performance-oriented trim that offers additional horsepower and revised suspension tuning. It's still the quickest and most agile RX available, but it's not particularly sporty. Competitors such as the Alfa Romeo Stelvio and BMW X5 deliver more fun behind the wheel, at the expense of some ride comfort. The Genesis GV80 is a closer competitor to the Lexus RX as it prioritizes comfort and practicality over performance, as does the Lincoln Nautilus.
2024 Toyota Sequoia.
Named for the world's tallest trees, the Toyota Sequoia is a full-size SUV with outsized capabilities. It lifts its rugged components from the Toyota Tundra pickup truck, with body-on-frame construction, smooth performance, and optional four-wheel drive. The large cabin exhibits Toyota's trademark craftsmanship and durability to meet life's demands with ease.
