Popular Cars Consumer Reports Recommends You Skip In Favor Of Something Better

You would think that the most popular vehicles on the road would be some of the best. But that's not necessarily the case. Whether it's brand loyalty, a friend who works at a certain dealership, lack of time to test-drive more than a few options or a less-than-ideal dealership experience, a lot of people end up driving cars that aren't as good as the competition.

If you'd like to avoid that mistake on your next purchase, Consumer Reports put together a list of some incredibly popular vehicles that you may be tempted to buy but should actually avoid. But the article wasn't entirely negative. It also includes alternatives that are better buys based on its testing and subscriber survey data.

As popular as the Ford Explorer is, Consumer Reports found it to be pretty disappointing compared to other three-row SUVs. Its reliability also leaves a lot to be desired.

While the Explorer does a few things well, the Kia Telluride does pretty much everything well. It's also Consumer Reports' top pick among three-row SUVs.

If you buy a new Elantra, you'll probably enjoy it, and we don't blame you. The problem is that the Elantra has below-average reliability that could come back to bite you in a few years.

The Toyota Corolla Hybrid is far from the most exciting compact sedan, but it gets great gas mileage, should be more reliable than the Elantra and is pretty cheap, too

The Toyota RAV4 isn't a terrible choice. It's just that the interior, engine refinement and ride quality could be better.

According to Consumer Reports, Subaru has pretty much out-RAV4-ed Toyota. It's roomy, comfortable and fuel-efficient, and you don't have to pay extra for all-wheel drive.

The Chrysler Pacifica is a great family hauler that's let down by a lack of refinement that other minivans also offer. It's also proven less reliable than its competition.

Since it's newer than the Pacifica, the Kia Carnival feels more modern. It also offers most of what you get in the Pacifica while also being more reliable.

People love the Toyota Tacoma because it's reliable, but the ride, handling and engine leave a lot to be desired. The upcoming redesigned Tacoma should be better, but for now, you can find more compelling trucks.

Say what you will about the Honda Ridgeline not being a real truck, but as a daily driver, it's hard to beat. What you give up in off-road capability, you gain in comfort and refinement.

The Volkswagen ID.4 probably won't make you hate it, but its range is only adequate, the infotainment system is buggy and reliability is below average.

According to Consumer Reports, the Kia EV6 beats the ID.4 in pretty much every way you can think of. It has better range, acceleration, handling, braking and efficiency.

If you have to have a Mercedes, then the C-Class is probably the only compact luxury sedan you'll consider. But Consumer Reports didn't like its stiff ride, confusing controls and below-average predicted reliability.

The Lexus ES isn't a Mercedes, but it still offers plenty of luxury in a much more reliable package. Plus, if you spring for the hybrid, it gets an EPA-rated 44 mpg combined.

When you first climb inside the Volvo XC60, you'll probably be as impressed with the cabin as you are with the exterior styling. But it's going to be hard to justify buying it after you turn it on and realize the driving experience doesn't live up to the XC60's good looks.

The Lexus NX doesn't look as good as the Volvo XC60. That's just a fact. But if you get the hybrid, the NX is both quicker and more fuel efficient than the XC60.

There's no denying that the Ford F-150 is popular. But Consumer Reports found that the ride, handling and reliability don't measure up against some of the competition.

The Ram 1500 is plenty capable, just like the F-150. But where it really beats the F-150 is in its ride, making it a much more enjoyable truck to drive daily.