Consumer_Reports_-_April_2020

GMC Yukon XL

This truck-based SUV is

similar to the Chevrolet

Suburban. The third-row

seat in the XL is a bit

roomier than the one in

the shorter GMC Yukon, and there

is plenty of cargo room when that

row is raised. Power comes from a

5.3-liter V8 and a six-speed automatic

that returns 16 mpg and feels slightly

sluggish. It's too bad that buyers have to opt for the expensive Denali version

to get the magnetic ride suspension, which improves ride comfort and

handling response. The 6.2-liter engine on the Denali is also a meaningful

upgrade, but it significantly increases the price. Properly equipped, the XL can

tow 8,500 pounds, its only advantage over a car-based SUV. Lane keeping

assistance and Apple CarPlay capability are available. A redesigned Yukon XL

arrives this summer.



OVERALL

SCORE

59

$53,400-$73,500

RELIABILITY

3

SATISFACTION

4

ROAD-TEST SCORE 67 MPG 16

Honda Accord
!

The Accord is available

with a choice of two

turbocharged, four-cylinder

engines. The base version

is a new 192-hp, 1.5-liter

mated to a continuously variable

transmission, a combination that

is mostly unobtrusive and delivers

adequate power. The uplevel

turbocharged 2.0-liter brings 252 hp

and a slick 10-speed automatic transmission but features an unintuitive push-

button gear selector. The Hybrid gets an impressive 47 mpg overall without

sacrificing acceleration or trunk space. The new infotainment system is a big

improvement and includes knobs for tuning and volume adjustment. Handling

is responsive, and the ride is comfortable. Standard safety equipment includes

forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure

warning, and lane keeping assistance.



OVERALL

SCORE

82

$23,870-$36,100

RELIABILITY

3

SATISFACTION

4

ROAD-TEST SCORE 89 MPG 31-47

Honda Civic!

The Civic is a substantial

and capable compact car.

The base 2.0-liter engine

and optional 1.5-liter turbo

deliver good fuel economy,

with the turbo bringing more oomph

and readily available power. The

continuously variable transmission

amplifies the noise of the base engine;

it works better with the turbo. The

ride is comfortable, handling is precise, and the interior has a lot of storage

space. However, because of the car's low stance, occupants must do the limbo

to get in and out. We found Honda's infotainment system to be unintuitive on

most trims. The Si version is a performance bargain. The 306-hp Type-R is a

track-ready, high-performance version. For 2020 all Civic trims come standard

with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure

warning, and lane keeping assistance.

OVERALL

SCORE

$19,750-$28,850

RELIABILITY

3

SATISFACTION

4

ROAD-TEST SCORE 74-76 MPG 31-34

Honda Clarity
!

The Clarity comes in three

versions: an electric, a plug-in

hybrid, and one powered

by hydrogen. The plug-in

hybrid is the most practical

version and has a 48-mile all-electric

range before the gas engine kicks in. It

takes 2.5 hours to recharge with a 240-

volt charger or 12 hours on 120 volts.

The car works well in electric-only

mode, but in hybrid mode the engine makes a loud ruckus. The ride is

comfortable, but its handling is rather clumsy. The cabin is roomy, but the

front seats are uncomfortable because of their short bottom cushion and lack

of lower back support. Forward collision warning and automatic emergency

braking are standard, but there is no true blind spot warning system that

covers both sides. The Clarity also uses Honda's unintuitive push-button gear

selector. The electric version has a short EPA-rated range of 89 miles.



OVERALL

SCORE

78

$33,400-$58,490

RELIABILITY

5

SATISFACTION

4

ROAD-TEST SCORE 74 MPG/MPGe 39/110

Honda CR-V

!

The CR-V is one of the

better models among small

SUVs, thanks to its roomy

cabin, good fuel economy,

competent handling and

standard safety features. The 190-hp,

1.5-liter turbo provides ample power

even at low to mid revs. The continu-

ously variable transmission is largely

unobtrusive. Fuel economy is impres-

sive at 28 mpg overall. Handling is nimble and sure-footed. Although the ride

has a firm edge, it's still comfortable. Road noise is well-suppressed, and the

cabin is reasonably quiet. The interior is very roomy, particularly the rear seat,

and access is easy. Note that the seats in the base LX are less supportive. EX

and above trims get a standard 7-inch touch-screen infotainment system with

Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. For 2020, a hybrid version joins

the line, and Honda's suite of advanced safety features is standard.



OVERALL

SCORE

77

$25,050-$34,750

RELIABILITY

3

SATISFACTION

4

ROAD-TEST SCORE 82 MPG 28

Honda Fit

!

The Honda Fit subcompact

hatchback has always

been an appealing urban

runabout. Thanks to its

clever multiconfigurable

seating, the Fit delivers versatility

similar to that of a small SUV. The Fit

gets great fuel economy, at 33 mpg

overall. But that comes with excessive

noise when the continuously variable

transmission keeps the engine at high revs. Handling is responsive, but the

Fit has a stiff ride. On top of that, the cabin is loud, making the Fit unfit for

long drives. Opting for the EX brings a sunroof and paddle shifters; the EX-L

includes heated leather seats. The button-free touch-screen radio on EX and

higher trims is a constant frustration, and the seats and driving position aren't

very comfortable. The Fit's recent freshening added the Honda Sensing suite of

advanced safety features.



OVERALL

SCORE

71

$16,190-$20,620

RELIABILITY

4

SATISFACTION

3

ROAD-TEST SCORE 67 MPG 33

Honda HR-V

Based on the Fit subcom-

pact, the HR-V gets a

versatile, cargo-friendly

rear seat that flips up

or folds down flat and

low. Considerably smaller and less

expensive than the CR-V, the HR-V

is loud and the ride is stiff. Handling is

responsive and secure. Power comes

from a 141-hp four-cylinder driving

either the front or all four wheels. But the HR-V feels underpowered, an

impression amplified by the continuously variable transmission. The Honda's

strengths include its excellent 29 mpg overall, very flexible interior, and

generous rear-seat and cargo room. The front seats are short on support,

however. Available premium features include heated leather seats, a sunroof,

and keyless entry. The EX is the best choice because it comes with advanced

safety features and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility.



OVERALL

SCORE

66

$20,820-$28,890

RELIABILITY

4

SATISFACTION

2

ROAD-TEST SCORE 66 MPG 29

Honda Insight

!

The Insight is our fuel-

economy champ among

cars that don't have to be

plugged in, thanks to its

54 mpg overall in our tests,

which is 2 mpg better than the Toyota

Prius. Based on the Civic sedan, the

Insight has the same strengths and

weaknesses. The ride is comfortable,

its handling is secure but mundane,

and the rear seat is relatively roomy. But the Insight suffers from a very low

stance, which makes it tough to get in and out. The driver's seat is short on

lower back support, and the controls are somewhat tricky, including the push-

button gear selector. The car can loaf around on electric power alone at very

low speeds, but when the gas engine awakens as more power is needed, it's

loud. Standard advanced safety systems include forward collision warning and

automatic emergency braking, but there's no proper blind spot warning system.



OVERALL

SCORE

77

$22,930-$28,340

RELIABILITY

4

SATISFACTION

4

ROAD-TEST SCORE 73 MPG 54

APRIL 2020 CR.ORG 61

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