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
0
!
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