Consumer Reports' thoughts on 3 new cars hitting the market
Consumer Reports experts have thoughts on the new Jeep Cherokee, the Honda Prelude, and the Subaru Getaway
Credit: Honda
Automakers will tout the newest versions of their vehicles as better than ever. That's not always true.
That's where Consumer Reports comes in. The publication recently sorted through the marketing and review three soon-to-be-released or redesigned vehicles hitting the market in 2026. Continue reading to see what its experts think.
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Jeep Cherokee
Screenshot: https://www.jeep.com/
After a few years without redesigns, Jeep has brought a new, larger Cherokee to the market that's more spacious than even the Honda $HMC CR-V. It now only comes as a hybrid, getting an impressive 37 mpg. It can also drive short distances on its electric motor alone.
Consumer Reports liked the Cherokee, saying it's a "solution for Jeep fans longing for an efficient ride." It complemented its styling, access, cabin, and cargo space. But it didn't love the almost square steering wheel, thought the engine felt a little weak, and it wasn't thrilled with the brake responses at low speeds. It has a base price of $35,000.
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Honda Prelude
Credit: Honda
Honda $HMC's sporty, more expensive coup may seem flashy, but Consumer Reports said it lacked purpose. "This version isn’t fun enough or highly optioned enough to justify its high $43,195 starting price (including its $1,195 destination fee)," it said plainly.
While it complimented its solid powertrain, handling, braking, simple controls and front-row space, it just didn't understand the car's audience.
"They built half of a driver’s car, but left out an engaging powertrain, which is a shame," a tester said. Plus, it felt like for the price, it should come with more.
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Subaru Getaway
Credit: Subaru
Later this year, Subaru will release the Getaway, a brand-new, electric, three-row SUV.
While Consumer Reports hasn't put the vehicle through its trademark testing yet, it still has thoughts. It's excited the Getaway will be a new entry into the sparse three-row non-luxury EV market.
The Getaway shares a platform with the Toyota $TM Highlander as the two automakers continue to collaborate and the vehicles look similar, although Subaru's model is a bit more rugged.
"Subaru makes a big deal about the Getaway’s storage capacity and compartments," CR said. "There’s a cup holder and a bottle holder for every seating position, and places to store phones and tablets."
The jury is still out on the driving experience, but CR said the Getaway has the potential to be a great vehicle.