Consumer Reports road tests: BMW leads, Subaru close behind
BMW tops Consumer Reports road tests as Subaru and Hyundai surge
Consumer Reports road tests: BMW leads, Subaru close behind
Consumer Reports road tests crown BMW; the X5 leads midsize SUVs. Subaru’s Forester impresses, while Hyundai’s Ioniq 9 and 5 N prove modern EVs can thrill.
2025-12-21T13:37:29+03:00
2025-12-21T13:37:29+03:00
2025-12-21T13:37:29+03:00
Consumer Reports has wrapped up its annual road tests, the program that feeds one of the car world’s most trusted scorecards. Around 50 new models are put through their paces at the organization’s own facility in Colchester, with acceleration, braking, handling, comfort, safety, and overall road manners all measured under the same roof.BMW topped the rankings, reinforcing its reputation as a brand that keeps the driver at the center of the experience. The BMW X5 drew especially strong praise and was named the standout in the midsize luxury SUV class—a reminder that the badge still knows how to balance poise and purpose.Testers highlighted a well-judged blend of comfort, dynamics, and interior execution. At the same time, the brand is already preparing the next generation of the model with five powertrain choices, including a hydrogen option—a clear sign of a broad technological bet without abandoning core driving traits.Subaru secured second place, finishing just a fraction behind BMW. Its symmetrical all-wheel drive played a key role in the high marks for stability and control. The Forester emerged as the brand’s best performer: not the quickest off the line, but among the most comfortable and predictable compact crossovers, and in daily traffic that composure often matters more than a stopwatch.A notable message came from Hyundai Motor Group. Hyundai took fourth place, with Kia and Genesis lining up right behind. The electric Ioniq 9 and Ioniq 5 N demonstrated that modern EVs can spar with gasoline sports cars on handling and excitement—an important signal for the 2026 car market and the race for top honors.Consumer Reports’ results suggest the era of unchallenged dominance by traditional premium brands is ebbing. Korean marques and Subaru are pressing harder on the strength of engineering and chassis tuning. Expect more buyers in the coming years to shop less by emblem and more by how a car actually drives—an overdue correction that’s been building for a while.
Consumer Reports, road tests, BMW, BMW X5, Subaru, Forester, Hyundai, Kia, Genesis, Ioniq 9, Ioniq 5 N, EVs, rankings, midsize luxury SUV, compact crossover, handling, comfort, 2026 car market
2025
Michael Powers
news
BMW tops Consumer Reports road tests as Subaru and Hyundai surge
Consumer Reports road tests crown BMW; the X5 leads midsize SUVs. Subaru’s Forester impresses, while Hyundai’s Ioniq 9 and 5 N prove modern EVs can thrill.
Michael Powers, Editor
Consumer Reports has wrapped up its annual road tests, the program that feeds one of the car world’s most trusted scorecards. Around 50 new models are put through their paces at the organization’s own facility in Colchester, with acceleration, braking, handling, comfort, safety, and overall road manners all measured under the same roof.
BMW topped the rankings, reinforcing its reputation as a brand that keeps the driver at the center of the experience. The BMW X5 drew especially strong praise and was named the standout in the midsize luxury SUV class—a reminder that the badge still knows how to balance poise and purpose.
Testers highlighted a well-judged blend of comfort, dynamics, and interior execution. At the same time, the brand is already preparing the next generation of the model with five powertrain choices, including a hydrogen option—a clear sign of a broad technological bet without abandoning core driving traits.
Subaru secured second place, finishing just a fraction behind BMW. Its symmetrical all-wheel drive played a key role in the high marks for stability and control. The Forester emerged as the brand’s best performer: not the quickest off the line, but among the most comfortable and predictable compact crossovers, and in daily traffic that composure often matters more than a stopwatch.
A notable message came from Hyundai Motor Group. Hyundai took fourth place, with Kia and Genesis lining up right behind. The electric Ioniq 9 and Ioniq 5 N demonstrated that modern EVs can spar with gasoline sports cars on handling and excitement—an important signal for the 2026 car market and the race for top honors.
Consumer Reports’ results suggest the era of unchallenged dominance by traditional premium brands is ebbing. Korean marques and Subaru are pressing harder on the strength of engineering and chassis tuning. Expect more buyers in the coming years to shop less by emblem and more by how a car actually drives—an overdue correction that’s been building for a while.
