5 Fan-Favorite 2022 EVs, According to Consumer Reports
When reviewing new EVs, Consumer Reports testers look at reliability, road test performance, and safety scores. They also consider the vehicle’s predicted owner satisfaction ratings, culled from CR member surveys of previous model years. And these five 2022 EVs are predicted fan favorites.
1. Ford Mustang Mach-E
The Ford Mustang Mach-E earned high owner satisfaction ratings from Consumer Reports members. Of all the points CR asks on its annual member survey, the two areas that pleased Mach-E owners most were the electric SUV’s driving experience and styling. Asked about comfort — including the seats, climate control, ride, and noise levels — they thought it was within the average range.
However, according to Consumer Reports surveys, the worst part of the Mach-E is its value. Quite a few owners felt the EV didn’t offer as much for the price they paid. The MSRP for this model ranges from $43,895 to $61,995 before any add-ons. As for reliability, owners cited trouble spots with its climate system and in-car electronics.
The 2022 Mustang Mach-E offers plenty of standard advanced driver assists, such as blind-spot warning, lane-departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. Plus, it packs a one-speed direct electric motor, allowing this electric SUV to go from 0 to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds according to Ford, but Consumer Reports testers managed a 5.3-second time. Asked if they would buy the electric SUV again given the chance, 87% of owners said they would.
2. Tesla Model 3
Regarding predicted owner satisfaction, the 2022 Tesla Model 3 earned a perfect score. The area owners liked most is the EV’s driving experience, including its acceleration performance and the way the vehicle handled on the road. The next item that pleased buyers was its exterior and interior styling.
Comfort wasn’t quite as high as the ride and appearance, but many owners thought it wasn’t bad. What frustrated owners most about the Model 3 was its value. Pricing ranges from $46,990 to $62,990. Almost half of the owners who responded to Consumer Reports’ survey felt it didn’t exactly live up to their expectations or match the amount of money they spent.
Though CR doesn’t specify what made owners feel that way, Consumer Reports’ list of drawbacks for this model offers clues. They include uncomfortable rear seating, distracting controls, a stiffer ride, and longer charging times. All of those issues could frustrate drivers, but would they buy this model again? Yes, at least 85% of current owners said they would.
3. Tesla Model S
Another 2022 EV with a perfect predicted owner satisfaction score is the Tesla Model S. What drivers loved most about this model was the driving experience. In fact, all owners who responded thought the car met their expectations. As with the Model 3, the second and third areas that pleased owners were its styling and comfort.
However, regarding value, only about a third of the respondents believed they got what they paid for. In a way, it’s not too surprising because the Model S is Tesla’s most expensive EV. Buyers pay anywhere from $104,990 to $135,990 for a new model. Despite the high price, 82% of surveyed owners said they would definitely buy it again.
4. Tesla Model Y
Yet another 2022 EV that earned a perfect predicted owner satisfaction score is the Tesla Model Y. Like the other Tesla EVs on this list, owners loved how it drove and looked. They also thought it provided a pretty comfortable ride. Though value was an area of concern, over half of the respondents said they were happy with the balance of what they got and the price they paid ($65,990 to $69,990).
With poor reliability scores, limited driving range, and longer charging times, it’s unsurprising that owners were concerned about value. However, most didn’t mind: 87% said they would purchase the Model Y again.
5. Volkswagen ID.4
CR’s predicted owner’s satisfaction scores also indicate drivers will love the new Volkswagen ID.4. Three areas scored relatively high with drivers’ experiences. Every person who responded said they thought this 2022 EV was very comfortable. Driving and handling also received high marks. Even the way it looked pleased almost all ID.4 owners who responded to Consumer Reports’ survey.
The electric crossover’s value received the lowest score, but even that was in the above-average range. It makes sense because this model is priced reasonably. MSRPs range from $41,230 for the base model to $49,410 for the top trim. Buying new is the way to go — owners get three years of free charging at Electrify America charging stations.
It’s important to note that these favorite 2022 EVs are based on owners’ experiences with previous model years and what they thought of the vehicle they purchased. However, these scores don’t necessarily rate quality because some of the above models have poor reliability scores from Consumer Reports. For instance, the 2022 Ford’s Mustang Mach-E has two safety recalls, and just about every new Tesla model has several.
