© Provided by XDA Developers

Few brands in the laptop world are as renowned and popular as HP. From budget-friendly laptops to high-end premium experiences, the company offers some of the best laptops you can buy. If you're looking to upgrade your current personal or work computer, or you want to gift someone else, going with HP is definitely a smart move. But there are plenty of options to choose from in the company's lineup and choosing the right one for you may prove difficult. To help you with that, we've rounded up the best HP laptops you can buy today.

HP covers a lot of ground, and whether you want a Windows 11 laptop or a Chromebook, there's something for you. We've chosen models geared at all kinds of different users, so whatever you're looking for, we've got you covered.

Best overall: HP Spectre x360 13.5

The HP Spectre x360 has long been one of the most iconic Windows laptops out there, and with the new Spectre x360 13.5, it's just as easy to recommend as previous models. This is HP's crown jewel, with a premium design, high-end specs, and a fantastic display.

First off, the HP Spectre x360 13.5 is powered by up to a 12th-generation Intel Core i7-1255U, a processor with 10 cores, 12 threads, and boost speeds up to 4.7GHz, so you're getting the latest and greatest here. This is one of the most powerful ultrabook processors out there today, and it also includes Iris Xe graphics to enable some light GPU workloads, including some very light gaming. You can also configure the Spectre x360 with up to 32GB of RAM and 2TB of SSD storage.

The display is also fantastic on the Spectre x360 13.5, keeping the same 3:2 aspect ratio we previously saw on the Spectre x360 14. In fact, the display is exactly the same as on that laptop, which isn't a bad thing at all. The 13.5-inch display comes with a Full HD+ (1920 x 1280) resolution on the base model, and you can add a privacy screen if you're usually working with sensitive information in public. But the best upgrade option is the stunning 3K2K (3000 x 2000) OLED display that will simply look fantastic. OLED displays offer incredibly vibrant colors and high contrast ratios, and that resolution is more than sharp enough for a display of this size.

Potentially the biggest upgrade in this model compared to its predecessors is the webcam, and it's a very welcome upgrade. It's a 5MP sensor and it supports 1080p video, and it also has smart features like auto framing and lighting correction, so you always look great during video calls and meetings. It's a huge upgrade from the 720p webcam of the past, and it also supports Windows Hello facial recognition, in addition to having a fingerprint reader.

The latest Spectre x360 13.5 comes with some big design changes, taking inspiration from the 16-inch model that launched in late 2021. It keeps the dual-tone aesthetic that the Spectre line has gotten us used to, but it's a little more subdued, though it still looks great. It comes in a Nightfall Black version with copper accents, a more subtle Nocturne Blue with celestial blue accents, or Natural Silver if you don't want the dual-tone look at all. As for portability, the laptop measures 17mm thick and weighs 3.01lbs, so it's fairly easy to carry around.

Speaking of ports, in addition to the Thunderbolt 4 port in the corner, you get another one on the side, plus a USB Type-A port, a headphone jack, and a microSD card reader. It's not a wide variety of ports, but it's about what you'd expect for a laptop of this size, and Thunderbolt support means it's easy to add a ton of connectivity with a Thunderbolt dock.

All in all, this is a fantastic premium convertible that gives you a tall high-quality screen, a striking premium design, and great performance all around. It's definitely one of the best laptops HP makes.

Best gaming laptop: HP Omen 17

HP also caters to gamers with its Omen lineup of laptops, and the Omen 17 is the cream of the crop if you want to get into gaming. It offers powerful specs in a clean and sophisticated design, and it has a large screen so you can get even more immersed.

First things first, let's talk performance. You can get the latest Omen 17 with up to an Intel Core i9-12900HX processor. That's an incredibly powerful 55W CPU with 16 cores and 24 threads, capable of boosting as high as 5GHz, so you get all the performance you need and then some. On top of that, you can configure it with up to an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 Ti laptop GPU, so it's safe to say all your games will run flawlessly and likely at very high frame rates. Plus, you get up to 32GB of RAM and 2TB of storage. If you have the money for it, this is a beast of a machine in its top-tier configuration

Oddly enough the display doesn't offer configuration options, but the one you get is pretty great. It's a Quad HD (2560 x 1440) panel and it has a 165Hz refresh rate, which is a great mix of resolution and speed. It makes this a great laptop for both gaming and work, and with the powerful hardware inside, you can comfortably drive this display to its maximum while still keeping quality settings high in most of your games.

The webcam is a common downside of many gaming laptops, and that's no different here, unfortunately. You get a 720p camera that's not particularly impressive, and it also lacks Windows Hello facial recognition. There's no fingerprint reader, either, so no options for biometric authentication.

Design-wise, the latest Omen 17 is great. Previous Omen models had chunky designs, but the latest iteration looks sleek and refined. The lid only has an Omen logo, and otherwise could easily go unnoticed in a business environment. Of course, it's still a large machine, measuring nearly 27mm in thickness and starting at 6.17lbs of weight, but it looks great. You get an RGB backlit keyboard and full-size arrow keys that are isolated from the rest of the keyboard to avoid missed keypresses. The backlight can be had in a four-zone configuration or the pricier per-key option too.

You also get a healthy supply of ports. There are three USB Type-A ports (which many peripherals still use), a Thunderbolt 4/USB-C port, HDMI 2.1, mini DisplayPort, Gigabit Ethernet, microSD card reader, and a headphone jack. Plus of course, a proprietary power connector since the charger used here is significantly more powerful than what USB Type-C can deliver. That gives you about everything you need for your gaming setup, plus Thunderbolt 4 gives you the option to expand even further if you want to use a desktop-level GPU or more monitors.

Overall, the Omen 17 is a beastly gaming laptop with a sleek, albeit heavy design. But if you want the most power in a form factor that you can take with you more easily, this is the best laptop HP makes.

Best business laptop: HP Dragonfly Folio

HP's Elite Dragonfly lineup — or just HP Dragonfly, as it's known now — got a bit of a shakeup in 2022, with the company introducing a clamshell model for the first time, alongside a Chromebook (which we'll get to later on this list). But towards the end of the year, we got the best new addition to the family, the HP Dragonfly Folio.

Performance-wise, the HP Dragonfly Folio is about the same as the clamshell version, the Elite Dragonfly G3. It comes with 12th-generation Intel Core processors with optional vPro support, specifically from Intel's U15 series. It has 10 cores and 12 threads, and speeds up to 4.8GHz. It can also be configured with up to 32GB of RAM and 1TB of SSD storage, so it's a great laptop all around.

Where it starts to get really unique, however, is the design and display. It has a 13.5-inch panel with a 3:2 aspect ratio, something we've seen in a few premium HP laptops at this point. The base model comes in Full HD+ (1920 x 1280) resolution, but you can upgrade to a stunning 3K2K (3000 x 2000) OLED panel if you want the best possible viewing experience. It's a touchscreen, too so you can interact with it in a more natural way using a pen or your hand.

This is made much easier thanks to the folio design of the laptop. This is a convertible, but instead of having a 360-degree hinge, the display rotates on a second hinge, which allows you to pull the screen closer to you or lay it flat over the keyboard. This way, it becomes a proper tablet for drawing and taking notes. What's more, it makes it much easier to change modes than a typical 360-degree hinge. This design is elevated further by the faux leather material that covers most of the outer shell of the laptop, giving it a more premium feel and disguising the hinge so it looks more premium.

All of this does come with a small downside of only having two Thunderbolt 4 ports, plus a headphone jack. It's not the most varied selection of ports, especially for a business laptop, but if you're used to having a docking station, it won't make much of a difference. What it doesn't miss out on is support for cellular networks, and you can configure it with 4G LTE or 5G if you want. Additionally, this laptop has one of the very best webcams you'll find on any laptop, with an 8MP sensor and Windows Hello facial recognition.

Like most of HP's business laptops, the Dragonfly Folio can get a bit pricy, but you get one of the most versatile and unique laptops out there.

Best 15/16-inch laptop: HP Spectre x360 16

The original HP Spectre x360 16 shook up the lineup when it first launched in late 2021, and the latest model comes with some welcome performance improvements. Design-wise, it's exactly the same as before, but that's not a bad thing, either.

The biggest changes are in terms of the internals, as you have very distinct options now. If you don't want discrete graphics, you can get the HP Spectre x360 16 with an Intel Core i7-12700H, a powerful 45W CPU with 14 cores and 20 threads that's ideal if you have more CPU-focused workloads. If you want more powerful graphics, you can get the laptop with a 28W Intel Core i7-1260P — with 12 cores and 16 threads — which is then paired with Intel Arc A370M discrete graphics. This is something of an entry-level GPU, but it's still going to get you better performance for gaming and, more importantly, content creation. On top of that, you can get up to 32GB of RAM and a 2TB SSD, so this is definitely a premium experience all around.

The same can also be said of the fantastic display on the Spectre x360 16. The base model comes in 3K+ resolution, as HP calls it, which equates to 3072 x 1920. That's already a great screen, and it's actually kind of surprising that the base model is so good. But if you want it to be even better, HP also offers a 4K+ (3840 x 2400) OLED option, which is even sharper and gives you all the benefits of OLED like true blacks, vivid colors, and high contrast ratios. Of course, this is a convertible, so the screen supports touch and pen input, too.

And the good news keeps coming with the webcam. The Spectre x360 16 has the same great 5MP webcam we've already mentioned for a few of the laptops above, and in fact, it was one of the first laptops to have that webcam. with features like auto framing and lighting correction, you should always look great during video calls and meetings.

Design-wise, the Spectre x360 16 inherits some of the legacy of the Spectre line, but it's also quite different. The sharp angular edges make way for a more curved chassis, but you'll still find accented edges around the laptop and the iconic trimmed-off corners below the display. The accents are much smaller and more subtle now, and in the case of the Nocturne Blue model, the accents are a very similar color to the rest of the chassis. Regardless, it looks great and it's a fresh take on an iconic design, and it even inspired the Spectre x360 13.5 we already mentioned above. It's also decently portable, starting at 4.45lbs of weight, which is very reasonable for a 16-inch convertible made of aluminum.

Finally, for ports, the Spectre x360 16 has a solid selection, too. You get two Thunderbolt 4/USB-C ports, one USB Type-A port, HDMI, a headphone jack, and a microSD card reader. That covers most basic needs you might have, and it's exactly what you'd for a modern premium laptop at this size. You can always use a Thunderbolt dock to get even more ports, too.

All in all, this is an absolutely stellar laptop, and while it is a bit pricy, you definitely get your money's worth with it. It's not just one of HP's best laptops, it's one of the best laptops in general.

Best 17-inch laptop: HP Envy 17

Need something a little bigger? Look no further than the fantastic HP Envy 17, a laptop with a large 17-inch display and enough power for all your day-to-day tasks, wrapped in a premium aluminum build.

The latest iteration of the Envy 17 is similar to the Spectre x360 16 in that you can get it with a more powerful CPU, or go for a lower-power CPU to accommodate a discrete GPU. If you don't need the best GPU performance, you can get the HP Envy 17 with up to an Intel Core i7-1260P processor, which is a 28W processor with 12 cores and 16 threads, capable of boosting up to 4.7GHz. However, if you do want to get into some gaming, you can opt for 15W processors, up to an Intel Core i7-1255U with 10 cores, 12 threads, and boost speeds up to 4.7GHz. This CPU is then paired with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 2050 GPU, so you can run some more modern games with decent frame rates. Otherwise, you can configure this laptop with up to 32GB of RAM and 1TB of storage, so it's still very much a premium laptop.

The display is, as we've mentioned, a 17.3-inch panel, and the base configuration comes in Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution. You can upgrade by adding touch support or upgrade to a 4K display with a resolution of 3840 x 2160. With the larger screen, those extra pixels are going to be that much more useful in making everything look sharp. The high pixel density and the large size should also make for a fantastic multitasking experience, even though the display sticks with the more traditional 16:9 aspect ratio. And even though it's not a convertible, the Envy 17 uses glass to protect its display, even in the base configuration, so it feels that much more premium.

Above the display, we're once again looking at a 5MP webcam with all the smart features we've mentioned before. It's a very high-quality camera, and it's great to see that HP even brought it to some of its cheaper laptops, so you always get the best experience with video calls and meetings.

Being this is a laptop with a large screen and a solid aluminum build, it does add up to a fairly heavy machine, weighing around 5.49lbs. It's not the most portable of laptops, but you get a premium build and solid performance in exchange for that, plus it does have a very large screen, so it's only natural. You also get a great selection of ports, including two Thunderbolt 4 connections, three USB Type-A ports, HDMI, a headphone jack, and a microSD card reader. That gives you plenty of connection options for all kinds of peripherals, and the large size of the laptop also accommodates a full number pad.

A potential downside of the Envy 17 is that it only comes in silver, so it's not the best option if you want something that looks unique. But if looks aren't a priority, this is certainly one of HP's best laptops.

Best for creators: HP Envy 16

Content creators and creative professionals need a bit more power than the average user, but they don't necessarily want to carry something heavy and garish like a gaming laptop. And if you want that balance of power and style, the HP Envy 16 is great for you.

For starters, the laptop is powered by up to an Intel Core i9-12900H processor, meaning you get up to 14 cores, 20 threads, and boost speeds up to 5GHz, resulting in phenomenal performance for all kinds of daily tasks and creative work. Backing that up is an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 Laptop GPU with 6GB of memory, which will greatly accelerate more demanding workloads like video editing and 3D rendering. Rounding things out, you can configure the laptop with up to 32GB of RAM and a 2TB SSD for storage.

The display is also fantastic, with options for different kinds of needs. The base model is potentially better for gaming, being a Quad HD+ (2560 x 1600) panel with a 120Hz refresh rate, but if you want something even better for content creation, there's also a 4K (3840 x 2400) OLED panel, which is much sharper and produces more vibrant colors, and it's ideal for creative work. There's also optional touch support. Above that display, there's a 5MP webcam, which HP has been putting into most of its laptops since 2022, complete with Windows Hello facial recognition support. It's one of the best webcams you'll find on a laptop, simply put.

HP's design language is very predictable for the most part, and the Envy 16 falls right in line with those expectations. It's a silver laptop made from aluminum, so it looks and feels premium, albeit a bit too subdued. Because of the premium build quality and powerful specs, it's a somewhat heavy machine, at 5.12 pounds of weight and it measures 19.81mm in thickness.

One thing you'll definitely like about this machine is the connectivity. With two Thunderbolt 4 ports, two USB Type-A ports, HDMI, a headphone jack, and a microSD card reader, you have plenty of options for connecting peripherals to your laptop. You can bypass docking stations with all the built-in ports, but having Thunderbolt does supply you expansion options if you need them.

For what it offers, the HP Envy 16 isn't overly expensive, and you can get it below.

Best lightweight budget laptop: HP Pavilion Aero

If you're looking for something affordable that still offers fantastic value, the HP Pavilion Aero isn't just one of best HP laptops, it's one of the best laptops. It delivers on all the essentials and even has a couple of extra features that make it a no-brainer for almost anyone on a budget. It does officially start at just under $800, but you can almost always find it with a good discount, which makes it a fantastic choice.

Let's start with performance. The HP Pavilion Aero is the only laptop on this list to be powered by an AMD processor, but that's far from a bad thing. It's packing AMD's latest Ryzen processors, including your choice of a Ryzen 5 5625U or a Ryzen 7 5825U. That means you can get up to 8 cores and 16 threads on an affordable thin and light laptop. These aren't AMD's latest processors out there, but they are slightly enhanced versions of the previous models, so you're getting a lot of performance for a very low price. Aside from the processor, you can also configure this laptop with up to 16GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD. Upgrading all of these specs does add to the price, but you'll still get a great experience with the base model compared to other laptops in this price range.

Another highlight of the Pavilion Aero is the display, and that's because it starts with a Full HD+ (1920 x 1200) panel in the base configuration. Yes, it has a 16:10 aspect ratio, and while that's become more common in the past few months, it's still very nice to see in such an affordable laptop. Most laptops at this price still have a more typical 16:9 display, so this one definitely stands out if you want something that's better for productivity. And if you want even more quality, you can upgrade to a Quad HD+ (2560 x 1600) panel for just $30, which is fantastic.

An unfortunate downside of this laptop is the webcam, which is still using a 720p camera. It's not going to get you amazing image quality, though it's serviceable. Plus, it also lacks Windows Hello facial recognition, but there is a fingerprint reader if you want an easier way to unlock the PC.

What you do get here is an incredibly lightweight design, which is another rarity for a budget laptop like this, especially when it already gets so much right. It's made from a magnesium alloy, and that allows it to start at less than 2.2lbs, or less than 1kg. It includes a solid selection of ports too, including USB Type-C, two USB Type-A, HDMI, and a headphone jack. There's no Thunderbolt support because this is an AMD-based laptop, but that's to be expected, especially considering the price of this device. There's also a fingerprint reader built-in, so you get some form of biometric authentication at least.

Another great thing about this laptop is it comes in a few color options, which isn't all that common these days. A few laptops will supply you two color options at most, but with the Pavilion Aero, you get four — Natural Silver, Ceramic White, Pale Rose Gold, and Warm Gold. All of those apart from Natural Silver will cost you an extra $10, but if you want to choose one that's a little more personal to you, the HP Pavilion Aero is one of the best laptops for that.

Best Chromebook: HP Elite Dragonfly Chromebook

Not many companies are willing to put big money and resources into a truly premium Chromebook, but HP went ahead and took its most premium business laptop and made it a Chromebook. Aptly named the HP Elite Dragonfly Chromebook, this is the best business-oriented Chromebook HP makes, and very likely the best Chrome OS laptop in general.

For starters, it's powered by 12th-generation Intel processors, just like the Elite Dragonfly G3. You can go up to an Intel Core i7-1265U with 10 cores and 12 threads, which can boost up to 4.7GHz. That's a very fast CPU, especially among Chromebooks, and it also includes Intel Iris Xe graphics. On top of that, you can configure the HP Elite Dragonfly Chromebook with up to 32GB of RAM — something nearly unheard of in a Chrome OS laptop — and a 512GB SSD, which is really the only area where this model falls short of its Windows-powered sibling. And to be clear, that's still plenty of storage for a cloud-focused OS.

Here's where things get really interesting, though. The HP Elite Dragonfly Chromebook has a 13.5-inch display with a 3:2 aspect ratio, just like the Elite Dragonfly G3. However, unlike the Elite Dragonfly G3 — which did away with the convertible form factor of its predecessors — the Chromebook model is still a convertible. That means the screen supports touch and pen input in every configuration, plus it's covered by Gorilla Glass 5. The base model has the same Full HD+ resolution (1920 x 1280) as the Windows model, but it also gives you the option to upgrade to Quad HD+ (2256 x 1504) if you want something a bit sharper. There's also an option for a privacy screen if that's more useful to you.

The webcam hardware is also identical on the HP Elite Dragonfly Chromebook compared to its Windows sibling, except there's no IR camera for facial recognition. Chrome OS doesn't support signing in using an IR camera, so instead, the laptop just has a fingerprint sensor for biometric authentication.

In terms of design, the HP Elite Dragonfly Chromebook comes in a dark shade of blue that's nearly black, and it looks sleek without being too boring. Because of the convertible form factor, it's a little heavier than the Elite Dragonfly G3, but at 2.83lbs and measuring 16.6mm in thickness, it's still certainly a very portable machine, especially for a convertible.

Rounding things out with ports, the HP Elite Dragonfly Chromebook has two Thunderbolt 4 ports, one USB Type-A port, HDMI, a headphone jack, and a microSD card reader. There's also an optional nano-SIM slot, which is available if you choose to add LTE or 5G connectivity. That covers all the basics business users would need, including cellular network support, which is great to see.

While it is one of the best Chromebooks out there, the Elite Dragonfly Chromebook is also much more expensive than most. But if Chrome OS is your main place to work and you want a premium experience, HP has made one of the very best laptops you can buy. You can buy one of the cheaper configurations below, or check here to customize the specs to your liking.

Best mainstream Chromebook: HP Chromebook x360 14

Most people looking for a Chromebook probably don't want to spend that much on a premium model, however. If you want something with a more palatable price tag that still gets the job done, then the Hp Chromebook x360 is for you.

The processor inside the HP Chromebook x360 14 is an Intel Core i3-1125G4, and while it's true that this is a lower-end processor, it's still got pretty solid performance right off the bat. Compared to the sea of Intel Celeron-powered Chromebooks, this is going to supply you a very solid experience, with 4 cores, 8 threads, and up to 3.7GHz clock speeds. You also get 8GB of RAM, making multitasking a breeze, and up to 256GB of SSD storage should be more than enough for most use cases in Chrome OS. This is a heavily web-based operating system, so you likely won't be filling up a lot of space that quickly.

For the display, HP is using a 14-inch panel with the more traditional 16:9 aspect ratio. It's a Full HD display, which is sharp enough for most use cases, and it's protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5, adding to the overall premium feel. A downside here is the 250 nits of brightness, which makes this less than ideal in outdoor environments, but it's bright enough to use comfortably in a classroom or office. There aren't any upgrade options here, but you're getting a solid experience already.

Above the display, there's a 720p webcam for video calls, which is acceptable, albeit not overly impressive. There's no IR camera for facial recognition, but that can be said for all Chromebooks right now. Instead, you have a fingerprint reader you can use if you want to log in more easily.

Design-wise, the HP Chromebook x360 14 is a fairly standard convertible. It's a silver laptop with a rotating hinge, and it's fairly thin at 16.51mm. It's not the lightest laptop around, weighing roughly 3.35lbs, but that's to be expected when you have a premium aluminum build. Compared to other Chromebooks in HP's lineup, this one has a fairly modern design, with minimal bezels all around the display. As for ports, you get two USB Type-C ports, one USB Type-A port, a headphone jack, and a microSD card reader. That gives you connectivity options for peripherals, but you'll need an adapter or the right kind of monitor to use an external display over USB Type-C.

If you're looking for a semi-premium, but still affordable Chromebook, this one from HP is going to supply you a solid experience overall without breaking the bank.

These are the best laptops you can get from HP right now. Whether it's a gift for a loved one or for yourself, these are all fantastic options for different types of users. For most people, the HP Spectre x360 13.5 is likely the best because it's got it all: Great performance, a stunning display that's even better with the OLED model, and a great webcam, all packed in a beautiful premium design that's not overly heavy. But of course, there's something for everyone, and if your budget is a little tighter, it's always worth looking at the Pavilion Aero, which offers absolutely stellar value for its price.

We included a couple of cellular-connected laptops on this list, but if you're looking for more, check out our list of the best 5G laptops you can buy today. There are plenty of great options there too.

Consumer Reports 3 days ago Jeff S. Bartlett

These exceptional models meet our very highest standards for performance, safety, reliability, and more

© Provided by Consumer Reports

2023 Kia Telluride

By Jeff S. Bartlett

The 10 vehicles on these pages were selected from more than 200 tested models as the best of the best for 2023. Each represents a key vehicle segment and shines for its combination of road-test performance, reliability, owner satisfaction, and safety, garnering a high-enough Overall Score to earn a coveted CR recommendation.

All Top Picks must come standard with key safety features, including automatic emergency braking (AEB*) that operates at highway speed and includes pedestrian detection.

Simply put: These are the vehicles that our expert staff would enthusiastically recommend to family and friends.

It’s no surprise that Toyotas, which have historically featured prominently on our list, are again well represented: They’re known for having good all-around performance, fuel economy, and reliability. Notably absent this year, however, are two perennial picks: the Lexus RX and Toyota Prius. These significantly redesigned models weren’t on sale in time to be included, which made room for other impressive models to appear on this year’s Top Picks list.

Our Top Picks list is a collection of cars, SUVs, and trucks with standout performance across the board. Our Green Choice designation (indicated by a leaf icon in our ratings) is awarded to gas-powered, hybrid, and electric cars that are in the top 20 percent of all cars on the market for having the cleanest emissions, based on EPA data.

See the vehicles that made Consumer Reports’ annual Top Picks in 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, and 2012.

Under $25,000

Small Car: Toyota Corolla Hybrid

The Corolla Hybrid is a rolling master class on what is possible from a lower-priced model. This compact sedan has outstanding fuel economy at 48 mpg overall in CR’s tests that approaches the efficiency of the pricier Prius. And it comes standard with the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite of advanced driver assistance features, with lane departure warning (LDW), adaptive cruise control (ACC), and automatic high beams. Blind spot warning (BSW) is optional. New for 2023, the Corolla Hybrid offers all-wheel drive. Moving up through the trim levels brings more niceties that make it a pleasant commuter.

© Provided by Consumer Reports

2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid

Photo: Toyota

2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid

© Provided by Consumer Reports

Subcompact SUV: Toyota Corolla Cross

The name announces that this is the Corolla of subcompact SUVs, with all the practicality, value, and virtue the familiar moniker implies. The size and traditional boxy shape make the Corolla Cross relatively roomy for the class. It comes with a 169-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and choice of front- or all-wheel drive. Acceleration is a bit tepid, but this powertrain returned a solid 28 mpg overall in CR’s tests. Most controls are a cinch to use, but the new infotainment interface needs some polish. The back seat also has good headroom and foot space. Factor in a solid roster of standard safety gear and top marks for predicted reliability, and the Corolla Cross is a smart choice.

© Provided by Consumer Reports

2023 Toyota Corolla Cross

Photo: Toyota

2023 Toyota Corolla Cross

© Provided by Consumer Reports

$25,000-$35,000

Small SUV: Subaru ForesterThis is the Forester’s 10th consecutive appearance as a Top Pick, underscoring how well this small SUV has honed its winning formula over time. Key to its appeal is the basic design, crafted to provide solid crash protection, a spacious cabin, generous cargo area, and terrific outward visibility. The shape also allows for unusually good access, with tall, wide-opening doors and hip-height seats. The controls are simple to use and easy to reach. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder and CVT yield 28 mpg overall—among the best in its class. Handling is responsive, and the ride is supple. Subaru’s EyeSight suite of safety features benefits from a wider field of view and updated software for 2023.

© Provided by Consumer Reports

2023 Subaru Forester

Photo: Subaru

2023 Subaru Forester

© Provided by Consumer Reports

Compact Pickup Truck: Ford Maverick Hybrid

The Maverick combines a low base price with a standard hybrid powertrain and front-wheel drive that delivered 37 mpg overall in our tests. It reminds us of a time when small, basic trucks roamed the land. Today, it’s a fun alternative to small SUVs and is ideal for active lifestylers who can put the 4.5-foot-long bed to work. Access to the cabin is easy, thanks to large doors and a low floor, and it’s relatively roomy, with good space front and back. The controls are simple, and there are numerous interior storage nooks. The ride is civilized for a truck, and the competent handling shames beefier, traditional pickups. For the price, you’d be hard-pressed to find something that is as versatile, efficient, and smile-inducing as the Maverick Hybrid.

© Provided by Consumer Reports

2023 Ford Maverick Hybrid

Photo: Ford

2023 Ford Maverick Hybrid

© Provided by Consumer Reports

Midsized Sedan: Toyota Camry Hybrid

The name “Camry” has become synonymous with comfort, convenience, reliability, and value for good reason: Every version delivers on those key virtues. The Camry is available in many flavors, with different powertrains, trim levels, and even all-wheel drive. But the most compelling version remains the Hybrid. It offers the comfortable ride, athletic handling, accommodating seats, and simple controls found in all versions, plus it boasts terrific fuel economy. The Camry Hybrid returned a stunning 47 mpg overall in our tests, which is truly impressive for a midsized sedan. It comes with the Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ suite of advanced driver assistance features, with lane keeping assistance (LKA), LDW, ACC, and other aids.

© Provided by Consumer Reports

2023 Toyota Camry Hybrid

Photo: Toyota

2023 Toyota Camry Hybrid

© Provided by Consumer Reports

Electric: Nissan Leaf

The Leaf proves that not all electric cars command high prices. This swoopy hatchback comes with a 40-kWh battery, an EPA-rated 149-mile range with the standard version, and an attractive sub-$30,000 price, even before incentives. But the Leaf model to fall for is the 60-kWh “Plus” version. The Plus has an EPA-rated 212-mile range and is quicker, shaving a second off the 0 to 60 mph time. With either configuration, the ride is soft and the cabin is quiet. The driving position is a hint higher than you might expect, giving a good view of the road. BSW, LDW, LKA, and rear cross traffic warning (RCTW) are standard. ProPilot Assist is optional.

© Provided by Consumer Reports

2023 Nissan Leaf

Photo: Nissan

2023 Nissan Leaf

© Provided by Consumer Reports

$35,000-$45,000

Two-Row SUV: Hyundai Santa Fe HybridThe Santa Fe makes yet another strong case for hybrid powertrains. Here, the hybrid is more powerful, polished, and—of course—efficient than the Santa Fe’s standard engine. The hybrid uses a 226-hp, 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, making it significantly quicker when merging and passing. For buyers who want to drive farther on electricity, there is a plug-in hybrid that adds 35 hp and has 31 miles of electric-only range. The cabin is roomy, with a spacious, comfortable rear seat, and a generous list of standard features that include BSW, LKA, and LDW. It has the performance and comfort to satisfy most midsized SUV shoppers.

© Provided by Consumer Reports

2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid

Photo: Hyundai

2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid

© Provided by Consumer Reports

Midsized, Three-Row SUV: Kia Telluride

The Telluride established itself as the three-row midsized SUV benchmark when it was introduced for 2020, and it has been a Top Pick every year since. The secret is that it simply does everything well. Its large, boxy shape makes for an expansive cabin and good outward visibility. Passengers will appreciate creature comforts such as soft-touch surfaces, attractive trim accents, and generous elbow room. The front seats are wide and comfortable, and the welcoming second and third seating rows are also relatively roomy. The refined, powerful V6 engine is backed by a smooth, responsive eight-speed automatic. Even the ride comfort is good. The 2023 Telluride gets a larger infotainment screen and more driving assistance features.

© Provided by Consumer Reports

2023 Kia Telluride

Photo: Kia

2023 Kia Telluride

© Provided by Consumer Reports

$45,000 Plus

Luxury SUV: Lexus NX350hLexus hit a sweet spot with the NX, a small SUV available in four powertrain configurations. Our favorite version is the NX350h, a hybrid that delivers an impressive 38 mpg overall. Its electric motor helps it to launch smoothly and glide along quietly at low speeds. Driving the NX is a treat, thanks to quick steering and a ride that is firm without being harsh. The cabin is upscale, with padded, high-quality surfaces and comfortable, supportive front seats. The rear seat is roomier than the compact exterior dimensions might suggest. Overall, the NX is a delightful luxury SUV that drivers will appreciate for its premium interior quality and practicality. It comes standard with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which includes many active safety features, such as BSW and RCTW.

© Provided by Consumer Reports

2023 Lexus NX350h

Photo: Lexus

2023 Lexus NX Hybrid

© Provided by Consumer Reports

Electric: Tesla Model 3

Since its introduction in 2017, the Model 3 continues to make a significant impact in the compact luxury sedan market. This sleek four-door delivers blistering acceleration, with plenty of torque that pushes you deep into the seat as it races ahead from a standstill. Enter a turn, and the Model 3 shows off its tenacious grip and precise steering. The driving experience feels very much like piloting a sports car. The driving range on our Model 3 was 310 miles, but it can be ordered with up to 358 miles of range. That is a significant distance for an EV, especially given the convenience of using the widespread Tesla Supercharger network. Traveling by Tesla is simply easier than with other EVs. The minimalist interior, with its gaugeless dash and giant center screen, adds to its otherworldly ambience.

© Provided by Consumer Reports

2023 Tesla Model 3

Photo: Tesla

2023 Tesla Model 3

© Provided by Consumer Reports

*Safety term glossary: AEB = automatic emergency braking; BSW = blind spot warning; LDW = lane departure warning; LKA = lane keeping assistance; RCTW = rear cross traffic warning.

Editor’s Note: This article also appeared in the April 2023 issue of Consumer Reports magazine.

Consumer Reports is an independent, nonprofit organization that works side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. CR does not endorse products or services, and does not accept advertising. Copyright © 2023, Consumer Reports, Inc.

The laptop market is starting to lean toward 14-inch laptops and away from 13-inch laptops, but that doesn’t mean there are no great examples of the latter. The Dell XPS 13 9315 and HP Envy x360 13 are both worthy models .

Both of these laptops are relatively affordable and they offer great performance, builds, and creature comforts. But only one can be crowned as the best. Which wins this shootout?

Specs

Both laptops are similarly priced, right where you could call them slightly expensive budget laptops or midrange machines. The Envy x360 13 starts at $900 for a Core i5-1230U CPU, 8GB of RAM, a 512G SSD, and a 13.3-inch 16:10 Full HD+ IPS touch-enabled display. The most you’ll spend is $1,300 for a Core i7-125oU, 16GB of RAM, a 1TB SSD, and a 2.8K OLED panel.

The XPS 13 9315 has fewer available configurations. It starts at $850 for a Core i5-1230U, 8GB of RAM, a 512GB SSS, and a Full HD+ IPS non-touch display. At the high end, it costs $1,399 for a Core i7-1250U, 32GB of RAM, a 1TB SSD, and the same display with touch.

You get more RAM at the high end with the XPS 13 9315 for $100 more, but the Envy x360 13 gives you a beautiful OLED display. We supply the pricing and configuration win to HP.

Design

Connectivity favors the Envy x360 13, which offers two USB-A ports to go with its two Thunderbolt 4 ports, plus a microSD card reader and a 3.5mm audio jack. The XPS 13 only offers the two Thunderbolt 4 ports. Both devices have the most up-to-date wireless connectivity available.

Finally, the Envy x360 13 benefits from a 5MP webcam that’s capable of 1080p video, a huge improvement over the XPS 13 9315’s 720p version. Both have infrared cameras for Windows 11 Hello support.

Performance

Both laptops utilize Intel 12th-gen 9-watt U-series CPUs with 10 cores (two Performance and eight Efficient) and 12 threads. The only difference is in max Turbo frequency, meaning that we shouldn’t expect huge performance differences.

However, the Envy x360 13 did much better across our benchmarks, whether in balanced or performance modes. Both laptops are fast enough for typical productivity workflows, but the Envy has significantly more headroom for more demanding users. With only integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics, neither laptop makes for a good gaming experience.

	HP Envy x360 13 (Core i7-1250U)	Dell XPS 13 9315 (Core i5-1230U)
Geekbench 5 (single / multi)	Bal: 1,435 / 7,285 Perf: 1,460 / 7,288	Bal: 1,393/ 4,459 Perf: 1,477 / 5,350
Handbrake (seconds)	Bal: 136 Perf: 138	Bal: 333 Perf: 192
Cinebench R23 (single / multi)	Bal: 1,504 / 7,436 Perf: 1,504 / 7,441	Bal: 1,379 / 3,457 Perf: N/A
PCMark 10 Complete (higher is better)	4,907	4,023

Display

The only display option Dell provides with the XPS 13 9315 is a touch or nontouch Full HD+ IPS panel. It provided good results for a premium productivity display according to our colorimeter, with brightness and contrast that were both higher than average.

But HP offers a 2.8K OLED display that’s much sharper and offers extremely wide and accurate colors, plenty of brightness, and OLED’s deep contrast. It’s a much better display not just for productivity work, but for creators and media consumers as well. And it’s available for just $60 over the standard IPS offering.

	HP Envy x360 13 (OLED)	Dell XPS 13 9315 (IPS)
Brightness (nits)	391	444
AdobeRGB gamut	100%	75%
sRGB gamut	98%	99%
Accuracy (DeltaE, lower is better)	0.72	1.33
Contrast ratio	29,420:1	1,390:1

Portability

The XPS 13 9315 benefitted from its slower CPU, apparently, because in spite of having a smaller battery, it showed much better battery life during our web-browsing test. We didn’t run it through our video-looping test, but with its lower-resolution IPS display, it’s likely to have done much better than the Envy x360 13 with its higher-resolution OLED panel. Both laptops are easy to carry around, but the XPS 13 9315 will last you longer on a single charge.

	HP Envy x360 13 (Core i7-1250U)	Dell XPS 13 9315 (Core i5-1230U)
Web browsing	9 hours, 30 minutes	13 hours, 18 minutes
Video	15 hours, 31 minutes	N/A

Speed, flexibility, and display quality supply HP the win

This week Hewlett-Packard has unveiled a new range of high-performance computer workstations in the form of its Z PC range which features the HP Z4, Z6, Z8, and Z8 Fury desktops, powered by Intel processors. The PC systems have been designed to provide users with a scalable balance of CPU and GPU compute needed to “fuel new levels of speed, accuracy, and creativity” says Hewlett-Packard.

The HP Z4, Z6, Z8, Z8 Fury G5 are now available to preorder and the HP Anyware Remote System Controller is expected to be made available during the spring months of 2023 although pricing and availability worldwide has not been confirmed as yet. Check out the promotional video below to learn more about the HP Z range of computers.

“Z by HP is dedicated to delivering the best possible computing experience to fuel new levels of speed, accuracy, and creativity,” said Jim Nottingham, Vice President and General Manager, Z by HP. “HP’s design engineering, together with the power of Intel and NVIDIA, provide the performance, scalability, and security our customers require to meet their evolving needs.”

“Z by HP innovations start with the customer to deliver the performance benefits needed whether it’s importing and working with large models and assemblies, running complex simulations, or training complex deep learning and machine learning models faster. The latest Z workstation desktops include up to 56 CPU cores and four high-end GPUs in the Z8 Fury G5. The Z4, Z6, Z8, and our all-new Z8 Fury, provide a variety of configurations to meet every workflow challenge for each of these segments. From our best-selling workhorse, the Z4, to the extreme performance of the Z8 Fury, Z by HP has the right workstation for every workflow.”

“Intel and Z by HP represent the future of high-performance workstation computing,” said Roger Chandler, Vice President and General Manager, Intel. “With Intel Xeon W, users can expect breakthrough performance, advanced security features, and the scalability they need to tackle the most demanding workloads.”

Source : HP

Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals

JULIAN, Calif. – The all-new, 2023 Chevrolet Colorado might seem like it’s following on the heels of its big brother, the Silverado, but don’t be so sure. You see, while it’s true that the current-generation Silverado was the first Chevy truck to get GM’s 2.7-liter turbo engine three years ago, the big four was actually developed with the next-generation Colorado in mind. It was also the Colorado’s new interior that influenced the design direction of the Silverado’s quasi-emergency redo a year ago – not the other way around. Basically, we’ve been getting a slow preview of this midsize pickup without even knowing it.

This is important because it illustrates that Chevy intended for the Colorado to be a more distinctive, less Mini Me type of midsize truck. At least the Silverado didn’t steal its exterior styling cues, which are more youthful, athletic and tougher without going over the top with machismo (see Silverado HD). You can see the influence of the Toyota Tacoma here, or at least the influence of how much more successful it is despite not being particularly good. People who buy those do so in part because it is smaller than a full-sizer, appreciating the superior maneuverability and off-road capability. They also dig the accompanying look that definitely isn’t just a miniaturized Tundra.

This new Colorado is far more Tacoma-like in that regard, while being a lot better at the sort of basic things Toyota’s wildly popular little pickup isn’t. The driving position isn’t glued to the floor like the Tacoma's, the backseat legroom is sufficient, interior technology is state-of-the-art courtesy of Google, the ride is smoother, and the engine is quieter and more efficient. Its hill-descent control also doesn’t sound like small weapons fire is emanating from under the front bumper when in operation. Which is all to say that the Colorado is trying to steal some of the Tacoma’s lunch money, and if there’s any justice in the world, it absolutely should. It’s a better truck.

With that obvious comparison out of the way, though, let’s dig deeper into this all-new Colorado’s particulars. That 2.7-liter turbocharged inline-four is now the only engine available, replacing the old truck’s naturally aspirated inline-four and V6, and turbodiesel. “Only engine” isn’t exactly accurate, though, as there are three states of tune. The base version, standard on the Work Truck and LT trim levels, produces 237 horsepower and 259 pound-feet of torque. While obviously superior to the old sad sack NA four banger (200 hp, 191 lb-ft), it nevertheless feels on the gutless side and suffers from extreme throttle delay accompanied by an awfully mushy pedal. Maybe it was just our particular test truck, but this version of the engine may need some tweaking.

The mid-level version or “2.7 Turbo Plus” isn’t just a software flash – there are indeed extra parts involved, including a piston-cooling squirter that’s not needed in the lower output version, and several noise-quelling bits of foam. There are nevertheless different 1s and 0s involved, too, and it all amounts to an engine that produces 310 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. That would be more power than the outgoing V6 and more torque than the old turbodiesel. That sure sounds like mission accomplished, at least on paper.

Out on the road, this 2.7 responds much better to throttle inputs and is suitably gutsy for a truck. Chevy estimates that most trim levels and drivetrain combos should hit 60 mph in less than 7 seconds. The eight-speed automatic does tend to upshift too quickly when momentarily lifting off the throttle while traveling on a grade (a sport mode would be nice, though there is a Tow/Haul mode that should in theory address that while towing and/or hauling).

© Provided by Autoblog © Provided by Autoblog

Chevy says Silverado customers complained that the 2.7-liter didn’t sound enough like a truck engine, so engineers tried to address that in the Colorado (by 2024, the 2.7-liter will be identical in both trucks). If you think a truck engine should sound like a diesel, well, mission accomplished there too, since you get a very turbodiesel-like wastegate whistle followed by the growl of the engine kicking it. All that premature upshifting can make this noise a bit annoying in certain steady-state cruising situations as every throttle tip-in is accompanied by the whistle-growl. With a heavier foot, though, the 2.7 still totally sounds like a direct-injected four-cylinder engine. A duck is a duck is a duck. At least it’s a really powerful duck.

And it can get even more powerful with the 2.7 Turbo High Output, this time 100% the result of a software flash that you can actually get from a dealer after your initial purchase. It produces the same 310 hp, but torque gets kicked up to 430 lb-ft. This is the setup that will come standard on the range-topping, desert-storming ZR2, which we did not get to drive this go-around, but all other trims can be optioned with it. Yes, even the Work Truck.

Taking a look at the trim lineup, it’s clear just how popular off-roading is to midsize truck buyers (or at least the appearance of being able to off-road). Of the six Colorado trim levels, four are of the more rugged variety. The Trail Boss, a new trim that actually was inherited from Silverado, builds off the Work Truck’s surprisingly decent feature content with a 2-inch factory lift, a 3-inch-wider track, standard four-wheel drive, off-road drive modes (Off-Road for slick surfaces and Terrain for rougher ones), an automatic locking rear diff, hill-descent control, recovery hooks, and unique styling elements including bigger fender flares, lots of gloss black trim and 18-inch wheels wrapped in all-terrain rubber. We drove a Trail Boss with the optional mud terrain tires, which didn’t add as much extra noise as we were expecting, but you do notice the firmer reactions to pavement imperfections that in turn send more vibrations through the truck’s frame. Besides that, this body-on-frame pickup with rear leaf springs comports itself well in terms of both ride and handling. It’s reasonably composed, comfortable and civilized.

Its midsize dimensions also make it far more maneuverable than a full-sizer, a fact that we probably appreciated most while traversing a rutted trail east of San Diego. We didn’t have to worry about scraping the paint on shrubs, and it was much easier to avoid big rocks or ruts. There’s absolutely no comparison while parking.

© Provided by Autoblog

On the other hand, you’re obviously giving up a ton of space by going with the Colorado versus a Silverado. The Colorado also only offers one body combination now: crew cab and what previously would’ve been known as a short bed. Its 61.7-inch length is best-in-class for a short bed, but if you want a long bed with a crew cab, you’ll need to go with a Tacoma or Nissan Frontier.

Inside, it’s a very good thing that the Silverado got its version of this design motif first, because we all would’ve been writing “the Colorado now has a better interior than the pricier Silverado.” As it is, they are certainly related aesthetically, but the cheaper Colorado has a lot more hard plastic throughout, most notably on the doors and center console. The right side of the dash has it, too, in the Work Truck and Trail Boss (pictured above), but it gets replaced by nice, padded pleather in the LT and Z71 with color-accent stitching.

Every Colorado does, however, feature the same 11.3-inch touchscreen as upper trim level Silverados, including its operating system by Google. Navigation is therefore the Google Maps interface you’re used to, natural voice commands come courtesy of Google Assistant, and the overall user interface is easy enough to figure out. We appreciate, though, that GM has kept its same general radio layout featuring virtual preset buttons under song/station info. As a refresher, the operating system may be a common Android Automotive one shared by multiple brands, but it's reskinned so that a Chevrolet and Volvo don’t look or even function totally the same.

© Provided by Autoblog © Provided by Autoblog

It also gets unique feature content, including off-road-specific vehicle info pages and a multitude of available camera angles. The Colorado Z71, which is basically a ritzier Trail Boss, can add a unique under-body camera and a low-mounted forward camera to go with the regular forward and rear cameras available on the Trail Boss. You can split these various feeds (the two forward feeds would’ve been particularly helpful when inching up to a blind drop-off if the lower camera hadn’t been caked in mud), or go with side-by-side views of the front or rear wheels.

Other highlights include a damped tailgate with an available storage compartment and the ability to stop half-way in its travel to prop up a long surfboard, plywood, etc. The front overhang is also shorter now and the spare tire lifted higher off the ground, improving approach and departure angles, respectively. It also once again has a removable front air dam for improved clearance, but it’ll definitely be less necessary now as it doesn’t dangle as perilously close to the ground. The creatively scalloped hood doesn’t just look interesting, but it’s a compromise between the aesthetic preferences for a tough-guy, high-hood look and visibility benefits of a lower hood.

Back in 2019, we placed the outgoing Colorado third out of four in a midsize truck comparison test. We appreciated its ride, handling and utility, but found its engine to be just OK and its interior in serious need of a modernization and quality improvement. Well, those positives have been maintained and those negatives have been addressed. Would it be enough to topple that test’s winner, the then-new (for the U.S., anyway) Ford Ranger? We can’t know for sure, but the odds would be in its favor considering its comparable pricing. At the very least, we would’ve greatly preferred the Colorado’s appearance. Oh, and by the way: The truck that came in last in that comparison nearly four years ago? That would be the Tacoma. It really shouldn’t stand a chance now … as long as customers are willing to supply this Colorado a chance.

Related video:

2023 Chevy Colorado First Drive Review: Little truck gets a big overhaul originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Feb 2023 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

• BMW has updated the X5 and X6 for the 2024 model year, with narrower headlights and redesigned front bumpers on both SUVs.

• A new turbocharged inline-six boosts the base 40i models to 375 horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque, and, along with the M60i's 4.4-liter V-8, BMW adds a 48-volt hybrid system.

• The plug-in hybrid X5 xDrive 50e's output jumps nearly 100 horsepower and should increase its electric driving range by around 10 miles.

The mid-size X5 SUV was the best-selling BMW in 2022, and it now receives a host of updates for the 2024 model year, with redesigned front and rear ends, a more modern interior with a curved digital display, and a more powerful inline-six engine. The sloped-roof X6—a niche, fashion-conscious alternative to the X5—benefits from the same upgrades as its more sensible sibling, including the 48-volt hybrid system that improves the efficiency of both the inline-six and V-8 motors.

We were certain that the 2024 BMW X5 and X6 would be getting the X7's controversial split-headlight design, but BMW appears to have reversed course, opting for a more conventional look. The slimmer one-piece headlights sit either side of a revised kidney grille that looks relatively small next to the M3's flared nostrils or the i7's huge shield. The X5's wider, rectangular lower intake is sandwiched by vertical vents that coax air around the fenders, boosting efficiency and giving the SUV a planted look. The X5's taillights feature a more intricate design and the X5 now offers an illuminated grille on the 40i and 50e models.

An optional M Sport package on the X5 adds a racier look with more black trim and an octagonal black lower bumper. This package is standard on the X6, and upgrading to the M60i models on both SUVs bring unique details like quad exhaust pipes, black trim, and a small rear spoiler on the X6.

Inside, the dashboard looks more chiseled, with thin air vents and a simplified center console that ditches the traditional gear lever for a small toggle switch. Atop the dash is BMW's new curved display that includes a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 14.9-inch touchscreen on one long piece of glass, running the latest version of BMW's iDrive operating system. A new ambient light bar glows in front of the passenger seat, and BMW also added a puddle light and pulsating welcome lights in the door opening for a little pizzazz as you enter the vehicles. The seats are now wrapped in a vegan leather-like material called Sensafin.

Story continues

The biggest news is more power for all of the X5 and X6's powertrain choices. The base 40i has a new turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six with increased horsepower and torque for new totals of 375 hp and 398 pound-feet of torque. The twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 in the M60i models is a new unit but makes the same 523 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque as the previous V-8-powered M50i. Both of these engines have 48-volt hybrid systems with an electric motor integrated into the eight-speed automatic transmissions. xDrive all-wheel drive remains standard on all but the X5's base sDrive40i model, which has rear-wheel drive.

BMW also updated the X5's plug-in-hybrid model to produce more power and offer greater electric range. It's now called xDrive50e, compared with last year's xDrive45e, and has a total output of 483 hp—nearly 100 hp more than before. This is thanks to a revised turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six gasoline engine that now uses the Miller cycle and a significantly more powerful electric motor. The battery now offers 25.7 kWh of usable capacity and BMW estimates the hybrid X5 will have an EPA range figure of around 40 miles, compared with 31 miles previously.

The adaptive M suspension with adjustable dampers comes standard on both X6 models and the X5 M60i, and is optional on the X5 40i variants. The xDrive50e, meanwhile, comes standard with air suspension that is optional on other models. The M60i models come with standard rear-wheel steering, and all X5s and X6s come with 20-inch wheels, with the choice of upgrading to 21- or 22-inch wheels with performance tires. There is also an optional new Highway Assistant feature that allows for hands-free driving on highways, as long as the driver stays focused on the road and cars around them.

The 2024 X5 sDrive40i's $66,195 base price increases over the 2023 model by $3600, with all-wheel drive costing an additional $2300. The plug-in-hybrid xDrive50e will open at $73,495, about $7000 more expensive than the outgoing PHEV, while the M60i's $90,295 starting price represents a nearly $4000 hike. The simpler X6 range sees similar increases, with the xDrive40i starting at $74,895 and the M60i going for $94,595.

We don't yet have details on the performance-oriented X5 M and X6 M versions, but they are likely to receive similar visual updates and possible powertrain enhancements. Production of the standard 2024 X5 and X6 models will begin in April of this year, and we expect to learn more about the full-fledged M models in the coming months.

You Might Also Like