Tabla de contenidos para March 2025 en Consumer Reports

Consumer Reports is an independent, nonprofit organization founded in 1936 that works side by side with consumers to create a safe, fair, and transparent marketplace. To achieve our mission, we test thousands of products and services in our labs each year and survey hundreds of thousands of consumers about their experiences with products and services. We pay for all the products we rate. We don’t accept paid advertising. In addition to our rigorous research, investigative journalism, and consumer advocacy, we work with other organizations, including media, consumer groups, research and testing consortiums, and philanthropic partners. We also license our content and data, as well as work with business partners to offer shopping and other consumer services, and may receive fees from these programs. We maintain a strict separation between our…

Video Doorbells WE TESTED: 53 models WE TEST FOR: Video quality in regular and low light, audio quality, the time between when the button is pressed and an alert appears on your smart device, and more. ABOUT THE SCORES: Median: 60 Range: 34-84 BEST OVERALL & WORKS WITH APPLE HOMEKIT Logitech Circle View Doorbell 961-000484 $160 OVERALL SCORE BATTERY-POWERED & WORKS WITH AMAZON’S ALEXA Arlo Video Doorbell (AVD4001-100NAS) $130 OVERALL SCORE EXCELLENT SMART FEATURES & GREAT FOR GOOGLE ASSISTANT TP-Link Tapo D130 $60 OVERALL SCORE Toilets WE TESTED: 58 models WE TEST FOR: How well a model’s flush removes solid waste, how well a flush cleans the front and sides of the bowl, the amount of noise the flush makes, and more. ABOUT THE SCORES: Median: 70 Range: 35-81 QUIET & EFFECTIVE…

Join WiFi Faster It’s important to have a complex WiFi password to keep your home internet secure—but that can be a hassle to type when you want to connect a new device or guests. Here’s a quicker way: If the password is saved on a smartphone that’s already on the network, you can push it to a nearby device (as long as you are in each other’s Contacts). Unlock your phone while your friend selects the network on their device. A request to “Share Password” will pop up on your phone; tap it. Another way: Go to WiFi settings and tap “Show Network QR Code” (or “Share”) for a QR code that others can scan. Eliminate Dead Spots If you have a traditional router and it’s not in the most…

→ If you really love to bake LOOK FOR • A rating of very good or excellent for baking • A large oven capacity • A convection setting This great performer aces our baking and capacity tests. It also comes with oven settings including no-preheat baking and steam baking. ELECTRIC SMOOTHTOP Frigidaire Gallery GCFE3060BF $2,000 OVERALL SCORE → If you want a pro-style look LOOK FOR • Multiple high-power burners with strong performance scores • Solid marks for low-heat cooking and broiling • A temperature probe Our top-rated pro-style range is noteworthy for having four high-power burners. It also earns strong marks for low- and high-heat cooking and broiling.. PRO-STYLE RANGE Monogram ZGP304NTSS $5,600 OVERALL SCORE → If you want a quicker cleanup LOOK FOR • A glass smoothtop surface • Solid…

Choosing the Right Pillow Experts advise that thicker pillows (at least 5 inches thick—more if you’re broad-shouldered) are best for side sleepers. But if you have a softer mattress, you may want a bit less loft in your pillow because your body sinks deeper than your head. Conversely, a firmer mattress calls for a thicker pillow. Thinner pillows (3 to 5 inches thick) are best for back sleepers. Some pillows are adjustable (like the Coop, Sleep Number, and Layla below), so you can remove some filling (or layers) to create the perfect fit. Also: Don’t use too many pillows. Karen Gstalder-Dring, a physical therapist in Irvington, N.Y., says that many people “over-pillow,” especially back sleepers, because we’re so used to angling our heads forward to look at our phones. One…

WHEN A CAR COMPANY starts selling a brand-new model, the first examples are exciting and attention-grabbing but can be prone to problems. In fact, cars from a debut year can have chronic issues that translate into years of repairs. CR’s newest Auto Surveys confirm this: Buyers looking for reliability should avoid all-new or recently redesigned models for at least the first—and sometimes even the second—model year. That’s why, even if you’re buying from a dependable brand (see page 53), it’s worth researching even deeper. “While brand rankings can guide you to the showroom, it’s critical to look at reliability for specific models before making a purchase,” says Jake Fisher, senior director of auto testing at Consumer Reports. “Even within high-ranking companies, there can be significant variation in reliability.” To help…

Check your EOB. Before you pay a bill mailed directly to you by your care provider, find your explanation of benefits” (EOB) document. (You may get it by email or snail mail, or it may just pop up in your insurance app.) It’s important because bills directly from providers may overcharge you, says Patrick Casale, a licensed insurance broker and owner of The Multicare Group in Las Vegas. But the EOB tells you exactly what you owe, and what your insurance should pay for. Request an itemized bill from the provider. An itemized bill can help you spot errors. Report any you see to the care provider and ask for a revised bill to be sent to your insurer. Also keep an eye out for terms like “pending” or “non-eligible”…

HYUNDAI, KIA, AND GENESIS VEHICLES Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis are recalling more than 145,000 electric vehicles from the 2022-2024 model years because they may suddenly lose power while in motion, potentially increasing the risk of a crash. This is due to a manufacturing issue with the integrated charging control unit (ICCU), which—similar to the alternator in a gas-powered car—sends power to low-voltage vehicle accessories and the 12-volt auxiliary battery. What to do: Dealers will replace the ICCU and its fuse, free of charge, and perform a software update. Many of these vehicles were recalled earlier this year and will need an additional repair. Owners can call Hyundai at 800-633-5151. The NHTSA campaign number for this recall is 24V-868. GOVEELIFE AND GOVEE SMART ELECTRIC SPACE HEATERS GoveeLife and Govee are recalling…

Digital and All Access members can find the latest, complete ratings at CR.org/ranges. HOW WE TEST: Overall Score combines performance test results with survey data for predicted reliability and owner satisfaction. Predicted reliability estimates the likelihood that newly purchased models from a given brand will develop problems or break within the first five years. Owner satisfaction reflects the proportion of CR members who are extremely likely to recommend the range they bought. Findings are from CR’s 2022, 2023, and 2024 Spring Quarterly surveys. In cases where we have insufficient survey data to provide a brand-level rating, indicated by a gray dash (–), we give the model weighted category average scores for reliability and satisfaction. Cooktop, high reflects how quickly the most powerful element heated a large pot of water to…

YOU MAY HAVE SEEN ADS for mattresses claimed to have almost magical properties—with prices that make your jaw drop. While a few expensive options rank high in CR’s ratings, there are also pricey mattresses that don’t rate well. And there are less-expensive mattresses that get high marks in our tests, many of which come in well under $1,000 (the Denver Mattress Doctor’s Choice Plush innerspring, $800, is one). In other words, you don’t have to spend a massive amount of money to get a great mattress. The most important thing is to find one that matches your sleep style and body type. Our ratings make it easy to compare top choices. Chris Regan, CR’s in-house mattress expert, says the sweet spot for mattress pricing is typically between about $800 and $1,500.…

SUBCOMPACT SUV 24 RELIABILITY SCORE Volkswagen Taos TROUBLE SPOTS: Engine, brakes, electrical accessories, in-car electronics, noises/leaks. LUXURY COMPACT SUV 34 RELIABILITY SCORE Lincoln Corsair TROUBLE SPOTS: Drive system, body hardware, noises/leaks, in-car electronics. COMPACT SUV 21 RELIABILITY SCORE Ford Escape Hybrid TROUBLE SPOTS: Hybrid battery replacement, brakes, electrical accessories, engine electrical, in-car electronics, noises/leaks. LUXURY MIDSIZED SUV 30 RELIABILITY SCORE Mercedes-Benz GLE TROUBLE SPOTS: Electrical accessories, minor transmission, in-car electronics, body hardware, brakes, climate, and more. MIDSIZED 2-ROW SUV 22 RELIABILITY SCORE Jeep Grand Cherokee TROUBLE SPOTS: Drive system, engine electrical, climate system, brakes, steering/suspension, body hardware, and more. MIDSIZED PICKUP TRUCK 15 RELIABILITY SCORE Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon TROUBLE SPOTS: Engine, minor transmission, electrical accessories, paint/trim, noises/leaks, body hardware, in-car electronics. MIDSIZED 3-ROW/LARGE SUV 15 RELIABILITY SCORE Mazda CX-90 Plug-in Hybrid TROUBLE…

NEWLY RECOMMENDED MODELS THAT HAVE IMPROVED TO AVERAGE OR BETTER Ford Bronco Sport Ford Escape Ford Explorer Genesis GV80 Hyundai Kona Electric Volkswagen Tiguan Volvo XC60 PHEV NO LONGER RECOMMENDED MODELS THAT HAVE DROPPED TO BELOW AVERAGE Audi Q8 E-Tron BMW iX Ford Escape Hybrid Hyundai Santa Cruz Kia EV6 Lincoln Corsair Mazda CX-90 Mazda CX-90 PHEV…

The latest blankets offer all kinds of bells and whistles to provide you with extra comfort: Electric ones keep you toasty on cold days, cooling blankets fend off night sweats, and weighted blankets may reduce anxiety. More good news: If you prefer an electric blanket, which contains wires that heat up quickly, they’re safer than they used to be. Still, look for ones that are UL- or ETL-certified, and always turn yours off before going to sleep. Cooling blankets, made of materials that dissipate heat instead of trapping it, cater to hot sleepers. If you sweat at night, choose a washable one, like the Elegear below. And weighted blankets, often filled with glass beads, offer gentle pressure that some people find calming. Go with one that’s about 10 percent of…

If you’re headed to a sandwich shop for a quick lunch and looking for the healthiest sounding option (Maybe a chicken wrap? Or the veggie special?), watch out: Some are actually packed with calories, saturated fat, and sodium. But it’s hard to know that unless you dig for the nutritional info (much of which is buried online). So we checked out popular chains to uncover their surprising diet bombs, and the healthier choices to go for instead. CHICK-FIL-A BOTTOM LINE Both of these contain grilled chicken, which is healthier than fried, but the wrap, which contains cheese, has about double the sodium and calories, and much more saturated fat. PANERA BOTTOM LINE Going meatless is usually a smart move, but this caprese option is high in calories, salt, and saturated…

MILES OF RANGE ADDED PER MINUTE* FASTER-CHARGING MODELS 16 16.1 miles Tesla Model 3 69 OVERALL SCORE 15 15.1 miles Tesla Model S 66 OVERALL SCORE 15 miles Lucid Air OVERALL SCORE 50 14.5 miles Tesla Model Y 72 OVERALL SCORE 14 13.8 miles Porsche Taycan 78 OVERALL SCORE 12.9 miles Kia EV6 63 OVERALL SCORE 12.4 miles Tesla Model X 52 OVERALL SCORE 12.2 miles Hyundai Ioniq 6 76 OVERALL SCORE 11.8 miles Hyundai Ioniq 5 63 OVERALL SCORE 11.3 miles Genesis GV60 74 OVERALL SCORE 11 10.9 miles Chevrolet Silverado EV in test 10.8 miles Genesis Electrified GV70 62 OVERALL SCORE 10 SLOWER-CHARGING MODELS 5 5 miles Subaru Solterra 55 OVERALL SCORE 5 miles Toyota bZ4X 55 OVERALL SCORE 4.7 miles Kia Niro Electric 70 OVERALL SCORE 4.6 miles Fiat 500e in test 4…

GE PROFILE PGS930YPFS $2,750 80 OVERALL SCORE If you’re shopping for a stove for the first time in a while, you’re in for a pleasant surprise. On the whole, ranges work better than ever, with stronger performance and features that make for easier meal prep. Think faster boiling, steadier simmering, and more even baking and broiling. Better still, our tests have found those performance improvements across ranges of all types. Whether you’re replacing a gas or electric model, remember that it’s always easiest to stick with the type you already have. That’s because switching from electric to gas or vice versa may mean running a new gas or electric line, which can be costly. You don’t need to worry about that if you upgrade from electric to induction (which might be…

Share less in public. The more personal info you post publicly, the more material a scammer has to work with when crafting a personalized attack. Don’t share phone numbers, home addresses, or financial details on social media, experts say. Think twice about posting photos of your home, details about an illness, or the names of family members. Be suspicious of “emergencies.” Scammers often make urgent requests and pressure victims to act fast. They might pose as a law enforcement or IRS official and tell you to pay them quickly or risk a big financial penalty. Others pretend to be tech support agents and say they need access to your computer to prevent an ongoing hack. The need for speed is a scam tip-off. Have a no-share policy. Never give anyone…

Innerspring These are made up of coils topped with fabric or foam (or both). Hybrid mattresses have thicker layers of foam on top of the springs (the thickness of foam varies among hybrids). A standard innerspring has a resilient feel. You won’t have the sensation of melting into the mattress. Foam Primarily made from synthetic foam (including memory foam) and latex, these mattresses tend to conform more to the body. Some people might find it hard to change positions on a foam mattress. Latex, which can be natural or synthetic, has a bit more spring and bounce than other types of foam. Adjustable Air These have inflatable inner chambers (topped with foam or fabric) that you can customize for your firmness preferences, via remote control or a smartphone app. With…

SAFETY MATTERS Your Garage Needs a Heat Detector It’s important to have a fire alert system in your garage, especially if it’s attached to your house or near rooms where people sleep. Fires can spread quickly, and pose a serious threat to life and property. However, a typical smoke alarm won’t work well enough for your garage because tailpipe fumes or dust blown in through a large garage door opening could set off false alarms. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, you need a device called a heat detector. It sounds an alert when it measures higher-than-normal temperatures, not smoke. ASK OUR EXPERTS What’s the best way to drive through a puddle? Puddles pose hidden dangers for drivers, so avoid them if you can do so safely. When tires glide…

We calculated brand-level reliability scores by first examining the overall reliability of 2022 to 2024 model years, along with some early 2025 data. Then we averaged all models within a brand, as long as we had a sufficient sample size for at least two models. Due to insufficient model data, we were unable to rank Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Infiniti, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Lucid, Maserati, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Porsche, and Ram at the brand level.…

ACCORDING TO the Highway Loss Data Institute, modern high-tech safety features—automatic emergency braking (AEB), blind spot warning (BSW), lane departure warning (LDW)—have been very effective at preventing crashes. But when cars that feature these and similar systems are damaged in a crash, payment for insurance claims can be more than $100 higher than for vehicles without those systems. That difference is largely due to replacing and recalibrating sensors and cameras, which are often located in the most vulnerable parts of the vehicle. If you own a newer vehicle and have a collision, remember that some damage may not be visible. Get an estimate from a dealership or an independent repair shop that includes recalibration of any sensors or cameras that may have been affected. Make sure the facility has the…

LUXURY ENTRY-LEVEL SUVs Mini Countryman Now Roomier but Has Some Power Quirks OVERALL SCORE THE MINI COUNTRYMAN has gotten bigger in just about every dimension, and it’s now about the same size as a Subaru Crosstrek. It remains a charming car that’s fun to drive and is also fairly practical, but uneven acceleration and confusing controls bring significant frustrations. The Countryman’s 241-hp, turbocharged four-cylinder engine has plenty of power for merging and passing, and its sporty exhaust note adds to the enjoyment. By the numbers, it outpaces rivals, with a zippy 6.7-second run from 0 to 60 mph. Its seven speed dual-clutch automatic shifts quickly, but there are annoying power delays and hiccups at low speeds. Although the Countryman feels more top-heavy than the smaller Mini Cooper two-door, it’s more…

HYBRID CARS TOYOTA PRIUS $27,950-$36,365 HYUNDAI ELANTRA HYBRID $25,100-$29,450 THE LOWDOWN THE LATEST PRIUS is sleeker and more efficient than ever, getting 51 mpg overall in our tests. But its streamlined style results in limited visibility and a cramped rear seat. If you don’t really need all-wheel drive, the Elantra Hybrid is an appealing, less pricey alternative. It’s almost as stellar as the Prius when it comes to fuel economy (48 mpg), and its road-test score is much higher, thanks to a better ride and handling. NONSTICK COOKWARE SETS CARAWAY CERAMIC-COATED NONSTICK COOKWARE $540 BLUE DIAMOND CLASSIC DIAMOND-INFUSED CERAMIC $145 THE LOWDOWN THE CARAWAY is our top-rated nonstick cookware set, with excellent performance in all of our cooking tests. The set heats evenly, food slides off the nonstick surface, and the…