Cars With Confusing or Dangerous Shifters
Consumer Reports is now deducting points from the Overall Score of any vehicle we determine has a shifter that is difficult to operate or that can be confused for other controls. We are deducting additional points from the Overall Score if a tested vehicle does not automatically return to Park or engage the parking brake when the engine is shut off. Likewise, the score is penalized if it does not engage the parking brake when the driver’s door is opened with the engine running when stopped.
The following cars have seen a reduction of their Overall Scores because they have these type of shifters without the safeguards we believe are fundamental to safety. Those with an * lost enough of their Overall Score that they are no longer recommended by Consumer Reports.
For more on automatic shifters, read our new report, "When It Comes to Automatic Shifters, It's Proceed With Caution."
Vehicles With Overall Scores Lowered
Acura MDX Tech
Acura TLX SH-AWD
Audi A4 Premium Plus
Audi A8 L
Audi Q7 Premium Plus
BMW 328d xDrive / BMW 330i xDrive
BMW 750i xDrive
BMW i3 Giga
BMW X3 xDrive28i (2.0T)
BMW X5 xDrive35i
Buick LaCrosse Essence
Cadillac XT5 Luxury
Chrysler 200 C (V6) / Chrysler 200 Limited (4-cyl.)
Chrysler 300 C (V8)* / Chrysler 300 Limited (V6)*
Chrysler Pacifica Touring L
Dodge Durango GT (V6)
Infiniti QX30 Premium
Jaguar F-Pace Prestige
Jaguar XF Prestige (V6)
Jaguar XJL Portfolio
Land Rover Discovery Sport HSE
Land Rover Range Rover HSE (3.0L)
Land Rover Range Rover Sport HSE (3.0L)
Lexus CT 200h Premium*
Lincoln MKC Reserve
Lincoln MKX (2.7 EcoBoost)
Lincoln MKZ 2.0 EcoBoost / Lincoln MKZ Hybrid
Maserati Ghibli S Q4
Mercedes-Benz C300 (4MATIC)
Mercedes-Benz CLA250
Mercedes-Benz E300 4MATIC*
Mercedes-Benz GLA250
Mercedes-Benz GLC 300
Mercedes-Benz GLE350 (ML)*
Mercedes-Benz GLS (GL) 350d
Mercedes-Benz S550 (4MATIC)
Nissan Leaf S
Ram 1500 Big Horn (5.7L V8) / Ram 1500 Big Horn (V6, diesel)
Tesla Model S P85D
Tesla Model X 90D
Toyota Prius Three
Toyota Prius V Three
Click through the model names to see the revised Overall Score and to learn more about the concerns with each vehicle.
More From the 2017 Autos Spotlight
10 Top Picks of 2017: Best Cars of the Year
Which Car Brands Make the Best Vehicles?
America's Favorite Cars: SUVs
With Automatic Shifters, It's Proceed With Caution
Self-Driving Cars: Driving Into the Future
When to Replace Your Tires
2017 Autos Spotlight Guide
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Top pick tires for 2016
Best used cars for $25,000 and less
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