The most comfortable cars on the market, according to Consumer Reports

Comfort is one of the hardest things to judge on a test drive. Consumer Reports rated vehicles on ride, noise, and seat comfort to find the nine best

Comfort is one of the hardest things to shop for in a new car. Spec sheets don't tell you whether the seats hold up on a four-hour drive, whether road noise bleeds through at highway speeds, or whether getting in and out requires an awkward duck and a high step. Those gaps matter over time, and a car that feels fine on a 20-minute test drive can become a source of daily friction.

Consumer Reports scored vehicles across seven categories — including ride quality, driving position, front- and rear-seat comfort, access, noise, and controls usability — to find the top performer in each class.

Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid

The $35,445 Crosstrek Hybrid earned a comfort score of 76 from Consumer Reports, the highest in the subcompact SUV class. The Sport Hybrid trim adds a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat with lumbar support as standard equipment, giving it a comfort edge over most rivals. Most testers found the front seats supportive on longer drives, and the suspension handles road imperfections with a composure CR rarely encounters at this price point. The rear seat offers good leg support and well-positioned armrests, though taller passengers will find headroom tight because of the sloping roofline.

Credit: Honda $HMC 0.94%

At $32,370, the CR-V earns a comfort score of 80 from Consumer Reports, leading the compact SUV class. Tall door openings and hip-height seats make it easy to step over the narrow doorsill and settle in without effort. The cabin is roomy, with almost no intrusion from........

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