by Gabrielle DeSantis

Tesla’s Model 3 sedan, once included in Consumer Reports’ coveted “Top Pick” categories, has been removed. The move comes following Tesla dropping radar now relying only on its camera-based sensors. With radar gone it defeats several advanced safety functions. 

Removing radar dropped the Tesla Model 3 by three points lowering its safety score

Without those Tesla safety features, the Model 3 lost three points in Consumer Reports’ scoring system. That bounced it out of the Top Pick category. It still gets a “recommended” score but obviously, that has much less clout among Consumer Reports stalwarts. 

The Tesla Model 3 received its first Top Pick rank just last year. Consumer Reports only gives 10 cars, SUVs, and trucks, the rating each year. But some say that losing radar makes the Model 3 safer because radar gives conflicting information. Some think camera imaging works best today. 

Certain safety features don’t appear after April 27 on both the Model 3 and Model Y

Radar was removed toward the end of April. The NHTSA indicates that certain safety features don’t appear on the list of features after April 27 on both the Model 3 and Model Y. Some of the features dependent on the radar include the automated emergency brakes, forward collision warnings, and lane departure warning systems. 

“If a driver thinks their vehicle has a safety feature and it doesn’t, that fundamentally changes the safety profile of the vehicle,” said David Friedman, vice president of advocacy for Consumer Reports, in a statement. There are other safety features that rely on the radar. But those that could migrate to its Autopilot driver-assistance will do so. 

Autopilot relies on camera vision instead of radar for Tesla safety features. One feature of Autopilot is that there is a camera above the rearview mirror. It detects how alert the driver is. If it determines the driver is getting drowsy, it can release a warning. Owners were advised that this feature has been activated in an over-the-air update.

Cameras for safety systems have limitations that radar does not

But a system of cameras for safety systems has limitations that radar does not. If there is fog, it is raining hard, or extremely dark outside, radar cuts through all of that. Obviously, a camera cannot. 

It is unclear at this point why Tesla chose to remove radar from some of its cars. Especially, because the NHTSA will need to see if the camera system offers the same safety as radar. Since it has been removed it means that the Model 3 and Model Y will have to be retested by the NHTSA. Removing radar was a big enough change to warrant a complete retesting. 

RELATED: Is the 2021 Tesla Model 3 Safe?

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by Gabrielle DeSantis

City life can be fantastic. There’s nightlife aplenty, great restaurants, and city views can be some of the most incredible out there. Unfortunately, there are some downsides, like high rent and car ownership. Consumer Reports knows this, and put together a list of the best cars for the city. There’s a lot to choose from, so we’ve nailed down a few top picks of our own. If the high rent doesn’t scare you off, these are the best cars to own alongside that expensive apartment.

2016 Mazda3

Size is king in the city. Space is at a premium and parking spots are tight. Thankfully, the Mazda3 takes care of that. This little red sedan or hatchback has a roomy interior with a negligible footprint, making it one of the easier cars on the list to park. Transmissions are offered in either automatic or manual for the 2016 model year, but the auto is probably the choice for city traffic.

Talking of traffic, Consumer Reports states the Mazda3 will do 23 mpg just about anywhere. Reliability for the Mazda is strong, but not as strong as the next contender. However, the Mazda3 does boast a nice tight turn radius, despite its front or all-wheel-drive layout. Manual or automatic, sedan or hatchback, the Mazda3 is a solid choice for a city car, and can be had for around $15,000.

2015 Honda Civic

RELATED: 5 of the Most Satisfying SUVs to Buy According to Consumer Reports

Honda is city car royalty. They even made a car called the “City” for a while that came with a moped in the trunk. While this 2015 Civic doesn’t come with a moped, it does come with some great features at its roughly $15,000 price point. Some higher trims like the EX have push-button start, but city-friendly features like blind-spot monitoring and backup cameras can be found in lower trims too.

There’s something here for the enthusiasts too, as the Civic can be had in Si spec, complete with manual transmission. Gas expenses will surely be higher due to premium fuel, but nearly any Civic from this model year should be able to manage both 30 mpg and tight city streets with equal ease. Honda is a byword for reliability, and the 2015 Civic is no different, according to Consumer Reports. With low maintenance costs offsetting your gas expenses, maybe having the Si version isn’t the worst way to get a little more fun out of city life.

Consumer Reports pick: 2016 Toyota Prius

If all-out economy is what you desire, Toyota has the car for you. Just as Honda is a byword for reliability, Prius is a byword for fuel economy. The original hybrid does this best, managing 52 mpg for around $17,000. It seems you get what you pay for when it comes to fuel economy. Of course, the Prius is also small and has some great cargo space to boot. Higher specced Priuses, or Pri-i, depending on your preference, also come with pedestrian detection as a bonus. Regardless of your pick, any of these cars would make an excellent city companion.

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