Actually my Consumer Reports skepticism dates from my Prius ownership days. The first incident was when they failed to include tax benefits of the 2001-2003 model. It continues to their non-highway Prius mileage claims.
The only way I could replicate their numbers was to ‘cold soak’ my former Prius in a parking lot 1/4 mile away and start-floor it on a cool standard day. I could not replicate it driving from my home to the parking lot.
Then there was the time I went to the library to analyze past issues. The data soon revealed a driver in a comfy chair would rank higher than the top MPG car.
There are a wide range of automotive magazines but Consumer Reports is in the lower half from my Prius days.
Bob Wilson