Wirecutter recommendations are always expensive compared to the same class of products. Consumer Reports will give their rankings and testing methodology and show prices and which are good budget buys and let you make up your mind.

Wirecutter recs are paid for and so that is part of the expense (but also expensive products tend to be better quality).

I've been buying CR recommendations for a decade now and no problems, albeit I haven't bought a car yet from their recs

I haven't shared your good experience. The WireCutter seems to have found some experts so deep in the niche they miss the mark, and in other areas it almost seems like no thought was put into the review critera.

I think the practice of only reviewing/considering items they can hope will stay in stock with affiliate links really limits what they even consider.