The Consumer Reports’ 2015 Top Picks list highlights our choices for the standout models in 10 popular car categories. These vehicles are the best of the best, and we consider all of them to be smart buys.
Our 2015 picks include models from six automakers and seven brands. Subaru has the strongest showing this year, with three models making the cut. This accomplishment is impressive, given the small product portfolio.
Three American-brand cars made the list, with models from Buick, Chevrolet, and Tesla.
This year, we did not include the pickup truck category because the 2015 Ford F-150 and Chevrolet Colorado are too new to have reliability and testing data, and the Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra and Ram 1500 are not reliable enough. With such a thin field, we decided to pass until next year’s Ratings are in.
2015 Top Picks listed by category with prices as tested…
• Best overall: Tesla Model S ($89,650)
For all of the impressive new vehicles released in 2014, none was able to eclipse the innovation, magnificence, and sheer technological arrogance of the Tesla.
• Compact car: Subaru Imprezaa ($21,345)
The Impreza’s interior packaging is outstanding, especially when you put friends (whom you want to remain your friends) in the backseat.
• Midsized sedan: Subaru Legacy ($24,837)
The Legacy exceeds those drab, rental-car expectations, providing a quiet, comfortable, and roomy package that also has the best ride among its peers.
• Large car: Chevrolet Impala ($39,110)
Large and roomy, the Impala has comfortable seats and rides like a true luxury car.
• Green car: Toyota Prius ($29,230)
The purity of the Prius’ functional excellence dictates that–although almost at the end of its model cycle–it remains atop our list as the best green car.
• Luxury car: Audi A6 ($56,295)
Quick, nimble, and effortless, the A6 pampers you with extravagant surroundings and a plush ride.
• Sports sedan: Buick Regal ($34,485)
Surprisingly agile, the Regal defies Buick’s brand stereotype.
• Small SUV: Subaru Forester ($26,814)
Compact crossovers are the hottest vehicle segment, and Subaru has nailed the recipe of combining practicality, safety, fuel economy, value, and interior accommodations.
• Midsized SUV: Toyota Highlander ($38,941)
This people and cargo hauler has all the versatility and functionality of a Mom-mobile, but wrapped in a slightly more macho package that grew 3 inches compared with the old model.
• Minivan: Honda Odyssey ($38,055)
The Odyssey rides and handles better than some family sedans; it’s actually enjoyable to drive.
All Top Picks must meet Consumer Reports’ stringent criteria in three areas: road test, reliability, and safety. They must rank at or near the top of their category on overall road test scores, they must have earned an average or better predicted-reliability Rating based on problems Consumer Reports subscribers reported on 1.1 million vehicles in our latest survey, and they must perform well if included in crash or rollover tests by the government or the insurance industry.
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