ROAD-TEST BEST
This electric car zaps all its rivals
The luxury electric Tesla Model S is the top overall car available on the market today, Consumer Reports found in its annual auto issue.
The $90,000 American sedan was bestowed the prestigious honor, while Japanese companies took five other citations in the annual rankings released Tuesday.
“The Tesla is brimming with innovation,” raved the CR report. “Its massive, easytouse, 17inch touchscreen controls most functions.
“And with its totally keyless operation, full Internet access, and ultraquiet, zeroemission driving experience, the Tesla is a glimpse into a future where cars and computers coexist in seamless harmony.”
Tesla was the first car company to win best overall pick since 2010, when Consumer Reports selected a Lexus model for the top prize. CR gave the Tesla a rating of 99 out of 100, tying it for the highest score to date.
The magazine awards the honor only if its researchers feel it is deserved, and often skips years.
Other notable choices included the BMW 328i, which was named best sports sedan and was praised for having excellent handling and being fun to drive. But reviewers said the rear seat was “a bit snug.”
The Toyota Prius, with its 44 mpg overall fuel efficiency, continued its 11year run as the magazine’s “green car” pick, but lost points because the Prius V wagon did poorly in highwaysafety crash tests.
The Ram 1500 was named the top pickup truck, the first time a Chrysler model has cracked the top picks list since 1998. CR said the mammoth 4x4 was “surprisingly refined and inviting,” but was also “capable of getting its hands dirty when duty calls.”
South Korean automaker Hyundai was the top choice in the midsize SUV category with its Santa Fe model, which was said to be “the most pleasant and well rounded SUV.” CR also raved that it “wasn’t too bulky to drive or park,” but was large enough to fit a third row of seating.
Volkswagen’s Audi, from Germany, saw its A6 model top the luxury car category. CR says it treats drivers and riders to “a sumptuous, impeccably finished, firstclass cabin that’s brimming with the latest hightech features.”
“The competition in the marketplace has grown fierce. There was a time when a handful of brands dominated our toppicks list, but in recent years, we’ve seen a more diverse group make the cut,” said Rik Paul, Consumer Reports’ automotive editor.
CR tested more than 260 vehicles based on strict criteria, including reliability, safety and roadtest performance, with the Model S scoring high marks in all categories due to its “exceptional performance” and superior technological capacity.
Other winners are the Subaru Forester as best small SUV, the Subaru Impreza as best compact car, the Honda Accord as best midsize sedan, and the Honda Odyssey as best minivan.