Subaru, Toyota models stand out amongst best
These are the cars that ignite the gasoline in Consumer Reports’ testers’ veins. They also happen to score high in its reliability ratings and shine in automotive crash tests. So if you corner a Consumer Reports auto expert at a party and ask, “What car should I buy?” these cars will be the answer.
Midsized Sedan: Subaru Legacy. Most sedans are excellent appliances — they do their job, but few people wake up excited to drive them. The Legacy exceeds those drab, rental-car expectations, providing a quiet, comfortable and roomy package that also has the best ride among its peers. It’s simply a great car with mainstream appeal and impact.
Green Car: Toyota Prius. The purity of the Prius’ functional excellence dictates that it remains atop Consumer Reports’ list as the best green car. Sure, there are other hybrids, and even plug-ins, but nothing can touch the sweet-spot combination of the Prius’ affordability, stellar fuel economy, smart packaging and bluechip reliability. That’s why it has been a Top Pick for 12 years in a row.
Small SUV: Subaru Forester. Compact crossovers are the hottest vehicle segment, and Subaru has nailed the recipe of combining practicality, safety, fuel economy, value and interior accommodations. For 26 grand and change, you get all-wheel drive, a moon-roof, 17-inch wheels, heated seats and a power driver’s seat. The Forester doesn't just look like a tank, it's built like one — with better crash-test results than most of the field.
Large Car: Chevrolet Impala. For decades, the Impala nameplate was synonymous with the image of a bad rental car. Make no mistake, this Impala humbles the Toyota Avalon and even the Lexus ES 350. Large and roomy, the Impala has comfortable seats and rides like a true luxury car. The suspension is supple yet responsive, without the body roll that plagues many big cars.
Compact Car: Subaru Impreza. The Impreza’s interior packaging is outstanding, especially when you put friends in the backseat. Recent improvements have made it quieter inside. The ride is more comfortable than in some pricier cars. It drinks more fuel than its peers, but you’re getting allwheel drive as a benefit.
Luxury Car: Audi A6. Quick, nimble and effortless, the A6 pampers you with extravagant surroundings and a plush ride. But at its heart, this Audi remains a driver-focused machine faithful to its core value of crisp handling on a curvy road. The seats are bolstered for hard cornering yet are comfortable on that 6-hour whisper-quiet cruise to wine country.
Best Overall: Tesla Model S. 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. That’s why it's Consumer Reports’ best overall pick for the second consecutive year. The Model S is a technological tour de force, a high-performance electric vehicle with usable real-world range, wrapped in a luxury package.
Sports Sedan: Buick Regal. Surprisingly agile, the Regal defies Buick’s brand stereotype. Because it's an Opel underneath, it has that Teutonic ride control that provides a Europhile driving experience. It may not be as luxurious as the German giants, but a well-equipped Regal delivers a lot for the money.
Minivan: Honda Odyssey. The Odyssey rides and handles better than some family sedans; it’s actually enjoyable to drive. This is the best vehicle Honda makes, a living room on wheels that can take corners with confidence.
Midsized SUV: Toyota Highlander. 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. This is the real swagger wagon for the sensible crowd.