Consumer Reports’ top car picks for 2016 may surprise

Honda Fit, Toyota Camry and Chevy Impala rank No. 1.

Consumer Reports set a high bar for the cars it rated the best in the U.S.

This organization that works to improve the lives of consumers by driving marketplace change looked at the following:

Performance. To qualify, each model must rank at or near the top of its class in Consumer Reports’ road test score.

Reliability. Models must have an average or better predicted reliability rating based on problems reported by subscribers for the 740,000 vehicles in Consumer Reports’ 2015 auto survey.

Owner Satisfaction. Consumer Reports surveyed its subscribers about their happiness level regarding the 230,000 vehicles in their garages. Would they buy their car again?

Safety. Top Picks must perform effectively in crash or rollover tests conducted by the government and insurance industry (if tested).

Top picks

Impreza. Overall score: 77-79. Price as tested: $21,345-$22,345. Despite its compact size, the car’s ride and overall comfort will surprise you. It has expansive window glass, lots of interior space for a car of its size, great crash test results and an available hatchback version to haul bulky cargo.

Midsized car: Toyota Camry. Overall score: 83-84. Price as tested: $24,089-$32,603. The Camry’s no-fuss driving experience — great outward visibility, controls that fall easily to hand, a roomy interior — may not be the most thrilling in its class, but it’s far from plain. The solid Camry delivers year after year of outstanding reliability, which when combined with impressive crash test results, make it a nearperfect sedan.

Small SUV: Subaru Forester. Overall score: 83. Price as tested: $27,145. The Forester is roomy, rides comfortably and handles unflappably. Fuel economy is among class leaders. Strong IIHS crash test scores make it a safe cocoon.

Luxury SUV: Lexus RX. Overall score: 78-81. Price as tested: $51,630$57,565. Origami styling and its “Predator” grille show that the RX has shifted to a more extroverted design player. But you’ll still find a quiet and comfortable cabin, effortless power delivery, a smooth ride and a tastefully done interior fit and finish.

Sports car under $40K: Mazda MX-5. Overall score: 79. Price as tested: $29,905. The MX-5 Miata combines lithe, precise handling with a crisp manual stick shift and a zoomy engine that gets an enviable 34 mpg to create the perfect car for the enthusiast driver and weekend racer.

Large car: Chevrolet Impala. Overall score: 81. Price as tested: $39,110. The Impala is dynamic and comfortable, combining a cushy ride with responsive handling, beating some elite luxury sedans at their own game.

Midsized SUV: Kia Sorento. Overall score: 84. Price as tested: $37,915. The Sorento offers class-above elegance at mainstream prices. The interior design is flat-out gorgeous. Wellabove-average predicted reliability combines with good crash test results.

Pickup truck: Ford F150. Overall score: 76-77. Price as tested: $45,750$46,755. By eschewing traditional steel body panels, Ford created a pickup that weighs less, enabling it to be quick off the line and fuel-efficient. Top-notch crash test results and the best predicted reliability of any domestic truck make it a solid workhorse.

Minivan: Toyota Sienna. Overall score: 78-80. Price as tested: $35,810-$38,201. The Sienna is super-reliable transport with all of the modern features an active family would want. Its spacious, multifunctional interior, with available seating for eight, mates well with the Sienna’s magic carpet ride and energetic powertrain.