Tesla Still #1 Among 2015 Consumer Reports Top Picks
Consumer Reports has named its top automotive picks for 2015, and the Tesla model S still reigns supreme. Subaru hits it big, and GM gets two winners, too.
By Alex Nunez
Consumer Reports has named its top automotive picks for 2015, and the Tesla Model S still reigns supreme. But Subaru has the most winners, and GM delivers with picks from Buick and Chevy.
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Best Overall: Tesla Model S
Consumer Reports just dropped its annual list of the best cars based on its extensive testing, and once again, they crown the Tesla Model S #1 overall, saying no car eclipses it. In addition, Tesla outscored all independent shops and franchise dealers in the repair-satisfaction survey.
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Best Sports Sedan: Buick Regal
That's not a typo. Consumer Reports, which everyone loves to kill on for being hard on domestics, just ranked a Buick in front of all the import sport-sedan competition, saying it defies stereotypes and offers lots of bang for the buck.
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Best Large Car: Chevrolet Impala
How well-regarded the big, handsome Chevy Impala in the eyes of Consumer Reports? It "humbles the Toyota Avalon and even the Lexus ES 350," according to the test staff. Just stick with the V6 models, as they are the only ones that meet CR's lofty reliability standards.
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Best Luxury Car: Audi A6
You know it's a great car. We know it's a great car. So does the staff at the CR Auto Test Center. Elegant without being showy, and economical even with quattro, CR says, "Hit five out of six Powerball numbers? Then take your reward."
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Best Midsize Car: Subaru Legacy
Accord? Camry? Nope. The best midsizer is the Subaru Legacy, says CR. It's no longer a quirky pick, just a smart mainstream choice that outdoes
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Best Green Car: Toyota Prius
It gets ridiculous mileage, it's affordable, and it never breaks. Of course the Prius is named CR's green-car top pick.
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Best Compact Car: Subaru Impreza
A roomy back seat helps win over the CR testers, who dig the Impreza's interior layout. They point out that it's more expensive and less efficient than some other cars in the class, but that's because of the standard AWD system, another feature that works in the car's favor.
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Best Midsized SUV: Toyota Highlander
CR calls it "more macho" than a minivan, and praises the new AWD system and suspension, which make the new Highlander far more car-like to drive than before. A massive interior with thoughtful features seal the deal.
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Best Small SUV: Subaru Forester
With the Forester, Subaru becomes the only carmaker to get three vehicles on CR's list. They applaud its overall value proposition, and love its safety—"built like a tank," they say. The infotainment system in CR's tester is maddening, but a newer cars get an improved setup.
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Best Minivan: Honda Odyssey
Consumer Reports calls it "the best vehicle Honda makes." That is not an outlandish statement. It might be the best family vehicle, period, if you ask us. CR also notes that the Odyssey, which swallows people and cargo with aplomb, handles better than some sedans.
From: Road & Track
Alex Nunez
Editorial Director
NYC native, now in suburban exile. Miami Hurricanes alum. Brown-car evangelist. Beleaguered Knicks fan. Prefers IndyCar to F1. Wants you to stop clogging the left lane, already.
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