Toyota models snared "top pick" designations in five of 10 vehicle categories in the Consumer Reports annual auto issue, on sale March 6, and announced today.
By Consumer Reports
The CR bouquet comes shortly after Toyota took significant honors in a recent J.D. Power and Associates quality report card. Toyota still is nearly delirious after that one, having been battered so long by bad news -- safety recalls, earthquake/tsunami devastation in Japan that caused worldwide product shortages, floods in Thailand that dried up supplies of computer chips used in auto computers.
CR's criteria for naming top picks include ranking at or near the top of their category on overall road test scores, average or better predicted-reliability ratings in CR's subscriber survey and high performance in government or crash tests. Here are the magazine's top models in 10 vehicle categories:
FAMILY SEDAN: Toyota Camry Hybrid. In addition to its impressive 38 mpg overall fuel economy, other high points include a comfortable ride; a roomy, quiet, cabin; fairly quick acceleration;
and for 2012, a nicer interior and somewhat crisper handling (although the Camry is still no sports sedan).
SPORTY CAR: Ford Mustang. The heart of this iconic sports car has always been its strong acceleration and rumbling V8 power. But now there's more to the Mustang than power. Agile
handling, a decent ride, comfortable front seats, and very good fit and finish make the current version an inviting package. The Mustang delivers good fuel economy (22-24 mpg) for its class.
SMALL SUV: Toyota RAV4. With a four-cylinder engine, the RAV4 delivers some of the best gas mileage in its class (23 mpg). The spirited V6 version accelerates as quickly as many sports sedans and gets only 1 mpg less than the four-cylinder model.
AFFORDABLE FAMILY SEDAN: Hyundai Sonata. CR chose the four-cylinder Sonata as a more affordable alternative to the Camry Hybrid. The Sonata provides a roomy, well-equipped cabin, supple ride, nimble handling, and thrifty 27 mpg overall, for just a little bit more money than many small
sedans.
FAMILY HAULER: Toyota Sienna V6. The Sienna fits the bill nicely for families looking for a comfortable, roomy interior, plenty of features, and the ability to carry up to eight people. Among its high points are lively performance, decent fuel economy (20 mpg), and a comfortable ride, although the
handling is rather lackluster. It's the only minivan that has at least average reliability.
SPORTS SEDAN: Infiniti G. The G37's agile handling, blistering acceleration, and comfortable, well-crafted interior make it one of CR's highest-scoring sedans. The G is on this list for the sixth straight year. The less expensive but equally inviting G25 isn't as quick, but gets 24 mpg
overall, 3 more than the G37.
GREEN CAR: Toyota Prius. The Prius sets the standard for fuel efficiency, practicality, and affordability with its overall 44 mpg. Its roomy interior, comfortable ride, and hatchback versatility make it easy to live with. The 41 mpg of the new Prius V wagon easily tops its class.
SMALL CAR: Subaru Impreza. Redesigned for 2012, the all-wheel-drive Impreza is a well-rounded roomy sedan with nimble handling and a compliant, absorbent ride that rivals some luxury sedans. Fuel economy of 27 mpg overall is impressive for an AWD car.
PICKUP TRUCK: Chevrolet Avalanche. The Avalanche provides the best combination of utility and versatility of any pickup CR has tested. Its unified bed and cab help give it a steady, comfortable ride, and the cabin is quiet. Its overall mpg is 14.
FAMILY SUV: Toyota Highlander. The refined, comfortable, and quiet Highlander has consistently ranked near the top of its class in CR's road-test scores and has had above-average
reliability. The V6 version delivers a decent 18 mpg overall, and the Highlander Hybrid model tops all SUVs at 27.
By James R. Healey USA TODAY
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