The latest issue of Consumer Reports is now out, and with it comes the magazine’s top selections for the best cars of 2012, in 10 different categories.
According to Consumer Reports, in order to make it into the Top Picks, a car must beat out all of its competitors in three areas: road test, reliability and safety.
Toyota won big this time around, snagging five of the ten top spots, including one for the Toyota Camry Hybrid for best family sedan. The new Camry Hybrid, which is sporting a redesign with the 2012 model, comes with stellar 38 mpg fuel economy and is likely the apple of every Canadian’s eye right now as the country’s coffee drinkers are gunning to win it in this year’s Roll Up The Rim to Win contest at Tim Horton’s.
This is the first time since 2003 that Toyota has so dominated this list, which Consumer Reports says is due to its maintaining a competitive lead among hybrids and SUVs.
Similar congratulations go to the Hyundai Sonata and the Subaru Impreza, both new additions to the annual list.
The full list of winners:
Best family sedan
Toyota Camry Hybrid
Best sporty car
Ford Mustang
Best affordable family sedan
Hyundai Sonata
Best small SUV
Toyota RAV4
Best family hauler
Toyota Sienna (V6)
Best sports sedan
Infiniti G
Best green car
Toyota Prius
Best small car
Subaru Impreza
Best pickup truck
Chevrolet Avalanche
Best family SUV
Toyota Highlander
Check out the Consumer Reports write up on all these winners here.
The same issue of Consumer Reports included a list of the best and worst cars for the model year. At the top of the list were the Lexus LS 460L and BMW 135i, scoring 99 and 97 respectively. At the bottom of the list were the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited (20) and the Jeep Liberty (27). Look here for the full list.
