It’s that time of the year again, when we get to find out the winners and the losers of Consumer Reports’ Annual Auto Survey.
CR collects data from 470,000 vehicles, focusing on 17 trouble areas to create a “Predicted Reliability Score” for each model. That score is then combined with CR’s own data collected from their tests, as well as from their owner-satisfaction survey results in order to give each vehicle an overall score.
This year’s Top 10 includes eight cars from Japanese manufacturers, one from Korea and one from USA. The list contains some of the usual suspects, so without further ado let’s dive in.
10. Mazda CX-5
Mazda’s compact CX-5 SUV is considered one of the best choices in its crowded segment. The Japanese manufacturer combines good quality, responsive handling and attractive looks in one package.
9. Lexus NX
The compact Lexus SUV might not be as comfortable as some of the brand’s other models but gains valuable points thanks to its good powertrains, especially the hybrid which makes it one of the most frugal crossovers in the segment.
8. Honda Fit
Honda’s smallest offering continues to be one of the most practical affordable daily drivers in the market. The Fit’s cabin has a PhD in versatility while fuel economy is impressive, even for a car of this size.
7. Kia Sedona
Kia’s big MPV offers space for seven or eight passengers and a V6 powertrain with plenty of power. The Sedona’s cabin quality is good and there are plenty of useful storage but the ride quality leaves it behind the best in the segment.
6. Mazda6
Mazda’s second model in this list offers a fun-to-drive character and a design that makes it look more expensive than it really is. Despite the responsive handling, it manages to offer good ride quality while the cabin is a lovely place to spend your time.
5. Toyota Prius
The Toyota Prius has been a fuel economy champion for some years now, still offering over 50 mpg combined thanks to its 120hp hybrid powertrain. Comfort levels are good while handling is more responsive than previous generations.
4. Subaru Crosstrek
Subaru is enjoying great success with the Crosstrek, which has proven quite popular with customers looking for a compact crossover with good fuel economy. The CVT transmission makes the powertrain feel unremarkable but overall the Crosstrek is comfortable, quiet and with plenty of safety kit.
3. Toyota Prius Prime
The plug-in hybrid Prius Prime retains all the good qualities of the regular Prius and adds 23 miles of driving on pure electricity. One drawback is that it offers seating for only four passengers but the different styling appears to be less controversial.
2. Lincoln Continental
Lincoln’s flagship sedan proves to be exceptionally comfortable and very quiet, making it an excellent long-distance cruiser. The cabin is made out of expensive materials and offers plenty of space, particularly for those seating at the rear.
1. Toyota Prius C
CR’s 2019 reliability champion is the Toyota Prius C, the Japanese small hybrid hatchback that offers one of the best fuel economy ratings in city driving, at 37 mpg according to CR’s testing. The interior may feel cheap and spartan, but its tiny footprint makes it one of the best cars for urban driving.