Top picks
Best models of the year in 10 categories
Of the more than 300 vehicles we've recently tested, our Top Picks are the best all-around choices in their categories. This year's list includes two new models: The Toyota Highlander is our new pick for midsized SUVs, unseating the Hyundai Santa Fe. And thanks to improved reliability, the Chevrolet Avalanche replaced the Chevrolet Silverado as our choice for pickups. See full Ratings, reliability and data on all Top Picks in our model overviews.
How we choose
Top Picks must meet our criteria in three areas:
Road tests
Vehicles must rank at or near the top of their categories in our overall road-test score, which includes more than 50 individual tests and evaluations.
Reliability
Each must have an average or better predicted-reliability Rating, which is based on the problems Consumer Reports subscribers reported for more than 1.4 million vehicles in our latest Annual Auto Survey.
Safety
Top Picks must perform adequately in overall safety if tested by the government or the insurance industry. (For some models, we do not have enough crash-test data to assign an overall safety Rating.) In addition, each must offer electronic stability control (ESC), a proven lifesaving safety feature, as standard equipment or as a readily available option.
See our video guide on how Consumer Reports' test cars.
Here are the picks for 2009 (H)
Pick Up Truck =Chevrolet Avalanche
Fun to Drive = Mazda MX-5 Miata
Small SUV = Toyota RAV 4
Small Sedan = Hyundai Elantra SE
Green Car = Toyota Prius Hybrid
Mini Van = Toyota Sienna
Upscale Sedan = Infiniti G37
Midsize SUV = Toyota Highlander
Family Sedan = Honda Accord
Best Overall Vehicle = Lexus LS 460 L
Top picks 2009
