Consumer Reports has named its 2009 Top Picks, and the Toyota Highlander and Chevy Avalanche are newcomers onto the list, supplanting the Hyundai Santa Fe and Chevy Silverado, respectively. Being named a Top Pick is based on road tests, predicted reliability, and safety requirements, with Top Picks needing to possess average or better predicted reliability while performing adequately in overall safety tests. Each Top Pick must come with electronic stability control as standard equipment, or have it be a readily available option. Road tests cover roughly 6000 miles of driving and evaluations.
The vehicles chosen as the 2009 Consumer Reports Top Picks are:
- Pickup Truck: Chevy Avalanche
- Midsize SUV: Toyota Highlander
- Small SUV: Toyota RAV4
- Minivan: Toyota Sienna
- Best Overall Vehicle: Lexus LS 460
- Green Car: Toyota Prius
- Fun to Drive: Mazda MX-5 Miata
- Small Sedan: Hyundai Elantra SE
- Family Sedan: Honda Accord
- Upscale Sedan: Infiniti G37
Source: PR Newswire