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Consumer Reports names its 2014 Top Picks

The Consumer Reports’ 2014 Top Picks list highlights our choices for the standout models in 10 popular car categories. These vehicles are the best of the best, and we consider all of them to be smart buys.

Our 2014 picks include models from eight automakers; only Honda and Subaru earned more than one spot. And there are four new winners: the slick, electric-powered Tesla Model S; the impressive Subaru Forester and Hyundai Santa Fe SUVs; and the freshened Ram 1500 pickup truck—the first Chrysler model to make the list in 16 years.

If you're looking for a new car, our Top Picks list is as close as it gets to "no-brainers" in the auto market. They're impressive all-around vehicles, chosen from more than 260 we've recently tested.

2014 Top Picks listed by category with prices as tested...

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Best overall: Tesla Model S ($89,650)

Compact car: Subaru Impreza (sedan: $21,345; hatchback: $22,345)

Midsized sedan: Honda Accord 4-cyl. ($23,270)

Green car: Toyota Prius ($26,750)

Luxury car: Audi A6 ($56,295)

Sports sedan: BMW 328i ($43,195)

Small SUV: Subaru Forester ($26,814)

Midsized SUV: Hyundai Santa Fe ($36,290)

Minivan: Honda Odyssey ($36,830)

Pickup truck: Ram 1500 ($42,810)

All Top Picks must meet Consumer Reports' stringent criteria in three areas: road test, reliability, and safety. They must rank at or near the top of their category on overall road test scores, they must have earned an average or better predicted-reliability Rating based on problems Consumer Reports subscribers reported on 1.1 million vehicles in our latest survey, and they must perform well if included in crash or rollover tests by the government or the insurance industry.

See the complete report on Consumer Reports' Top Picks for 2014.

2014 Autos Spotlight

Visit our 2014 Autos Spotlight special section to find all of our new and updated articles, including Top Picks 2014, Who makes the best cars, Best & worst new cars, Best & worst used cars, Used car reliability, The road to self-driving cars, and New car Ratings & road tests.



More from Consumer Reports:
Consumer Reports' top scoring cars
Best & worst car values
5 great cars that won't bust your budget

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