A much anticipated analysis by Consumer Reports has just dropped, providing a composite ranking of car brands encapsulated in a single road test score. With the vast number of car options available today, consumers are often overwhelmed by the choices they have to make when purchasing a vehicle. From varying makes and models to countless features and price points, navigating the decision-making process can be daunting. This is where comprehensive ranking systems, like those provided by Consumer Reports, prove invaluable.
How Consumer Reports makes their road test score
Consumer Reports purchases 45 to 50 cars each year and subjects them to an extensive, multi-week program involving more than 50 tests and evaluations, all conducted by automotive experts. The result is a single composite score that summarizes all the findings, along with a detailed written road test made available to members.
“The road-test score is an amalgam of a given model’s driving experience, factoring in power delivery, handling agility, braking performance, ride comfort, noise isolation, seat comfort, controls’ ease of use, and fuel economy if it’s not an EV,” says Gabe Shenhar, associate director of CR’s auto test program. “For EVs, the score also reflects range, charging time, and ease of plugging and unplugging. Brands that produce well-rounded vehicles that are capable in multiple areas are ranked highly.”
Consumer Reports ranks brands based on the average road-test score, which includes current models from across their product portfolios that have been tested. Leading brands typically excel in a broad range of tests and demonstrate strong, consistent performance across their lineup. Mid-tier brands often show more variation in performance across different car types or have mediocre test results. Brands at the bottom of the rankings exhibit clear deficits when compared to their competitors.
Top ten car brands on the road according to Consumer Reports
Clinching the top spot is BMW, with Audi coming in at a close second followed by Porsche. As part of Consumer Reports testing, each vehicle is driven for 2,000 miles before undergoing instrumented testing on Consumer Reports’ 6-mile track. This initial driving period allows the engine, tires, and brakes to break in. Before testing begins, the vehicles are thoroughly inspected by mechanics, who perform tasks like alignments to ensure the cars are in optimal condition, ensuring that the test results are accurate and relevant.
The road-test score is ultimately combined with results from reliability and owner satisfaction surveys, as well as ratings for safety features and crashworthiness, to generate an Overall Score. This provides a concise summary of a vehicle’s performance and attributes. If anyone has ever met a BMW, Audi, or Porsche driver, you would know that these brands have some of the strongest customer-loyalty so it comes as no surprise they take the podium results.
Asian-origin brands continue to dominate
Honda, and Hyundai also made it to the top ten. The Japanese and South-Korean brands respectively have been leaders of delivering affordable cars for the regular consumer while still providing high quality. Honda has built a reputation for reliability and longevity, with popular models like the Civic and Accord offering a blend of performance, fuel efficiency, and practicality.
Hyundai, once considered a budget brand, has evolved into a strong competitor by offering stylish, well-equipped cars like the Elantra and Sonata, along with impressive warranties. Both brands have earned a loyal following by providing vehicles that combine value with dependable performance, making them top choices for consumers seeking quality at a competitive price.
Subaru, another Japanese brand, took fourth place as well as South-Korean brand Kia coming in sixth. Asian automakers have been at the forefront of adopting new technologies, from hybrid and electric vehicles to cutting-edge safety features, positioning themselves as leaders in the shift towards sustainable and smarter driving. As the automotive landscape evolves, these brands continue to set the bar for quality and performance, solidifying their dominance in the industry.
