Best Cars of the Year: Top 10 Picks for 2022
These exceptional models meet our highest standards for performance, safety, reliability and more.
If you are looking for the perfect car for you and your family, then you have a huge choice. To help you make the best choice, Consumer Reports presents its annual Top 10 choices: the best cars, SUVs and trucks our experts recommend without hesitation.
To be in this group, a vehicle must have one of the highest scores in its category based on road testing, predictable reliability, owner satisfaction, and safety. The best options should also come from the factory on all trims with Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) with Pedestrian Detection, both of which are safety features we consider critical as they have been proven to save life.
New this year: We need better options to have AEB for highway speeds. We now also add 2 points to a car's overall score if it has an active driver assistance system that includes a proper driver monitoring system. It's the only one of our top picks this year that gets extra points because its active driver assistance system has effective driver monitoring that sends appropriate warnings when the driver takes their eyes off the road for too long.
Several high-scoring cars, including , were not selected this year because they do not have AEB for highway speed as standard equipment on all trim levels. This year's list of the best doesn't include full-size trucks because they lack key safety features in base models or are below average in reliability.
For less than $25,000
Small car: Nissan Sentra
The sleek Sentra is an inexpensive, expensive sedan that feels more premium than its rivals, especially when compared to more expensive trim models. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine makes driving a pleasure, aided by a fairly advanced continuously variable transmission. Acceleration is among the best in its class, and power increases smoothly. In addition, Sentra is characterized by a comfortable and agile ride. The cabin is well equipped for the price, with a more luxurious feel than most competitors. The infotainment system and climate control are the epitome of simplicity, and all versions come with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay capabilities. The real stumbling block is that a comprehensive Safety Shield 360 comes as standard and contains a host of key safety features.
Subcompact SUV: Nissan Rogue Sport
Good things really can come in small packages, as the Rogue Sport proves. It feels more mature and solid than most of the subcompact SUVs it competes with thanks to its smooth ride and quiet cabin for its class. Front access is very comfortable and the driver enjoys a raised seat that enhances visibility and provides plenty of headroom. The power unit does not correspond to the name "Sport", but copes with its task. Amazing predictable reliability adds to the appeal. Also, despite the low purchase price, the Rogue Sport has a list of safety equipment that puts more expensive models to shame. In addition to FCW and AEB, the Rogue Sport includes a full range of safety features, including
rear automatic braking as standard equipment.
$ 25,000- $ 35,000
Photo: courtesy of Subaru
Small SUV: Subaru Forester
Appearing in Top Pick for the ninth consecutive time, the Forester received minor changes for the 2022 model year, updating its look and adding a more adventurous Wilderness finish. The secret to the Forester's success lies in its efficient and spacious design, great fuel economy, emphasis on safety, excellent road test results and solid reliability figures. It is difficult to overestimate the importance of design. The Forester's vertical shape provides more access, more cabin and cargo space than its competitors. The high roof and large windows create an aquarium-like appearance, providing a wide view of the road and surroundings. In addition, responsive handling and a smooth ride further enhance the driving experience. The latest set of EyeSight security features are standard.
Photo: Honda
Midsize Sedan: Honda Accord
The Accord is the perfect family sedan with plenty of interior space, enjoyable driving, plenty of power and impressive efficiency. It has 3 powertrains covering economy transport, smart alternative and even luxury car equipped with leather and all kinds of trims. Most impressive is the hybrid feature, which offers 47 mpg without sacrificing acceleration. The Accord combines ride comfort with sharp handling to make driving as enjoyable as lying in the passenger seat. The cabin is spacious and well finished with nice touches like soft surfaces and faux wood trim that enhance the ambiance. In addition, it includes all key safety features as well as adaptive cruise control. For families that have decided to ditch the SUV trend, this sedan has a lot to offer.
Photo: courtesy of Toyota
Hybrid: Toyota Prius and Prius Prime
The streamlined Prius, one of the best options of all time, continues to set the standard for economical transportation. Not only does it achieve an incredible 52 mpg in our tests, it also stands out for its consistent reliability and owner satisfaction. If you need more electric drive, the Prius Prime plug-in hybrid has a large battery that provides 25 miles of range before switching to regular hybrid mode. The regular and plug-in versions offer an incredible range of 590 miles between fill-ups. Both versions are pleasant to drive, with a comfortable, stable ride and confident handling. The cockpits look high-tech, especially when equipped with a large 11.6-inch center screen. Several competitors come close to that space, but the practical Prius remains the benchmark.
$ 35,000- $ 45,000
Photo: courtesy of Toyota
SUV de 2 filas: Toyota RAV4 Prime
The RAV4 Prime transforms the commendable RAV4, giving it more power, more efficiency, a comfortable ride and a bit more cabin comfort. This plug-in hybrid boasts 302 hp, far more than any other conventional small SUV, and can hit 60 mph in 6.3 seconds. Plus, it has an impressive 42-mile electric range, which means local errands and commuting can be done without turning on the gas engine. On gasoline alone, the RAV4 Prime still gets 34 mpg, 3 mpg less than the regular RAV4 Hybrid. Other improvements throughout the car, including a more agile ride and soft-touch interior materials, give the RAV4 Prime a more premium feel than the regular RAV4. Yes, the RAV4 Prime is more expensive than other RAV4s, but the cost is offset by federal tax credits and ongoing fuel savings.
Photo: courtesy of Kia
3-row midsize SUV: Kia Telluride
Telluride has set the standard for the popular 3-row mid-size SUV market ever since it burst onto the scene in the 2020 model year. In fact, it has been the top pick for every one of its three years on the market. Kia gets it right: its road test score of 3 is near perfect, and it gets top marks for expected reliability and owner satisfaction. This is a spacious SUV with a comfortable ride; it is easily accessible and pleasant to drive. It uses a V97 engine that delivers strong, linear power through a smoothly shifting 6-speed automatic transmission. The square shape guarantees plenty of room for the driver, passengers and cargo. The controls are simple and the memory is plentiful. In an age rife with gadgets, Kia's no-frills approach is refreshing and we appreciate all the thoughtful details.
Photo: Honda
Compact Truck: Honda Ridgeline
Ridgeline is the swiss army knife of trucks. It looks more like a modern crossover SUV than a traditional old-school truck with a separate body and frame. As a result, the Ridgeline offers a unique truck body refinement, with ride, handling and interior comfort more reminiscent of a Honda Pilot than a typical work truck. It uses a smooth 6 hp V280 engine. and a 9-speed automatic transmission for added driving pleasure. Plus, it has a few nifty tricks, like a tailgate that can be folded down or rotated out of the way for easy access to a large, lockable under-frame storage box. This American-made truck has changed the idea of what a truck can be. It's perfect for the commuter, family driver and weekend warrior, and the active driver who takes advantage of all of these.
$45,000 or more
Photo: courtesy of Ford
Electric car: Ford Mustang Mach-E
The Mustang Mach-E takes styling cues from the venerable Mustang sports car and applies them to a versatile 4-door electric crossover, comfortable hatchback, increased ground clearance and all-wheel drive. The Mach-E stands out in this growing category for its driving pleasure, fast acceleration, agility and smooth ride. Stable Mach-E transforms from hand pony to 4 HP. into a wild stallion at 266 hp Our extended range Mach-E Premium accelerates from 480 to 0 mph in 60 seconds and has a range of 5.3 miles. Other configurations are even faster, or their range can be extended to over 270 miles. This well-executed new model takes Ford into a growing market with its first purpose-built electric vehicle that combines sustainability with character and driving pleasure.
Photo: courtesy of Lexus
Luxury midsize SUV: Lexus RX
In the late 1990s, the RX pioneered luxury midsize SUVs and remains the gold standard for this popular segment. The formula for success is a combination of comfort, performance, safety and reliability. These virtues are contained in a chiselled body that continues to look modern despite being on the market for 6 years with minor design changes. Continuous improvements, including to the suspension and infotainment system, keep the RX line up-to-date. Hidden behind a striking trapezoidal grille is a 6-liter V3.5 mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission on the RX 350. This powertrain delivers the quiet, effortless performance expected of a premium SUV. The hybrid RX 450h feels faster thanks to plenty of torque from its electric motors; It also delivered 7 mpg more in our tests, allowing it to be as economical as a small SUV. It's easy to see why the RX is the most popular Lexus model.
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