Car Brands With the Highest Road-Test Scores

The staff at CR’s 327-acre Auto Test Center study the automotive market, identifying the new models and trim levels that are most relevant to our members. We then spend more than $2 million each year buying examples anonymously to evaluate as soon as they go on sale. 

By doing this, we know what the car-buying experience is like, and we get cars from dealerships without any potential special prep that could occur with models provided directly by the automaker. 

Each vehicle is put through 2,000 miles before we begin instrumented testing on our 6 miles of track. This gives the engine, tires, and brakes time to break in. Our mechanics inspect the vehicles before testing, doing work such as alignments to ensure that the cars are problem-free and that the test results will be relevant. 

Automotive engineers, many with specialties based on graduate work and employment at major automakers, then conduct a series of tests, such as those for acceleration, braking, ride, handling, accident avoidance, and fuel economy (using a fuel meter spliced into the fuel line). We also evaluate interior space and packaging, measure cargo space, and assess controls and infotainment systems. These findings add up to a road-test score, allowing us to rank vehicles by class and compare brands based strictly on performance. 

Ultimately, the road-test score is combined with reliability and owner satisfaction survey results, along with scores for safety features and crashworthiness, to create an Overall Score—a succinct way to tell a vehicle’s story.

See the detailed test results, in data and words, for any tested vehicle on their model page (search at the top of CR.org/cars) and in our Ratings A-Z interactive chart. 

Learn more about how Consumer Reports tests cars.