If you’re shopping for a new car, Consumer Reports is out with a list of the best cars and trucks to buy in 2017!
All of the vehicles on this list got high marks in key categories that matter most to new car buyers: road tests, predicted reliability, owner satisfaction and safety.
Read more: The most and least reliable used car brands
These are the top 10 cars and trucks of 2017
‘The best new cars of 2017 are outstanding all-around performers—shown to be reliable, safe, and satisfying. They have won our admiration, and we recommend them with confidence,’ Consumer Reports said.
Six of the 10 recommended vehicles cost less than $30,000, including two American cars — both Chevrolets.
‘To be a Top Pick, a model has to have an exemplary Overall Score in its category,’ Consumer Reports said. ‘A car that bests the competition by these measures is truly extraordinary.’
Here are the top 10 cars and trucks of 2017, plus the price of the model tested:
Subcompact Car: Toyota Yaris iA, $17,570
Consumer Reports said: ‘If you’re on a budget, the subcompact Toyota Yaris iA fits the bill.’
Image credit: Toyota
Compact Car: Chevrolet Cruze, $23,145
Consumer Reports said: ‘Roomy, smooth riding and fuel efficient.’
Image credit: Chevrolet
Compact Hybrid: Toyota Prius, $27,323
Consumer Reports said: ‘At 52 miles per gallon overall, it gets the best fuel economy of any car you don’t plug in.’
Image credit: Toyota
Sports Car: Mazda MX-5 Miata, $29,905
Consumer Reports said: ‘The Miata is responsible fun with great reliability to boot.’
Image credit: Mazda
Midsized Sedan: Kia Optima, $25,860
Consumer Reports said: “Stylish, substantial and packed with goodies like an optional heated steering wheel. It’s like getting steak for the price of hamburger.’
Image credit: Kia
Large Sedan: Chevrolet Impala, $39,110
Consumer Reports said: ‘Spacious and quiet inside, it handles and rides better than some fancy pants luxury cars.’
Image credit: Chevrolet
Small SUV: Subaru Forester, $27,145
Consumer Reports said: ‘Top-class fuel economy, fantastic visibility, easy access and a very capable standard all-wheel drive system make it stand out in our ratings.’
Image credit: Subaru
Midsized SUV: Toyota Highlander, $41,169
Consumer Reports said: ‘Credit goes to its strong reliability and a long list of standard safety features.’
Image credit: Toyota
Luxury SUV: Audi Q7, $68,695
Consumer Reports said: ‘Yes, it’s expensive. But the price brings a rich payoff.’
Image credit: Audi
Compact Pickup: Honda Ridgeline, $36,480
Consumer Reports said: ‘During the daily grind, it drives like a car, with a quiet cabin and solid ride of a luxury SUV. And when the weekend comes, it hauls a load of mulch or tows a 5,000 pound trailer.’
Image credit: Honda
Read more: Car crash not your fault? This insurer is most likely to raise your rates anyway
Buying new vs. used
To do a good job for your money, Clark suggests only buying a brand new car if you plan to keep it for 8 to 10 years. Otherwise, you’re better off buying something slightly used.
And if you’re not paying cash for the car, arrange financing with your bank before you go to the dealer.