Chevrolet Cruze makes 2017 list of top 10 car picks

The best new cars of 2017 are outstanding all-around performers – shown to be reliable, safe and satisfying. That means they have scored high in stringent track tests and extensive owner surveys conducted by Consumer Reports.

Sports Car: Mazda MX-5 Miata. The Mazda MX-5 Miata is the embodiment of driving pleasure. Its alchemical formula has been honed since 1990, with the core ingredients consistently being a pliant four-cylinder engine, rear-wheel drive, sharp handling and light weight. The Miata truly comes alive on winding roads, with immediate steering response. It also gets impressive fuel economy.

Large Sedan: Chevrolet Impala. The Impala continues to reign as the leading large sedan. Roomy, supportive seats put you in the perfect position to access the intuitive controls. Despite its prodigious size, the Impala’s handling is responsive and secure.

Compact Hybrid: Toyota Prius. The car that pioneered the hybrid movement and has defined fuel-efficiency for four model generations still stands tall as an innovative green machine. Its fuel economy in Consumer Reports’ tests was a staggering 52 mpg overall – the highest testers ever recorded in a car that doesn’t plug in. Prius also touts excellent reliability.

Compact Pickup: Honda Ridgeline. Innovation abounds in this suburbia-targeted pickup, proving that trucks can be both refined and versatile. The Ridgeline glides along, more akin to a sedan than its roughneck rivals. It also handles far better than any compact or full-sized pickup.

Luxury SUV: Audi Q7. The seven-passenger Q7 is the highest-rated SUV Consumer Reports has recently tested. Sumptuous and pampering, it feels more like a luxury sedan than an SUV. The quiet interior is decked out with premium trimmings and road-trip-friendly seats.

Midsized SUV: Toyota Highlander. In this competitive segment, expectations are high, with buyers looking for family friendly functionality, all-weather traction, three-row seating, generous cargo space and the capability of light towing. Throw in good performance, fuel economy and long-term reliability, and Highlander’s appeal is clear.

Compact Car: Chevrolet Cruze. The formula is simple: Put the Malibu and Impala in a shrink ray, reducing scale but preserving the commendable driving manners and generous available features. The result is a hushed, smooth-riding sedan that’s roomy enough to be a budget-friendly alternative to a midsized car.

Subcompact Car: Toyota Yaris iA. The Yaris iA proves that subcompact cars can delight. It feels refined for this entry-level class, with a smooth and willing four-cylinder engine, slick six-speed automatic transmission and relatively compliant ride.

Small SUV: Subaru Forester. The Subaru Forester sets the standard for small SUVs, combining relatively roomy packaging, fuel efficiency, solid reliability and easy access. And safety technology like forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking is available on all but the base trim level.

Midsized Sedan: Kia Optima. Move over Honda Accord and Toyota Camry: The Kia Optima rocks the midsized sedan segment as a smart alternative to the me-too mainstream. It checks all the right boxes for family-sedan buyers, with responsive handling, a steady ride and a roomy backseat.

To learn more, visit ConsumerReports.org.

2017 Consumers Union Inc.

Distributed by Andrews McMeel Syndication for UFS