MainCars

1. Tesla

Elon Musk’s Tesla leads the pack in electric vehicle design and innovation. The original Roadster is still in the collection but has since been joined by the Model 3 and S sedans, Model X and Y SUVs, and the space-age-looking Cybertruck. Telsa ranks high in technological innovation and impressive driving distance. The Model 3 was also originally classified as the Best Electic Car in the Consumer Reports top picks. However, this was repealed due to changes in standard feature inclusions, such as dropping radar for camera-based automatic emergency braking.

2. Mazda

Japanese car brand, Mazda, takes out the top spot as the best car brand of 2021. Not only did it score Best Overall, but it also took the top place in Best Overall Mainstream and Best Reliability, beating luxury brands like BMW, Tesla, and Porsche. The Mazda CX-30 is also listed in the top ten vehicles as the best Subcompact SUV. The company has been in business since 1920, with a brand essence to ‘celebrate driving,’ making fun-to-drive models across the range. As of 2020, the company had sales in over 130 countries and regions, with SUV/crossover vehicles, like the CX-3, constituting 52% of global sales.

3. BMW

Runner up on the list is the German luxury car manufacturer, BMW, which is an improvement from the previous year. Technology, excellent comfort levels, fuel efficiency, and powertrain refinement are the cornerstones of the brand’s reputation. The cars are fun to drive, with intuitive infotainment, good reliability, and stylish looks. There’s also a focus on innovating production technology and sustainability, using intelligent materials, increased digitalization, and resource-efficient production.

4. Subaru

Not only did Subaru come third in overall brand rating, but it also had two individual cars named in the top ten. The Forester is the Best Small SUV, while the Outback is the Best SUV/Wagon. Focusing on these kinds of vehicles is a winning formula, with the signature all-wheel-drive consistently leading the brand to be ranked high on the Consumer Reports Top Picks. The Japanese company has an engineering spirit that offers intelligent packaging of outstanding safety and driving performance in every vehicle.

5. Porsche

Luxury brand Porsche is synonymous with both high-end sporty vehicles and race cars. While there is still a focus on the sporty models, newer additions to the range include SUVs like the Cayenne and Macan. All models boast beautiful interiors, excellent handling, and superb braking. The company can also claim the three-way tied title of Best Road Test Score Overall (tied with Audi and Tesla) in the Consumer Reports 2021 testing. Plus, it’s the highest-ranking European brand for reliability in its SUVs.

6. Honda

Moving up ten spots from last year, Honda showed the most improvement in the 2021 list. It always had a competitive fuel economy and energetic powertrains. However, the rise in the ranking was primarily thanks to advancements in reliability, with most models now boasting average or higher reliability. The Ridgeline took out top ranking for the Best Compact Pickup Truck with revised styling and an updated infotainment system. The latest innovation from the more than 70-year-old Japanese brand is the Honda SmartChargeTM beta program to reduce drivers’ environmental footprints.

7. Lexus

The Lexus RX combines comfort, performance, safety, and reliability to win the Best Midsize SUV. Beyond that, the brand is all about luxury. It embraces Omotenashi, the Japanese spirit of hospitality, to anticipate and fulfill all your needs before you know you have them. Enjoy the latest innovations, including electrification, unrivaled comfort and attention to detail, and the most deluxe finishes. As the luxury arm of Toyota, you’ll find Lexus in more than 70 countries and territories globally.