- Hyundai Elantra and Santa Fe selected as the Consumer Reports Top Picks for small sedans and midsize SUV’s in the USA.
Consumer Reports has named two Hyundai models to its Top Picks list for 2008. The Hyundai Elantra and Santa Fe were chosen as the top choices for small sedans and midsize SUV’s respectively.
This is the first time that a South Korean automaker is represented in the Top Picks list. Historically, the Consumer Reports Top Picks have been a blend of Japanese, European and US models, but the last two years have seen only Japanese manufacturers in the Top Picks.
Consumer Reports’ Top Picks are the best-rounded models in their respective categories and must meet stringent road test, reliability, and safety requirements. Each Top Pick scores at or near the top of its category among more than 260 vehicles that have been tested by Consumer Reports.
The Top Pick also demonstrates average or better predicted reliability (based on problems reported by almost 1.3 million subscribers to CR’s Annual Car Reliability Survey), and performs adequately in overall safety.
For the first time this year, the vehicles chosen must provide electronic stability control either as standard equipment or as an option.
Consumer Reports’ testing procedures are the most comprehensive of any US publication or web site. More than 50 tests are performed on every individual vehicle to evaluate braking, handling, comfort, convenience, safety and fuel economy.
“All the vehicles on Consumer Reports’ Top Picks list are standouts for performance, versatility, reliability, and safety,” says David Champion, senior director of automotive testing at Consumer Reports. “CR’s Top Picks list is a great place for consumers to start when they’re looking for a new car.”
