Top Cars in Consumer Reports' Road Tests

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The best cars shine in our road tests, as well as with reliability, owner satisfaction, and safety, earning an impressive Overall Score. The journey to that score begins with a car being purchased for testing.

Road-test scores are based on more than 50 individual Consumer Reports tests and evaluations, and they are presented on a 100-point scale.

Our list highlights the top-scoring vehicles in our road tests, and it also highlights those at the bottom of the pack.

You can create your own custom lists based on the factors you find most interesting by using our interactive Car Selector tool (available to ConsumerReports.org subscribers).

Find out how Consumer Reports tests cars.

Tesla Model S P85D

Receiving a midyear freshening, this sporty four-door luxury car seats five (or seven with the optional rear-facing jump seats) and just happens to be electric. With its optional 90-kWh battery--the largest available--it has a claimed range of 294 miles. The 85-kWh P85D that we tested had a 220-mile range and can be fully charged in about 5 hours on a dedicated Tesla connector. Performance is exceptional, with thrilling acceleration, pinpoint handling, and a firm yet comfortable ride. A huge iPad-like center screen controls many functions but can be distracting. Drawbacks include tight access, restricted visibility, and range limitations, especially in cold weather. All-wheel drive and active safety features are also available.

Read the complete Tesla Model S road test.

BMW 750i xDrive

Among ultra-luxury sedans, the BMW 7 Series has always played second fiddle to the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. But the current 7 aced our tests, with an impressively steady ride, silky-smooth powertrain, good handling, and a sumptuous cabin. The base 740i is powered by a 3.0-liter turbo six-cylinder. Our typically equipped 750i, with the polished and punchy 445-hp, 4.4-liter turbo V8 and all-wheel drive, rang in at $110,645. Although the controls have a steep learning curve, they prove logical once mastered. The luxurious interior is super-quiet, with impeccable attention to detail and supremely comfortable seats. Interior quality is superb, with the wood, leather, suede, and aluminum trim delivering a modern ambiance without looking glitzy.

Read the complete BMW 7 Series road test.

BMW M235i

This small coupe is exhilarating to drive, with razor-sharp handling and a sporty feel that is missing in other recent BMWs. For 2017, the 228i is renamed the 230i and comes with a 248-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder; the uplevel M235i we tested, now named M240i, has a terrific 320-hp, 3.0-liter turbo six-cylinder that responds instantly to every prod of the throttle. A 365-hp M2 version with even sportier handling is available. The six-speed manual and eight-speed automatic transmissions are slick and super-responsive. The excellent front seats are very supportive, but the rears are very cramped. Interior appointments are first-rate, and the iDrive control system is logical once mastered. All-wheel drive and a convertible are available.

Read the complete BMW 2 Series road test.

Audi Q7 Premium Plus

Audi's luxury three-row SUV is an impressive vehicle, and among the best we've ever tested. It employs a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 that is mated to a very smooth eight-speed automatic. This results in effortless acceleration and fuel economy of 20 mpg overall in our tests. The Q7 is very quiet, instilling a sense of tranquility. The ride has an underlying firmness unless you splurge on the Prestige trim and the optional air suspension, which makes it as plush as a luxury car. Handling is responsive and confidence-inspiring. The beautifully finished interior exudes luxury, with excellent seats and a vivid, high-tech digital instrument cluster. The controls prove logical with familiarity. Available advanced safety systems include automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist.

Read the complete Audi Q7 road test.

Mercedes-Benz S550 (AWD)

The S-Class is brimming with features and qualities that make it stand out among luxury cars. A powerful 4.7-liter turbo V8 provides effortless acceleration and delivered 18 mpg overall in our tests. The S550 brings a whole host of advanced technology, including the ability to follow the road and stop by itself in an emergency. The ride is very plush and steady--the best we've ever tested--and the cabin is ultrahushed. Along with the seats and steering wheel, the door and center armrests are heated as well. Even though the S-Class is large and posh, handling agility is commendable. Many controls are overly complicated, however. A coupe version is available, as is a plug-in hybrid.

Read the complete Mercedes-Benz S-Class road test.

Cadillac CT6 Luxury (3.6L, AWD)

Cadillac's new flagship fits above the CTS and is priced to compete with the luxury-midsized crowd. This large sedan possesses some athletic chops and feels lively to drive. The firm ride is steady, controlled, and compliant, and the interior is very quiet. The base engine is a turbo-four, but most buyers will opt for the midlevel nonturbo V6; the top trim carries a 404-hp twin-turbocharged V6. The eight-speed automatic is smooth and responsive. All-wheel drive comes standard with the V6s. The interior is plush and roomy, but cabin storage is scant. Front-seat comfort is superb, but the rear seat is a bit short on thigh support. Despite improvements, the updated Cue infotainment system is still unintuitive. A plug-in hybrid version with an estimated 30 miles of EV range has joined the ranks.

Read the complete Cadillac CT6 road test.

Porsche 911 Carrera S

The 911's iconic shape hides a thoroughly modern sports car, delivering performance and relative refinement. All of the engines have been updated, with the base model getting a 370-hp six and the Carrera S a 420-hp six, both matched with a seven-speed manual. The 911 is quick, with sublime handling that makes you feel directly connected to the machine. The exhaust note is terrific, and driving the automated manual is almost as thrilling as the stick shift. The 911 isn't particularly taxing on long trips, thanks to its relatively supple ride and subdued noise levels, but the low-slung cabin makes access a challenge. The interior is beautifully crafted, but the numerous buttons and switches can be daunting at first.

Read the complete Porsche 911 road test.

Porsche 718 Boxster

Porsche's roadster offers turbocharged 2.0- and 2.5-liter four-cylinder engines, replacing the previous Sixes. Most 718s come with a seven-speed automated manual, which impersonates a manually shifted gearbox quite well. A manual is also available. Chopping off two cylinders brought more readily available power and a throaty thrum, but at the expense of Porsche's high-revving zing. Handling is superlative with impressive grip and balance, which make the car super-responsive and fun to drive. The ride is very firm but not too punishing. The cabin has a premium ambience, but the button overload takes getting used to. Opening or closing the well-insulated power top takes 10 seconds, even on the move up to 43 mph. The front trunk is a bonus.

Read the complete Porsche 718 Boxster road test.

BMW 530i xDrive

BMW focused on on reducing weight, adding technology, and reducing cabin noise in the redesigned 2017 5 Series. The result is remarkably satisfying car, but one that is no longer the sporty choice of this class. Instead, it’s very plush, super quiet, finely crafted inside, frugal with fuel, and more user friendly. The all-wheel-drive 530i we tested rides comfortably and handles responsively. Its turbo four-cylinder had ample power and, paired with a smooth eight-speed automatic, delivered an impressive 26 mpg overall. The 540i uses a punchy 335-hp, 3.0-liter turbo six-cylinder that effortlessly delivers power. AWD is available, and standard on the V8-powered M550i. The 530e plug-in hybrid costs just $200 more than the 530i and can go a short distance on electric power alone. Optional active safety systems include forward-collision warning and lane-keep assist.

Read the complete BMW 5 Series road test.

Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 3LT

The sharp-edged Corvette has abundant power from its 455-hp, 6.2-liter V8 and an interior worthy of the price. A seven-speed manual is standard, with an eight-speed automatic optional. Drivers with a thirst for more power can opt for the 650-hp Z06. The car's all-aluminum construction optimizes weight savings and strength. Whether in coupe or convertible form, acceleration is blisteringly quick and handling is pinpoint. With the adjustable driving modes the car can be a fairly refined cruiser or track-ready race car. The seats deliver support and comfort. But you can't ignore the low-slung cabin, which requires almost acrobatic skills to access; the vague manual shifter; and the omnipresent tire noise.

Read the complete Chevrolet Corvette Stingray road test.

Audi A8 L

Audi's top-level sedan delivers smooth and effortless acceleration yet attains commendable fuel economy even with all-wheel drive. The car handles crisply and holds the road tenaciously, making it one of the sportiest luxury sedans we've tested. The ride is firm and steady but not as cushy as in the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Interior ambience, quality of materials, and craftsmanship are top-notch, and the cabin is quiet. The front seats are exceptionally comfortable and supportive, with a variety of massage settings. The rear seat is worthy of a limo, but the trunk is a bit small. The infotainment system takes some getting used to but proves logical. The base supercharged V6 has ample power, but the 4.0-liter V8 turbo is a powerhouse worthy of such a flagship.

Read the complete Audi A8 road test.

Chevrolet Impala 2LTZ

Our top scoring large sedan, the Impala is roomy, comfortable, quiet, and enjoyable to drive. It even rides like a luxury sedan, feeling cushy and controlled. Engine choices include a punchy 3.6-liter V6 and an adequate 2.5-liter four-cylinder, both paired with a six-speed automatic. In our tests, the V6 returned 22 mpg overall and had good acceleration. Braking is capable, and handling is secure and responsive. The full-featured cabin stays very quiet and features a sumptuous backseat. Controls are intuitive and easy to use, but rear visibility is restricted. Advanced electronic safety features are readily available. Recent updates include the addition of Apple CarPlay capability and wireless cell-phone charging.

Read the complete Chevrolet Impala road test.

Kia Cadenza

Kia's Cadenza is a competent large sedan that flies under the radar. It is considerably bigger than the Optima, competing with the Chevrolet Impala and Toyota Avalon. The car is roomy and quiet, with easy-to-use controls. The ride is pleasant enough, though not particularly plush. Handling is secure but not all that agile, feeling like the large car that it is. The 290-hp, 3.3-liter V6 is slick and powerful, and the eight-speed automatic shifts smoothly. We got 24 mpg overall. Higher-end Limited versions include additional soft-touch surfaces and more-luxurious leather seats. Automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning are available, but only in upper trim versions that cross the $40,000 mark.

Read the complete Kia Cadenza road test.

Audi A6 (3.0T)

Audi's A6 has a comfortable ride and agile handling, strong performance, great seats, and excellent fit and finish. It's one of our highest ranked sedans and is a perfect long-distance cruiser with a whisper quiet, roomy cabin. The 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder works well but has a raspy, less-than-luxurious engine sound. The 3.0-liter supercharged V6 we tested is smooth and punchy, and returned a commendable 22 mpg overall. The front seats are comfortable and supportive, and the rear seat is roomy for three adults. An added plus is the large trunk. Although the infotainment system's center controller and screen take some getting used to, the system ultimately proves logical.

Read the complete Audi A6 road test.

Infiniti Q70 (V6)

Although long in the tooth, the Q70 is still competitive, with a lively 330-hp V6 and a smooth seven-speed automatic that returned 21 mpg overall in our tests. A V8 and a V6 hybrid are also available. Handling is quite agile, with communicative steering. The ride is firm and absorbs bumps well but trails the competition in terms of plushness. The Q70 is also behind the competition in terms of cabin quietness, partly because of the noticeable engine noise under high revs. Very good interior quality, a roomy rear seat, and easy-to-use controls are positives, although cabin ambience is austere. Blind-spot intervention is optional. An extended-length L version with a roomier rear seat is also available. The Q70 might lack some pizazz, but it generally commands significantly lower prices than its competitors.

Read the complete Infiniti Q70 road test.

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