Consumer Reports ranks best vehicles for 2018

In this image released on Thursday, March 3, 2016, an Audi A4 in crystal effect paint finish Ara Blue is seen on the road. The Audi Group plans to launch more than 20 new or revised models and to continue its growth in 2016. Despite major challenges, the Ingolstadt-based company performed successfully last year and set a new record for unit sales with 1,803,246 automobiles. Press release and media available to download at www.apassignments.com/newsaktuell. (Audi AG via AP Images)(Audi AG via AP Images/Audi, MK)

WASHINGTON — On the market for a new car but don’t know where to start?

Consumer Reports has announced its Top Picks for 2018. The vehicles on the list had an outstanding overall score, considering their ranks in four categories: road-test performance, predicted reliability, owner satisfaction and safety.

The take-aways:

Seven new vehicles have climbed the ranks of Consumer Reports’ annual list.
A new category for Compact Green Car shows the growing popularity of eco-friendly, electric cars.
Toyota surpasses other manufacturers with four models on the list; the only other manufacturer with more than one vehicle on this year’s list is Chevrolet.

Below is the complete Consumer Reports list. Prices are listed as tested.

Large Car: Chevrolet Impala $39,110 Consumer Reports said driving this vehicle is like driving a luxury car. It has a quiet cabin with attractive, high-quality materials and the handling “is commendable.” Two 2013 Chevrolet Impalas are unveiled at the New York International Auto Show, in New York’s Javits Center, Wednesday, April 4, 2012. General Motors Co.’s Chevrolet brand is trying to resuscitate sales of big sedans with a sleek, new version of the Impala. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)

AP Photo/Richard Drew