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This year’s Top Picks in 10 categories include four new models. For the first time since 2005, a U.S. model, the redesigned Chevrolet Silverado, made the list as our choice in pickup trucks. And for the first time ever, a South Korean automaker is represented: The Hyundai Elantra SE and Santa Fe are our top small sedan and midsized SUV, respectively. The fourth new entry is the Lexus LS 460L, the highest-scoring vehicle we’ve tested and best among luxury sedans.

Choosing the Top Picks

Our Top Picks are the most well-rounded models in their categories. Each must meet these stringent requirements:

1. Road tests: Each Top Pick scores at or near the top of its category among more than 260 vehicles we’ve recently tested at our Auto Test Center.
2. Reliability: Each has an average or better predicted-reliability Rating, based on the problems subscribers reported on almost 1.3 million vehicles in our Annual Car Reliability Survey.
3. Safety: Top Picks have performed adequately in overall safety if tested by the government or the insurance industry. Starting this year, they also must provide a critical safety feature, electronic stability control (ESC), either as standard equipment or as a readily available option.

1. Green car: Toyota Prius
2. Small sedan: Hyundai Elantra SE
3. Family sedan: Honda Accord
4. Upscale sedan: Infiniti G35
5. Luxury sedan: Lexus LS 460L
6. Fun to drive: Mazda MX-5 Miata
7. Small SUV: Toyota RAV4
8. Midsized SUV: Hyundai Santa Fe
9. Minivan: Toyota Sienna
10. Pickup truck: Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab

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