U.S. News & World Report has ranked the vehicle industry’s brands from worst to first. The list of this year’s Best Vehicle Brand award winners includes companies that are based across the globe, including one from Michigan.
“Deciding where to start looking for a new car, truck or SUV can be one of the most overwhelming parts of buying a car,” said Jamie Page Deaton, executive editor of U.S. News Best Cars. “The Best Vehicle Brands provides consumers with the greatest possible starting point, no matter what type of vehicle they’re shopping for.”
To determine the award winners, U.S. News Best Cars averaged the overall score each model of the given brand’s products received in U.S. News ratings. The brand with the highest overall average score was named the winner in the category.
Best Car Brand: Mazda
Photo courtesy of Mazda
For the fifth consecutive year, Mazda won this car class on the strength of its cars, the Mazda3, Mazda6, and Mazda MX-5 Miata. According to U.S. News, all three models have, “top-notch performance that puts an emphasis on direct, sporty handling, as well as quality interiors that are more upscale than their price tags might suggest.”
Best SUV Brand: Kia
Photo courtesy of Kia Motors
Honda has won this category for the last four years but this year Kia broke through because of the variety and quality of its lineup, which spans the subcompact Niro to the three-row Telluride. Kia models also come with long warranties, premium interiors (in top trims), and good fit and finish.
Best Truck Brand: Ram
Photo courtesy of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V.
Though Ford has higher sales, Ram has overtaken it in this category. This year is the first time that Ram has edged out its Dearborn competition. The Ram 1500 is a big part of why the company won here, with its coil-over suspension that makes the Ram comfortable whether you’re commuting and capable of doing serious towing and hauling. Ford models also can’t match the quality and design of the Ram’s interior.
Best Luxury Brand: Porsche
Photo courtesy of Porsche
Porsche has held on to the win in this category for the fifth straight year. Why? Because of its well-rounded lineup, which includes thoroughly modern SUVs and cars. Porsche vehicles are fun to drive, no matter the model, and come in a variety of trim levels to suit driver desires.
