Each year, San Diego-based Strategic Vision, a research-based consultancy that helps companies understand human behavior and decision-making patterns, releases its list of the top vehicles in multiple segments. This year, the firm collected thousands of consumer surveys, analyzed their data, crunched the numbers and boiled it all down to a total of 31 cars, trucks, and utility vehicles, as well as four manufacturers leading their respective packs in 2016.
Factors considered include both quantitative and qualitative issues; tangible features like seat comfort, the effectiveness of side-view mirrors, and cornering abilities; intangibles such how easy a vehicle's technology is to work with and the image that a vehicle conveys; and emotional aspects that focus on the feelings evoked by owning and driving a particular ride.
And the winners are (drumroll, please) …
Total Quality Impact Car Winners
- Best Model: Tesla Model S
- Micro Car Segment: Fiat 500 Hatchback
- Small Car Segment: Toyota Corolla
- Small Multi-Function Car Segment: Mazda Mazda3
- Small Alternative Powertrain Car Segment: Ford C-Max Energi
- Mid-Size Car Segment: Subaru WRX
- Mid-Size Alternative Powertrain Car Segment: Chevrolet Volt
- Full-Size Car Segment: Nissan Maxima
- Near-Luxury Car Segment: Mercedes CLA-Class
- Near-Luxury Alternative Powertrain Car Segment: Lincoln MKZ Hybrid
- Luxury Car Segment: Jaguar XJ
- Luxury Multi-Function Car Segment: BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo
- Specialty Coupe Segment: Dodge Challenger
- Premium Coupe Segment: Chevrolet Corvette Coupe
- Standard Convertible Segment: Ford Mustang Convertible
- Premium Convertible/Roadster Segment: Chevrolet Corvette Convertible
TQI Truck and Utility Vehicle Segment Winners
- Standard Pickup Segment: GMC Canyon
- Full-Size Pickup Segment: Ford F-150
- Heavy Duty Pickup Segment: GMC Sierra 2500/3500
- Entry SUV Segment: Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
- Entry CUV Segment: Subaru XV Crosstrek
- Mid-Size SUV Segment: Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Mid-Size CUV Segment: Kia Sorento
- Full-Size Utility Segment: Chevrolet Tahoe / Toyota Sequoia
- Near-Luxury Utility Segment: BMW X4
- Luxury SUV Segment: Cadillac Escalade
- Luxury CUV Segment: BMW X6 / Porsche Macan
- Minivan Segment: Kia Sedona / Toyota Sienna
Corporation and Brand Winners
- Brand Under $26k: Fiat / Kia
- Mass-Market Brand: Buick / Subaru
- Luxury Brand: BMW
- Corporation: Ford Motor Company / General Motors Company
What do you think, E3 Spark Plugs fans? Did your favorite ride make the list? Or does your own list of 2016’s best differ from Strategic Vision’s? Post your thoughts on the E3 Spark Plugs Facebook Fan Page.
