For most lists comparing the best cars to buy, Toyota is usually the one to beat, and this year, Nissan
has done just that, taking the top spots on Consumer Reports’ list of Best Cars of the Year for 2022 in the under $25,000 category. The two vehicles to win are the Nissan Sentra and the Nissan Rogue Sport. How did Consumer Reports pick the winners?
There is a method to how Consumer Reports
decides which automobiles make the cut and which ones don't. For example, a vehicle must have the highest overall score in its category, and it must include features such as forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking. This year, there were some new requirements added, such as highway-speed AEB, and two points are added to the overall score if the vehicle has an active driver-assistance system. There were more than a few vehicles that didn't make the cut in spite of their high scores because they didn't meet all the criteria.
The categories include vehicles under $25,000, $25,000-$35,000, $35,000-$45,000, and $45,000-plus.
The Nissan Sentra feels premium
With a price range of $19,610-$22,200, the 2022 Nissan Sentra is one of the cheapest vehicles on the market, but you wouldn't know that if you're just glancing at it. The 2.0-liter engine really impressed Consumer Reports due to the fact that it zips around town with no issues. The acceleration is smooth and easy going, rather than jolting and jarring like some of the competition.
The interior feels like it's made with higher priced materials than it is, and it's comfortable. The controls are easy to use, so you don't have to pull over to check the manual every time you want to turn on the windshield wipers. Apple CarPlay or Android Auto also comes standard, which is nice for those of us who love our phones.
What Consumer Reports really liked, however, was the SafetyShield 360. It comes standard on all models, which is a great feature to have.
The Nissan Rogue Sport is riding high
MORE: The Nissan Rogue vs. Rogue Sport
Many people are drawn to SUVs because they hate feeling like they are sitting low to the ground or that their visibility is hampered by larger vehicles. Yet not everyone wants a massive vehicle, which is where subcompact SUVs come in. The 2022 Nissan Rogue Sport really impressed Consumer Reports because even though it's small, the driver has great visibility.
The quiet cabin also played a role in helping Nissan earn another win. Some subcompact SUVs can be rather noisy, but the Rogue Sport doesn't fit into that category. The powertrain wasn't anything to brag about, but it's not so terrible that it got a scathing review either.
What Consumer Reports couldn't stop bragging about, however, was the wide array of safety features available on the 2022 Nissan Rogue Sport. It comes with FCW, AEB, and rear automatic emergency braking. Many automakers charge extra for these highly sought-after features, but Nissan has decided to make them standard, which helped seal its win.
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