Major publications like Consumer Reports and U.S. News & World Report identified several consistent winners for 2017: Top Pick(s) Key Feature Toyota Yaris iA Agile handling and standard emergency braking. Compact Car Chevrolet Cruze
Some 2017 models featured newer multi-speed transmissions (8- or 9-speeds) that should be checked for smooth shifting during a test drive.
Confirm which specific safety features were included, as some models (like the Toyota Highlander ) had them standard while others offered them only in higher trims.
Technologies like automatic emergency braking and forward-collision warning began appearing as standard features on more affordable models, notably in Toyota's enhanced safety packages.