Consumer Reports has tweaked its Top 10 Cars list for 2020, categorizing vehicles by price range rather than body style and adding a requirement for standard automatic emergency braking with pedestrian protection in addition to the existing requirement for forward collision warning.

"We’re not willing to compromise when it comes to the safety of cars, which is why we’re pushing automakers to make life-saving technologies like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection standard on all models in order to earn a coveted spot as a Top Pick,” said Marta Tellado, President and CEO of Consumer Reports. “After all, we believe basic safety is a right for all of us — not a luxury reserved for those who can afford it.” 

It is important to remember that Consumer Reports scores vehicles based on road tests, predicted reliability, owner satisfaction, and safety, which are different metrics than other organizations apply or that drivers might prioritize.

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Dan Carney is a Design News senior editor, covering automotive technology, engineering and design, especially emerging electric vehicle and autonomous technologies.