Lexus tops Consumer Reports 2012 best list, Jeep gets top two worst spots

The Lexus 460L luxury sedan has been awarded top honors for best road test, while Jeep has dubious honors with vehicles receiving the worst two scores in Consumer Reports best and worst lists for 2012.

Consumer Reports ranked the Lexus LS 460L at the top with a road test score of 99, followed by BMW 135i at 97; Infiniti G37 sedan at 95; Toyota Camry Hybrid XLE; Audi A6 (3.0T); Infiniti M37 and Nissan Altima 3.5 SR at 93. The Audi A8 L, Lexus ES 350 and Nissan Altima 2.5 S all appeared on the list as well with a score of 91 each.

The magazine’s list is determined by 50 individualized tests and evaluations. Scores reflect how well a vehicle performs in areas, including braking, acceleration, fuel economy, comfort and cargo space. The road tests do not include reliability.

The Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Liberty topped the worst lists respectively with 20 and 27 points. Th Smart ForTwo with a 28 and Toyota FJ Cruiser at 36 were the next worst.

“The Wrangler may be as good as it’s ever been but it is seriously outdated,” wrote Consumer Reports’ editors. “It exhibits inferiority in just about every aspect. The Jeep’s ride rocks and jiggles constantly, handling is very clumsy.”

Best road test scores

Lexus LS 460L, 99; BMW 135i, 97; Infiniti G37 (sedan), 95; Toyota Camry Hybrid XLE, 93; Audi A6 (3.0T), 93; Infiniti M37, 93; Nissan Altima 3.5 SR, 93 Chevrolet Corvette Z06, 92; Hyundai Genesis 3.8 (sedan), 92; Toyota Camry XLE (V6), 92; Audi A8 L, 91;
Lexus ES 350, 91; Nissan Altima 2.5 S, 91.

Worst road test scores

Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, 20; Jeep Liberty, 27; Smart ForTwo, 28; Toyota FJ Cruiser, 36.