Tesla honored again, Consumer Reports’ best overall car

For the first time in four years, Consumer Reports has named a top overall pick in its annual best vehicle list. The winner is the 2014 Tesla Model S electric car.

In 2010, the last time an overall pick was selected, the Lexus LS 460L received the honor.

The magazine’s 10 top picks this year included five Japanese nameplates, including Honda’s Accord and Odyssey, Subaru’s Impreza and Forester and Toyota’s Prius hybrid.

German manufacturers had two vehicles on the list, the BMW 328i and the Audi A6.

American manufacturers were represented by Tesla and the Chrysler Ram 1500 pickup truck.

It was the first time since 1998 a Chrysler vehicle made the list. The Jeep Grand Cherokee achieved top pick honors that year.

The Hyundai Santa Fe sport utility vehicle from the South Korean manufacturer completed the list.

Jake Fisher, the magazine’s automotive test director, said the $89,650 Tesla could have won in several of the segments, including the top green car and top luxury car.

“This electric luxury vehicle offers blistering acceleration, razor-sharp handling, a compliant ride, and a versatile cabin with room for a small third-row seat,” the magazine editors wrote. “This technological tour de force, while pricey, is brimming with innovation and offers a 225-mile driving range.”