Consumer Reports' top vehicle picks by category

Consumer Reports released its annual list of top auto brands and individual vehicles on Tuesday. The top picks in each of ten categories must score well in a road test; perform well in government and insurance industry crash tests; and have average or better predicted reliability based on problems reported by Consumer Reports' subscribers.

The rankings are closely watched in the auto industry, since shoppers consistently cite Consumer Reports as a main source of car-buying advice.

Here are the winners, by category:

BEST OVERALL: Tesla Model S

COMPACT CAR: Subaru Impreza

MIDSIZE CAR: Subaru Legacy

LARGE CAR: Chevrolet Impala

GREEN CAR: Toyota Prius

LUXURY CAR: Audi A6.

SPORT SEDAN: Buick Regal

SMALL SUV: Subaru Forester

MIDSIZE SUV: Toyota Highlander

MINIVAN: Honda Odyssey

Source: Consumer Reports