[Auto] These are the best cars, SUVs and minivans of 2019, according to the Automotive Science Group

[Dr.Drako]

 

Today, it is surprising to see the similarities between new cars. Both in style, performance, space and equipment, the models of all the segments are extremely identical, which has generated a highly competitive market.
 

This situation also generated that the purchase decision becomes more complicated for consumers, given this situation the Automotive Science Group (ASG) conducts an in-depth investigation, the Automotive Performance Index- to determine the best cars of the year considering the conventional specifications , as well as environmental, social and economic performance indicators,
 

To achieve this, those in charge of this analysis measure the natural capital, social and human capital and the economic efficiencies incorporated in each vehicle to derive its real market value in relation to other product offerings. Thus, the findings serve to enhance product and technology comparison capabilities to better inform consumer choices.
 

In its most recent study, the Automotive Science Group evaluated 1,640 variants of cars, crossovers, SUVs and minivans from a total of 32 brands, to determine which models are the best in 2019.
 

Having done the relevant research and comparisons, this study found that Mitsubishi Motors once again ranks highest among all brands in the industry. In the ASG findings, it was found that Mitsubishi models combine functional utility with the most advanced technology to offer fuel-efficient vehicles at an affordable price, which has earned Mitsubishi the distinction of the Best Performance Brand in 2019.

In turn, Mitsubishi Motors also ranked highest among all industry brands in overall value, winning the 2019 Best Economic Performance Brand Award. In the economic performance review, ASG found that the model lineup The Japanese brand offers the best value, surpassing the average industry brand by 27 percent, when considering the costs of purchase and operation during the first 6.5 years of vehicle ownership.
 

On the other hand, Tesla obtained, for the second consecutive year, the award with the Best Environmental Performance Brand due to the great po[CENSORED]rity that its 100 percent electric models have gained. From a social performance perspective, taking into account the rights of vehicle manufacturing and assembly managers, MINI demonstrated the best corporate social responsibility initiatives and won the ASG Best Social Performance Brand Award in 2019.
 

Finally, ASG found Toyota's most distinguished brand of 2019, earning more honors than any other brand in the ASG 2019 API. Toyota's diverse offerings in all segments allowed it to earn 14 distinctions, from the RAV4 Hybrid and the Highlander Hybrid to the Prius C, Prius Prime, Prius Eco and Yaris Sedan. Likewise, the Prius Prime also achieved the award as the Best Auto All-Around Performance of 2019.

Now, by model, the ASG study included 2019 model year cars, available to North American consumers in 2019, and with all production capabilities. It is worth mentioning that all vehicles that exceed $ 100,000 were omitted from the evaluation.
 

1. Best Overall Performance Brand: Mitsubishi
2. Best Environmental Performance Brand: Tesla
3. Best Economic Performance Brand: Mitsubishi
4. Best Social Performance Brand: MINI
5. Most distinguished brand: Toyota
6. Best Car: Toyota Prius Prime

Car with the best environmental performance: Hyundai Ioniq Plug-in

Car with the best economic performance: Mitsubishi Mirage

Best cars by segment

Small car

• Mitsubishi Mirage
• Toyota Prius C
• Toyota Yaris Sedan
• Chevrolet Spark
• Nissan Versa
• Big car
• Prius Eco
• Hyundai IONIQ Hybrid Plug-in
• Nissan Leaf
• Honda insight
  
  Small car (100 vehicles evaluated)
   
• Best Overall Performance: Mitsubishi Mirage
  Best environmental performance: Toyota Prius C
  Best Economic Performance: Mitsubishi Mirage
  Medium car (303 vehicles evaluated)
  Best Overall Performance: Toyota Prius Prime
  Best environmental performance: Toyota Prius Prime
  Best budget performance: Honda Fit
  Large car (87 vehicles evaluated)
  Best Overall Performance: Hyundai IONIQ Plug-in
  Better environmental performance: Hyundai IONIQ Plug-in
  Best economic performance: Hyundai IONIQ Hybrid
  Crossover (419 models evaluated)
  
  Top 5
  
  Kia Niro
  Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  Mazda CX-3
  Nissan Kicks
  Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
  Best Overall Performance: Kia Niro Plug-in
  Better environmental performance: Kia Niro Plug-in
  Best Economic Performance: Nissan Kicks
  Small crossover (83 evaluated models)
  Best Overall Performance: Mazda CX-3
  Best environmental performance: Lexus UX 250h
  Best economic performance: Hyundai Kona
  Compact Crossover (101 evaluated models)
  Best Overall Performance: Kia Niro Plug-in
  Better environmental performance: Kia Niro Plug-in
  Best Economic Performance: Nissan Kicks
  Crossover (235 evaluated models)
  Best Overall Performance: Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
  Better environmental performance: Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
  Best Budget Performance: Jeep Compass
  Best SUV (406 evaluated models)
  
  Top
  
  Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
  Nissan Rogue and Rogue Hybrid
  Hyundai Santa Fe Sport
  Kia Sorento
  Best Overall Performance: Mitsubishi Outlander
  Best environmental performance: Tesla Model X
  Best Budget Performance: Nissan Rogue
  Medium SUV (184 evaluated models)
  Best Overall Performance: Mitsubishi Outlander
  Best environmental performance: Tesla Model X
  Best Budget Performance: Nissan Rogue
  Large SUV (222 evaluated models)
  Best Overall Performance: Kia Sorento
  Best environmental performance: Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  Best economic performance: Kia Sorento
  Minivan (52 models evaluated)
  Best Overall Performance: Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
  Best environmental performance: Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
  Best Economic Performance: Ford Transit Connect