Audi loses top spot to Genesis in Consumer Reports rankings

\"Genesis, with just two models tested, had less to get right to earn its place at the top of the list,\" the magazine says.

Genesis has entered Consumer Reports' brand rankings in the top spot, kicking Audi to the second position.

Audi and Hyundai's newly-distinguished luxury marque are the only brands that achieved 'recommended' ratings by CR for every model in their respective lineups.

"This is an especially impressive feat for Audi, which makes 10 models for the US market spanning categories from small cars to three-row SUVs," the magazine says. "Genesis, with just two models tested, had less to get right to earn its place at the top of the list."

BMW, Lexus and Porsche also maintained respectable positions near the top of the list.

"Lexus stands out for earning its place more from its reliability rating and standard advanced safety features than its road-test scores, which often have trailed the competition," CR notes.

Chrysler is the only brand to make a big leap upward this year, thanks to high road-test and reliability scores for the latest Pacifica. Buick dropped by the most points, followed by Acura -- both due to falling reliability scores.