How the Lot Wisdom Score works
The score rates a trim on published facts only. We don't test-drive, so there's nothing about comfort, quietness, tech or reliability in it.
1. Seven parts
| Part | What we use | Standard weight |
|---|---|---|
| Price | MSRP + destination (delivered) | 22.5% |
| Fuel economy | EPA combined mpg (MPGe for EVs, on its own range) | 18% |
| Cargo | Cu ft behind the rear seat (behind 3rd row for minivans) | 13.5% |
| Crash tests | NHTSA overall stars: 3 = 0, 5 = 100 | 13.5% |
| Warranty | Basic + powertrain years | 13.5% |
| Towing | Max rated towing | 9% |
| Power | Horsepower and torque, averaged | 10% |
2. Fixed ranges by class
Each fact becomes 0–100 on a fixed range for the vehicle's class, so scores don't move when we add cars. Values past the ends are capped. Warranty is 5 → 15 years for every class.
| Class | Price (0 → 100) | mpg | Cargo cu ft | Towing lb | Power |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compact SUV | 55,000 → 25,000 | 20 → 45 | 20 → 40 | 0 → 3,500 | 150 → 300 hp 150 → 300 lb-ft |
| Midsize / 3-row SUV | 70,000 → 35,000 | 18 → 40 | 25 → 50 | 0 → 5,000 | 200 → 350 hp 200 → 350 lb-ft |
| Minivan | 70,000 → 35,000 | 18 → 40 | 20 → 45 | 0 → 3,500 | 200 → 350 hp 200 → 350 lb-ft |
| Car (sedan / hatchback) | 50,000 → 20,000 | 20 → 50 | 10 → 25 | – | 130 → 330 hp 120 → 320 lb-ft |
| Midsize / compact pickup | 60,000 → 25,000 | 15 → 30 | – | 3,000 → 7,500 | 180 → 330 hp 180 → 330 lb-ft |
| Full-size pickup | 110,000 → 40,000 | 12 → 25 | – | 5,000 → 12,000 | 250 → 550 hp 250 → 550 lb-ft |
EVs in the compact SUV class: 80 → 130 MPGe. Cargo isn't scored for pickups and towing isn't scored for cars; their weight is spread over the other parts.
3. Not published = 0
If a maker hasn't released a number, that part scores 0 and is labeled "not published". We don't give credit for missing numbers, and the score goes up as soon as they publish. Automaker estimates count toward the score and are labeled "maker estimate"; we swap in official (EPA or final) figures as soon as they are published. Crash tests use NHTSA's free 5-Star Safety Ratings for the exact model year; a model NHTSA hasn't rated yet gets 0 for that part.
4. The formula
Score = Σ (part score × weight) ÷ Σ weights
Example: a part halfway along its range scores 50.
5. Money never changes a score
Affiliate links and sponsors have no input. Paid links are always labeled.
Best value (Quick take)
On each model page, best value is the cheapest trim (delivered price) whose Lot Wisdom Score is within 5 points of that model's highest-scoring trim. If the top scorer is also the cheapest, it wins outright. Quick take lines use only the published numbers on the page; the "top trim" is the most expensive trim shown.
Shown, not scored
0-60 times (credited to Car and Driver or MotorTrend), recalls, reliability and resale links, and current offers.