The Report Card
The grading engine. Every one of 295 vehicles is scored on 102 criteria across 10 subjects: 32 real measured specs and 70 expert judgments. Every grade MotorGPA issues traces back to real numbers. Framework v2.0.
across 265 graded 2026 models
See the numbers
| Subject | Weight | Fleet median | GPA | Points of possible | Models |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Performance | 15% | 52.3 | 1.51 D | 7.8 / 15.0 | 265 |
| Efficiency | — | 50.5 | 1.38 D | not in formula | 265 |
| Safety | 20% | 74.2 | 3.04 B | 14.8 / 20.0 | 265 |
| Space | 15% | 57.5 | 1.87 C- | 8.6 / 15.0 | 265 |
| Ownership Cost | — | 44.5 | 0.97 F | not in formula | 265 |
| Reliability | 20% | 66.8 | 2.52 C+ | 13.4 / 20.0 | 265 |
| Technology | 10% | 73.5 | 2.99 B- | 7.4 / 10.0 | 265 |
| Use-Case Fit | — | 62 | 2.19 C | not in formula | 265 |
| Driving | 10% | 69.6 | 2.72 B- | 7.0 / 10.0 | 265 |
| Value | 10% | 71.1 | 2.82 B- | 7.1 / 10.0 | 265 |
| Typical overall (weighted medians) | 66.1 / 100 | ||||
The grading scale
Grading runs on a 0 to 100 scale internally. That maps onto the 4.0 scale with two fixed anchors: 45 points is a 1.0 and 88 is a 4.0, linear between and clamped outside. We anchor rather than divide by 100 because the framework's normalization bands are calibrated to real market ranges. No vehicle scores near 100 across every subject, so a straight division would cap the entire market at a B+ and make the letter grades meaningless.
These anchors are constants, not a curve fitted to the current catalog. A vehicle's GPA depends only on its own score, so grades never shift because other cars were added or regraded.
A real measured value such as towing lbs, MPG, headroom inches, or price. Shown as the actual number, and normalized to 0 through 100 within the vehicle's segment so like is compared with like.
An expert judgment from 0 to 100 for things you cannot put a single number on, such as ride comfort, reliability outlook, and infotainment usability. Each one is backed by cited evidence and calibrated against rivals.
Composite scores
Each composite rolls up one or more subjects into a single headline number.
The 10 subjects
Performance & Powertrain
11 criteriaEngine output, acceleration, towing and hauling capability, and drivetrain options — how much the vehicle can do and how strongly it does it.
Explore the data: every criterion charted →Efficiency & Range
9 criteriaFuel economy or electric efficiency, driving range, and the cost of energy to run the vehicle.
Explore the data: every criterion charted →Safety
11 criteriaCrash-test performance, standard and available driver-assistance systems, and everyday safety usability.
Explore the data: every criterion charted →Space & Comfort
15 criteriaPassenger room, cargo and bed capacity, and how comfortable the vehicle is to sit in and ride in.
Explore the data: every criterion charted →Cost of Ownership
8 criteriaWhat owning the vehicle for 5 years actually costs in dollars — purchase price, depreciation, and maintenance — plus warranty coverage and manufacturer ownership benefits. Deliberately excludes insurance, financing, taxes/registration, and fuel/energy cost, since those depend on the driver and where they live, not on the vehicle itself.
Explore the data: every criterion charted →Reliability & Quality
8 criteriaPredicted dependability, track record, build quality, and the ownership support network behind the vehicle.
Explore the data: every criterion charted →Technology & Infotainment
12 criteriaScreens, software, connectivity, and convenience technology — how modern the vehicle feels to live with.
Explore the data: every criterion charted →Use-Case Fit
12 criteriaHow well the vehicle serves four common ownership missions: family duty, commuting, work, and adventure travel.
Explore the data: every criterion charted →Driving Experience
8 criteriaHow the vehicle drives: dynamics, refinement, ergonomics, and whether it is enjoyable behind the wheel.
Explore the data: every criterion charted →Value & Market Position
8 criteriaWhat you get for the money, how the market values the model, and how fresh and well-regarded it is.
Explore the data: every criterion charted →