Consumer Reports named four new models to its Top Picks list for 2008, the magazine announced Thursday.

The Hyundai Elantra SE and Hyundai Santa Fe were picked as top choices for small sedans and midsized SUVs, respectively; the redesigned Chevrolet Silverado as the top choice for pickup truck; and the Lexus LS 460L as the best luxury sedan. Details can be found in CR's Annual April Auto Issue, on sale Tuesday, March 4.

"All the vehicles in Consumer Reports' Top Picks list are standouts for performance, versatility, reliability, and safety," said David Champion, senior director of automotive testing for Consumer Reports. "CR's Top Picks list is a great place for consumers to start when they're looking for a new car."

This marks the first time that a South Korean automaker -- Hyundai -- is represented, and the first time since 2005 that a U.S. model -- the Chevrolet Silverado -- has made the list.

For the last two years the Top Picks have all been from Japanese manufacturers.

The Toyota Prius remains the Top Pick in the "green" car category for the fifth year in a row. The Prius demonstrated an 44 miles per gallon overall in Consumer Reports' real-world fuel economy tests, the best of any five-passenger vehicles tested by CR.

Starting this year, cars must provide electronic stability control either as standard equipment or as a readily available option. That's why the Honda Accord, for example, is the Top Pick in family sedans over the Nissan Altima. The Altima scored slightly higher in CR's testing, but offers ESC only as a pricey option on the V6 and standard on the hybrid model.

This year's Consumer Reports Top Picks are:

Small Sedan: Hyundai Elantra SE

Midsize SUV: Hyundai Santa Fe

Pickup Truck: Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab

Luxury Sedan: Lexus LS 460L

Family Sedan: Honda Accord

Upscale Sedan: Infiniti G35

Fun To Drive: Mazda MX-5 Miata

Minivan: Toyota Sienna

Small SUV: Toyota RAV4

Green Car: Toyota Prius

Additional Resource:

• Consumer Reports