Got my latest issue of Consumer Reports today, and they tested the Toyota Highlander, Buick Enclave, Ford Taurus X, and Subaru Tribeca.

I’ve discussed before how Consumer Reports refuses to divulge how scores are calculated as a matter of “policy.” Well, while their detailed impressions of these models generally match my own, their secret scoring system yields a top place finish for the Toyota, a sizable six points ahead of both the Buick and the Ford.

I do wish they’d say how scores are calculated, because the narrative and ratings leave it unclear how the Toyota finished ahead of the others.

Noted advantages of the Highlander: acceleration, transmission behavior, fuel economy, second row comfort, access (unclear how the Highlander is better here), rearward visibility

Noted advantages of the Enclave: interior fit and finish, steering feel, third row room and comfort (big difference noted), split third row, and cargo room

The secret scoring system must weight the Highlander’s advantages more heaviy than the Enclave’s. But I suspect that many buyers have different priorities, such as a useful amount of rear seat space and cargo room, that give the Enclave the edge. The Ford also has more room for people and cargo room than the Highlander, and so could also come out ahead of the Toyota for many buyers.

Consumer Reports needs to make its scoring system transparent, so car buyers can determine whether or not they have similar priorities and, consequently, the same top pick.