SAN ANTONIO -

USAA, a financial services provider for the military community, unveiled its first “Best Value” vehicle list that names the top 2011 models in 16 segments based on quantitative data used in USAA’s proprietary rating system.

The list incorporates a mix of domestic and foreign units, including three units from Chevrolet and two apiece from Hyundai, Kia, Audi and Scion.

The 16 choices are:

—Large Sedan: Dodge Charger.

—Large Luxury SUV: Audi Q7.

—Midsize Sedan: Hyundai Sonata.

—Midsize Luxury SUV: Lexus RX 450h.

—Small Sedan: Chevrolet Cruze.

—Large Pickup: Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Hybrid.

—Large Luxury Sedan: Hyundai Genesis.

—Small Pickup: Suzuki Equator.

—Midsize Luxury Sedan: Audi A4.

—Sports: Ford Mustang.

—Large SUV: Chevrolet Traverse.

—Coupe: Scion tC.

—Midsize SUV: Toyota FJ Cruiser.

—Wagon: Scion xB.

—Small SUV: Kia Sportage.

—Minivan: Kia Sedona.

“We’re making members’ lives easier by taking the guesswork out of buying a new vehicle,” explained Steve Thompson, assistant vice president at USAA.

“The ‘Best Value’ vehicles typically have better safety ratings, lower manufacturer’s suggested retail price and insurance costs, higher fuel economy and better overall reliability than other vehicles in the same category,” Thompson continued.

The provider went on to note its “Best Value” vehicles rose to the top in each of the 16 segments for offering the best financial value of all units USAA evaluates as part of a broader vehicle rating system called USAA Preferred. Officials indicated there are more than 80 cars, trucks and minivans that are currently designated as USAA Preferred vehicles of which the “Best Value” vehicle list is a subset.

USAA mentioned that its preferred rating system involves three steps:

—MSRP Value: As the first step and a key differentiator to USAA’s proprietary scoring model, USAA stressed that it weighs key attributes such as engine type and safety features to determine whether the vehicle’s MSRP is a good value.

—Depreciation & Ownership Costs: Next, USAA explained that it factors depreciation and added costs for fuel, auto insurance and extended warranty into the methodology. The provider believes extended warranty costs are an indicator of vehicle reliability and maintenance costs.

—Safety: Once all of these criteria are quantified and weighted, USAA said the top 40 percent of vehicles are evaluated for safety — what it emphasized is the final and most critical indicator of all USAA Preferred vehicles. Only vehicles that receive one of the top two safety ratings as reported by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety are qualified to be a USAA Preferred vehicle. Officials added units on the IIHS Top Safety Picks list are given additional weight in the rating system.

USAA Preferred and “Best Value” vehicles are designated as such on usaa.com and autocircle.com. Furthermore, members can view these designations on the USAA mobile app for iPhone or Android.

Officials reiterated Auto Circle — which launched last August — can provides USAA members with a convenient way to find, finance and insure a vehicle through autocircle.com or the USAA mobile app.

“Our members turn to us for help and advice because they know they can trust us,” Thompson insisted.

“The ‘Best Value’ list helps members make smart financial decisions by determining which vehicles give them the most bang for their buck,” he went on to say.

For more information about the USAA “Best Value” list, and the specific units featured, visit www.usaa.com/bestvalue.