Consumer Reports’ 10 Best New Cars of 2026 all share one important feature: electric assist.
Consumer Reports, a nonprofit consumer advocacy group, purchases all the devices it tests and does not accept freebies from manufacturers. This year’s list includes vehicles with hybrid powertrains or fully electric vehicles, the organization said.
“For the first time this year, every model on Consumer Reports’ Best New Cars list is either a hybrid or an electric vehicle,” Consumer Reports said in a report released Tuesday morning. “While car shoppers can’t go wrong by opting for a traditional gas-only version, hybrid versions typically offer faster acceleration, quieter cabins and improved fuel economy, which may translate into lower long-term ownership costs.”
Hybrid vehicle sales in the U.S. have been climbing, even as overall EV sales declined after the federal EV tax credit was eliminated. Automakers such as Ford (F), General Motors (GM) and Toyota (TM) (hybrid leaders) are looking to offer more hybrid options in the future.
Here are the top 10 new cars on Consumer Reports’ 2026 list:
The Honda Civic Hybrid is unveiled after winning the 2025 North American Car of the Year award during the 2025 Detroit Auto Show media day at Huntington Square in Detroit, January 10, 2025. (Reuters/Rebecca Cook) ·Reuters/Reuters
(A new addition to the list.) Consumer Reports calls the Honda (HMC) Civic a great sedan overall, but the hybrid version is the best version. “It has all the qualities Consumer Reports’ automotive experts love about a gas-only sedan, including quick and responsive steering, a comfortable ride and a roomy interior.”
Consumer Reports notes that the Toyota Camry, now sold only as a hybrid, is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and gets 48 mpg overall in CR testing. “The latest version strikes a pleasing balance between ride comfort and handling, offers practical interior space, and features user-friendly controls that make efficient use of physical knobs and switches.”
Consumer Reports says the Subaru (FUJHY) Crosstrek returns to the list because it adds a new, more powerful hybrid powertrain and has an EPA-estimated combined fuel consumption of 36 mpg. “The Crosstrek handles well, with quick steering and minimal roll in corners, but most notable is the ride quality.”
Also returning is the Forester, which Consumer Reports says benefits from a new fuel-efficient hybrid system, a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine powered by hybrid technology from partner Toyota that gets 5 miles per gallon better than the gas version. “Unlike most other small hybrid SUVs that only offer limited all-wheel drive, the Forester Hybrid has a mechanical full-time all-wheel drive system.”
On April 5, 2023, the Toyota Grand Highlander was displayed at the New York Auto Show. (Fatih Aktas/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images) ·Anadolu, Getty Images
(New categories added to the list.) Consumer Reports says, “It’s rare to find a three-row SUV that’s spacious enough for an adult in every seat and also has cargo space.” The Highlander’s optional 245-horsepower hybrid system is excellent, according to Consumer Reports, and it gets 35 mpg overall, which is on par with small SUV hybrids.
The Lexus NX once again makes the list as “the best among small luxury SUVs.” Consumer Reports says the hybrid version is more refined, with electric assist helping smooth power delivery. In Consumer Reports testing, the all-wheel-drive version returned 38 mpg overall, 13 mpg better than the all-gas version.
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Ford’s best-selling hybrid is back on the list. “The latest version continues to stand out with its low entry price, relatively spacious cabin and smooth ride, as well as its hybrid powertrain.”
It’s no surprise that the BMW (BMW.DE) X5 takes a spot on the list a year after Consumer Reports called it its highest-rated car overall, adding that it remains one of the best luxury SUVs Consumer Reports has ever tested. “The X5 plug-in hybrid version is ideal for drivers whose daily range approaches 39 miles of pure electric driving range.”
On January 9, Tesla Model Y pure electric compact crossover SUV was unveiled at the AutoSalon press conference in Brussels, Belgium. (Sjoerd van der Wal/Getty Images) ·Sjoerd van der Wal (Getty Images)
Consumer Reports editors say the Tesla (TSLA) Model Y was the best-selling electric car in the U.S. last year (and the only one on the list), combining practical design, long range, high performance and Tesla’s ubiquitous Supercharger network into its strengths. “Like last year’s version, the revised Y still benefits from exciting acceleration, sharp handling, comfortable front seats and unobstructed forward visibility.”
(New categories added to the list.) America’s best-selling truck has been in Consumer Reports’ top 10 for the 49th consecutive year, with editors citing improved reliability as a top factor. “The traditional midsize 400-horsepower V8 engine is still available; however, a more powerful option is the 430-horsepower, 3.5-liter turbocharged V6 hybrid. Unlike some hybrids, this powertrain prioritizes power over efficiency.” The F-150’s hybrid option can also double as a generator in the workplace or even power homes during power outages.
Dropped from this year’s list are the Nissan Sentra, Toyota RAV4 and Toyota Highlander (though they have been replaced by the updated Grand Highlander). Last year’s list did not include a full-size pickup option.
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Pras Subramanian is Yahoo Finance’s chief automotive reporter. You can follow him X etc. Instagram.
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