Consumer Reports’ picks for the Best New Cars of 2026 are out, and they bring some welcome news for car buyers looking to reduce fuel use while staying safe on the road.
This year’s assortment of top cars, trucks and SUVs includes several models priced below the average starting price of a new car, which is $50,000.
For the first time, the top 10 are all electric or hybrid versions, according to the rankings released on Tuesday by the Product Testing and Research Group. According to Consumer Reports, hybrid and electric vehicles offer advantages such as better acceleration, quieter cabins and better fuel economy than gasoline-powered vehicles.
“Everything here is, so to speak, electrified,” said Alex Knizek, director of automotive testing development at Consumer Reports.
Consumer Reports buys and tests about 50 new vehicles each year, evaluating cars based on their performance in dozens of road tests and government and insurance industry crash tests. The organization also considers reliability and consumer satisfaction scores drawn from survey data.
With the exception of three new cars that managed to crack the top ten, most of the top-ranked cars are the same as last year. Read on for Consumer Reports’ ranking of the Best Cars of 2026.
For those looking to save money, Consumer Reports also compiles a monthly list of the top 10 used cars.
Best Small Car: Honda Civic
The Honda Civic, long praised for its value, is new to Consumer Reports’ top 10 this year. The car is the most affordable vehicle on Consumer Reports’ list, with a base price of $24,695.
Consumer Reports says that of the automaker’s three Honda Civic sedans, the hybrid version is the best. It offers all the benefits of a gasoline-powered model, plus better fuel efficiency (44 miles per gallon (mpg)) and excellent acceleration (0 to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds), according to Consumer Reports. According to JD Power, Honda launched a hybrid version of the Honda Civic in 2003.
According to Knizek, hybrid models are quieter and more powerful than gasoline-powered models.
Best Midsize Car: Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry, now sold only as a hybrid, also occupies one of the top spots on the list, with Consumer Reports praising its “useful interior space” and “user-friendly controls.” The base price of the car is $29,100.
“It handles great, rides great and looks great,” Knizek said. “So it’s just a well-rounded sedan.”
One drawback: The front and rear seats are set low, which may make access difficult for some.
Best Small SUV: Subaru Crosstrek
The Subaru Crosstrek has a base price of $26,995 and is available in hybrid and gasoline-powered versions. Consumer Reports says the vehicle handles safely and can handle “off-road driving.”
Knizek praised the Crosstrek and Subaru Forester (listed below) for their reliability and visibility.
“What’s really great about them is they’re reliable,” he said. “But they’re very fuel efficient, which sounds silly, but you can see it clearly in them.”
Best Compact SUV: Subaru Forester
Another Subaru vehicle in this year’s top ten is the Forester, which starts at $29,995. Subaru introduced a hybrid version of the car last year, which it says offers a 40 percent improvement in fuel economy over the non-hybrid model.
Consumer Reports notes the Forester’s excellent visibility, comfort, safety and roomy interior.
Best Midsize SUV: Toyota Highlander
Consumer Reports says the Toyota Grand Highlander is a good choice for a three-row SUV, with its roomy interior and 18-inch wheels providing a smooth, comfortable ride. The car gets 35 mpg overall and has a base price of $41,660.
“There are other three-row SUVs, but one that’s this roomy and has a fuel-efficient hybrid option is pretty rare,” Knizek said.
John “JP” Powers
Best Luxury Compact SUV: Lexus NX
The Lexus NX received high marks for its high-quality interior design and comfort, with Consumer Reports praising its “especially plush and supportive” front seats.
The vehicle has a base price of $44,175 and is available as a full gasoline-powered vehicle, a regular hybrid, or a plug-in hybrid. According to Consumer Reports, the hybrid version of the Lexus NX combines a powerful 304-horsepower engine with fuel efficiency and can travel 37 miles on electric power alone.
Best Small Pickup Truck: Ford Maverick
With a starting price of $28,145, the Ford Maverick caught Consumer Reports’ attention for its affordability. It’s available in hybrid and gasoline-powered models, achieving 37 mpg and 23 mpg respectively. According to Ford’s website, the truck can tow 4,000 pounds.
The car is also more nimble because of the smaller frame, Knizek said. “If you’re in an urban-type environment and need a truck, this is something that’s easier to manage,” he said.
Best Luxury Midsize SUV: BMW X5
Consumer Reports describes the BMW X5 as one of the best luxury cars it has ever tested, praising its supportive seats and stylish interior. The car is available in pure gasoline and hybrid versions, with a pure electric range of 39 miles.
“For a lot of luxury brands, on average, we don’t see the best reliability. But BMW has really bucked that trend, including the X5,” Knizek told CBS News. “In addition to its reliability, it’s a very, very compelling luxury SUV.”
The X5 is the most expensive car on the top 10 list, with a base price of $67,600.
Best Electric Car: Tesla Model Y
Consumer Reports named the Tesla Model Y, launched in 2020, the best electric car. Knizek said the vehicle’s reliability has improved over time and it has been integrated into the automaker’s Supercharger network, which “still has yet to be surpassed.” The base price of the car is $39,990.
Some drawbacks: Kniczek said the controls inside can be distracting. Consumer Reports also advises against using Tesla’s advertised Autopilot feature.
According to the Associated Press, Tesla decided last week to reduce production of two older models, the S and X. Sales of both models fell last year, Kelley Blue Book data shows.
Best Full-Size Pickup Truck: Ford F-150
The Ford F-150 starts at $37,290 and is available in gasoline-powered and hybrid versions. Knizek said the vehicle stands out in the truck category for its reliability.
“Reliability slowly creeps up over time,” he said. “It’s nice to be able to recommend a truck to people that will serve them well.”
Some additional features Consumer Reports likes include blind-spot monitors and driver assists that simplify trailer backing and hitching.
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