Client Experiences’ verdict on the highest new automobiles for 2026 is in, and it brings some welcome information for automobile consumers trying to minimize down on their gas use whereas additionally staying protected on the highway.
This yr’s mixture of high automobiles, vans and SUVs embrace a number of fashions that are available in under the average $50,000 beginning value for a brand new automobile.
For the primary time, the highest 10 additionally all are available in electrical or hybrid variations, in line with the product testing and analysis group, which launched its rankings on Tuesday. In comparison with gas-powered autos, the hybrid and EV choices provide perks like higher acceleration, quieter cabins and improved gas financial system, in line with Client Experiences.
“All the things right here is galvanized, so to talk,” mentioned Alex Knizek, director of auto check improvement at Client Experiences.
Client Experiences purchases and exams about 50 new autos yearly, assessing the automobiles primarily based on their efficiency in dozens of highway exams, in addition to authorities and insurance coverage business crash exams. The group additionally considers reliability and shopper satisfaction scores pulled from survey knowledge.
Most automobiles that claimed the very best rankings are repeats from final yr, except three new autos that managed to infiltrate the highest 10. Learn on for Client Experiences’ checklist of one of the best autos for 2026.
For these wanting to save cash, Client Experiences additionally compiles a listing of the highest 10 used automobiles every month.
Finest small automobile: Honda Civic
The Honda Civic, lengthy lauded for its worth, is a brand new entrant into Client Experiences’ high 10 this yr. The automobile is essentially the most reasonably priced automobile on Client Experiences’ checklist, with a base value of $24,695.
Of the automobile maker’s three Honda Civic sedan fashions, Client Experiences mentioned the hybrid model is one of the best. It provides all of the perks of the gas-powered fashions, along with higher gas effectivity — at 44 miles per gallon (mpg) — and superior acceleration — going from 0 to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds, in line with Client Experiences. Honda launched the hybrid model of its Honda Civic automobile in 2003, according to JD Energy.
In accordance with Knizek, the hybrid mannequin is each quieter and extra highly effective than the gas-powered mannequin.
John “JP” Powers; picture courtesy of Client Experiences
Finest midsize Automobile: Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry, now bought solely as a hybrid, additionally snatched one of many high slots on the checklist, with Client Experiences touting its “sensible inside house” and “user-friendly controls.” The automobile has a base value of $29,100.
“It handles properly, it rides properly, seems fairly good, too,” Knizek mentioned. “So it is only a well-rounded sedan.”
One draw back: The low placement of the entrance and rear seats might make them difficult to entry for some.
John “JP” Powers; picture courtesy of Client Experiences 
Finest subcompact SUV: Subaru Crosstrek
With a base value of $26,995, the Subaru Crosstrek is available in each hybrid and gas-powered variations. Client Experiences mentioned the automobile provides safe dealing with and might deal with “off-pavement excursions.”
Knizek praised each the Crosstrek and the Subaru Forester (listed under) for his or her reliability and visibility.
“The place they actually shine is that they’re dependable,” he mentioned. “However they’re gas environment friendly, and that is going to sound foolish, however you may see out of them rather well.”
John “JP” Powers; picture courtesy of Client Experiences. 
Finest compact SUV: Subaru Forester
One other Subaru automobile on this yr’s high 10 checklist is the Forester, which begins at $29,995. Subaru launched a hybrid version of the automobile final yr, which it says will get 40% higher gas financial system than the non-hybrid mannequin.
Client Experiences pointed to the Forester’s wonderful visibility, consolation, security and spacious inside.
John “JP” Powers; picture courtesy of Client Experiences. 
Finest midsize SUV: Toyota Grand Highlander
Client Experiences mentioned the Toyota Grand Highlander is an effective decide in relation to three-row SUVs, with a roomy inside and 18-inch wheels making for a easy, snug experience. The automobile will get 35 mpg general and has a base value of $41,660.
“There are different three-row SUVs, however to get one which’s this spacious and has a fuel-efficient hybrid possibility is fairly uncommon,” Knizek mentioned.
John “JP” Powers; picture courtesy of Client Experiences. 
Finest luxurious compact SUV: Lexus NX
The Lexus NX received excessive marks for its high-quality inside design and luxury, with Client Experiences praising its “particularly plush and supportive” entrance seats.
The automobile, with a base value of $44,175, is out there as a completely gas-powered automobile, common hybrid or plug-in hybrid. The hybrid model of the Lexus NX combines a strong 304-horsepower engine with gas effectivity, with the automobile in a position to journey 37 miles solely on electrical energy, in line with Client Experiences.
John “JP” Powers; picture courtesy of Client Experiences. 
Finest small pickup truck: Ford Maverick
At a beginning value of $28,145, the Ford Maverick caught Client Experiences’ consideration for its affordability. It is available in each hybrid and gas-powered fashions, attaining 37 mpg and 23 mpg, respectively. The truck can tow 4,000 kilos, in line with Ford’s website.
With a smaller body, the automobile can be extra nimble, Knizek mentioned. “For those who’re in a city-type of setting and also you want a truck, that is one thing slightly bit extra manageable,” he mentioned.
John “JP” Powers; picture courtesy of Client Experiences 
Finest luxurious midsize SUV: BMW X5
Client Experiences described the BMW X5 as among the best luxurious automobiles it has ever examined, praising its supportive seats and well-fashioned inside. The automobile is available in each a gas-only model and a hybrid mannequin with a 39-mile electric-only vary.
With “numerous luxurious manufacturers, simply on common, we do not see one of the best reliability. However BMW has actually bucked that development, the X5 included,” Knizek informed CBS Information. “Past the reliability of it, it is only a actually, actually compelling luxurious SUV.”
The X5 is the most costly automobile on the highest 10 checklist, with a base value of $67,600.
John “JP” Powers; p[hoto courtesy of Consumer Reports 
Best electric vehicle: Tesla Model Y
Consumer Reports ranks Tesla’s Model Y, launched in 2020, as its best electric vehicle. The car’s reliability has increased with time and is integrated into the automaker’s Supercharger network, which “still has yet to be topped,” Knizek said. The car’s base price is $39,990.
Some downsides: Knizek said the controls on the inside can be distracting. Consumer Repiorts also recommends against using the self-driving feature Tesla advertises.
Tesla last week decided to wind down production of two older car models, the S and X, according to the Associated Press. Both models saw a decline in sales last year, Kelley Blue Book data shows.
John “JP” Power; p[hoto courtesy of Consumer Reports 
Best full-size pickup truck: Ford F-150
The Ford F-150, with a starting price of $37,290, has both a gas-powered and a hybrid version. The vehicle stands out in the truck category for its reliability, Knizek said.
“The reliability has slowly crept up over time,” he said. “It’s nice to be able to point people toward a truck that’s going to serve them pretty well.”
Some of the bells and whistles Consumer Reports liked: blind-spot monitors and driving aids that simplify backing up and hooking up a trailer.
John “JP” Powers; photo courtesy of Consumer Reports 
