Since new car prices continue to be high, it’s important for shoppers to choose a model that’s runs well, keeps them safe, and meets their needs for years. To help car shoppers make a smart decision, Consumer Reports, a research, testing, and advocacy organization, if offering its 2026 Annual 10 Top Picks in cars, trucks, and SUVs.
The top picks have the highest scores based on performance in road tests, reliability, owner satisfaction ratings from the organization’s member surveys, and performance in government and insurance industry crash tests. In addition, each winner comes standard with automatic emergency braking that works at low speeds with pedestrian detection and at highway speeds.
“A car is one of the most important purchases Americans make, but not one of the easiest,” Phil Radford, president and CEO of Consumer Reports, said in a statement. “We have to juggle so many priorities, like safety, reliability, and fuel-efficiency – not to mention whether it’s affordable.”
Radford said using Consumer Reports’ top picks makes buying a car simpler.
For the first time, every model on this year’s Consumer Reports best new cars list is either a hybrid, available as one, or is an electric vehicle. While gas-only versions are reliable, their hybrid counterparts often offer quicker acceleration, quieter cabins, and improved fuel economy, which could mean lower long-term ownership costs, Radford said.
Three new models earned spots on this year’s list: the Honda Civic, Toyota Grand Highlander, and Ford F-150, which is the first top pick in the full-sized pickup truck category since 2019. The other winners are were also on last year’s list.
“All 10 Top Picks have important things in common: they performed exceptionally well in our comprehensive road tests, they get high marks for safety, reliability, and owner satisfaction, and our team of experts would enthusiastically recommend them to their own friends and family,” Alex Knizek, associate director of auto test development at Consumer Reports, said. “Whether you’re looking for the best small SUV, the best full-sized pickup, or something in between, there’s a great choice for you on this list.”
Consumer Reports offers the following information on its 2026 top 10 picks:
- Best small car: Honda Civic. The Honda Civic is an excellent sedan, and the Hybrid is the best version. It possesses all the qualities Consumer Reports’ automotive experts like about the gas-only sedan, including quick and responsive steering, a comfortable ride, and a spacious interior. The nimble-handling Si trim is one of the sportiest compact sedans. But the Hybrid version adds a 2.0-liter four-cylinder powertrain that produces 200 hp – 50 hp more than the base gas-only Civic. That extra boost enables it to go from 0 to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds, a full 2 seconds faster than the regular Civic, while also achieving 44 mpg overall in Consumer Reports’ testing, up from 33 mpg. However, the Civic Hybrid is more than the sum of its test results. It’s as impressive for its refined power delivery and rewarding driving experience as it is for being refreshingly entertaining on twisty roads.
- Best midsized car: Toyota Camry. The Camry, now sold only as a hybrid, with a very efficient 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine that hit 48 mpg overall in Consumer Reports’ tests. The latest version strikes a balance between ride comfort and capable handling, offers practical interior space, and features user friendly controls that utilize physical knobs and switches. Both front and rear seats are comfortable, but the low stance can make access a challenge for some occupants. Every trim is available with all-wheel drive, broadening its appeal. The Camry’s reliability score is even stronger than last year’s model, according to Consumer Reports’ latest reliability survey data, making this repeat winner an even smarter choice than before.
- Best subcompact SUV: Subaru Crosstrek. The Crosstrek returns to the top picks list again this year with even more positive attributes. Each gas-only version now has a 180-hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with a continuously variable transmission and AWD, which achieved 29 mpg overall in Consumer Reports’ fuel-economy testing. (The new, slightly more powerful Hybrid has an EPA-estimated 36 mpg combined.) The Crosstrek handles well, with quick steering and minimal roll through turns, but it’s the ride quality that’s most noteworthy. It absorbs road imperfections better than many cars, so it’s comfortable even during off-pavement excursions. Its added ground clearance makes getting into and out of a cinch.
- Best compact SUV: Subaru Forester. Last year, the gas-only Forester claimed a spot in Consumer Reports’ top picks due to its good all-around performance and reliability scores. High points also included easy access in and out, great visibility, a comfortable ride, good safety credentials, and a spacious interior. This year, the Forester adds to those virtues a fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain, with a 2.5-liter flat-four “boxer” engine augmented by Toyota-sourced electric hardware. Unlike most other small hybrid SUVs, which only offer limited all-wheel drive, the Forester Hybrid has a mechanical, full-time AWD system. Consumer Reports’ testing confirmed the hybrid boasts a 5 mpg advantage over the regular Forester, making the exceptional SUV even more desirable.
- Best midsized SUV: Toyota Grand Highlander. It’s rare to find a three-row SUV that’s roomy enough to accommodate an adult in every seat and still have space for cargo. The Grand Highlander is that SUV, which makes it a great people-mover. When outfitted with 18-inch tires, it’s also unusually smooth to drive. But the Toyota’s real advantage is its optional 245-hp hybrid powertrain, which matches the standard turbo engine’s performance while returning 35 mpg overall in Consumer Reports’ tests – fuel efficiency that’s on a par with the best compact SUV hybrids.
- Best luxury compact SUV: Lexus NX. The Lexus NX remains a standout in small luxury SUVs. This repeat winner combines elegance, efficiency, and reliability. Although the cabin is fairly compact, it doesn’t feel crowded, and it’s outfitted with soft surfaces and controls with a solid, high-quality feel. The front seats are plush and supportive. The turbocharged four-cylinder in the gas-only NX has real pep, making it competitive among its upscale peers. The hybrid version – now available with front-wheel drive – is even more refined, with the electric assist helping to smooth out the power delivery. The AWD version achieved 38 mpg overall in Consumer Reports’ tests, far better than the 25-mpg gas-powered NX. In addition to the benefit of being able to drive solely on electricity for 37 miles, the NX PHEV has a combined 304 horsepower – enough to make it among the quickest in its class.
- Best small pickup truck: Ford Maverick. The Maverick is a great choice for a weekday commuter or weekend adventures. The latest version continues to stand out for its low entry price, relatively spacious cabin, and smooth ride – and for being available with a hybrid powertrain. The 2.5-liter, front-drive hybrid impressed testers by achieving 37 mpg overall in Consumer Reports’ tests. The more spirited, gas-only 250-hp turbocharged four-cylinder returned 23 mpg overall, but has a better predicted reliability score based on Consumer Reports’ exclusive reliability survey data. This year, AWD configurations are available for each engine, and there are special trims, including the street-performance Lobo and the off-road-ready Tremor. The Maverick remains a standout vehicle, and its appeal continues to increase over time.
- Best luxury midsized SUV: BMW X5. The BMW X5 remains one of the best luxury SUVs Consumer Reports has ever tested. It’s a luxurious, well-rounded vehicle that feels special even before you put it into gear. The cabin has leather, wood, chrome, and soft surfaces, and the supportive seats are sculpted for day-long road trips. The gas-only X5 is powerful and efficient, with fuel economy that, at 23 mpg overall, is among the best of any nonhybrid midsized SUV. The X5 plug-in hybrid version is ideal for drivers whose daily trips are near its 39-mile electric-only range. (Once the battery is depleted, that version gets 21 mpg.) Either configuration provides an entertaining driving experience that lives up to BMW’s reputation.
- Best electric vehicle: Tesla Model Y. The Model Y combines a practical yet sleek hatchback design, a long driving range, sports-car-level performance, and access to Tesla’s widespread Supercharger network. Refreshed for 2026, the latest Model Y has many updates. It features a more compliant ride, acoustic glass for a quieter cabin, upgraded interiors, and – in the midlevel Premium trim and above – an 8-inch touchscreen for rear passengers. Like last year’s version, the revised Y still benefits from great acceleration, sharp handling, comfortable front seats, and unobstructed forward views. In addition, its reliability continues to improve.
- Best full-sized pickup truck: Ford F-150. Improved reliability earned the F-150 a spot on Consumer Reports’ 10 best list. It also stands out for its strong powertrains, roomy cabin, and simple controls. The latest version adds useful innovations, such as blind-spot monitors and aids that simplify backing up and hooking up a trailer, as well as a flat tailgate that doubles as a workbench. The base 325-hp, 2.7-liter turbo V6 is a gem, with loads of low-end power and a smooth-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission. A traditional midtier 400-hp V8 is also still available; however, a better option is the 430-hp, 3.5-liter turbocharged V6 hybrid. Unlike some hybrids, this powertrain prioritizes brawn over efficiency. It boasts 570 lb.-ft. of torque, compared to the 5.0-liter V8’s 410 lb.-ft., and at a lower rpm, making it a strong choice for towing. Ford’s excellent BlueCruise active driving system is also available.
Consumer Reports’ new safety ranking
Consumer Reports’ new Safety Verdict rating system incorporates its evaluations for handling and ease of use, crash test results from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, and whether proven safety technologies are available as standard equipment. The score are basic, better, or best.
Mazda, Genesis, Acura make safest new cars
Mazda makes the safest new cars on the road, based on a brand-level analysis of Consumer Reports’ Safety Verdict. The Japanese automaker has the highest percentage of its tested fleet earning the highest Safety Verdict score, followed by Genesis, Acura, Hyundai, and Lincoln. No other brand has more than half its vehicles rated best. Land Rover is last due to its less-than-average performance for braking and emergency handling.
For more information, visit CR.org/cars.
Photo: M 93
