Client Reviews’ verdict on the highest new vehicles for 2026 is in, and it brings some welcome information for automobile consumers trying to reduce down on their gas use whereas additionally staying protected on the highway.
This yr’s mixture of high vehicles, vehicles and SUVs embody a number of fashions that are available beneath the common $50,000 beginning worth for a brand new automobile.
For the primary time, the highest 10 additionally all are available electrical or hybrid variations, based on the product testing and analysis group, which launched its rankings on Tuesday. In comparison with gas-powered automobiles, the hybrid and EV choices provide perks like higher acceleration, quieter cabins and improved gas economic system, based on Client Reviews.
“The whole lot right here is galvanized, so to talk,” stated Alex Knizek, director of auto take a look at improvement at Client Reviews.
Client Reviews purchases and assessments about 50 new automobiles yearly, assessing the vehicles primarily based on their efficiency in dozens of highway assessments, in addition to authorities and insurance coverage business crash assessments. The group additionally considers reliability and shopper satisfaction scores pulled from survey information.
Most vehicles that claimed the best rankings are repeats from final yr, excluding three new automobiles that managed to infiltrate the highest 10. Learn on for Client Reviews’ listing of one of the best automobiles for 2026.
For these wanting to economize, Client Reviews additionally compiles an inventory of the highest 10 used vehicles every month.
Finest small automobile: Honda Civic
The Honda Civic, lengthy lauded for its worth, is a brand new entrant into Client Reviews’ high 10 this yr. The automobile’s base worth in 2026 is $24,695.
Of the automobile maker’s three Honda Civic sedan fashions, Client Reviews stated 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, based on Client Reviews. Honda launched the hybrid model of its Honda Civic automobile in 2003, in accordance to JD Energy.
In response to Knizek, the hybrid mannequin is each quieter and extra highly effective than the gas-powered mannequin.
John “JP” Powers; picture courtesy of Client Reviews 
Finest midsize Automobile: Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry, now offered solely as a hybrid, additionally snatched one of many high slots on the listing, with Client Reviews touting its “sensible inside house” and “user-friendly controls.” The automobile has a base worth of $29,100.
“It handles effectively, it rides effectively, seems to be fairly good, too,” Knizek stated. “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 Reviews 
Finest subcompact SUV: Subaru Crosstrek
With a base worth of $26,995, the Subaru Crosstrek is available in each hybrid and gas-powered variations. Client Reviews stated the automobile provides safe dealing with and might deal with “off-pavement excursions.”
Knizek praised each the Crosstrek and the Subaru Forester (listed beneath) for his or her reliability and visibility.
“The place they actually shine is that they’re dependable,” he stated. “However they’re gas environment friendly, and that is going to sound foolish, however you possibly can see out of them rather well.”
John “JP” Powers; picture courtesy of Client Reviews. 
Finest compact SUV: Subaru Forester
One other Subaru automobile on this yr’s high 10 listing is the Forester, which begins at $29,995. Subaru launched a hybrid model of the automobile final yr, which it says will get 40% higher gas economic system than the non-hybrid mannequin.
Client Reviews pointed to the Forester’s wonderful visibility, consolation, security and spacious inside.
John “JP” Powers; picture courtesy of Client Reviews. 
Finest midsize SUV: Toyota Grand Highlander
Client Reviews stated the Toyota Grand Highlander is an efficient choose relating to three-row SUVs, with a roomy inside and 18-inch wheels making for a easy, comfy journey. The automobile will get 35 mpg total and has a base worth 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 stated.
John “JP” Powers; picture courtesy of Client Reviews. 
Finest luxurious compact SUV: Lexus NX
The Lexus NX bought excessive marks for its high-quality inside design and luxury, with Client Reviews praising its “particularly plush and supportive” entrance seats.
The automobile, with a base worth of $44,175, is obtainable 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 capable of journey 37 miles solely on electrical energy, based on Client Reviews.
John “JP” Powers; picture courtesy of Client Reviews. 
Finest small pickup truck: Ford Maverick
At a beginning worth of $28,145, the Ford Maverick caught Client Reviews’ 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, based on Ford’s web site.
With a smaller body, the automobile can be extra nimble, Knizek stated. “When you’re in a city-type of setting and also you want a truck, that is one thing a bit bit extra manageable,” he stated.
John “JP” Powers; picture courtesy of Client Reviews 
Finest luxurious midsize SUV: BMW X5
Client Reviews described the BMW X5 as top-of-the-line luxurious vehicles 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 “quite a lot of luxurious manufacturers, simply on common, we do not see one of the best reliability. However BMW has actually bucked that pattern, the X5 included,” Knizek advised CBS Information. “Past the reliability of it, it is only a actually, actually compelling luxurious SUV.”
The X5 is the costliest automobile on the highest 10 listing, with a base worth of $67,600.
John “JP” Powers; p[hoto courtesy of Client Reviews 
Finest electrical automobile: Tesla Mannequin Y
Client Reviews ranks Tesla’s Mannequin Y, launched in 2020, as its finest electrical automobile. The automobile’s reliability has elevated with time and is built-in into the automaker’s Supercharger community, which “nonetheless has but to be topped,” Knizek stated. The automobile’s base worth is $39,990.
Some downsides: Knizek stated the controls on the within could be distracting. Client Repiorts additionally recommends in opposition to utilizing the self-driving function Tesla advertises.
Tesla final week determined to wind down manufacturing of two older automobile fashions, the S and X, in accordance to the Related Press. Each fashions noticed a decline in gross sales final yr, Kelley Blue E book information reveals.
John “JP” Energy; p[hoto courtesy of Client Reviews 
Finest full-size pickup truck: Ford F-150
The Ford F-150, with a beginning worth of $37,290, has each a gas-powered and a hybrid model. The automobile stands out within the truck class for its reliability, Knizek stated.
“The reliability has slowly crept up over time,” he stated. “It is good to have the ability to level individuals towards a truck that is going to serve them fairly effectively.”
A few of the bells and whistles Client Reviews favored: blind-spot displays and driving aids that simplify backing up and hooking up a trailer.
John “JP” Powers; picture courtesy of Client Reviews 
