Consumer Reports has released its highly anticipated 2026
Annual 10 Top Picks for new cars, trucks, and SUVs.
Announced in early February 2026, this list highlights
vehicles that excel in Consumer Reports' rigorous testing, including road-test
performance, reliability predictions, owner satisfaction, safety features, and
crash-test results.
A standout features
this year: For the first time, every Top Pick is available as a hybrid or
electric vehicle (or has a strong electrified option), reflecting the growing
emphasis on efficiency, refinement, and long-term savings amid evolving fuel
costs and environmental considerations.
These picks come from extensive evaluations of over 260
models, drawing on road tests, member surveys (covering hundreds of thousands
of vehicles), and safety data. Here’s the complete Consumer Reports 2026 10 Top
Picks list:
1.
Best Small Car: Honda Civic
The Civic
(especially the Hybrid) shines with quick steering, a comfortable ride,
spacious interior, and entertaining handling. The hybrid version delivers 200
hp, accelerates to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds, and achieves 44 mpg overall in CR
tests—making it refined, fun, and efficient.
2.
Best Midsized Car: Toyota Camry
Now hybrid-only, the Camry offers superb 48 mpg overall, balanced ride and
handling, practical space, user-friendly controls with physical buttons, and
strong reliability improvements. All-wheel drive is available across trims.
3.
Best Subcompact SUV: Subaru Crosstrek
Returning to the list with upgrades like a more powerful hybrid option
(EPA-estimated 36 mpg combined), it excels in ride comfort, handling,
visibility, easy access, and standard all-wheel drive ideal for light off-road
use.
4.
Best Compact SUV: Subaru Forester
The latest Forester adds a fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain (with full-time
AWD) while retaining great visibility, comfort, safety, and spaciousness. It
builds on prior strengths with better efficiency.
5.
Best Midsized SUV: Toyota Grand Highlander
A newcomer, praised for its family-friendly three-row seating, strong
performance, efficiency (hybrid options), and overall refinement.
6.
Best Luxury Compact SUV: Lexus NX
The NX stands out in the luxury segment for its blend of comfort, tech,
reliability, and hybrid efficiency.
7.
Best Luxury Midsized SUV: BMW X5
A repeat favorite, delivering premium handling, luxury features, strong safety,
and available plug-in hybrid power.
8.
Best Small Pickup: Ford Maverick
Affordable, versatile, and efficient (especially the hybrid), with good utility
and car-like driving dynamics.
9.
Best Full-Sized Pickup: Ford F-150
Improved reliability
helps it earn a spot, with strong towing, capability, tech, and a range of
powertrains.
10.
Best Electric Vehicle: Tesla Model Y
Tops the EV category for its performance, range, charging network, tech
interface, and proven reliability in CR surveys.
These vehicles represent the cream of the crop for 2026,
balancing practicality, efficiency, and dependability. Many emphasize hybrids
for better fuel economy and smoother driving without full reliance on charging infrastructure.
Note: Rankings can shift with new data, and individual needs (budget, size,
features) vary always check current pricing, availability, and test drive
options. For full details, visit Consumer Reports' official article on the 2026
Top Picks.
What vehicle category are you shopping in, or do you have a
specific model in mind? I'd be happy to dive deeper! I’m KIGALI50
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