The 10 best vehicles of 2026 according to Consumer Reports
In addition to relying on the best buys section of the 2026 Car Guide and our numerous road tests to help you choose the right vehicle for your needs, it's wise to consult reputable sources of information such as the American magazine Consumer Reports. The latter has just published its list of the 10 best new vehicles on the market in 2026 after evaluating more than 260 models.
Owner satisfaction, safety, fuel consumption, anticipated reliability, and road performance are among the selection criteria.
For the first time, the list consists exclusively of models offering a hybrid or electric variant. Consumer Reports notes that all versions of the Honda Civic are excellent (base Civic, Civic Hybrid, Civic Si) and that the Ford F-150 has improved enough in terms of reliability to become the first full-size pickup truck in several years to make it into the overall top 10 vehicles.
Here is the list. Let us know what you think!
Compact cars – Honda Civic
Consumer Reports score: 78 (Civic Hybrid), 72 (Civic)
Comments: “The Honda Civic is an excellent small car. It has all the qualities we appreciate in the gasoline version, including precise and responsive steering, optimal driving comfort, and a spacious interior. The Civic Hybrid is much more than the sum of its test results. It impresses as much with its controlled power and driving pleasure as with its dynamic and enjoyable handling on winding roads.”
Midsize cars – Toyota Camry
Consumer Reports score: 88
Comments: "The Camry received unanimous approval from our experts: it's a winning formula that Toyota has perfected even further. It offers an ideal balance between driving comfort and handling, a spacious interior, and ergonomic controls. All versions are available with all-wheel drive, which further enhances its appeal. The icing on the cake? The Camry's reliability is better than that of the previous model."
Subcompact SUVs – Subaru Crosstrek
Consumer Reports score: 83
Comments: "All gasoline versions are now equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine developing 180 horsepower and delivering combined fuel consumption of 8.1 L/100 km. The new hybrid version, which is slightly more powerful, has an estimated combined fuel consumption of 6.5 L/100 km. The Crosstrek offers excellent handling, with precise steering and minimal body roll when cornering, but it's the ride comfort that really impresses. Its raised ground clearance makes it easy to get in and out of the vehicle."
Learn more about the Crosstrek.
Compact SUVs – Subaru Forester
Consumer Reports score: 88 (Forester Hybrid), 86 (Forester)
Comments: "Last year, the Forester rose to the top of our list thanks to its excellent overall performance and reliability. We also appreciated its ease of access, excellent visibility, driving comfort, good safety ratings, and spacious interior. This year, the Forester adds an energy-efficient hybrid powertrain to these strengths while retaining its permanent mechanical all-wheel drive."
Learn more about the Forester.
Midsize SUVs – Toyota Grand Highlander
Consumer Reports score: 88 (Highlander Hybrid), 79 (Highlander)
Comments: "Spacious enough to comfortably seat an adult in each seat while offering generous cargo space, the Grand Highlander is a near-perfect family vehicle. It also offers exceptionally smooth handling, but the real highlight of this Toyota is its optional 245-horsepower hybrid powertrain, which delivers acceleration equivalent to the standard turbocharged engine while achieving remarkable fuel economy of 6.7 L/100 km."
Learn more about the Grand Highlander.
Compact luxury SUVs – Lexus NX
Consumer Reports score: 85 (NX Hybrid), 81 (NX)
Comments: "This award-winning model combines elegance, efficiency, and reliability. Its interior, although relatively compact, offers generous space and meticulous finishes, with controls of impeccable quality. The front seats are particularly comfortable and offer excellent support. The NX's four-cylinder turbo engine stands out for its dynamism. The hybrid version is even more refined, with electric assistance ensuring smooth power delivery."
Luxury midsize SUVs – BMW X5
Consumer Reports score: 92 (X5), 84 (X5 plug-in hybrid)
Comments: "This is a high-end, fully equipped vehicle that offers a unique feel even before you start the engine. The seats provide optimal support and are perfectly designed for long journeys. The X5 gasoline model is both powerful and fuel-efficient, with acceleration worthy of a sports sedan and fuel consumption that is among the best in its class. The plug-in hybrid version is ideal for drivers whose daily commutes are within its 64 km range in all-electric mode."
Compact trucks – Ford Maverick
Consumer Reports score: 79 (Maverick), 76 (Maverick Hybrid)
Comments: "The Maverick is an excellent choice if you're looking for a vehicle for your daily commute and a weekend road trip companion. The latest Maverick still stands out for its attractive entry price, relatively spacious interior, and comfortable ride, not to mention its available hybrid powertrain. Both powertrains are available in all-wheel-drive versions, and specific trims are offered, such as the Lobo, focused on road performance, and the Tremor, designed for off-roading."
Learn more about the Maverick.
Full-size pickup trucks – Ford F-150
Consumer Reports score: 72 (F-150 Hybrid), 66 (F-150)
Comments: "This year, its increased reliability earned it a spot in our rankings. The F-150 also stands out for its powerful engines, spacious interior, and intuitive controls. The standard 2.7-liter turbo V6 is a gem, offering generous low-end torque and a smooth 10-speed automatic transmission. A traditional V8 is still available, but a more powerful option is offered: the 3.5-liter turbocharged V6 hybrid with 430 horsepower and an impressive 570 lb-ft of torque. It's an excellent choice for towing."
Electric vehicles – Tesla Model Y
Consumer Reports score: 87
Comments: "The Model Y combines a practical and stylish hatchback design with a long range, sports car performance, and access to Tesla's extensive Supercharger network. Redesigned for 2026, it benefits from numerous improvements. It offers enhanced driving comfort, acoustic glazing for a quieter cabin, and, starting with the Premium trim, an 8-inch touchscreen for rear passengers. Above all, its reliability continues to improve, making it more attractive than ever."
