Car and Driver is sharing its 10 Best Cars, Trucks and SUVs list for 2026, recognizing the vehicles editors say deliver the best blend of performance, value, usability and driving enjoyment across the automotive landscape.
The awards, published in the January/February 2026 issue of Car and Driver, are the result of a two-week evaluation in which editors tested nearly 100 vehicles back to back. To qualify, vehicles must start under $115,000 and be on sale by January 2026. Each contender was judged on acceleration, braking, handling, comfort, technology, efficiency and how well it fulfills its intended mission.
According to Car and Driver, the 2026 list reflects a wide range of buyer priorities, from high-performance sports cars to affordable daily drivers and family-friendly trucks and SUVs. Editors noted a continued strong showing from traditional internal-combustion vehicles, alongside growing representation from electric and hybrid models that emphasize real-world usability rather than novelty.
Sports cars and performance sedans again claimed several spots on the cars list, led by vehicles that combine power with driver engagement. At the same time, long-running nameplates known for reliability and value maintained their presence, reinforcing the publication’s emphasis on vehicles that excel not just on a track, but in everyday ownership.
On the trucks and SUVs side, practicality and versatility were key factors. Editors praised compact and midsize entries that deliver strong value and efficiency, as well as larger vehicles that balance comfort, technology, and capability. Electrification also made an impact in this category, with EVs earning recognition for range, performance, and thoughtful design rather than simply being early adopters.
Car and Driver emphasized that the 10Best list is not a ranking of luxury or exclusivity, but an evaluation of vehicles that offer the most satisfaction per dollar. Many of the winners are models that editors say they would personally choose to own, underscoring the publication’s long-standing focus on enthusiast credibility.
This year, Honda took home four 10Best Awards. BMW, Cadillac, Ford, Chevy, Lucid, Mercedes-Benz, Subaru, VW, GMC, Hyundai, Ram and Porsche also won awards. The full list of 2026 winners is as follows:
2026 10 Best Cars
BMW M2
Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing
Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing
Chevrolet Corvette
Honda Accord
Honda Civic
Lucid Air
Mercedes-Benz E-Class (E450)
Subaru BRZ / Toyota GR86
Volkswagen GTI / Golf R
2026 10 Best Trucks and SUVs
Chevrolet/GMC Full-Size SUVs (Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Suburban, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL)
Chevrolet Trax
Ford Maverick
Ford Ranger Raptor
Honda CR-V
Honda Passport
Hyundai Palisade Hybrid
Lucid Gravity
Porsche Macan
Ram 1500
The complete 10 Best Cars, Trucks and SUVs coverage appears in the January/February 2026 issue of Car and Driver magazine. You can also check it out on CarAndDriver.com.
Photo: Honda
