CarGuru’s 2026 Vehicle Confidence Awards

CarGurus is recognizing the top new cars of 2026 in its first-ever Confidence Awards. Based on CarGurus propriety data along with its car reviews, the awards highlight the best vehicles for affordability, modern design and smart engineering in four categories that CarGurus says reflect the needs of today's car shoppers: Best Truck for Families, Best Family Upgrade, Best Electric Vehicle (EV) Experience, and Best Smart Luxury Model.

CarGurus' picks are based on its marketplace data, hands-on testing, and editorial reviews of hundreds of vehicles each year. Winners were selected from a competitive field spanning a range of segments, powertrains, and price points. CarGurus says category winners represent the top new car models that combine strong value, modern design, and thoughtful engineering.

“Car shoppers face more decisions than ever, from new models, technology, and powertrain options, to a bigger emphasis on value and reliability,” said David Undercoffler, Head of Consumer Insights at CarGurus. “The Confidence Awards help cut through that complexity to spotlight the vehicles that truly deliver — whether it’s for growing families, first-time EV buyers, or drivers looking for premium features without the premium price. Backed by insights from the largest car shopping platform in the U.S., our awards offer a trusted guide to the best new vehicles available today.”

CarGurus 2026 Confidence Awards winners include:

• Best Truck for Families: Ram 1500. Edging out over 30 eligible trucks, the Ram 1500 posted the highest marks in safety, form, and function. Configuration options include 10 trim levels, two cab sizes, and multiple bed lengths to suit families of all sizes. CarGurus says this combination of refinement, capability, and adaptability set the Ram 1500 apart.
  
  
• Best Family Upgrade: Toyota Grand Highlander. Built for growing families, CarGurus says the Toyota Grand Highlander stood out for its ability to meet the evolving needs. With a genuinely usable third row, expansive cargo capacity, and three distinct powertrain options, it delivers versatility for everyday driving while earning top marks in safety, form, and function.
  
  
• Best Smart Luxury: Genesis G70. Offering luxury without compromise, CarGurus says the Genesis G70 rose above a competitive field by excelling in look, feel, and technology. Striking design, performance, and high-quality materials deliver a premium experience, while a strong cost-value score makes the Genesis G70 a standout in the segment. 

“At Genesis, we’re committed to providing vehicles with intuitive features that enhance usability and elevate the driving experience,” said Tedros Mengiste, chief operating officer of Genesis Motor North America. “G70 continues to resonate with enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike, delivering a refined yet engaging experience.”

• Best EV Experience: Hyundai Ioniq 5. Making EV ownership easy, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 earned one of the most decisive victories across all categories. Leading in cost-effectiveness and technology, CarGurus says it simplifies the transition from gas to electric driving with intuitive features, flexible charging capabilities, and a spacious, user-friendly design that meets drivers where they are.

“CarGurus’ recognition highlights why IONIQ 5 continues to stand out. It is designed for the market. It fits into daily life with fast, predictable charging, a flexible and spacious interior, and intuitive systems that create a stable and attainable experience,” said Olabisi Boyle, senior vice president, product planning and mobility strategy, in a statement. “That is what helps to drive real adoption.”

Methodology

To determine the winners, CarGurus says it evaluated eligible vehicles using a combination of marketplace data and expert editorial analysis. Criteria included Vehicles needed to meet minimum inventory thresholds on the CarGurus site and fall within pricing guidelines relative to MSRP, with additional category-specific limits applied where relevant.

Each vehicle was scored across six key attributes: look and feel, performance, form and function, tech level, safety, and overall value. CarGurus says the weighting of these factors varied by category to reflect what matters most to shoppers. CarGurus says its editorial team then ranked their top vehicles in each category using a weighted voting system.