Consumer Reports is sharing its 2026 Annual Top 10 Picks in new cars, trucks and SUVs, naming vehicles it says offer the best balance of road-test performance, safety, reliability and owner satisfaction. The nonprofit consumer advocacy organization said all 10 winning models are available with hybrid, plug-in hybrid or fully electric powertrains, marking the first time electrified vehicles exclusively filled the list. I am admittedly not a fan of Consumer Reports when it comes to cars, but will go on the record as saying I agree with the majority of the picks as being good choices, not necessarily the best choice.
Consumer Reports said it evaluates roughly 50 new vehicles each year, purchasing them anonymously and subjecting them to more than 50 tests, including acceleration, braking, handling, ride comfort, fuel efficiency and usability. Vehicles must also perform well in government and insurance-industry crash tests and score above average in predicted reliability based on annual surveys of hundreds of thousands of vehicle owners, according to the organization.
The Top Picks list is not a ranking of the best vehicles overall, Consumer Reports said, but rather a selection of standout models within specific segments that meet its highest standards across multiple categories. To qualify, vehicles must come standard with key advanced safety features, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection.
Consumer Reports said the 2026 list reflects continued improvements in electrified powertrains and growing consumer acceptance of hybrids and electric vehicles as mainstream transportation options. The organization noted that many of the selected vehicles remain priced below the national average transaction price for new vehicles, which has remained elevated in recent years.
Below are Consumer Reports’ 2026 Top 10 Picks by category:
Best small car: Honda Civic
Consumer Reports cited the Civic for its balanced handling, comfortable ride, fuel efficiency and strong predicted reliability, noting that the available hybrid version enhances efficiency without sacrificing performance.
Best midsize car: Toyota Camry
Now offered exclusively as a hybrid, the Camry earned Consumer Reports' praise for its smooth ride, roomy interior and improved fuel economy while maintaining its reputation for long-term dependability.
Best subcompact SUV: Subaru Crosstrek
Consumer Reports recognized the Crosstrek for its standard all-wheel drive, good visibility, comfortable ride and versatility, which it said makes it a strong choice for buyers seeking a small SUV with light off-road capability.
Best compact SUV: Subaru Forester
Consumer Reports highlighted the Forester’s spacious interior, excellent outward visibility, refined ride quality and strong safety performance, along with its available hybrid powertrain.
Best midsize SUV: Toyota Grand Highlander
The three-row Grand Highlander earned high marks from Consumer Reporter for its interior space, ride comfort and fuel efficiency, particularly in hybrid form, while offering seating for up to eight passengers.
Best luxury compact SUV: Lexus NX
The NX stood out for its upscale interior, comfortable seating, quiet ride and strong reliability record, with Consumer Reports also noting the availability of a plug-in hybrid variant.
Best small pickup: Ford Maverick
The Maverick was praised for its affordability, practicality and city-friendly size, with Consumer Reports noting the hybrid version for delivering strong fuel economy and everyday usability.
Best luxury midsize SUV: BMW X5
Consumer Reports cited the X5’s high-quality interior, supportive seats and solid performance in road testing, noting that electrified versions contribute to improved efficiency.
Best electric vehicle: Tesla Model Y
The Model Y earned recognition for its performance, practicality and access to a widespread fast-charging network, with Consumer Reports citing improved reliability compared with earlier model years.
Best full-size pickup: Ford F-150
The F-150 returned to the Top Picks list as Consumer Reports pointed to improved reliability, broad capability and the availability of hybrid powertrains that enhance fuel efficiency without sacrificing utility.
Consumer Reports said advanced safety systems played a significant role in the 2026 selections, reflecting the organization’s view that features such as automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring are now essential rather than optional.
The annual Top Picks list is intended to help consumers narrow their choices in an increasingly complex new-vehicle market by identifying models that perform well across a wide range of ownership considerations, Consumer Reports said.