Consumer Reports 2026 Top Picks: 10 cars CR calls the best buys of the year

Consumer Reports has published its annual 10 Top Picks — the best new cars of 2026. For the US market it is one of the most influential rankings: cars are judged not only on driving impressions but also on safety, predicted reliability, owner satisfaction and the results of CR’s own road tests.

The list features Honda Civic, Toyota Camry, Subaru Crosstrek, Subaru Forester, Toyota Grand Highlander, Lexus NX, Ford Maverick, BMW X5, Tesla Model Y and Ford F-150. One detail stands out: every model in the ranking is either a hybrid or an EV, or has a hybrid version available. For the US this is no longer an image-driven trend but a practical calculation — lower fuel consumption, a quieter cabin, more torque on tap and lower long-term running costs.

In the compact class Consumer Reports picked the Honda Civic. The hybrid version looks especially strong: CR cites a 200-hp powertrain and 44 mpg overall in its own testing. It marks the Civic Hybrid as one of the most refined small-car packages on sale today.

The Toyota Camry, now sold exclusively as a hybrid in the US, returns to the list with one of the most impressive numbers in the entire ranking: 48 mpg overall in CR’s tests. CR highlights the balance between ride comfort and handling, the practical interior and user-friendly physical controls.

Subaru appears twice — with the Crosstrek and the Forester. The Crosstrek wins points for its compact size, standard all-wheel drive and everyday practicality, while the Forester offers a roomier cabin and stronger family logic. The new Forester Hybrid uses a system sourced from partner Toyota and adds about five miles per gallon over the gas-only version.

Toyota Grand Highlander is a large family SUV valued in the US for its three-row space and hybrid versions. CR specifically praises the 245-hp hybrid powertrain, which returns a remarkable 35 mpg overall — on par with much smaller hybrid SUVs.

The Lexus NX remains one of the most rational premium crossovers on the list. It earns a strong reliability reputation, offers hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions and holds its value well on the used market. For buyers who want a luxury compact SUV without the running-cost surprises of European rivals, it is a logical choice.

Ford Maverick is the most unusual entry in the ranking. CR rates it as a rational alternative to bigger trucks: a compact, city-friendly pickup whose hybrid version delivers strong fuel economy and everyday usability. In a market dominated by oversized rigs, the Maverick is a deliberate counter-bet.

The BMW X5 is a predictable pick: a premium SUV with strong dynamics, comfort and a high level of equipment. CR points to the high-quality interior, supportive seats and the role electrified versions play in improving overall efficiency.

The Tesla Model Y is the list’s key EV. CR highlights driving range, performance, access to the Supercharger network and the refreshed 2026 cabin: a more compliant ride, acoustic glass for a quieter interior and an 8-inch rear-passenger touchscreen on Premium and above. The biggest news, however, is that the Model Y’s reliability keeps improving year over year.

Ford F-150 returns to CR’s top 10 thanks to improved reliability — the first full-size pickup in years to qualify. According to 32CARS.RU, the standout option is the 430-hp 3.5-liter turbocharged V6 hybrid, which on the F-150 prioritizes torque over efficiency and can even double as a power generator on a worksite or during an outage at home.

The main takeaway from the Consumer Reports ranking: every single Top Pick for 2026 is electrified in some form. This is the first time the list has looked like this, and it is a strong signal about where the US market is heading. For buyers in any country it is a useful filter — not a buying instruction, but a serious indicator of quality, reliability and total cost of ownership.