Edmunds tested hundreds of vehicles in 2025. These rigorous evaluations covered roads, trails, and a private track. Some models disappointed. Many others proved solid contenders. Yet, a select few truly excelled. Our experts identified the very best. This guide details the top cars, trucks, and SUVs of 2026. It highlights their strengths and weaknesses. We ensure you get trusted, data-backed insights.
Top Small SUVs for 2026
Hyundai Tucson Hybrid
More than ten small SUVs underwent testing last year. None surpassed the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid. Its seamless hybrid powertrain stands out. Power delivery shifts smoothly between electric and gas. This provides an effortless driving experience. Furthermore, ride quality is exceptional. The Tucson glides over rough surfaces. It always maintains its composure on various terrains.
Interior space and comfort are significant advantages. Supportive seats accommodate full-size adults. Rear passenger room is ample. Advanced technology also impresses buyers. A suite of driver aids enhances safety. This helps keep you out of trouble. Peace of mind comes with the industry’s best warranty. The Kia Sportage shares this excellent coverage. However, some caveats exist. The gas-only Tucson is slower. It also lacks the hybrid’s smoothness. Touch buttons inside can be less intuitive. Other hybrids offer better fuel economy numbers. Plus, its styling is not for everyone. Overall, the Tucson Hybrid package is highly recommended.
Best 3-Row SUVs for Families
Ford Expedition
Ford’s largest SUV truly impressed our team. Utility defines a big SUV purchase. The Expedition delivers this in spades. It offers space for adults in all three rows. Interior storage options are abundant. Cargo room is also generous. Additionally, its towing capacity is class-leading. It outperforms almost any other SUV on sale. Our tests confirmed its comfortable ride. This is notable for a truck-based SUV. It performs competently off-road. The twin-turbo V6 engine is outstanding. It provides confident driving in all conditions.
Nevertheless, a few criticisms emerged. The steering feels too slow. Parking and city driving require more effort. Most controls are touchscreen-based. This can be less convenient than physical buttons. Fuel economy is not a strong suit. This is expected for a large SUV. However, these concerns are modest. The Expedition dominated its rival, the Chevy Tahoe. It remains the best big three-row SUV available.
Hyundai Palisade Hybrid
The Hyundai Palisade Hybrid wowed our experts. Its interior sets a high standard. Design, materials, and features feel premium. It surpasses rivals like the Toyota Grand Highlander. All three rows offer ample space. USB ports and storage are convenient for everyone. The hybrid powertrain ensures a super smooth ride. This justifies its premium over the gas-only version. The gas model is sluggish and less efficient. While towing capacity is not class-leading, it remains respectable. The Palisade Hybrid is a brilliant all-rounder. It was one of the best vehicles we drove.
Top Electric 3-Row SUVs for 2026
Hyundai IONIQ 9
We recommend the Hyundai IONIQ 9 for an electric three-row. Hyundai is producing great cars lately. The IONIQ 9 fulfills every requirement for an EV SUV. It exceeded expectations in the Edmunds EV range test. Furthermore, it charged exceptionally fast. This was shown in the Edmunds EV charging test. Access to Tesla’s Supercharger Network is also a huge plus. The interior is spacious and well-appointed. Adjustable front seats ensure comfort on long drives. We appreciate its minimal reliance on touchscreen controls. Many other EVs use touchscreens excessively. The base price of around $60,000 is competitive. This is a solid deal for a three-row EV. It also includes Hyundai’s excellent warranty. Some drawbacks include an aging infotainment system. The steering can feel slow and heavy. Yet, it remains a top pick, earning its place among the best cars of the year.
BMW iX
For a more luxurious experience, consider the BMW iX. Edmunds owned one for a year-long road test. The iX stands out from other electric SUVs. Its design is polarizing, yet distinctive. It functions as an exceptional luxury car. The interior feels airy and spacious. Materials used are of superb quality. It is nearly silent, even at highway speeds. Wind and tire noise are almost nonexistent. Available features enhance luxury further. These include glass control knobs and soft-close doors. Massage seats and a Bowers & Wilkins audio system are also offered. The iX is very pleasant to drive. It offers plenty of speed. Its size makes parking easy. Ride comfort is truly excellent. BMW’s hands-free driving tech is highly effective. Touchscreen controls can be somewhat finicky. It is not an inexpensive vehicle. However, luxury EVs come no better than the iX.
Hyundai IONIQ 5
If you seek a more affordable electric SUV, the Hyundai IONIQ 5 excels. Nothing we drove last year was better. It masters all essential EV aspects. It provides a good range. Tesla Supercharger access is a key benefit. It also boasts some of the fastest charging speeds. We recorded these in our EV tests. Most notably, the IONIQ 5 is easy to live with. It balances modern features with familiar controls. Intuitive physical buttons are present. Everything operates as expected. There is virtually no learning curve. The IONIQ 5 drives well across all variants. This includes the semi-luxe Limited. The toughened XRT is also impressive. Even the track-ready IONIQ 5N performs admirably. Rear visibility is not ideal. Cargo space is smaller than average. It lacks hands-free driving capability. Some competitors offer this feature. Nevertheless, no other electric SUV does so much so well.
Best Trucks for 2026
A clear message from last year’s testing emerged. Ford continues its dominance in trucks. No one builds them better right now.
Ford F-150
The Ford F-150 is a prime example. We tested F-150s extensively. This included road driving, off-roading, towing, and hauling. The F-150 consistently impressed our experts. Its wide variety of configurations is a major strength. Five cab and bed combinations are available. Six engine options are offered. Eight trim levels cater to diverse needs. These include the Raptor and Tremor off-roaders. Finding an F-150 to meet specific needs is easy. It also demonstrates superior towing stability. It surpasses the RAM 1500 in this regard. The F-150 also offers truck-friendly features. An onboard generator is available. A flip-over center console lid adds utility. The effective BlueCruise hands-free driving system is also offered. The infotainment system is user-friendly. No full-size pickup truck is as well-rounded as the F-150.
Ford Ranger
The same praise applies to the Ford Ranger. This is the F-150’s smaller sibling. Edmunds owns three mid-size trucks. Our fleet includes a Ranger, Chevy Colorado, and Toyota Tacoma. The Ranger clearly stood out as the best. Its strong engines deliver impressive power. Towing and payload capabilities are top-tier. They set it apart from the competition. Ride comfort is excellent for daily driving. It maintains a composed feel. Intuitive technology is a plus. The inclusion of physical controls is crucial. This is especially important in a pickup truck. Ease of use truly matters here. However, only one crew cab, five-foot bed configuration is offered. This could be a deal breaker for some. The Ranger is also a couple of thousand dollars more expensive. This is compared to its rivals. Despite this, it was the best mid-size pickup we drove.
Ford Maverick
We also have great affection for the Ford Maverick. Our experts closely examined Ford’s truck lineup. The Maverick is the truck many drivers actually want. Its compact size makes it easy to maneuver. Parking is simple in urban environments. Yet, the bed remains surprisingly useful. It offers significant payload capacity. It can haul approximately 35 bags of topsoil. Alternatively, it fits 4×8 sheets of plywood. The hybrid version is particularly impressive. It achieves nearly 40 miles per gallon. All-wheel drive is now available with the hybrid. Edmunds even purchased one for our long-term fleet. Interior storage is good. The technology is solid and straightforward. The ride can be a little lumpy. Interior materials sometimes feel inexpensive. However, these are minor criticisms. Especially considering the Maverick is the cheapest truck on sale.
Leading Electric Trucks for 2026
GMC Sierra EV
The GMC Sierra EV pleasantly surprised us. It delivered an extraordinary result. Our Edmunds EV Range Test showed 507 miles. This is thanks to its massive battery. This range provides ample flexibility. It is perfect for towing a heavy trailer. It is one of few EVs suitable for long-range towing. Rear-wheel steering makes it agile. This is shocking for a truck of its size. We also appreciate the interior. The Chevy Silverado EV, its sister truck, felt cheap. The Sierra EV, by contrast, uses premium materials. Its upscale design feels appropriate for its price. The bed is a clever feature. Like other electric trucks, it has one cab/bed configuration. The bed is quite short. Yet, a pass-through wall opens into the cabin. This significantly expands bed space. This clever design is unique among EVs. It matches only the Silverado. The absence of Apple CarPlay/Android Auto is a concern. Highway road noise is louder than expected. Still, the Sierra EV is an impressive pickup.
Rivian R1T
The Rivian R1T continues its excellence. It impresses every year since its introduction. Dual, tri, and quad-motor configurations are available. All versions were driven last year. All were incredibly impressive. It delivers rapid on-road performance. A dual-motor version achieved nearly 400 miles of range. This used the max battery pack. A key difference in new Gen2 R1Ts is Rivian’s own motors. These new motors are vastly improved. Low-speed driving feels much smoother now. The R1T also excels off-road. However, spec choice is important. A dual-motor Rivian struggled on a hill climb. This was during testing against a Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro. Yet, a quad-motor R1T was nearly unstoppable. The interior is quiet, comfortable, and spacious. Clever storage areas abound. Rivian’s awesome Gear Tunnel is a highlight. Build quality is solid. This is not always a given for startup EVs. Like the GMC, smartphone mirroring is absent. Many controls route through the touchscreen. This might deter some buyers. Still, the R1T package proves its excellence again.
Outstanding Sedans for 2026
Toyota Camry Hybrid
The Toyota Camry really stood out last year. Now, it is exclusively a hybrid. Its excellent fuel economy was expected. However, the rest of the car pleasantly surprised us. This new model feels smooth and confident. This was a change from the previous Camry. It offers plenty of power for daily driving. Toyota includes many impressive driver aids. These are standard on every model. The Camry’s interior provides generous space. Passengers will enjoy its quiet cabin. This is especially true on the highway. Perhaps most impressive is its price. The entry-level Camry Hybrid costs less. It is nearly $5,000 cheaper than the Honda Accord Hybrid. The engine can sound coarse under hard acceleration. Some competitors offer more comfortable front seats. Nevertheless, the Camry is a well-rounded choice. It serves as an excellent everyday driver. Its accessible price point makes it stand out.
Mercedes E-Class
For those with a larger budget, consider the Mercedes E-Class. Its comfort and luxury levels are nearly unmatched. Ride comfort is truly outstanding. One test driver called its suspension a “master class.” We were amazed by the interior’s silence. This was consistent across multiple road types. The cabin features exquisite leather, wood, and metal. These materials are among the best available. Mercedes’ luxury includes advanced technology. An in-car camera allows video conferencing. This feature is available on the road. Limited storage for small items is a minor drawback. Rear seat space is slightly smaller. This is compared to the rival BMW 5 Series. However, these nitpicks should not deter buyers. It is one of the best cars we drove last year. Simply put, it is an exceptional luxury sedan.
Honda Civic Hybrid
There might be no better all-round car than the Honda Civic Hybrid. It delivers great fuel economy. It is comfortable for passengers. Additionally, it offers plenty of space. Most Civics are sedans. Yet, a hatchback version is available. This model provides good cargo room. We have the hatchback in our long-term fleet. Cars in this segment are not usually “fun to drive.” However, the Civic is a joy behind the wheel. Road noise is slightly more pronounced than desired. Yet, its power delivery is excellent. Steering is responsive and precise. Handling is controlled and confident. You feel more assured in the Civic. This surpasses many competitors. This confidence is a valuable asset. Some features are missing on higher trims. Adjustable lumbar support, cooled seats, and a 360-degree camera are examples. Honda offers the great hybrid engine only on nicer trims. This makes the cheapest Civic Hybrid more expensive. It costs about five grand more than a basic Corolla Hybrid. Honda built its reputation on small, efficient, and fun cars. The new Civic Hybrid proves Honda still excels. It does this better than anyone else. We named it Edmunds Top Rated Best of the Best in 2025. It remains one of the best cars of the year.
BMW i5
The BMW i5 is a truly outstanding car. Some vehicles remain top-tier year after year. The i5 is one such example. It excels as a terrific luxury car. It simply happens to be electric. It avoids being a “gizmo” from the future. We love the i5’s classy, upscale cabin. Its ultra-comfortable seats are a highlight. The i5 drives like a true luxury vehicle. Its plush ride steals the show. We also appreciate its smooth acceleration and braking. BMW’s capable hands-free driving system is another benefit. It is also quite fun to drive. The i5 M60 won a comparison test. It beat the mighty BMW M5. The i5 shares slightly confusing tech. This is similar to the BMW iX. Enthusiasts might find its steering less engaging. However, the i5 holds a fond place in our memories. It truly impressed us in 2025.
Audi A6 e-tron
The Audi A6 e-tron is another recommended electric luxury car. It is an all-new model for this year. This vehicle truly stood out during our testing. Its range, efficiency, and charging are industry-leading. It possesses strong EV credentials. Yet, there is more to its appeal. A major advantage over the BMW i5 is its hatchback design. This provides significant cargo space. This is generous for a car of its size. Ride comfort and interior noise levels are impressive. They rival any car on this list. The A6 is also surprisingly fun to drive. This might not be expected. It is a more affordable option too. It costs less than equivalent models from BMW or Mercedes. Some minor drawbacks exist. Interior quality is not as strong as older Audis. Rear visibility is somewhat limited. The rear seats are not as comfortable as they could be. Yet, for an electric car with luxury and great range, the Audi A6 e-tron is a standout.
Tesla Model 3
This list would not be complete without the Tesla Model 3. Tesla significantly updated its most affordable EV. This happened last year. Even with strong competition, the Model 3 remains a standout. Nothing at its price point matches its range. Its all-round performance is unrivaled. Tesla introduced a more accessible entry point. This is with the Model 3 Standard. The big update brought many improvements. Seats are now better designed. The interior is notably quieter. Materials feel more luxurious. The suspension is also more comfortable. The level of refinement here is exceptional. It offers Tesla’s Full Self-Driving technology. This feature is expensive. However, it continues to improve. The Model 3 Performance is a sports sedan bargain. It might be the bargain of the century. Some familiar Tesla frustrations persist. Controlling everything via touchscreen can be annoying. The lack of Apple CarPlay or Android Auto is frustrating. Still, the Model 3 remains one of the best vehicles we drove.
These are the best cars, trucks, and SUVs of 2026. Each one offers unique advantages. They represent the pinnacle of automotive engineering. Our extensive testing provides reliable recommendations. Whether you seek utility, luxury, or efficiency, the top cars of 2026 have options. We help you find the perfect vehicle.
Under the Hood: Your Questions on 2026’s Top Vehicles
What kind of vehicles does this article recommend?
This article recommends the top-rated cars, trucks, and SUVs for the 2026 model year based on extensive testing.
Who conducted the tests for these vehicle recommendations?
Edmunds’ experts rigorously tested hundreds of vehicles to identify the very best models across different categories.
What types of vehicles are covered in these recommendations?
The article covers a range of vehicles, including small SUVs, 3-row SUVs, electric vehicles (EVs), pickup trucks, and sedans, including hybrid and luxury options.
How were the vehicles tested by the experts?
The vehicles underwent rigorous evaluations on various surfaces, including roads, trails, and a private track.
