Ranking 10 of the Best New Vehicles I’ve Driven in 2026

I’ve tested dozens of brand-new cars in 2026 for USA TODAY Cars to help consumers make informed leasing and purchasing decisions. There were some models I’d consider buying and some models I couldn’t wait to return.

I test vehicles for a period of five to seven days and use them for a number of daily driving tasks including grocery hauls, trips to my local park, gym and more to gauge their real-world practicality. Occasionally, I take the vehicles on lengthy road trips and monitor their fuel economy, highway driving performance and the utility of their standard features.

After testing multiple new hatchbacks, sedans, minivans, cargo vans, family SUVs and more, here are my top 10 best new vehicles of 2026 so far based on my driving impressions, rankings and overall value propositions.

Affordable Picks

10. 2026 Buick Envista

Starting price: $24,700

What I liked: The Envista features premium cabin materials despite its extremely affordable price. It screams value at a time when new car prices are on the rise.

What I didn’t like: Its engine is underpowered, making it too boring for some drivers who want more oomph out of their subcompact SUV.

9. 2026 Genesis GV70

Starting price: $48,985

What I liked: The GV70 is more affordable than many of its German rivals, but it’s just as sporty and fun to drive. It’s incredibly stylish and powerful.

What I didn’t like: The second-row legroom isn’t very spacious.

8. 2026 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid

Starting price: $33,775

What I liked: The Prius Plug-In Hybrid has plenty of zip due to its electric motor. It also looks great for a Prius thanks to a recent redesign.

What I didn’t like: The cabin can feel cramped, and there isn’t much cargo capacity.

7. 2026 Lucid Gravity

Starting price: $79,900

What I liked: The Gravity is an absolute blast to drive. It charges quickly, and it comes with incredible standard tech. Its cabin is futuristic.

What I didn’t like: The Lucid Gravity is too pricey for most average consumers, though it offers great value for those willing to look past its premium price tag.

6. 2026 GMC Sierra

Starting price: $38,300

What I liked: GMC’s Denali Ultimate trim is refined and has a smooth ride quality. It’s comfortable and luxurious. The bed is also extremely roomy for cargo.

What I didn’t like: The Sierra has low reliability scores, and readers reached out to express their concerns over engine issues.

5. 2026 Hyundai Kona

Starting price: $25,500

What I liked: The Kona is affordable, agile and comes with great standard tech. It offers incredible value for the money.

What I didn’t like: My passengers found the second row to be cramped and the interior to be too simplistic, but I appreciated its modern cabin styling.

4. 2026 GMC Yukon

Starting price: $69,600

What I liked: The Denali Ultimate trim is super comfortable, especially in extreme temperatures. It was easily one of the coziest new vehicles I’ve tested all year.

What I didn’t like: GMC’s full-size SUV has a high starting price. Its best features are reserved for the pricey Denali Ultimate.

Top-Ranked Choices

3. 2026 Honda CR-V Hybrid

Starting price: $35,630

What I liked: Honda’s small hybrid SUV checks all the boxes for small families who want a practical and efficient compact SUV. It has pleasant driving dynamics.

What I didn’t like: Its cabin can feel dull and barebones compared to some new SUVs.

2. 2026 Subaru Outback

Starting price: $34,995

What I liked: Subaru’s Outback has great cabin and cargo space. It feels sturdy, and it features quality materials.

What I didn’t like: Its infotainment system was slow to respond at times. Software isn’t the most user-friendly.

1. 2027 Kia Telluride

Starting price: $39,190

What I liked: The Telluride has massive display screens, loads of standard tech and more than enough cabin and cargo space for families. It’s fun to drive, has decent fuel economy and looks great following its redesign.

What I didn’t like: It’s extremely difficult to find anything wrong with the new Telluride. Drivers can criticize its lack of a V6 engine option, but its turbo four-cylinder and available hybrid powertrain get the job done.