Consumer Reports' 2026 top 10 cars all have one important feature
Electrification — either hybrid of fully electric — is the powertrain of choice for CR's top 10 autos.
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Senior Reporter
Tue, February 3, 2026 at 11:00 AM EST
5 min read
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Consumer Reports' top 10 best new cars for 2026 all feature one important feature: electric boost.
Consumer Reports, the nonprofit consumer advocacy organization that purchases all the equipment it tests and accepts no freebies from manufacturers, said this year's list features cars that either can have a hybrid powertrain or are fully electric.
"For the first time, every model on this year's Consumer Reports' best new cars list is either a hybrid, available as one, or is an electric vehicle," Consumer Reports said in its report published Tuesday morning. "While car shoppers can't go wrong with the traditional gas-only versions, their hybrid counterparts often offer quicker acceleration, quieter cabins, and improved fuel economy, which could translate into lower long-term ownership costs."
Hybrid sales have been climbing in the US, despite full EV sales dropping after the loss of the federal EV tax credit in the US. Automakers such as Ford (F), General Motors (GM), and Toyota (TM) (the hybrid leader) are looking to offer more hybrid options in the future.
Here are the top 10 new vehicles on Consumer Reports' 2026 list:
Best small car: Honda Civic
(New addition to the list.) Consumer Reports said the Honda (HMC) Civic is an overall excellent sedan, but the hybrid is the best version. "It possesses all the qualities Consumer Reports' automotive experts love about the gas-only sedan, including quick and responsive steering, a comfortable ride, and a spacious interior."
Best midsize car: Toyota Camry
Consumer Reports noted that the Toyota Camry is now sold exclusively as a hybrid, powered by a 2.5L four-cylinder engine that got 48 mpg overall in CR's testing. "The latest iteration strikes a pleasing balance between ride comfort and capable handling, offers practical interior space, and features user-friendly controls that effectively utilize physical knobs and switches."
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Best subcompact SUV: Subaru Crosstrek
Consumer Reports said the Subaru (FUJHY) Crosstrek returned to the list due to positive additions like the new, more powerful hybrid powertrain with an EPA-estimated 36 mpg combined. "The Crosstrek handles well, with quick steering and minimal roll through turns, but it's the ride quality that's most noteworthy."
Best compact SUV: Subaru Forester
Also returning is the Forester, which Consumer Reports said benefits from a new fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain, a 2.5L four-cylinder engine boosted by hybrid tech sourced from partner Toyota — good for five more miles per gallon compared to the gas version. "Unlike most other small hybrid SUVs, which only offer limited all-wheel drive, the Forester Hybrid has a mechanical, full-time AWD system."
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Best midsize SUV: Toyota Grand Highlander
(New category addition to the list.) "It's rare to find a three-row SUV that's roomy enough to accommodate an adult in every seat and still have space for cargo," Consumer Reports said. The Highlander's optional 245 hp hybrid powertrain is the standout, per Consumer Reports, which returns a stunning 35 mpg overall — on par with smaller SUV hybrids.
Best luxury compact SUV: Lexus NX
A repeat addition to the list, the Lexus NX is a "standout in small luxury SUVs." The hybrid version is even more refined, Consumer Reports said, with electric assist helping to smooth out power delivery. The all-wheel drive version returns 38 mpg overall in Consumer Reports' tests — 13 mpg better than the all-gas version.
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Best small pickup truck: Ford Maverick
Ford's top-selling hybrid returns to the list. "The latest version continues to stand out for its low entry price, relatively spacious cabin, and smooth ride — and for being available with a hybrid powertrain."
Best luxury midsize SUV: BMW X5
Not surprisingly, the BMW (BMW.DE) X5 snags a spot on the list, a year after Consumer Reports said it was the best-rated vehicle overall, adding that it remains one of the best luxury SUVs Consumer Reports has ever tested. "The X5 plug-in hybrid version is ideal for drivers whose daily trips are near its 39-mile electric-only range."
Best electric vehicle: Tesla Model Y
The Tesla (TSLA) Model Y — the bestselling EV in the US last year (and the only EV on the list) — combines a practical design, a long driving range, high performance, and access to Tesla's ubiquitous Supercharger network as its strong suits, Consumer Reports editors said. "Like last year's version, the revised Y still benefits from thrilling acceleration, sharp handling, comfortable front seats, and wonderfully unobstructed forward views."
Best full-size pickup truck: Ford F-150
(New category addition to the list.) America's bestselling truck for the 49th straight year makes Consumer Reports' top 10 list, with editors citing improved reliability as a top factor. "A traditional mid-tier 400-hp V8 is also still available; however, a more potent option is the 430-hp, 3.5-liter turbocharged V6 hybrid. Unlike some hybrids, this powertrain prioritizes brawn over efficiency." The F-150's hybrid option can also double as a power generator for work sites or even to power a home during an electrical outage.
Removed from this year's list were the Nissan Sentra, Toyota RAV4, and Toyota Highlander (though it was replaced by the newer Grand Highlander). Last year's list did not include a full-size pickup option.
Pras Subramanian is Lead Auto Reporter for Yahoo Finance. You can follow him on X and on Instagram.
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