On the heals of its auto manufacturer rankings, Consumer Reports (CR) has released its top 10 automotive picks for 2026. Familiar names, such as the Honda Civic and Toyota Camry, abound.
Plus two Subaru models, the Forester and Crosstrek, and two Ford models, the F150 and Maverick, make the grade.
Making the grade means achieving exceptional overall scores based on road-test performance, predicted reliability, owner satisfaction, and safety. They are chosen from the more than 260 cars, trucks, and SUVs on the market today.
CR notes that for the first time, each top pick is either a hybrid or available as one, along with a separate electric vehicle category.
They further add that they find the hybrid option is often quieter and more refined at speed, and its improved fuel efficiency usually saves money in the long term.
As a side note, the BMX X5 hybrid is the only plug-in on the list, with 39 miles of available electric only driving.
However, numerous outlets repeatedly report that owners of plug-in models do not, in fact, plug-in, missing out on large potential savings.
Here are the 10 categories and top picks:
Additional information on the testing criteria (road test performance, predicted reliability, owner satisfaction and safety) are available to CR subscribers, but remember that your local library may, in fact, hold that subscription for you to use!
You can see Consumer Reports’ overviews of their top 10 picks at this link.
——————————————————————-
The material on these pages is provided for information sharing purposes only and should not be used in lieu of an OEM service manual or factory authorized service procedure. We are not in the auto repair business, nor do we publish automotive service manuals. Nothing we include on these pages and posts has been reviewed, approved or authorized by any vehicle manufacturer.
Remember — only proper service and repair procedures will ensure the safe and reliable operation of your car. In addition, proper safety procedures and precautions, such as the use of safety goggles, the right tools and the equipment should be followed at all times to eliminate the possibility of personal injury or improper service which could damage the vehicle or compromise its safety.
Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow. And when it comes to the current state of flux in the auto industry, nothing is more true.
The author has 30+ years of automotive experience and has assembled the most extensive collection of symbols and warning lights anywhere (over 1,000!) and can help you open and start any keyless start car with a dead key fob battery. BA, St. Joseph’s, ME: MS, RPI, NY
Consumer Reports As they do each year, Consumer Reports has released its list auto manufacturer…
Emergency start Several days ago, we set out to do a simple emergency start review…
How to Start a Genesis with a Dead Key Fob Starting Your Genesis First, if…
Hyundai emergency start New emergency start procedures for 2026 Palisade and Ioniq 9 models necessitated…
How to Start a Hyundai with a Dead Key Fob Starting your Hyundai First, if…
Hyundai emergency start A review of Hyundai emergency start procedures finds three surprising changes that…