Counting down the ten greatest new automobiles I’ve examined in 2026

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These fashions caught with me even after every week of testing.

I’ve examined dozens of brand-new automobiles in 2026 for USA TODAY Cars to assist shoppers make knowledgeable leasing and buying selections. There have been some fashions I’d contemplate shopping for and a few fashions I could not wait to return.

I take a look at automobiles for a interval of 5 to seven days and use them for quite a lot of day by day driving duties together with grocery hauls, journeys to my native park, health club and extra to gauge their real-world practicality. Occasionally, I take the automobiles on prolonged street journeys and monitor their gas financial system, freeway driving efficiency and the utility of their commonplace options.

After testing a number of new hatchbacks, sedans, minivans, cargo vans, household SUVs and extra, listed below are my prime 10 greatest new automobiles of 2026 thus far based mostly on my driving impressions, rankings and general worth propositions.

10. 2026 Buick Envista

Starting value: $24,700

What I appreciated: The Envista options premium cabin supplies regardless of its extraordinarily inexpensive value. It screams worth at a time when new automotive costs are on the rise.

What I did not like: Its engine is underpowered, making it too boring for some drivers who need extra oomph out of their subcompact SUV.

9. 2026 Genesis GV70

Starting value: $48,985

What I appreciated: The GV70 is extra inexpensive than lots of its German rivals, but it surely’s simply as sporty and enjoyable to drive. It’s extremely trendy and highly effective.

What I did not like: The second row legroom is not very spacious.

8. 2026 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid

Starting value: $33,775

What I appreciated: The Prius Plug-In Hybrid has loads of zip attributable to its electrical motor. It additionally seems to be nice for a Prius due to a latest redesign.

What I did not like: The cabin can really feel cramped, and there is not a lot cargo capability.

7. 2026 Lucid Gravity

Starting value: $79,900

What I appreciated: The Gravity is an absolute blast to drive. It costs rapidly, and it comes with unbelievable commonplace tech. Its cabin is futuristic.

What I did not like: The Lucid Gravity is simply too dear for many common shoppers, although it gives nice worth for these prepared to look previous its premium price ticket.

6. 2026 GMC Sierra

Starting value: $38,300

What I appreciated: GMC’s Denali Ultimate trim is refined and has a easy trip high quality. It’s snug and opulent. The mattress can be extraordinarily roomy for cargo.

What I did not like: The Sierra has low reliability scores, and readers reached out to precise their considerations over engine points.

5. 2026 Hyundai Kona

Starting value: $25,500

What I appreciated: The Kona is inexpensive, agile and comes with nice commonplace tech. It gives unbelievable worth for the cash.

What I did not like: My passengers discovered the second row to be cramped and the inside to be too simplistic, however I appreciated its fashionable cabin styling.

4. 2026 GMC Yukon

Starting value: $69,600

What I appreciated: The Denali Ultimate trim is tremendous snug, particularly in excessive temperatures. It was simply one of many coziest new automobiles I’ve examined all yr.

What I did not like: GMC’s full-size SUV has a excessive beginning value. Its greatest options are reserved for the dear Denali Ultimate.

3. 2026 Honda CR-V Hybrid

Starting value: $35,630

What I appreciated: Honda’s small hybrid SUV checks all of the bins for small households who desire a sensible and environment friendly compact SUV. It has nice driving dynamics.

What I did not like: Its cabin can really feel uninteresting and barebones in comparison with some new SUVs.

2. 2026 Subaru Outback

Starting value: $34,995

What I appreciated: Subaru’s Outback has nice cabin and cargo area. It feels sturdy, and it options high quality supplies.

What I did not like: Its infotainment system was gradual to reply at occasions. Software is not essentially the most person pleasant.

1. 2027 Kia Telluride

Starting value: $39,190

What I appreciated: The Telluride has large show screens, a great deal of commonplace tech and greater than sufficient cabin and cargo area for households. It’s enjoyable to drive, has respectable gas financial system and appears nice following its redesign.

What I did not like: It’s extraordinarily troublesome to seek out something fallacious with the brand new Telluride. Drivers can criticize its lack of a V6 engine choice, however its turbo four-cylinder and obtainable hybrid powertrain get the job performed.

Honorable mentions

If none of those new automobiles curiosity you, do not fret. Here are a couple of honorable mentions that I’ve examined this yr.