Toyota, Ford and Subaru posted a pair of top models in the 2026 Consumer Reports Annual Top 10 picks released this week.
Consumer Reports, the nonprofit research, testing and advocacy organization, compiled the list using data from road tests, reliability and owner satisfaction ratings and performance in government and insurance industry crash tests.
“A car is one of the most important purchases Americans make, but not one of the easiest. We have to juggle so many priorities, like safety, reliability, and fuel-efficiency – not to mention whether it’s affordable,” said Phil Radford, president and CEO of Consumer Reports, in a press release. “Our Top Picks [list] makes buying a car simpler for everyone, giving you confidence that you can get a high-quality vehicle that checks all your priorities, fits your budget, and meets your needs.”
The Toyota Camry earned the best mid-sized car, with Consumer Reports noting it is now being sold exclusively as a hybrid with a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine.
Toyota also scored the top mid-sized SUV with the Grand Highlander, which has third-row seating.
Ford topped the best small pickup list with the Maverick and the full-size truck with the F-150. Consumer Reports noted the hybrid version of the Maverick achieved 37 miles per gallon and offers all-wheel drive options for both the hybrid and 250-hp turbocharged four-cylinder. The F-150 stood out with its strong powertrains, roomy cabin, simple controls, blind-spot monitors, back-up assistance and tailgate that can be a workbench.
Subaru netted the best subcompact SUV with the Crosstrek and best compact SUV with the Forester.
The Honda Civic stood atop the best small cars list. The Lexus NX was picked as the best luxury compact SUV, and the BMW X5 was the best luxury midsize SUV. The Tesla Model Y was selected as the best electric vehicle.
Consumer Reports noted from its tests that Mazda collectively had the safest vehicles on the road, with the highest percentage of its vehicles earning the highest safety score.
