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:
(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.”
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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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.”
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.”
