Best Used Cars: 10 Top Picks for January 2026

2016 Mazda6
The final generation for the Mazda6 was defined by a smooth four-cylinder powertrain, excellent fuel economy at 32 mpg overall in our tests, and an agile chassis. The well-finished cabin has supportive seats, although the rear seats are relatively tight for this class. Later models have an infotainment system that uses a console-mounted knob; learning the system takes practice. The cabin was known for being louder than competitors’, especially on the highway, until a mild freshening in 2016 brought improvements. The Mazda6 underwent a major refresh with the 2018 model, enhancing ride comfort and further benefiting noise isolation. Among the optional active safety features are forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross traffic alert.

2019 Toyota Corolla
Redesigned for 2014, the Corolla grew in size, making it a smart, cost-effective alternative to pricier, midsized sedans. It’s the rare compact car with an adult-sized back seat. Passengers will also appreciate that it’s one of the best-riding cars in its class. Power is adequate from the 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine and continuously variable transmission. The powertrain drones when pushed on the highway, but it’s unobtrusive around town and returns a good 32 mpg overall fuel economy in our tests. With sportier suspension tuning, the SE and XSE versions are a bit more engaging to drive, with limited compromise to ride comfort. The controls are simple, and there’s a touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth connectivity. Automatic climate control comes standard on LE and above trims, an unusual convenience in this class. For 2017, Toyota made the TSS-P safety system—including forward collision warning, automatic braking with pedestrian detection, and lane departure warning with lane keeping assist—standard across the Corolla line. The standard LED headlights are unusual for the class and offer excellent performance at night. As a used car, the strong reliability track record and practical virtues make the Corolla a smart choice. If you want even greater efficiency, see the Corolla Hybrid below. 

2019 Chevrolet Equinox
The Chevrolet Equinox aims straight at the popular compact SUV segment, with its high-tech infotainment and safety features, accomplished road manners, and generous interior room. However, it doesn’t quite deliver on its promise of good performance and fuel economy from its standard engine. Base power comes from a 170-hp 1.5-liter mated to a six-speed automatic transmission; the uplevel engine is a 252-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder mated to a nine-speed automatic. The MyLink infotainment system is offered in 7- and 8-inch forms, each with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. The interior has some inexpensive touches, but the seats are quite comfortable.

2021 Toyota Corolla Hybrid
Redesigned for 2020, the Corolla Hybrid is a fuel-efficient sedan for frugal drivers looking for reliability, but the current generation’s styling compromises rear-seat room and makes it harder to get in and out. The hybrid system provides leisurely acceleration, and the continuously variable transmission amplifies engine noise. However, it gets an impressive 48 mpg overall in our fuel economy tests. The controls are easy to use, and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility became standard for 2021. That same year also introduced an available package with blind spot warning and rear cross traffic warning. FCW and AEB are standard, making this small car notable for its available safety equipment. With the 2023 freshening, all-wheel drive became available with the hybrid version, along with more trim levels to choose from. It also got Toyota’s latest infotainment system. 

2020 Subaru Crosstrek
Essentially a raised Impreza hatchback, the Crosstrek delivers good fuel economy and impressive ride comfort. Its handling is competent and enjoyable. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is mated to a continuously variable transmission; this combination works fine and gets 29 mpg overall, which is quite good. A more powerful 2.5-liter is a newly available option. A plug-in hybrid was added for 2019 with a 17-mile mostly electric range, and 33 mpg when operating as a regular hybrid is also available. But such slim mileage improvement and price premium don’t make it a good value. The front seats are short on lumbar support, but the rear seat is roomy. The infotainment system is easy to use. Forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and other systems are standard with the automatic transmission but not offered with the manual. Updates for the 2020 model year include an available rear-seat reminder system, standard automatic door locks, and standard automatic climate control.

2018 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
Technically, the third-generation RAV4 started with the 2013 model year, but it was only with the midlife update in 2016 that the desirable hybrid was introduced. The entire RAV4 range was updated for 2016, with freshened styling, a quieter cabin, a smoother ride, added safety features, and the new hybrid version. That hybrid powertrain brought almost 20 more horsepower, resulting in punchier low-speed acceleration than the regular four-cylinder engine while delivering 8 more mpg in our tests. The 2017 and 2018 model years brought added features and trim levels, and reliability climbed from above average to well above average, based on our member surveys. Any version from this half-generation is a smart choice, but those last two years are the ones to prioritize in your used-car hunting. 

2018 Toyota Highlander
The Toyota Highlander is a functional, family-friendly SUV that delivers decent gas mileage, consistently good reliability, and fine road manners. Most Highlanders of this generation are equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 and a six-speed automatic transmission, achieving an overall fuel economy of 20 mpg. The hybrid version returns 25 mpg overall. Inside, the minivanlike second-row accommodations make good use of this generation’s added length, although the third-row seat remains suitable only for children. Controls are simple, and a backup camera is standard. The 2014-2016 versions require you to opt for a top-trim Limited model to get desirable features like blind spot monitoring and advanced safety equipment. That changed in 2017, when forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control became standard. That year also introduced an eight-speed automatic transmission, an engine stop/start system, more USB ports, and a “sporty” SE version. There were no notable changes for 2018.

2018 Lexus NX
For those looking for small SUV practicality but with some luxury trimmings, the NX is the solution. Derived from the Toyota RAV4, the NX employs a 235-hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. This pairing performs well and achieves a fuel economy of 24 mpg overall in our tests. (The NX 300h hybrid returns 29 mpg overall.) This compact model is snug inside, an effect that’s exaggerated by the small windows. Make sure you get the optional blind spot warning system. All told, the NX doesn’t live up to the posh experience offered by the larger RX. But it does have a sporty demeanor, and the cabin is adorned with nice stitching and various premium trappings that may delight shoppers who were otherwise considering a model from a mainstream brand. Get the 2018 model (or newer) to benefit from standard forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking. Android Auto became standard in 2020.

2020 Honda Ridgeline
The innovative Ridgeline reimagines what a modern pickup truck can be, combining a unique carlike driving experience with clever, useful features. It has a ride that rivals a great sedan, handling that outshines that of other trucks, and a quiet, coddling cabin. The V6 engine delivers strong, smooth acceleration and gives the Ridgeline better fuel economy than most trucks. The fold-or-swing tailgate makes bed access a cinch, and a large, lockable underbed storage bin adds unique versatility for weekend adventures. Numerous updates for 2020 heighten the Ridgeline’s appeal, including a new nine-speed automatic transmission, standard forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking, and standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. The 2021 model features a refreshed exterior and interior, standard all-wheel drive, and an updated touchscreen infotainment system with a rotary volume knob. Other trucks may be bolder, even tougher, but none are more sensible, refined, or easier to live with.

2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata
The fourth-generation Miata brings a delightful combination of precise steering, sublime back-road handling, impressive reliability, and admirable fuel economy that makes this small sports car uniquely rewarding. Commemorating the roadster’s 30th anniversary, it became even more desirable for 2019 with a significant performance boost, as the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine was thoroughly updated, increasing output from 155 to 181 hp. The manual cloth top is a cinch to raise and lower from within the cabin; a retractable hardtop, known as the RF, is also available. For 2020, the sport suspension was fitted to the Grand Touring with a manual transmission, and Android Auto/Apple CarPlay became available. Older models can be retrofitted for Apple CarPlay by a Mazda dealer. Any year in this generation is desirable, but those later years with the power increase are the ones to covet.

Safety Term Glossary
AEB: automatic emergency braking. BSW: blind spot warning. LDW: lane departure warning. LKA: lane keeping assistance. RCTW: rear cross traffic warning.