Talking Cars 492: 10 Top Picks of 2026

Plus, tips for buying a car that’s far away from where you live

Mike Quincy, Consumer Reports Content Specialist, Autos.

By Mike Quincy
Content Specialist, Autos

February 4, 2026

Main theme: In this episode of the "Talking Cars" video podcast, we discuss the models that make up the best and brightest cars and trucks that we’ve tested. The panel says that, for the first time, every CR Top Pick is either a hybrid (or available as one) or an electric vehicle. We talk about how going hybrid often brings a vehicle that’s quieter and more refined at speed, and how its improved fuel efficiency usually saves you money in the long term.

And even the wide variety of vehicles brought out a lively discussion because there’s something for everyone—and every budget, from small cars to full-sized pickup trucks. The panel reviews the list, picking which one they could see driving every day.

Top Picks is part of Consumer Reports’ perennial autos moment that casts a spotlight on our latest data for both new and used cars, including the latest scoring changes and reliability and owner satisfaction data from members.

See the Best Cars of the Year: 10 Top Picks of 2026.

Audience Question
• Do you have any advice about how to buy a car that is too far away to look at in person?

Talking Cars Episode 492 panel discusses 2026 Top Pick Cars — “Talking Cars” panelists (from left): Mike Quincy, Alex Knizek, and Jake Fisher.

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Recent Podcast Episodes

• Driving the Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid, episode 491
• Driving the 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid, episode 490
• Best & Worst Cars of 2025, episode 489
• Driving the 2026 Toyota RAV4 PHEV, episode 488
• CR’s 2026 Automotive Report Card, episode 487

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Mike Quincy

Mike Quincy is a writer, editor, podcaster, and tester with the Consumer Reports autos team. He has been with CR since 1993, purchasing more than 160 cars for the test program. Previously, Mike wrote for Automobile Magazine. When he’s not working, Mike can be found training for a long-distance bicycle ride, honing a wide variety of baked goods, or studying the world of mixology in search of the perfect martini.