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Buying Guide

How to Find the Best Sedan & Hatchback

If you don't need the capacity, ride height, or off-road capability of an SUV, sedans and hatchbacks are a great value. They're easy to park, fuel-efficient, and often have plenty of space for most people's needs.

2026 Lexus ES EV driving at Consumer Reports' Auto Test Center

Photo: John Powers/Consumer Reports

Top Sedans Questions

Who Makes the Best New Cars?

Consumer Reports’ reliability and owner satisfaction scores are based on survey data of over 300,000 vehicles. Our safety scores incorporate crash test results, distracting controls, and safety tech.
  • Subaru, BMW, Porsche, Honda, Toyota, and Lexus logos on background of tinted green overhead view of highway overpasses

    Which Brands Make the Best Cars and SUVs?

    Consumer Reports rated cars from 31 brands on reliability, owner satisfaction, safety, and road-test scores. Here’s how the manufacturers rank, based on their vehicles’ Overall Scores. See the full chart.

    Photo Illustration: Consumer Reports, Getty Images, Manufacturers
  • photo illustration of Toyota 4Runner, Lexus IS, and BMW 2 Series with graphic horizontal lines and desert landscape in background

    Who Makes the Most Reliable New Cars?

    See the brands ranked by reliability based on extensive and exclusive owner surveys. See the brand reliability ratings.

    Photo Illustration: Consumer Reports, Getty Images, Manufacturers
  • Cars with scores

    Safest Car Brands Ranked by Consumer Reports' Safety Verdict

    Our analysis of crash tests, braking, handling, and crash-avoidance technology reveals the brands that make the safest new cars, SUVs, and trucks. See the safest brands.

    Photo Illustration: Consumer Reports, Getty Images

What Are the Best New Cars?

Consumer Reports rates vehicles based on our independent testing and reliability and owner satisfaction survey data for over 300,000 vehicles. These lists include the top-ranked brands and models for new and used cars.
  • Blue Car on illustrated background

    10 Top Picks of 2026

    These 10 vehicles set the standard for excellence in Consumer Reports’ testing. See the 10 Top Picks.

    Photo Illustration: Israel Vargas, Consumer Reports, Manufacturer
  • 2026 Subaru Impreza driving on a highway with the sun setting behind it.

    Most Reliable New Sedans and Hatchbacks You Can Buy

    From compact front-wheel-drive models to midsized ones with all-wheel drive, these cars performed well in CR's tests and won't leave you stranded. See the most reliable cars.

    Photo: Subaru
  • 2026 Toyota Camry with a thumbs up icon, and a 2026 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid with a thumbs down icon.

    Popular Midsized Sedans to Avoid and the Best Models to Buy Instead

    There's no need to rely on trends. These alternatives topped Consumer Reports' rigorous road tests and earned high reliability ratings. See the popular car list.

    Photo: Consumer Reports

Video: Best Cars of 2026

Looking for the best cars of 2026? Consumer Reports reveals its Top Picks in 10 categories based on our expert testing, reliability, safety, and more.
From fuel-efficient SUVs to reliable sedans and electric vehicles from manufacturers like Toyota, Ford, Subaru, and Honda, these are the cars Consumer Reports recommends for 2026.

Should I Buy a Small, Midsized, or Luxury Car?

Car come in a wide range of sizes, powertrains, and prices. Here's how to narrow your choices to the car type that best matches your needs and budget.
  • red 2026 Mazda 3 3/4 facing left

    Small Cars

    PRICE RANGE $20,000 to $36,000
    pros & cons
    • Compacts are maneuverable in urban settings and easy to park. Hatchback models offer a more generous cargo area. Many are available with hybrid powertrains. The larger and more expensive models have better ride and handling characteristics and can carry four adults comfortably.
    • The less expensive models can be noisy and slow to accelerate. They have spartan interiors, and the rear seats are snug for adults. Active safety systems may be optional or not available on base trims. They can be tricky to get into and out of. All-wheel drive is rare.
  • black 2026 Honda Accord 3/4 facing left

    Midsized/Large Cars

    PRICE RANGE $27,000 to $55,000
    pros & cons
    • Shoppers will find that these cars have roomy interiors plus fuel economy that’s usually comparable to smaller sedans. They accelerate quickly, they’re fairly quiet, and the top trim levels often have cabin materials that are near luxury levels. Generally, they can fit five adults with their luggage. They often offer AWD, many have hybrid powertrains, and most active safety systems come standard.
    • There aren’t a lot of choices in this category, and they can get pricey.
  • white 2026 BMW 2 Series 3/4 facing left

    Small Luxury Cars

    PRICE RANGE $35,000 to $65,000
    pros & cons
    • The smallest models boast nimble, sporty handling and quick acceleration. They usually have very comfortable poweradjustable front seats. Larger models are a significant step up in terms of fit and finish, the quality of materials, and interior room. Most active safety systems are standard.
    • Some active safety systems are optional and packaged with pricey comfort features. Sportier models usually have a very stiff ride and expensive tires that can wear out quickly. The smallest models in this category have snug rear seats that are a better fit for children than adults.
  • white 2026 Audi A5 3/4 facing left

    Midsized/Large Luxury Cars

    PRICE RANGE $48,000 to $85,000+
    pros & cons
    • Automakers don’t cut many corners with these models. They feature the highest-quality materials throughout the cabin. Both their front and rear seats are comfortable and supportive. Rear-seat room is generous. Buyers will find numerous hybrids and PHEVs among the midsized options.
    • Prices quickly climb, with some models easily exceeding $100,000. Automakers often introduce their newest, most convoluted controls and infotainment systems in these vehicles.
  • white 2026 Tesla Model 3 3/4 facing left

    Electric Cars

    PRICE RANGE $50,000 to $80,000
    pros & cons
    • All of these are quick, have quiet interiors, and provide plenty of room for both passengers and cargo. Being able to charge overnight at home is a bonus.
    • Many EVs have fussy controls and awkward-to-use door handles as automakers attempt to be cutting-edge.
  • yellow 2026 Ford Mustang 3/4 facing left

    Sports Cars

    PRICE RANGE $35,000 to $150,000+
    pros & cons
    • There’s a wide range of stylish body types to choose from with varying levels of performance to suit your needs. Driving enjoyment is the name of the game, so expect to find that each model delivers agile handling, strong and responsive brakes, and a loud, satisfying bark from the exhaust.
    • Trade-offs abound in the sports car category. Shoppers may find that some models are difficult to get into and out of. On top of that, the ride quality for some models can border on harsh, and elevated levels of road and wind noise can become tiring. All of these cars are equipped with tires that wear out quickly and are costly to replace. In addition, sports cars are usually expensive to insure.

What Are the Latest Deals on Cars?

  • Woman smiling driving on a sunny day

    Best New-Car Deals

    Save money on models recommended by Consumer Reports. See the best new-car deals.

    Photo: Getty Images
  • 2026 Toyota Camry XLE AWD driving

    Best Deals on Fuel-Efficient Cars

    Save gas and money on these models recommended by Consumer Reports. See the latest deals on fuel-efficient cars.

    Photo: Toyota
  • 2026 Toyota Corolla Hatchback FX driving through a city.

    10 Cheap Cars That Consumer Reports Recommends

    These are good, safe, reliable models with the lowest transaction prices. See the cheapest new cars.

    Photo: Toyota

What Are the Best Used Cars?

  • photo illustration of Toyota 4Runner, Lexus ES, and steering wheel of Mazda3 with graphic horizontal lines and road with wooded area tinted grey in background

    Which Brands Have the Best Long-Term Car Reliability?

    Consumer Reports ranks the car brands based on the reliability of their 5- to 10-year-old models. See which make the best used cars.

    Photo Illustration: Consumer Reports, Getty Images, Manufacturers
  • low angle of side of grey car on road with blurred tress in background

    Best Used Cars: 10 Top Picks

    These safe, reliable cars and SUVs will save you thousands. See this month's best used cars.

    Photo: Getty Images
  • Toyota Camry Hybrid 2018

    Best Used Cars Under $20,000

    These reliable used models did well in Consumer Reports' tests, have good safety records, and are strong alternatives to a new car. See the best used cars under $20,000.

    Photo: John Powers/Consumer Reports

How Do I Maintain or Insure a Car?

  • Tesla Model 3 going through the wet handling course

    Best Car Tires of the Year

    Consumer Reports' experts spotlight the best car tires in every category, including all-season and winter/snow. See the best car tires.

    Photo: John Powers/Consumer Reports
  • Car battery in engine compartment

    Best Car Batteries

    Consumer Reports charges and discharges car batteries from popular brands to find out how long they’ll last. See the best car batteries of the year.

    Photo: Getty Images
  • Illustration of an Orange sedan driving through stormy weather with rain, wind, and deer nearby.

    Best Car Insurance Companies

    The top-rated car insurance companies are based on a survey of over 40,000 policyholders about coverage, price, and other vital factors. See the best car insurance companies.

    Illustration: Federico Gastaldi