The best cars, SUVs, and EVs of 2026, according to Kelley Blue Book

If you’re in the market for a new vehicle in 2026, look no further.

The folks at Kelley Blue Book (KBB) have compiled a list of the best new cars, SUVs, and EVs in 2026. They tested hundreds of vehicles, searching for the ones that deliver strong performance, come at reasonably priced, have solid fuel economy, and are comfortable. 

Continue reading to see which models made the list and why.

Credit: Honda $HMC

KBB said the Honda $HMC Civic is the best compact car of 2026. It praised the vehicle's class-leading resale value, large interior, and different model options. It starts at $25,890 and gets around 31-36 combined mpg.

Credit: Honda $HMC

Another Honda $HMC won for best mid-sized car. KKB said the Honda Accord stood out in its testing for a comfortable and large interior, great safety scores, and strong resale value. It did ding the Accord for only having two trim options for the non-hybrid version. “The Honda Accord upholds a well-earned reputation as a well-balanced midsize sedan that does almost everything well,” KBB said. It starts at $29,590.

Credit: Kia

KBB named the 2025 Kia Soul the best wagon of 2026, calling it “charming,” "affordable," and “space-effecient.” It starts at $21,885, one of the lowest prices you can get for a well-rated new car, and gets 30 mpg..

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KBB named the 2025 Chevrolet Corvette the best convertible to buy in 2026, praising its looks, power, handling, and affordability. It starts at $77,195, which KBB said is a “performance bargain.”

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KBB named the 2026 Hyundai Kona the best subcompact SUV of the year. “Besides being easy on the eyes, it’s competent, fuel efficient, and claims the best warranty in the industry,” KBB said. Its one complaint is that the engine could use a little more power. The Kona starts at $25,500 and gets a combined 28 mpg.

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KBB named the 2026 Honda $HMC CR-V the best compact SUV to buy this year. “The 2026 Honda CR-V remains a benchmark among compact SUVs, masterfully combining practicality, efficiency, and easy driving manners,” it wrote. The SUV starts at $32,370 and gets 28-30 combined mpg.

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KBB named the 2026 Ford $F Expedition the best 3-row, full-size SUV of the year. “Its big and comfortable interior has 3-row seating that’s actually suitable for adults in all three rows, and it gets downright luxurious in the upper trims,” KBB wrote. But it doesn’t come cheap, starting at $64,995.

Credit: Toyota $TM

KBB named the 2025 Toyota $TM Sienna the top choice for minivan shoppers in 2026. “The infinitely practical and ever-dependable Toyota Sienna is our favorite minivan because of its family-friendly interior and standard hybrid powertrain,” KBB wrote. It starts at just under $40,000 and gets a combined 36 mpg.

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KBB named the 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 6 the best electric car of the year, calling it “an extremely effective electric car that’s also incredibly stylish.” It liked the car’s 361-mile range and fast charging, but found it low on trunk space. It starts at $39,095.

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KBB named the 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 the best electric SUV of the year, praising its 300+ mile range, large inside, and strong warranty. It starts at just above $60,000.