I've tested 10 different cars and SUVs in 2026, including several of the top-selling models from some of America's largest auto manufacturers. The models I've tested range from affordable gas-powered sedans such as the Mazda3 to top-of-the-line luxury hybrid models such as the Genesis GV80 Coupe. I've also tested several fully electric cars, including the Chevrolet Blazer EV, Toyota bZ and Lexus RZ.
I've taken these vehicles on trips to the grocery store, school drop-off runs for my young children and other local commutes to get a sense of their true daily driving experience. While every brand-new car has unique attributes, some models stood out more than others.
Here is the ranking of my personal favorite cars and SUVs for 2026, including a mix
of gas-powered, hybrid and electric cars.
1. 2026 Chevrolet Blazer EV
Starting price: $46,495
What I liked: When I reviewed the Blazer EV, I noted it was stylish and felt as powerful as any gas-powered car.
What I didn't like: It took over a half-hour to charge the Blazer EV from 45% to 80%.
2. 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander hybrid
Starting price: $42,260
What I liked: When I reviewed the Grand Highlander, I noted it was spacious enough to be a modern family car and had excellent gas mileage as a hybrid vehicle.
What I didn't like: The Grand Highlander was boxy and slightly larger than most three-row SUVs I've driven, which made parking in tight spaces a bit of a challenge.
3. 2027 Kia Telluride hybrid
Starting price: $46,490
What I liked: When I reviewed the Telluride hybrid, I noted popular three-row SUV "offers a broad range of features, smooth handling, and an appealing curbside exterior."
What I didn't like: The second-row Captain's Chairs offer easy access to the third-row seating, but they limited the option to seat three passengers across the second row in a bid to expand the rear cargo space for a family beach road trip.
4. Volkswagen Tiguan
Starting price: $30,805
What I liked: When I reviewed the Tiguan, I noted the two-row SUV offers up to 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It also got over 350 miles on a single tank of gas in mostly local driving.
What I didn't like: The gear selector's placement on the right side of the steering column, rather than in the center console, took some getting used to.
5. Toyota RAV4
Starting price: $31,900
What I liked: When I reviewed the RAV4, I noted the popular hybrid "offers a strong value proposition for a small family car (starting at just over $32,000 for a regular hybrid base model)."
What I didn't like: The charger port and gas tank being on different sides of the vehicle could lead to momentary confusion at the pump or charging station.
6. Genesis GV80 Coupe
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Starting price: $81,850
What I liked: When I reviewed the Genesis GV80, I noted it is very stylish and "offers a smooth, comfortable ride with sturdy handling."
What I didn't like: The Genesis GV80 Coupe starts at just under $82,000, before taxes and additional fees, making it an expensive option compared to many of the other new crossover SUVs on the market.
7. Toyota bZ
Starting price: $34,900
What I liked: When I reviewed the bZ, I noted our base model test vehicle lost only about 20% of its battery charge during a week of local driving.
What I didn't like: The Toyota bZ felt indistinguishable in many ways from other Toyota vehicles I've driven, despite being the company's first fully-electric car.
8. Lexus RZ
Starting price: $47,395
What I liked: When I reviewed the RZ, I noted "in a week of testing, the Lexus RZ's interior and cargo area felt spacious for daily driving needs."
What I didn't like: The Lexus RZ is very similar to the less expensive Toyota bZ, which starts at $13,000 less.
9. Mazda CX-50 hybrid
Starting price: $34,750
What I liked: When I reviewed the CX-50 hybrid, I noted is "one of the cheapest hybrid SUVs in the country."
What I didn't like: I also enjoyed the CX-50 hybrid's large screen for infotainment and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. But the CX-50 hybrid's knob control system near the gear shift took some getting used to.
10. Mazda3
Starting price: $24,650
What I liked: When I reviewed the Mazda3, I noted "even the top trim starts at a little under $37,000, making it one of the few new cars you can buy now for less than $40,000."
What I didn't like: The Mazda3 is sporty and it's small by design, but the interior felt cramped on a two-hour round-trip drive compared with larger crossover SUVs I tested this summer.
Keith Laing is an automotive reporter on the National Trending Desk at USA TODAY. Contact Keith at klaing@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ranking the 10 cars I've tested in 2026. Which is no. 1?
