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
like the Mazda3 to top-of-the-line luxury hybrid models like the Genesis GV80 Coupe. I've also tested several fully electric cars like 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 commutes around the metro Washington, DC area 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 to me.
Here are my top five personal favorite cars and SUVs for 2026, including a mix of gas-powered, hybrid and electric cars.
The Chevrolet Blazer EV is powerful and has lasting curbside appeal
When the Chevrolet Blazer EV was delivered to me in a bright orange color, I initially shuttered. Then I looked at the $63,000 price for the car, and I recoiled again. But then I drove the car for a week at time when gas prices around me were topping $4 per gallon, and I loved it. It's been months and my neighbors and my children still talk about that car.
The Chevrolet Blazer EV is the company's first electric model to be made available its iconic "SS" trim. General Motors, which owns the Chevrolet brand, says in a press release that the Chevy Blazer EV, which first debuted in 2025, is the "first all-electric addition to the Chevy SS family" and "the quickest Chevy SS ever."
It more than lived up to its billing in my week of testing. I went in expecting it to feel lighter than a traditional vehicle because it was electric, and boy was I wrong. General Motors says the Chevrolet Blazer EV is "the most powerful EV in its class, packing 615 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque," and it certainly felt like it when I was behind the wheel.
The 2026 Chevrolet Blazer EV starts at $44,700 and it gets an EPA estimated 312 miles of electric range on models with front wheel drive. It has generous cabin and cargo space. The SS Trim I tested has a 17.7 inch diagonal color touchscreen display with Google built-in compatibility, according to General Motors. The system includes navigation, the ability to connected to popular apps like Pandora, Spotify, iHeartRadio and Audible, and owners can create personalized profiles for each driver's setting.
Toyota Grand Highlander
I'm a father of 3 young children, so I was excited to test the hybrid version of the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander.
The Toyota Grand Highlander is one of the Japanese manufacturer's top selling SUVs, and it comes in gas-powered and hybrid formats. I drove the hybrid version for a week to see if it is deserving of its ranking as a finalist on Cars.com 2026 Best Family Car list and inclusion on the Kelley Blue Book 2026 Best Resale Value Awards.
The Grand Highlander Limited I tested is the second highest trim model of the popular three-row SUV, and it starts at just over $53,000. Entry-level hybrid trims start at a little over $45,000, while the base model gas-powered version starts at just over $42,000.
The Grand Highlander comfortably fit my family of five. It was very easy to envision us taking it for a road trip to the beach or to the kids' grandparents' house.
The Toyota Grand Highlander stands out from rivals in its segment because of its unique exterior and interior designs. It also has a strong value proposition for a family car (starting at just over $42,000 for a gas-powered base model), which propels it to the top of ranking lists at a time when the average new car costs nearly $50,000, according to Cox Automotive.
In a week of testing, the Toyota Grand Highlander's interior and cargo area felt spacious for daily driving needs. I also enjoyed Grand Highlander's large screen for infotainment and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity.
The Grand Highlander Limited hybrid comes with a 2.5-liter hybrid engine. Toyota says it offers up to 245 net combined horsepower. The hybrid SUV achieves an estimated 32 mpg in city driving and 36 mpg on highway. Our Limited trim test vehicle got over 430 mpg on a single full tank of gas.
You should buy the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander if you need a large hybrid SUV that gets great mileage and can haul up to 7 or 8 people, depending on the seating configuration.
Volkswagen Tiguan
My first car was a 1992 Volkswagen Jetta, so I've always had a bit of a soft spot for the venerable German brand.
With high expectations, I tested one of Volkswagen's popular crossover SUVs, the Tiguan, which has become one of the German automaker's best domestic sellers. I drove it for a week to see if it lives up to its Consumer Reports recommendation.
The Volkswagen Tiguan SEL R Line Turbo model I tested is the highest trim of the popular two-row SUV, and it starts at a little over $43,000. Entry-level Tiguan models start at just under $31,000.
Volkswagen has long had an enthusiastic fan base. It feels like everybody knows someone who used to drive one of the company's small cars in their younger days. The company has tried to tap into that fandom with its"Drivers Wanted" advertising campaign.
The Tiguan was certainly fun to drive. The gear selector's placement on the right side of the steering column, rather than in the center console, took some getting used to.
The Tiguan gets an estimated 22 mpg in city driving and 29 mpg on highways. The model I tested got over 350 miles on a single tank of gas in mostly local driving.
The Tiguan comes with a 2-liter engine. Volkswagen said it offers up to 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque.
The SEL R Line trim model I tested offers 33.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second-row seats, which I found sufficient for luggage and grocery hauls. It didn't look out of place at all in the local Costco parking lot. With the rear seats folded, cargo space expands to 69.8 cubic feet.
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: Here are my top 3 new cars of 2026 so far after testing 10 models
