The Hyundai Kona has been recognized for its state-of-the-art safety features.
If you're looking for the best cars of the year, major automotive publications like (KBB) and Consumer Guide release annual "Best Buy" awards based on value, reliability, and real-world performance.
The Honda Civic continues to be a favorite for its balance of sportiness and fuel efficiency.
Why it's a Best Buy: Roomy and comfortable, plenty of power, easy on the gas. But… Cabin not as upscale as like-price competitors. The Daily Drive | Consumer Guide 2026 Consumer Guide Best Buys
Editors from sites like Consumer Guide Automotive and Kelley Blue Book test hundreds of vehicles annually. They evaluate: Meet the 2025 Consumer Guide Best Buys | The Daily Drive
The Toyota Camry remains a top pick. Redesigned for 2025/2026, it is now exclusively a hybrid, achieving up to 48 mpg overall.
Based on recent 2026 award cycles, these models are currently leading their categories: