Edmunds' 2026 Top Rated Cars
Edmunds revealed its Top Rated vehicle awards for 2026, highlighting models across all segments that excel in value, safety, comfort, and innovation. These awards serve as a reliable guide for anyone seeking a practical and rewarding daily driver this year.
To determine the winners, Edmunds' experts test over 300 vehicles on the road and at their private test track each year. This rigorous, independent process analyzes everything from performance and comfort to technology and storage space, forming the basis for their definitive vehicle ratings. The top honor, the Edmunds Top Rated Best of the Best award, was given to the Hyundai Palisade Hybrid for 2026. This award recognizes a standout vehicle for its innovation, impact, and relevance to shoppers. The fully redesigned three-row SUV also won Top Rated SUV. For the second consecutive year, the Honda Civic was named Top Rated Car, with its hybrid version praised for achieving an EPA-estimated 49 mpg combined. The Ford Maverick secured the Top Rated Truck award, noted for its compact size that makes it easier to maneuver in town than larger trucks. In the electric vehicle categories, the Tesla Model 3 won Top Rated Electric Car following significant updates. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 took the Top Rated Electric SUV title, while the Rivian R1T was named Top Rated Electric Truck, boasting an impressive 11,000-pound maximum towing capacity.
