Consumer Guide Announces 2026 Best Buys: Nissan Leads Popular Brands with Six Awards; Lexus Tops Premium Segment with Three
Palatine, IL. December 2, 2025 – Consumer Guide® Automotive, the leading publisher of authoritative, unbiased new-car reviews for 59 years, today announced the recipients of its 2026 Best Buy Awards. A Consumer Guide Best Buy represents the finest balance of attributes and value in its class. For 2026, 32 Best Buys have been awarded in 13 classes, providing clear, easy choices for consumers.
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Nissan is Consumer Guide’s most awarded brand for 2026—earning an impressive five Best Buy awards.
“Nissan has a broad product lineup, offering something in almost every category. Our editors have determined that six vehicles from Nissan are among the best products in their respective segments,” said Consumer Guide Publisher Tom Appel, who led the editors’ selection process for this year’s list.
Among premium brands, Lexus topped the list, having been awarded three Best Buy trophies for 2026.
The complete list of Consumer Guide 2026 Best Buy Awards can be viewed below.
Since 1967, Consumer Guide Automotive’s award-winning editorial team has used a rigorous and comprehensive evaluation process to identify the vehicles worthy of serious consideration by consumers. The editors utilize objective criteria, such as price, features, performance, accommodations, fuel economy, reliability records, and resale value, to assess each vehicle.
The key to Consumer Guide Automotive’s annual Best Buy Awards is the careful evaluation of every aspect of each vehicle as it relates to consumers’ real-world driving experience. It is this thoroughness that leads consumers to check Consumer Guide Automotive reviews before buying a new vehicle.
Consumer Guide’s editorial team drives more than 50,000 miles every year evaluating what these vehicles do well—and what they don’t. Whether it is driving through the city, on highways, in rural areas, on long trips, or simply picking up the kids at school, these vehicles are tested in the same way that typical car buyers would use their vehicles.
Complete reviews of the winning vehicles, as well as other pertinent information for in-market car buyers, can be found at Consumerguide.com. For a daily dose of automotive news, test-drive reviews, humor, and history, visit the CG Daily Drive blog at Blog.Consumerguide.com.
For more information, please contact Tom Appel at tom@cgauto.com or by phone at 847-502-5373.
2026 Consumer Guide Best Buys
Subcompact Crossover
Buick Envista
Why it’s a Best Buy: Premium look and feel, plenty of passenger space, value price
But… Not available with AWD
Base-Price Range: $25,995-$30,795
Fuel Economy (EPA combined mpg): 30
More on Envista
Chevrolet Trax
Why it’s a Best Buy: Sporty character, ample cabin space, excellent fuel economy, bargain price
But… Not available with AWD
Base-Price Range: $22,995-$26,695
Fuel Economy (EPA combined mpg): 30
More on Trax
Hyundai Kona
Why it’s a Best Buy: Modern design, excellent road manners, roomy cabin
But… A vale, but not the bargain it used to be
Base-Price Range: $26,950-$35,750
Fuel Economy (EPA combined mpg): 26-31
More on Kona
Mazda CX-30
Why it’s a Best Buy: Premium power and amenities in a tidy, sporty, affordable package
But… Limited rear-seat space
Base-Price Range: $27,470-$39,395
Fuel Economy (EPA combined mpg): 25-27
More on CX-30
Nissan Kicks
Why it’s a Best Buy: Excellent value, surprising refinement, ample space, AWD now available
But… Could use a little more power
Base-Price Range: $23,925-$29,655
Fuel Economy (EPA combined mpg): 30-31
More on Kicks
Nissan Leaf
Why it’s a Best Buy: Fresh and functional design, ample power, decent range
But… Budget-conscious cabin material, not yet available with AWD
Base-Price Range: $31,485-$40,485
Range (EPA estimated): 259-303 miles
More on Leaf
Premium Subcompact Crossover
Alfa Romeo Tonale
Why it’s a Best Buy: Genuinely sporty character, attractive cabin, compelling prices
But… Not as refined as competitive offerings
Base-Price Range: $40,245-$44,745
Fuel Economy (EPA combined mpg): 24
More on Tonale
BMW X1
Why it’s a Best Buy: Expected BMW character at a reasonable price, surprising passenger and cargo space
But… Options add up quickly
Base-Price Range: $43,975–$53,075
Fuel Economy (EPA combined mpg): 26-28
Volvo EX30
Why it’s a Best Buy: Sporty character, modern design, functional cabin
But… Interior may read as austere to some
Base-Price Range: $40,245-$49,445
Range (EPA estimated): 203-261 miles
More on EX30
Compact Crossover
Mazda CX-50
Why it’s a Best Buy: Upscale feel, sporty character, excellent new hybrid powertrain
But… Pricey in top trim levels
Base-Price Range: $31,395-$44,395
Fuel Economy (EPA combined mpg): 25-38
More on CX-50
Nissan Rogue
Why it’s a Best Buy: Plenty of passenger space, refined ride and handling, excellent fuel economy
But… Engine can sound whiny
Base-Price Range: $30,585-$40,485
Fuel Economy (EPA combined mpg): 29-32
More on Rogue
Subaru Forester
Why it’s a Best Buy: Sporty character, fun design, outstanding snow capability
But… Not the quietest option in the category
Base-Price Range: $31,445-$43,045
Fuel Economy (EPA combined mpg): 23-27
More on Forester
Premium Compact Crossover
Genesis GV70
Why it’s a Best Buy: Ultra-premium cabin and dynamic refinement, surprisingly sporty character
But… Not the bargain it once was
Base-Price Range: $50,480-$72,590
Fuel Economy (EPA combined mpg): 29-32
More on GV70
Midsize Crossover
Mazda CX-70
Why it’s a Best Buy: Luxury-class refinement, smooth drivetrain, impressive build quality
But… Available plug-in hybrid powertrain wants for refinement (we recommend the conventional powertrain)
Base-Price Range: $43,780-$58,200
Fuel Economy (EPA combined mpg): 25-56
More on CX-70
Mazda CX-90
Premium Midsize Crossover
Why it’s a Best Buy: Luxury-class refinement, smooth drivetrain, impressive build quality
But… Available plug-in hybrid drivetrain wants for refinement (we recommend the conventional powertrain)
Base-Price Range: $40,380-$58,900
Fuel Economy (EPA combined mpg): 25-56
More about CX-90
Lexus RX
Why it’s a Best Buy: Class-leading quality, on-road refinement, long-trip comfort
But… Not as sporty as design suggests
Base-Price Range: $51,175-$63,495 (not including PHEV)
Fuel Economy (EPA combined mpg): 25-36 (not including PHEV)
More about LX
Lincoln Nautilus
Why it’s a Best Buy: Modern cabin, loaded with high-tech features, coddling cabin
But… Not especially engaging to drive
Base-Price Range: $55,905-$79,125
Fuel Economy (EPA combined mpg): 24-30
More about Nautilus
Large SUV
Ford Expedition
Why it’s a Best Buy: Modern interior, excellent power, long-haul comfort
But… Fewer trim levels for 2026 mean less consumer choice
Base-Price Range: $64,995-$86,655
Fuel Economy (EPA combined mpg): 18-19
More about Expedition
Nissan Armada
Why it’s a Best Buy: Modern take on the large SUV, premium cabin, value priced in category
But… Ride can be rough on broken surfaces
Base-Price Range: $61,030-$82,740
Fuel Economy (EPA combined mpg): 17-18
More about Armada
Premium Large SUV
Infiniti QX80
Why it’s a Best Buy: Excellent cabin isolation, plenty of power, up-to-date tech
But… Pricey in top trim level
Base-Price Range: $85,940-$113,690
Fuel Economy (EPA combined mpg): 17-18
More about QX80
Lexus LX
Why it’s a Best Buy: Looks and feels precision-built, tidy dimensions mean easier parking and garaging
But… Priced like larger vehicles in class
Base-Price Range: $107,950-$116,950
Fuel Economy (EPA combined mpg): 19-20
More about LX
Lincoln Navigator
Why it’s a Best Buy: Classy and understated cabin, surprisingly deft handling, plenty of power
But… High price of entry
Base-Price Range: $94,590-$124,590
Fuel Economy (EPA combined mpg): 17
More about Navigator
Midsize Pickup
Nissan Frontier
Why it’s a Best Buy: Most affordable pickup in class, smooth V6 power, simple control layout
But… No high-horsepower engine option
Base-Price Range: $33,845-$44,065
Fuel Economy (EPA combined mpg): 18-21
More about Frontier
Large Pickup Truck
Ram 1500
Why it’s a Best Buy: Upscale cabin, class-leading ride and handling, slick and powerful new 6-cylinder engines
But… Available “Hemi” V8 engine adds cost, but no additional power
Base-Price Range: $44000-$90,945
Fuel Economy (EPA combined mpg): 22-30
More about Ram 1500
Minivans
Chrysler Pacifica
Why it’s a Best Buy: Premium family conveyance boasting class-leading space, ride comfort, and available hybrid power
But… Priced higher than other minivans
Base-Price Range: $45,940-$62,460
Fuel Economy (EPA combined mpg): 22-30
More about Pacifica
Kia Carnival
Why it’s a Best Buy: Smart-looking van now offered with hybrid drivetrain, most-affordable vehicle in segment
But… Ride comfort trails class leaders
Base-Price Range: $38,485-$52,585
Fuel Economy (EPA combined mpg): 21-32
More about Carnival
Small Car
Honda Civic
Why it’s a Best Buy: Sporty, but offers refinement of larger car
But… Buyers should step up to pricier hybrid models for best performance
Base-Price Range: $25,790-$34,690
Fuel Economy (EPA combined mpg): 31-49
More about Civic
Kia K4
Why it’s a Best Buy: Big refinement in a small package, attractive prices, modern cabin
But… Desirable turbocharged engine limited to top trim levels
Base-Price Range: $23,385-$29,985
Fuel Economy (EPA combined mpg): 31-49
More about K4
Nissan Versa
Why it’s a Best Buy: Among most-affordable new-vehicle options, modern feel, plenty of standard equipment
But… Manual transmission no longer available
Base-Price Range: N/A
Fuel Economy (EPA combined mpg): 35
More about Versa
Midsize Car
Toyota Camry
Why it’s a Best Buy: Standard hybrid drivetrain serves up power and performance, refined and comfortable cabin
But… Smooth available V6 is a thing of the past
Base-Price Range: $30,195-$37,920
Fuel Economy (EPA combined mpg): 43-51
More about Camry
Car Stuff Podcast Camry Quick Review
Toyota Crown and Crown Signia
Why it’s a Best Buy: Crossoverlike utility in a sporty and attractive package
But… Signia wagon not offered with powerful Hybrid Max engine
Base-Price Range: $43,110-$56,660 (Standard Crown)
Fuel Economy (EPA combined mpg): 30-41
More on Crown
Premium Large Car
Lexus LS
Why it’s a Best Buy: Rivals German large sedans at a more reasonable price, excellent build quality
But… Front-row not as roomy as it might be, 2026 is the big sedan’s last year
Base-Price Range: $99,280
Fuel Economy (EPA combined mpg): 22
More on LS
Listen to the Car Stuff Podcast
2026 Consumer Guide Best Buy Pictures
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Meet the 2025 Consumer Guide Best Buys
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