Kelley Blue Book (KBB) has revealed which cars, trucks, SUVs, and minivans it recommends for shoppers looking to buy a new vehicle in 2026. Following a year of expert testing of nearly every new and redesigned vehicle available in the United States, these are the winners of the vehicle valuation and information source’s 2026 Best Buy Awards.

“We keep the everyday driver at the forefront of our minds while testing new and redesigned cars each year, ultimately choosing the models we recommend as unsurpassed in their category for the Kelley Blue Book Best Buy Awards,” said Brian Moody, executive editor of Kelley Blue Book.

“With several hundred new-vehicle models available in 2026, the multitude of options can be overwhelming for many new-car shoppers. Our goal is to alleviate some of that stress and help people choose the right car that best suits their individual needs, empowering them with information to make confident purchase decisions.”

As Moody also pointed out, “the Best Buy Award winners represent the true standouts in the most popular vehicle categories.”

Kelley Blue Book Best SUVs for 2026

Best Subcompact SUV: 2026 Hyundai Kona

Put simply, the Hyundai Kona SUV was chosen based on quality, safety, features, and the best warranty in the industry.

Best Compact SUV: 2026 Toyota RAV4

According to KBB, the Toyota RAV4 offers more power for the money, better fuel economy, and the best resale value.

Best Midsize SUV: 2026 Hyundai Palisade

The redesigned Hyundai Palisade’s look, roomier interior with upgraded features and materials, reasonable pricing, above-average resale value, and class-leading warranty made it Kelley Blue Book’s top choice in the category for 2026.

Best Full-Size SUV: 2026 Ford Expedition

Not only is the Ford Expedition tough, capable, and great-looking, it is roomy and can travel on-road or off with surprisingly decent fuel economy.

Kelley Blue Book Best Electric Vehicles for 2026

Best New Model & Best Electric Vehicle Under $35,000: 2026 Nissan LEAF

More than 300 miles of range and a low starting price helped push the 2026 Nissan Leaf to the top of KBB’s list. New style inside and out, more power and more range make it a practical EV that costs little to drive.

Best 3-Row Electric Vehicle: 2026 Kia EV9

Spacious with more than 300 miles of range, the Kia EV9 was voted best in class for 2026.

Best Electric Vehicle: 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 5

Hyundai slashed the price of the Ioniq 5, making it an EV that’s even more approachable to a wider set of shoppers. Throw in lower fuel costs and the long-term peace of mind you get from Hyundai’s unbeatable warranty, and it’s a great deal.

Kelley Blue Book Best Cars, Trucks, and Minivans for 2026

Best Compact Car: 2026 Honda Civic

The Honda Civic is fuel-efficient, practical, and fun to drive. For better performance, choose the Civic Si or Type R. All Civic models offer excellent resale value and reliability.

Best Midsize Car: 2026 Toyota Camry

Sensible, practical, efficient, safe. Those are the words KBB uses to describe the Toyota Camry.

Best Minivan: 2026 Toyota Sienna

The Toyota Sienna maximizes safety, efficiency, and overall practicality. The low fuel costs, thanks to a hybrid powertrain, made it the top minivan on KBB’s Best Resale Value Awards list.

Best Compact Truck: 2026 Ford Maverick

The Ford Maverick has the style and capability of a full-size truck with phenomenal fuel economy. It also has a sub-$30,000 starting price.

Best Midsize Truck: 2026 Toyota Tacoma

KBB says they were “bowled over by the capability, durability, customization, and comfort of this newest generation of Tacoma.”

Best Full-Size Truck: 2026 Ford F-150

Thanks to its capability, power, efficiency, and comfort, the Ford F-150, regardless of which model you choose, reigns supreme in the full-size pickup category.