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What are the top 10 car brands for 2022? If you don’t know where to start on your car shopping journey, you’ve come to the right place. U.S. News & World Report compiled its list of best car brands for 2022. These rankings are based on the reviews of the brands press-wide, taking into account safety scores, reliability, and value.

What are the top 10 car brands for 2022?

What makes a car brand the best? According to U.S. News & World Report, it’s consistently selling reliable, safe vehicles at an affordable price. After all, that’s what most consumers want, regardless of vehicle type. The best mainstream car brands offer a wide array of models with great reviews—your one-stop shop for buying all of your new cars.

10. Chevrolet made the top 10 car brands for 2022

A silver 2022 Chevy Bolt, Chevrolet is a top 10 car brand for 2022
A silver 2022 Chevy Bolt is parked outside a house | Chevrolet

One of the most iconic automakers of all time, Chevrolet has a lot to prove. Although it made the top 10, there are only 13 mainstream car brands, so it isn’t too impressive. From expensive 2022 Corvette models right down to the more affordable Camaro, Chevrolet has something for everyone.

Additionally, breaking into the electric vehicle scene has proven beneficial for the titan. Chevy’s electric 2021 Bolt can drive 259 miles on a single charge and has a surprising amount of cargo space. Other options like the Malibu and Spark leave a lot to be desired.

9. Volkswagen, the people’s car

A blue 2022 Volkswagen Golf R parked, VW is a top 10 car brand for 2022
2022 Volkswagen Golf R | Volkswagen

Although the automaker no longer sells Beetles and a Microbus, it’s made significant improvements to its lineup. Most importantly, the Volkswagen Golf is one of the most impressive cars in its class. The compact hatchback comes with a high-quality, spacious interior, beating nearly all its competitors.

Other VW car options include the Golf GTI and Arteon. The GTI variant of the Golf provides a better engine and suspension, improving the driving experience overall. As for the Arteon, the small luxury car isn’t going to outperform many rivals, but it does have a comfortable ride and an excellent infotainment system.

8. Chrysler only has one car left

The 2022 Chrysler 300, Chrysler is a top 10 car brand for 2022
The 2022 Chrysler 300 is one of MotorTrend’s best full-size sedans | Chrysler

The 2022 Chrysler 300 is the only one remaining in the automaker’s lineup. U.S. News ranks it second overall in its large car rankings for the new model year. It comes with a standard V6 engine that provides more than enough power for most owners. Additionally, it uses top-tier materials that are luxurious for an affordable machine like this one.

Although the interior isn’t the most up-to-date, five adults fit very comfortably inside this large car. The standard UConnect infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen is easy to use compared to many competitors.

7. Subaru is one of the top 10 car brands for 2022

2022 Subaru BRZ
2022 Subaru BRZ sitting on a race track

With a lineup consisting of three well-rounded cars, it’s easy to place Subaru in the top 10 car brands for 2022. Most prominent is the Subaru BRZ, which is a top-ranked sports car across the board. It delivers a strong engine, excellent handling, and a comfortable interior.

Next, the 2022 Impreza and Legacy are both excellent alternatives. Although they aren’t built for driving like the BRZ, they’re reliable, safe, and offer intuitive user interfaces. Both come with ample cargo space and are very well put together.

A black Toyota Prius hybrid shot through light fog in a photo booth from the 3/4 angle
The Toyota Prius shows that complicated hybrids can be reliable | Toyota

Many car brands have started to shy away from how many options are in their lineup. Other vehicle types like crossovers, SUVs, and pickup trucks have become much more popular, especially in America. However, Toyota sticks with the same old formula, and it continues to pay off. The 2022 Corolla, Camry, and Prius make up the Toyota lineup of cars.

The Camry has been the best-selling car in America for a long time. Its slightly cheaper sibling, the Corolla, sells pretty darn well too. Both models have become luxury in their highest trims and safe, reliable, and affordable at their lowest.

Additionally, the Prius is synonymous with excellent fuel economy. It was one of the first successful mass-produced hybrid cars globally and still lives up to the task. Cargo space and fuel economy are lovely, but it lacks power compared to rivals.

4. U.S. News says Kia and Hyundai tie as fourth best

2022 Kia Rio in blue, Kia is one of US News' top 10 car brands for 2022
2022 Rio

Although the two automakers are different, their lineups are virtually the same. Hyundai offers the Elantra, Sonata Hybrid, and Veloster, each covering a different car segment. The Veloster only has one trim remaining, and it’s focused on performance. Alternatively, the Sonata Hybrid is an excellent fuel-efficient car that is affordable. Lastly, the Hyundai Elantra is the most popular Hyundai model. Its range of engines is one of its most significant selling points, from a 147 horsepower four-cylinder to a 276 horsepower turbo.

Kia offers a very similar car lineup to its corporate cousin. The Kia Stinger is the sharply designed luxury small car focused on performance, which outranks Hyundai’s option at every turn. Additionally, the Kia Rio is U.S. News’ highest-ranked subcompact car. It handles well, offers excellent tech features and fuel economy, and comes in a hatchback variant. Finally, the Forte and K5 midsize cars are like a bigger, more upscale Rio. These two Kia cars are underrated, an exceptionally comfortable interior with spacious cabins and lots of infotainment options.

3. Dodge has only two models, but they’re iconic

2022 Dodge Challenger Scat Pack in red
2022 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack Widebody, shown here in TorRed

There’s a good reason Dodge is only down to two different cars in its lineup. Not only did it discontinue its models from other segments, but these two are too iconic to discontinue. The Challenger and Charger are performance-focused cars that always turn heads. Subsequently, the Challenger muscle car has an 807 horsepower Hellcat Super Stock top trim model that outperforms basically any other car lineup. Although the Challenger doesn’t offer much in terms of comfortability, tech, or interior attractiveness, it does what it’s supposed to, and that’s drive.

As for the Dodge Charger, it’s almost a scaled-down version of the Challenger. It maintains some of the muscle you’d want from a Dodge car but adds a comfortable ride and plenty of passenger and cargo space. It’s much more practical but not as powerful as its bigger sibling.

2. Mazda is the most underrated car brand

2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata, Mazda is one of US News' top 10 car brand for 2022
2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata | MotorBiscuit: Joe Santos

If you were to ask 100 people what their favorite car brand is, it’s not likely a single one would mention Mazda. However, it’s become one of the best automakers in the business in recent years. In terms of cars, the Mazda3, Mazda6, and MX-5 Miata highlight the models available.

, the Mazda3 and Mazda6 are ranked number two in their respective classes. They both come with excellent standard engines and more powerful available options. Handling and comfortability on the interior are also fantastic. Additionally, the MX-5 Miata is made purely for your driving pleasure. This iconic two-seater is a sports car meant for fun driving. There is almost no space for anything but one driver and one passenger, but its light body, fast acceleration, and phenomenal handling make it an incredible drive.

1. Honda is U.S. News’ top car brand for 2022

A powder blue Honda Civic Type R, one of US News' top 10 car brands for 2022.
2021 Honda Civic Type R

Sometimes less is more, and Honda is a shining example of that. Only offering the Civic and Accord is easy for this automaker since they’re two of the most popular cars on the road today. U.S. News ranked the Civic as the best overall car in its class. It comes with excellent fuel economy and a more powerful available engine if that’s what you’re into.

Lastly, the Honda Accord is the midsize sedan that ranks number one in its class. With ample cargo and passenger space, intuitive tech features, and excellent handling, you can’t go wrong with this model. Not to mention, for those in need of better fuel economy, there’s a hybrid version.

The top car brands for 2022, according to U.S. News & World Report

U.S. News reported the best car brands for the upcoming model year from worst to best. The review outlet only considered the mainstream options, avoiding luxury, new, and other less-popular brands. Being the top car brand for 2022 is no easy task, but Honda has been near the top for years. If you’re in the market for a new car, you might want to start by looking at some of these brands’ offerings.

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