Shopper Information Proclaims 2026 Greatest Buys: Nissan Leads Standard Manufacturers with Six Awards; Lexus Tops Premium Phase with Three
Palatine, IL. December 2, 2025 – Shopper Information® Automotive, the main writer of authoritative, unbiased new-car evaluations for 59 years, right now introduced the recipients of its 2026 Greatest Purchase Awards. A Shopper Information Greatest Purchase represents the best stability of attributes and worth in its class. For 2026, 32 Greatest Buys have been awarded in 13 lessons, offering clear, simple decisions for shoppers.
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Nissan is Shopper Information’s most awarded model for 2026—incomes a powerful 5 Greatest Purchase awards.
“Nissan has a broad product lineup, providing one thing in nearly each class. Our editors have decided that six automobiles from Nissan are among the many finest merchandise of their respective segments,” mentioned Shopper Information Writer Tom Appel, who led the editors’ choice course of for this 12 months’s record.
Amongst premium manufacturers, Lexus topped the record, having been awarded three Greatest Purchase trophies for 2026.
The whole record of Shopper Information 2026 Greatest Purchase Awards might be considered under.
Since 1967, Shopper Information Automotive’s award-winning editorial workforce has used a rigorous and complete analysis course of to establish the automobiles worthy of significant consideration by shoppers. The editors make the most of goal standards, comparable to value, options, efficiency, lodging, gas economic system, reliability data, and resale worth, to evaluate every car.
The important thing to Shopper Information Automotive’s annual Greatest Purchase Awards is the cautious analysis of each side of every car because it pertains to shoppers’ real-world driving expertise. It’s this thoroughness that leads shoppers to verify Shopper Information Automotive evaluations earlier than shopping for a brand new car.
Shopper Information’s editorial workforce drives greater than 50,000 miles yearly evaluating what these automobiles do nicely—and what they don’t. Whether or not it’s driving by the town, on highways, in rural areas, on lengthy journeys, or just choosing up the youngsters in school, these automobiles are examined in the identical method that typical automotive patrons would use their automobiles.
Full evaluations of the profitable automobiles, in addition to different pertinent info for in-market automotive patrons, might be discovered at Consumerguide.com. For a each day dose of automotive information, test-drive evaluations, humor, and historical past, go to the CG Every day Drive weblog at Weblog.Consumerguide.com.
For extra info, please contact Tom Appel at tom@cgauto.com or by cellphone at 847-502-5373.
2026 Shopper Information Greatest Buys
Subcompact Crossover
Buick Envista
Why it’s a Greatest Purchase: Premium feel and look, loads of passenger area, worth value
However… Not accessible with AWD
Base-Value Vary: $25,995-$30,795
Gasoline Financial system (EPA mixed mpg): 30
Chevrolet Trax
Why it’s a Greatest Purchase: Sporty character, ample cabin area, glorious gas economic system, cut price value
However… Not accessible with AWD
Base-Value Vary: $22,995-$26,695
Gasoline Financial system (EPA mixed mpg): 30
Hyundai Kona
Why it’s a Greatest Purchase: Fashionable design, glorious highway manners, roomy cabin
However… A vale, however not the discount it was
Base-Value Vary: $26,950-$35,750
Gasoline Financial system (EPA mixed mpg): 26-31
Mazda CX-30
Why it’s a Greatest Purchase: Premium energy and facilities in a tidy, sporty, reasonably priced package deal
However… Restricted rear-seat area
Base-Value Vary: $27,470-$39,395
Gasoline Financial system (EPA mixed mpg): 25-27
Nissan Kicks
Why it’s a Greatest Purchase: Wonderful worth, stunning refinement, ample area, AWD now accessible
However… Might use a bit of extra energy
Base-Value Vary: $23,925-$29,655
Gasoline Financial system (EPA mixed mpg): 30-31
Nissan Leaf
Why it’s a Greatest Purchase: Contemporary and practical design, ample energy, first rate vary
However… Price range-conscious cabin materials, not but accessible with AWD
Base-Value Vary: $31,485-$40,485
Vary (EPA estimated): 259-303 miles
Premium Subcompact Crossover
Alfa Romeo Tonale
Why it’s a Greatest Purchase: Genuinely sporty character, enticing cabin, compelling costs
However… Not as refined as aggressive choices
Base-Value Vary: $40,245-$44,745
Gasoline Financial system (EPA mixed mpg): 24
BMW X1
Why it’s a Greatest Purchase: Anticipated BMW character at an affordable value, stunning passenger and cargo area
However… Choices add up shortly
Base-Value Vary: $43,975–$53,075
Gasoline Financial system (EPA mixed mpg): 26-28
Volvo EX30
Why it’s a Greatest Purchase: Sporty character, trendy design, practical cabin
However… Inside might learn as austere to some
Base-Value Vary: $40,245-$49,445
Vary (EPA estimated): 203-261 miles
Compact Crossover
Mazda CX-50
Why it’s a Greatest Purchase: Upscale really feel, sporty character, glorious new hybrid powertrain
However… Dear in high trim ranges
Base-Value Vary: $31,395-$44,395
Gasoline Financial system (EPA mixed mpg): 25-38
Nissan Rogue
Why it’s a Greatest Purchase: Loads of passenger area, refined trip and dealing with, glorious gas economic system
However… Engine can sound whiny
Base-Value Vary: $30,585-$40,485
Gasoline Financial system (EPA mixed mpg): 29-32
Subaru Forester
Why it’s a Greatest Purchase: Sporty character, enjoyable design, excellent snow functionality
However… Not the quietest choice within the class
Base-Value Vary: $31,445-$43,045
Gasoline Financial system (EPA mixed mpg): 23-27
Premium Compact Crossover
Genesis GV70
Why it’s a Greatest Purchase: Extremely-premium cabin and dynamic refinement, surprisingly sporty character
However… Not the discount it as soon as was
Base-Value Vary: $50,480-$72,590
Gasoline Financial system (EPA mixed mpg): 29-32
Midsize Crossover
Mazda CX-70
Why it’s a Greatest Purchase: Luxurious-class refinement, easy drivetrain, spectacular construct high quality
However… Out there plug-in hybrid powertrain desires for refinement (we advocate the traditional powertrain)
Base-Value Vary: $43,780-$58,200
Gasoline Financial system (EPA mixed mpg): 25-56
Mazda CX-90
Premium Midsize Crossover
Why it’s a Greatest Purchase: Luxurious-class refinement, easy drivetrain, spectacular construct high quality
However… Out there plug-in hybrid drivetrain desires for refinement (we advocate the traditional powertrain)
Base-Value Vary: $40,380-$58,900
Gasoline Financial system (EPA mixed mpg): 25-56
Lexus RX
Why it’s a Greatest Purchase: Class-leading high quality, on-road refinement, long-trip consolation
However… Not as sporty as design suggests
Base-Value Vary: $51,175-$63,495 (not together with PHEV)
Gasoline Financial system (EPA mixed mpg): 25-36 (not together with PHEV)
Lincoln Nautilus
Why it’s a Greatest Purchase: Fashionable cabin, loaded with high-tech options, coddling cabin
However… Not particularly partaking to drive
Base-Value Vary: $55,905-$79,125
Gasoline Financial system (EPA mixed mpg): 24-30
Giant SUV
Ford Expedition
Why it’s a Greatest Purchase: Fashionable inside, glorious energy, long-haul consolation
However… Fewer trim ranges for 2026 imply much less client selection
Base-Value Vary: $64,995-$86,655
Gasoline Financial system (EPA mixed mpg): 18-19
Nissan Armada
Why it’s a Greatest Purchase: Fashionable tackle the massive SUV, premium cabin, worth priced in class
However… Trip might be tough on damaged surfaces
Base-Value Vary: $61,030-$82,740
Gasoline Financial system (EPA mixed mpg): 17-18
Premium Giant SUV
Infiniti QX80
Why it’s a Greatest Purchase: Wonderful cabin isolation, loads of energy, up-to-date tech
However… Dear in high trim stage
Base-Value Vary: $85,940-$113,690
Gasoline Financial system (EPA mixed mpg): 17-18
Lexus LX
Why it’s a Greatest Purchase: Appears and feels precision-built, tidy dimensions imply simpler parking and garaging
However… Priced like bigger automobiles in school
Base-Value Vary: $107,950-$116,950
Gasoline Financial system (EPA mixed mpg): 19-20
Lincoln Navigator
Why it’s a Greatest Purchase: Elegant and understated cabin, surprisingly deft dealing with, loads of energy
However… Excessive value of entry
Base-Value Vary: $94,590-$124,590
Gasoline Financial system (EPA mixed mpg): 17
Midsize Pickup
Nissan Frontier
Why it’s a Greatest Purchase: Most reasonably priced pickup in school, easy V6 energy, easy management structure
However… No high-horsepower engine choice
Base-Value Vary: $33,845-$44,065
Gasoline Financial system (EPA mixed mpg): 18-21
Giant Pickup Truck
Ram 1500
Why it’s a Greatest Purchase: Upscale cabin, class-leading trip and dealing with, slick and highly effective new 6-cylinder engines
However… Out there “Hemi” V8 engine provides value, however no extra energy
Base-Value Vary: $44000-$90,945
Gasoline Financial system (EPA mixed mpg): 22-30
Minivans
Chrysler Pacifica
Why it’s a Greatest Purchase: Premium household conveyance boasting class-leading area, trip consolation, and accessible hybrid energy
However… Priced larger than different minivans
Base-Value Vary: $45,940-$62,460
Gasoline Financial system (EPA mixed mpg): 22-30
Kia Carnival
Why it’s a Greatest Purchase: Good-looking van now supplied with hybrid drivetrain, most-affordable car in phase
However… Trip consolation trails class leaders
Base-Value Vary: $38,485-$52,585
Gasoline Financial system (EPA mixed mpg): 21-32
Small Automotive
Honda Civic
Why it’s a Greatest Purchase: Sporty, however presents refinement of bigger automotive
However… Consumers ought to step as much as pricier hybrid fashions for finest efficiency
Base-Value Vary: $25,790-$34,690
Gasoline Financial system (EPA mixed mpg): 31-49
Kia K4
Why it’s a Greatest Purchase: Massive refinement in a small package deal, enticing costs, trendy cabin
However… Fascinating turbocharged engine restricted to high trim ranges
Base-Value Vary: $23,385-$29,985
Gasoline Financial system (EPA mixed mpg): 31-49
Nissan Versa
Why it’s a Greatest Purchase: Amongst most-affordable new-vehicle choices, trendy really feel, loads of customary gear
However… Handbook transmission not accessible
Base-Value Vary: N/A
Gasoline Financial system (EPA mixed mpg): 35
Midsize Automotive
Toyota Camry
Why it’s a Greatest Purchase: Commonplace hybrid drivetrain serves up energy and efficiency, refined and comfy cabin
However… Easy accessible V6 is a factor of the previous
Base-Value Vary: $30,195-$37,920
Gasoline Financial system (EPA mixed mpg): 43-51
Automotive Stuff Podcast Camry Fast Overview
Toyota Crown and Crown Signia
Why it’s a Greatest Purchase: Crossoverlike utility in a sporty and enticing package deal
However… Signia wagon not supplied with highly effective Hybrid Max engine
Base-Value Vary: $43,110-$56,660 (Commonplace Crown)
Gasoline Financial system (EPA mixed mpg): 30-41
Premium Giant Automotive
Lexus LS
Why it’s a Greatest Purchase: Rivals German giant sedans at a extra affordable value, glorious construct high quality
However… Entrance-row not as roomy because it is likely to be, 2026 is the massive sedan’s final 12 months
Base-Value Vary: $99,280
Gasoline Financial system (EPA mixed mpg): 22
Hearken to the Automotive Stuff Podcast
2026 Shopper Information Greatest Purchase Footage
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