Shopper Information Publicizes 2026 Finest Buys: Nissan Leads Fashionable Manufacturers with Six Awards; Lexus Tops Premium Section with Three
Palatine, IL. December 2, 2025 – Shopper Information® Automotive, the main writer of authoritative, unbiased new-car evaluations for 59 years, at the moment introduced the recipients of its 2026 Finest Purchase Awards. A Shopper Information Finest Purchase represents the best stability of attributes and worth in its class. For 2026, 32 Finest Buys have been awarded in 13 courses, offering clear, simple selections for shoppers.
***
Nissan is Shopper Information’s most awarded model for 2026—incomes a formidable 5 Finest Purchase awards.
“Nissan has a broad product lineup, providing one thing in nearly each class. Our editors have decided that six autos from Nissan are among the many greatest merchandise of their respective segments,” stated Shopper Information Writer Tom Appel, who led the editors’ choice course of for this 12 months’s checklist.
Amongst premium manufacturers, Lexus topped the checklist, having been awarded three Finest Purchase trophies for 2026.
The entire checklist of Shopper Information 2026 Finest Purchase Awards could be seen under.
Since 1967, Shopper Information Automotive’s award-winning editorial crew has used a rigorous and complete analysis course of to establish the autos worthy of great consideration by shoppers. The editors make the most of goal standards, similar to worth, options, efficiency, lodging, gasoline financial system, reliability data, and resale worth, to evaluate every automobile.
The important thing to Shopper Information Automotive’s annual Finest Purchase Awards is the cautious analysis of each side of every automobile because it pertains to shoppers’ real-world driving expertise. It’s this thoroughness that leads shoppers to test Shopper Information Automotive evaluations earlier than shopping for a brand new automobile.
Shopper Information’s editorial crew drives greater than 50,000 miles yearly evaluating what these autos do effectively—and what they don’t. Whether or not it’s driving by means of the town, on highways, in rural areas, on lengthy journeys, or just selecting up the youngsters in school, these autos are examined in the identical approach that typical automotive consumers would use their autos.
Full evaluations of the profitable autos, in addition to different pertinent data for in-market automotive consumers, could be discovered at Consumerguide.com. For a every 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 data, please contact Tom Appel at tom@cgauto.com or by telephone at 847-502-5373.
2026 Shopper Information Finest Buys
Subcompact Crossover
Buick Envista
Why it’s a Finest Purchase: Premium appear and feel, loads of passenger house, worth worth
However… Not accessible with AWD
Base-Value Vary: $25,995-$30,795
Gasoline Economic system (EPA mixed mpg): 30
Chevrolet Trax
Why it’s a Finest Purchase: Sporty character, ample cabin house, wonderful gasoline financial system, discount worth
However… Not accessible with AWD
Base-Value Vary: $22,995-$26,695
Gasoline Economic system (EPA mixed mpg): 30
Hyundai Kona
Why it’s a Finest Purchase: Fashionable design, wonderful highway manners, roomy cabin
However… A vale, however not the cut price it was once
Base-Value Vary: $26,950-$35,750
Gasoline Economic system (EPA mixed mpg): 26-31
Mazda CX-30
Why it’s a Finest Purchase: Premium energy and facilities in a tidy, sporty, reasonably priced bundle
However… Restricted rear-seat house
Base-Value Vary: $27,470-$39,395
Gasoline Economic system (EPA mixed mpg): 25-27
Nissan Kicks
Why it’s a Finest Purchase: Glorious worth, shocking refinement, ample house, AWD now accessible
However… May use a bit of extra energy
Base-Value Vary: $23,925-$29,655
Gasoline Economic system (EPA mixed mpg): 30-31
Nissan Leaf
Why it’s a Finest Purchase: Contemporary and practical design, ample energy, first rate vary
However… Funds-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 Finest Purchase: Genuinely sporty character, enticing cabin, compelling costs
However… Not as refined as aggressive choices
Base-Value Vary: $40,245-$44,745
Gasoline Economic system (EPA mixed mpg): 24
BMW X1
Why it’s a Finest Purchase: Anticipated BMW character at an affordable worth, shocking passenger and cargo house
However… Choices add up shortly
Base-Value Vary: $43,975–$53,075
Gasoline Economic system (EPA mixed mpg): 26-28
Volvo EX30
Why it’s a Finest Purchase: Sporty character, fashionable 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 Finest Purchase: Upscale really feel, sporty character, wonderful new hybrid powertrain
However… Expensive in prime trim ranges
Base-Value Vary: $31,395-$44,395
Gasoline Economic system (EPA mixed mpg): 25-38
Nissan Rogue
Why it’s a Finest Purchase: Loads of passenger house, refined journey and dealing with, wonderful gasoline financial system
However… Engine can sound whiny
Base-Value Vary: $30,585-$40,485
Gasoline Economic system (EPA mixed mpg): 29-32
Subaru Forester
Why it’s a Finest Purchase: Sporty character, enjoyable design, excellent snow functionality
However… Not the quietest possibility within the class
Base-Value Vary: $31,445-$43,045
Gasoline Economic system (EPA mixed mpg): 23-27
Premium Compact Crossover
Genesis GV70
Why it’s a Finest Purchase: Extremely-premium cabin and dynamic refinement, surprisingly sporty character
However… Not the cut price it as soon as was
Base-Value Vary: $50,480-$72,590
Gasoline Economic system (EPA mixed mpg): 29-32
Midsize Crossover
Mazda CX-70
Why it’s a Finest Purchase: Luxurious-class refinement, clean drivetrain, spectacular construct high quality
However… Out there plug-in hybrid powertrain desires for refinement (we suggest the standard powertrain)
Base-Value Vary: $43,780-$58,200
Gasoline Economic system (EPA mixed mpg): 25-56
Mazda CX-90
Premium Midsize Crossover
Why it’s a Finest Purchase: Luxurious-class refinement, clean drivetrain, spectacular construct high quality
However… Out there plug-in hybrid drivetrain desires for refinement (we suggest the standard powertrain)
Base-Value Vary: $40,380-$58,900
Gasoline Economic system (EPA mixed mpg): 25-56
Lexus RX
Why it’s a Finest 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 Economic system (EPA mixed mpg): 25-36 (not together with PHEV)
Lincoln Nautilus
Why it’s a Finest Purchase: Fashionable cabin, loaded with high-tech options, coddling cabin
However… Not particularly partaking to drive
Base-Value Vary: $55,905-$79,125
Gasoline Economic system (EPA mixed mpg): 24-30
Massive SUV
Ford Expedition
Why it’s a Finest Purchase: Fashionable inside, wonderful energy, long-haul consolation
However… Fewer trim ranges for 2026 imply much less client alternative
Base-Value Vary: $64,995-$86,655
Gasoline Economic system (EPA mixed mpg): 18-19
Nissan Armada
Why it’s a Finest Purchase: Fashionable tackle the big SUV, premium cabin, worth priced in class
However… Journey could be tough on damaged surfaces
Base-Value Vary: $61,030-$82,740
Gasoline Economic system (EPA mixed mpg): 17-18
Premium Massive SUV
Infiniti QX80
Why it’s a Finest Purchase: Glorious cabin isolation, loads of energy, up-to-date tech
However… Expensive in prime trim degree
Base-Value Vary: $85,940-$113,690
Gasoline Economic system (EPA mixed mpg): 17-18
Lexus LX
Why it’s a Finest Purchase: Appears to be like and feels precision-built, tidy dimensions imply simpler parking and garaging
However… Priced like bigger autos at school
Base-Value Vary: $107,950-$116,950
Gasoline Economic system (EPA mixed mpg): 19-20
Lincoln Navigator
Why it’s a Finest Purchase: Stylish and understated cabin, surprisingly deft dealing with, loads of energy
However… Excessive worth of entry
Base-Value Vary: $94,590-$124,590
Gasoline Economic system (EPA mixed mpg): 17
Midsize Pickup
Nissan Frontier
Why it’s a Finest Purchase: Most reasonably priced pickup at school, clean V6 energy, easy management structure
However… No high-horsepower engine possibility
Base-Value Vary: $33,845-$44,065
Gasoline Economic system (EPA mixed mpg): 18-21
Massive Pickup Truck
Ram 1500
Why it’s a Finest Purchase: Upscale cabin, class-leading journey and dealing with, slick and highly effective new 6-cylinder engines
However… Out there “Hemi” V8 engine provides value, however no further energy
Base-Value Vary: $44000-$90,945
Gasoline Economic system (EPA mixed mpg): 22-30
Minivans
Chrysler Pacifica
Why it’s a Finest Purchase: Premium household conveyance boasting class-leading house, journey consolation, and accessible hybrid energy
However… Priced larger than different minivans
Base-Value Vary: $45,940-$62,460
Gasoline Economic system (EPA mixed mpg): 22-30
Kia Carnival
Why it’s a Finest Purchase: Good-looking van now provided with hybrid drivetrain, most-affordable automobile in section
However… Journey consolation trails class leaders
Base-Value Vary: $38,485-$52,585
Gasoline Economic system (EPA mixed mpg): 21-32
Small Automotive
Honda Civic
Why it’s a Finest Purchase: Sporty, however affords refinement of bigger automotive
However… Patrons ought to step as much as pricier hybrid fashions for greatest efficiency
Base-Value Vary: $25,790-$34,690
Gasoline Economic system (EPA mixed mpg): 31-49
Kia K4
Why it’s a Finest Purchase: Huge refinement in a small bundle, enticing costs, fashionable cabin
However… Fascinating turbocharged engine restricted to prime trim ranges
Base-Value Vary: $23,385-$29,985
Gasoline Economic system (EPA mixed mpg): 31-49
Nissan Versa
Why it’s a Finest Purchase: Amongst most-affordable new-vehicle choices, fashionable really feel, loads of commonplace gear
However… Handbook transmission now not accessible
Base-Value Vary: N/A
Gasoline Economic system (EPA mixed mpg): 35
Midsize Automotive
Toyota Camry
Why it’s a Finest Purchase: Normal hybrid drivetrain serves up energy and efficiency, refined and comfy cabin
However… Clean accessible V6 is a factor of the previous
Base-Value Vary: $30,195-$37,920
Gasoline Economic system (EPA mixed mpg): 43-51
Automotive Stuff Podcast Camry Fast Evaluation
Toyota Crown and Crown Signia
Why it’s a Finest Purchase: Crossoverlike utility in a sporty and enticing bundle
However… Signia wagon not provided with highly effective Hybrid Max engine
Base-Value Vary: $43,110-$56,660 (Normal Crown)
Gasoline Economic system (EPA mixed mpg): 30-41
Premium Massive Automotive
Lexus LS
Why it’s a Finest Purchase: Rivals German massive sedans at a extra cheap worth, wonderful construct high quality
However… Entrance-row not as roomy because it could be, 2026 is the massive sedan’s final 12 months
Base-Value Vary: $99,280
Gasoline Economic system (EPA mixed mpg): 22
Take heed to the Automotive Stuff Podcast
2026 Shopper Information Finest Purchase Photos
Click on under for enlarged pictures
