Shopper Information Publicizes 2026 Finest Buys: Nissan Leads Common 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 opinions for 59 years, in the present day introduced the recipients of its 2026 Finest Purchase Awards. A Shopper Information Finest Purchase represents the best steadiness of attributes and worth in its class. For 2026, 32 Finest Buys have been awarded in 13 lessons, offering clear, simple selections for shoppers.
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Nissan is Shopper Information’s most awarded model for 2026—incomes a powerful 5 Finest Purchase awards.
“Nissan has a broad product lineup, providing one thing in virtually each class. Our editors have decided that six automobiles from Nissan are among the many finest merchandise of their respective segments,” stated Shopper Information Writer Tom Appel, who led the editors’ choice course of for this yr’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 will be seen beneath.
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, 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 verify Shopper Information Automotive opinions earlier than shopping for a brand new automobile.
Shopper Information’s editorial workforce drives greater than 50,000 miles yearly evaluating what these automobiles do properly—and what they don’t. Whether or not it’s driving via town, on highways, in rural areas, on lengthy journeys, or just selecting up the youngsters at college, these automobiles are examined in the identical manner that typical automobile patrons would use their automobiles.
Full opinions of the successful automobiles, in addition to different pertinent info for in-market automobile patrons, will be discovered at Consumerguide.com. For a each day dose of automotive information, test-drive opinions, humor, and historical past, go to the CG Day by day Drive weblog at Weblog.Consumerguide.com.
For extra info, 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 feel and appear, loads of passenger house, worth worth
However… Not obtainable with AWD
Base-Value Vary: $25,995-$30,795
Gas Economic system (EPA mixed mpg): 30
Chevrolet Trax
Why it’s a Finest Purchase: Sporty character, ample cabin house, glorious gasoline financial system, cut price worth
However… Not obtainable with AWD
Base-Value Vary: $22,995-$26,695
Gas Economic system (EPA mixed mpg): 30
Hyundai Kona
Why it’s a Finest Purchase: Trendy design, glorious street manners, roomy cabin
However… A vale, however not the discount it was once
Base-Value Vary: $26,950-$35,750
Gas 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 package deal
However… Restricted rear-seat house
Base-Value Vary: $27,470-$39,395
Gas Economic system (EPA mixed mpg): 25-27
Nissan Kicks
Why it’s a Finest Purchase: Glorious worth, shocking refinement, ample house, AWD now obtainable
However… Might use a bit extra energy
Base-Value Vary: $23,925-$29,655
Gas Economic system (EPA mixed mpg): 30-31
Nissan Leaf
Why it’s a Finest Purchase: Recent and practical design, ample energy, first rate vary
However… Price range-conscious cabin materials, not but obtainable 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
Gas Economic system (EPA mixed mpg): 24
BMW X1
Why it’s a Finest Purchase: Anticipated BMW character at an inexpensive worth, shocking passenger and cargo house
However… Choices add up shortly
Base-Value Vary: $43,975–$53,075
Gas Economic system (EPA mixed mpg): 26-28
Volvo EX30
Why it’s a Finest Purchase: Sporty character, fashionable design, practical cabin
However… Inside could 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, glorious new hybrid powertrain
However… Dear in prime trim ranges
Base-Value Vary: $31,395-$44,395
Gas Economic system (EPA mixed mpg): 25-38
Nissan Rogue
Why it’s a Finest Purchase: Loads of passenger house, refined journey and dealing with, glorious gasoline financial system
However… Engine can sound whiny
Base-Value Vary: $30,585-$40,485
Gas 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 choice within the class
Base-Value Vary: $31,445-$43,045
Gas 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 discount it as soon as was
Base-Value Vary: $50,480-$72,590
Gas 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 needs for refinement (we suggest the traditional powertrain)
Base-Value Vary: $43,780-$58,200
Gas 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 needs for refinement (we suggest the traditional powertrain)
Base-Value Vary: $40,380-$58,900
Gas 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)
Gas Economic system (EPA mixed mpg): 25-36 (not together with PHEV)
Lincoln Nautilus
Why it’s a Finest Purchase: Trendy cabin, loaded with high-tech options, coddling cabin
However… Not particularly partaking to drive
Base-Value Vary: $55,905-$79,125
Gas Economic system (EPA mixed mpg): 24-30
Giant SUV
Ford Expedition
Why it’s a Finest Purchase: Trendy inside, glorious energy, long-haul consolation
However… Fewer trim ranges for 2026 imply much less shopper alternative
Base-Value Vary: $64,995-$86,655
Gas Economic system (EPA mixed mpg): 18-19
Nissan Armada
Why it’s a Finest Purchase: Trendy tackle the big SUV, premium cabin, worth priced in class
However… Experience will be tough on damaged surfaces
Base-Value Vary: $61,030-$82,740
Gas Economic system (EPA mixed mpg): 17-18
Premium Giant SUV
Infiniti QX80
Why it’s a Finest Purchase: Glorious cabin isolation, loads of energy, up-to-date tech
However… Dear in prime trim stage
Base-Value Vary: $85,940-$113,690
Gas 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 automobiles in school
Base-Value Vary: $107,950-$116,950
Gas Economic system (EPA mixed mpg): 19-20
Lincoln Navigator
Why it’s a Finest Purchase: Elegant and understated cabin, surprisingly deft dealing with, loads of energy
However… Excessive worth of entry
Base-Value Vary: $94,590-$124,590
Gas Economic system (EPA mixed mpg): 17
Midsize Pickup
Nissan Frontier
Why it’s a Finest Purchase: Most reasonably priced pickup in school, clean V6 energy, easy management format
However… No high-horsepower engine choice
Base-Value Vary: $33,845-$44,065
Gas Economic system (EPA mixed mpg): 18-21
Giant 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 extra energy
Base-Value Vary: $44000-$90,945
Gas 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 obtainable hybrid energy
However… Priced greater than different minivans
Base-Value Vary: $45,940-$62,460
Gas Economic system (EPA mixed mpg): 22-30
Kia Carnival
Why it’s a Finest Purchase: Good-looking van now supplied with hybrid drivetrain, most-affordable automobile in phase
However… Experience consolation trails class leaders
Base-Value Vary: $38,485-$52,585
Gas Economic system (EPA mixed mpg): 21-32
Small Automotive
Honda Civic
Why it’s a Finest Purchase: Sporty, however provides refinement of bigger automobile
However… Consumers ought to step as much as pricier hybrid fashions for finest efficiency
Base-Value Vary: $25,790-$34,690
Gas Economic system (EPA mixed mpg): 31-49
Kia K4
Why it’s a Finest Purchase: Large refinement in a small package deal, enticing costs, fashionable cabin
However… Fascinating turbocharged engine restricted to prime trim ranges
Base-Value Vary: $23,385-$29,985
Gas 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 normal tools
However… Handbook transmission now not obtainable
Base-Value Vary: N/A
Gas 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 cozy cabin
However… Clean obtainable V6 is a factor of the previous
Base-Value Vary: $30,195-$37,920
Gas 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 package deal
However… Signia wagon not supplied with highly effective Hybrid Max engine
Base-Value Vary: $43,110-$56,660 (Normal Crown)
Gas Economic system (EPA mixed mpg): 30-41
Premium Giant Automotive
Lexus LS
Why it’s a Finest Purchase: Rivals German giant sedans at a extra affordable worth, glorious construct high quality
However… Entrance-row not as roomy because it is likely to be, 2026 is the large sedan’s final yr
Base-Value Vary: $99,280
Gas Economic system (EPA mixed mpg): 22
Hearken to the Automotive Stuff Podcast
2026 Shopper Information Finest Purchase Photos
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