Cars.com, the online car-shopping marketplace, on Wednesday announced the winners of its annual Best Of Awards, highlighting the 2026 vehicles that its editors deem most compelling across six categories. At a time of rising vehicle prices, evolving electric-vehicle incentives and limited used-car inventory, Cars.com said its selections demonstrate tangible value, practicality and innovation for today’s car buyers.
“Each year, Cars.com editors carefully evaluate all new and redesigned vehicles to see how they measure up,” said Mike Hanley, senior road test editor at Cars.com. “Our Best Of winners are those that truly exceed expectations. Take the Nissan Leaf, for example. With federal EV tax credits phasing out, many shoppers assume affordable electric cars are out of reach. The redesigned Leaf proves that value, innovation and everyday usability can still coexist.”
The awards reflect the shifting priorities of car buyers, who are increasingly selective in a market where affordability remains a central concern. Cars.com editors said the 2026 winners stand out for offering long-term utility without major compromises in safety, space or comfort.
The 2026 Best Of Award winners are:
Best Car: 2026 Nissan Leaf — Starting at $31,485, the Leaf delivers up to 303 miles of EPA-estimated range, strong efficiency, flexible charging including access to Tesla’s Supercharger network, intuitive technology and composed driving dynamics.
Best SUV: 2026 Nissan Armada — Featuring a twin-turbo V-6, up to 8,500 pounds of towing capacity and three-row comfort, the Armada combines versatility and capability for large-SUV shoppers.
Best Family Car: 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe / Santa Fe Hybrid — This “tweener” SUV offers three-row seating, flexible cargo space and an available hybrid drivetrain without the compromises of a larger SUV.
Best Pickup Truck: 2026 Ram 1500 — From rugged work-ready trims to luxury models, including the return of the Hemi V‑8, the Ram 1500 balances capability with class-leading comfort.
Best EV: 2026 Kia EV9 — With up to 305 miles of range, Tesla Supercharger access, and family-oriented versatility, the EV9 addresses common barriers to electric vehicle adoption.
Best Luxury Vehicle: 2026 Cadillac Escalade IQ — Cadillac’s electric SUV pairs bold design and a technology-rich cabin with an estimated 465 miles of range and agile, refined driving dynamics.
Cars.com editors selected the Best Car of the Year from more than 40 all-new or redesigned models, evaluating quality, innovation and value. The other five categories were judged according to their own criteria relevant to each vehicle type.
A full list of winners and more information about Cars.com’s methodology is available at Cars.com/Awards.
