Client Information Broadcasts 2026 Greatest Buys: Nissan Leads Common Manufacturers with Six Awards; Lexus Tops Premium Phase with Three
Palatine, IL. December 2, 2025 – Client Information® Automotive, the main writer of authoritative, unbiased new-car opinions for 59 years, in the present day introduced the recipients of its 2026 Greatest Purchase Awards. A Client Information Greatest Purchase represents the best steadiness of attributes and worth in its class. For 2026, 32 Greatest Buys have been awarded in 13 lessons, offering clear, simple decisions for customers.
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Nissan is Client Information’s most awarded model for 2026—incomes a powerful 5 Greatest 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 Client Information Writer Tom Appel, who led the editors’ choice course of for this yr’s record.
Amongst premium manufacturers, Lexus topped the record, having been awarded three Greatest Purchase trophies for 2026.
The whole record of Client Information 2026 Greatest Purchase Awards will be considered under.
Since 1967, Client Information Automotive’s award-winning editorial group has used a rigorous and complete analysis course of to establish the automobiles worthy of significant consideration by customers. The editors make the most of goal standards, reminiscent of value, options, efficiency, lodging, gasoline economic system, reliability data, and resale worth, to evaluate every automobile.
The important thing to Client Information Automotive’s annual Greatest Purchase Awards is the cautious analysis of each side of every automobile because it pertains to customers’ real-world driving expertise. It’s this thoroughness that leads customers to examine Client Information Automotive opinions earlier than shopping for a brand new automobile.
Client Information’s editorial group 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 means of town, on highways, in rural areas, on lengthy journeys, or just choosing up the youngsters at college, these automobiles are examined in the identical means that typical automotive consumers would use their automobiles.
Full opinions of the profitable automobiles, in addition to different pertinent data for in-market automotive consumers, will be discovered at Consumerguide.com. For a every day dose of automotive information, test-drive opinions, humor, and historical past, go to the CG Each 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 Client Information Greatest Buys
Subcompact Crossover
Buick Envista
Why it’s a Greatest Purchase: Premium feel and appear, loads of passenger house, worth value
However… Not out there with AWD
Base-Worth Vary: $25,995-$30,795
Gasoline Economic system (EPA mixed mpg): 30
Chevrolet Trax
Why it’s a Greatest Purchase: Sporty character, ample cabin house, wonderful gasoline economic system, cut price value
However… Not out there with AWD
Base-Worth Vary: $22,995-$26,695
Gasoline Economic system (EPA mixed mpg): 30
Hyundai Kona
Why it’s a Greatest Purchase: Fashionable design, wonderful street manners, roomy cabin
However… A vale, however not the cut price it was once
Base-Worth Vary: $26,950-$35,750
Gasoline Economic 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 bundle
However… Restricted rear-seat house
Base-Worth Vary: $27,470-$39,395
Gasoline Economic system (EPA mixed mpg): 25-27
Nissan Kicks
Why it’s a Greatest Purchase: Wonderful worth, stunning refinement, ample house, AWD now out there
However… Might use a bit of extra energy
Base-Worth Vary: $23,925-$29,655
Gasoline Economic system (EPA mixed mpg): 30-31
Nissan Leaf
Why it’s a Greatest Purchase: Contemporary and useful design, ample energy, respectable vary
However… Price range-conscious cabin materials, not but out there with AWD
Base-Worth 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-Worth Vary: $40,245-$44,745
Gasoline Economic system (EPA mixed mpg): 24
BMW X1
Why it’s a Greatest Purchase: Anticipated BMW character at an affordable value, stunning passenger and cargo house
However… Choices add up rapidly
Base-Worth Vary: $43,975–$53,075
Gasoline Economic system (EPA mixed mpg): 26-28
Volvo EX30
Why it’s a Greatest Purchase: Sporty character, trendy design, useful cabin
However… Inside might learn as austere to some
Base-Worth 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, wonderful new hybrid powertrain
However… Dear in high trim ranges
Base-Worth Vary: $31,395-$44,395
Gasoline Economic system (EPA mixed mpg): 25-38
Nissan Rogue
Why it’s a Greatest Purchase: Loads of passenger house, refined trip and dealing with, wonderful gasoline economic system
However… Engine can sound whiny
Base-Worth Vary: $30,585-$40,485
Gasoline Economic 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-Worth Vary: $31,445-$43,045
Gasoline Economic 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 cut price it as soon as was
Base-Worth Vary: $50,480-$72,590
Gasoline Economic system (EPA mixed mpg): 29-32
Midsize Crossover
Mazda CX-70
Why it’s a Greatest Purchase: Luxurious-class refinement, clean drivetrain, spectacular construct high quality
However… Accessible plug-in hybrid powertrain needs for refinement (we advocate the standard powertrain)
Base-Worth Vary: $43,780-$58,200
Gasoline Economic system (EPA mixed mpg): 25-56
Mazda CX-90
Premium Midsize Crossover
Why it’s a Greatest Purchase: Luxurious-class refinement, clean drivetrain, spectacular construct high quality
However… Accessible plug-in hybrid drivetrain needs for refinement (we advocate the standard powertrain)
Base-Worth Vary: $40,380-$58,900
Gasoline Economic 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-Worth 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 Greatest Purchase: Fashionable cabin, loaded with high-tech options, coddling cabin
However… Not particularly participating to drive
Base-Worth Vary: $55,905-$79,125
Gasoline Economic system (EPA mixed mpg): 24-30
Giant SUV
Ford Expedition
Why it’s a Greatest Purchase: Fashionable inside, wonderful energy, long-haul consolation
However… Fewer trim ranges for 2026 imply much less shopper selection
Base-Worth Vary: $64,995-$86,655
Gasoline Economic 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… Experience will be tough on damaged surfaces
Base-Worth Vary: $61,030-$82,740
Gasoline Economic 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-Worth Vary: $85,940-$113,690
Gasoline Economic system (EPA mixed mpg): 17-18
Lexus LX
Why it’s a Greatest Purchase: Seems and feels precision-built, tidy dimensions imply simpler parking and garaging
However… Priced like bigger automobiles in school
Base-Worth Vary: $107,950-$116,950
Gasoline Economic system (EPA mixed mpg): 19-20
Lincoln Navigator
Why it’s a Greatest Purchase: Stylish and understated cabin, surprisingly deft dealing with, loads of energy
However… Excessive value of entry
Base-Worth Vary: $94,590-$124,590
Gasoline Economic system (EPA mixed mpg): 17
Midsize Pickup
Nissan Frontier
Why it’s a Greatest Purchase: Most reasonably priced pickup in school, clean V6 energy, easy management structure
However… No high-horsepower engine choice
Base-Worth Vary: $33,845-$44,065
Gasoline Economic 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… Accessible “Hemi” V8 engine provides value, however no further energy
Base-Worth Vary: $44000-$90,945
Gasoline Economic system (EPA mixed mpg): 22-30
Minivans
Chrysler Pacifica
Why it’s a Greatest Purchase: Premium household conveyance boasting class-leading house, trip consolation, and out there hybrid energy
However… Priced increased than different minivans
Base-Worth Vary: $45,940-$62,460
Gasoline Economic system (EPA mixed mpg): 22-30
Kia Carnival
Why it’s a Greatest Purchase: Good-looking van now provided with hybrid drivetrain, most-affordable automobile in phase
However… Experience consolation trails class leaders
Base-Worth Vary: $38,485-$52,585
Gasoline Economic system (EPA mixed mpg): 21-32
Small Automobile
Honda Civic
Why it’s a Greatest Purchase: Sporty, however provides refinement of bigger automotive
However… Patrons ought to step as much as pricier hybrid fashions for finest efficiency
Base-Worth Vary: $25,790-$34,690
Gasoline Economic system (EPA mixed mpg): 31-49
Kia K4
Why it’s a Greatest Purchase: Massive refinement in a small bundle, enticing costs, trendy cabin
However… Fascinating turbocharged engine restricted to high trim ranges
Base-Worth Vary: $23,385-$29,985
Gasoline Economic 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 normal gear
However… Handbook transmission now not out there
Base-Worth Vary: N/A
Gasoline Economic system (EPA mixed mpg): 35
Midsize Automobile
Toyota Camry
Why it’s a Greatest Purchase: Normal hybrid drivetrain serves up energy and efficiency, refined and comfy cabin
However… Clean out there V6 is a factor of the previous
Base-Worth Vary: $30,195-$37,920
Gasoline Economic system (EPA mixed mpg): 43-51
Automobile Stuff Podcast Camry Fast Assessment
Toyota Crown and Crown Signia
Why it’s a Greatest Purchase: Crossoverlike utility in a sporty and enticing bundle
However… Signia wagon not provided with highly effective Hybrid Max engine
Base-Worth Vary: $43,110-$56,660 (Normal Crown)
Gasoline Economic system (EPA mixed mpg): 30-41
Premium Giant Automobile
Lexus LS
Why it’s a Greatest Purchase: Rivals German massive sedans at a extra affordable value, wonderful construct high quality
However… Entrance-row not as roomy because it could be, 2026 is the large sedan’s final yr
Base-Worth Vary: $99,280
Gasoline Economic system (EPA mixed mpg): 22
Hearken to the Automobile Stuff Podcast
2026 Client Information Greatest Purchase Photos
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