Client Information Publicizes 2026 Finest Buys: Nissan Leads Standard 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 critiques for 59 years, as we speak introduced the recipients of its 2026 Finest Purchase Awards. A Client Information Finest Purchase represents the best stability of attributes and worth in its class. For 2026, 32 Finest Buys have been awarded in 13 lessons, offering clear, simple selections for customers.
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Nissan is Client 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 finest merchandise of their respective segments,” stated Client 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 Finest Purchase trophies for 2026.
The whole record of Client Information 2026 Finest Purchase Awards could be considered beneath.
Since 1967, Client Information Automotive’s award-winning editorial group has used a rigorous and complete analysis course of to determine the autos worthy of great consideration by customers. The editors make the most of goal standards, corresponding to value, options, efficiency, lodging, gasoline economic system, reliability information, and resale worth, to evaluate every automobile.
The important thing to Client Information Automotive’s annual Finest Purchase Awards is the cautious analysis of each facet of every automobile because it pertains to customers’ real-world driving expertise. It’s this thoroughness that leads customers to test Client Information Automotive critiques earlier than shopping for a brand new automobile.
Client Information’s editorial group 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 town, on highways, in rural areas, on lengthy journeys, or just choosing up the youngsters at college, these autos are examined in the identical method that typical automotive patrons would use their autos.
Full critiques of the profitable autos, in addition to different pertinent data for in-market automotive patrons, could be discovered at Consumerguide.com. For a every day dose of automotive information, test-drive critiques, 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 cellphone at 847-502-5373.
2026 Client Information Finest Buys
Subcompact Crossover
Buick Envista
Why it’s a Finest Purchase: Premium appear and feel, loads of passenger house, worth value
However… Not obtainable 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 economic system, cut price value
However… Not obtainable 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 street manners, roomy cabin
However… A vale, however not the cut price it was
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, inexpensive 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: Wonderful worth, stunning refinement, ample house, AWD now obtainable
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: Recent and purposeful design, ample energy, respectable 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, engaging 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 value, stunning passenger and cargo house
However… Choices add up rapidly
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, trendy design, purposeful 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, wonderful new hybrid powertrain
However… Dear in high 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 trip and dealing with, wonderful gasoline economic 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 choice 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 traditional 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 traditional 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 selection
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 massive SUV, premium cabin, worth priced in class
However… Trip 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: Wonderful cabin isolation, loads of energy, up-to-date tech
However… Dear in high 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: Seems and feels precision-built, tidy dimensions imply simpler parking and garaging
However… Priced like bigger autos in school
Base-Value Vary: $107,950-$116,950
Gasoline 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 value 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 inexpensive pickup in school, clean V6 energy, easy management format
However… No high-horsepower engine choice
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 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 Economic system (EPA mixed mpg): 22-30
Minivans
Chrysler Pacifica
Why it’s a Finest Purchase: Premium household conveyance boasting class-leading house, trip consolation, and obtainable hybrid energy
However… Priced increased 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: Sensible-looking van now supplied with hybrid drivetrain, most-affordable automobile in phase
However… Trip 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 provides refinement of bigger automotive
However… Patrons ought to step as much as pricier hybrid fashions for finest efficiency
Base-Value Vary: $25,790-$34,690
Gasoline Economic system (EPA mixed mpg): 31-49
Kia K4
Why it’s a Finest Purchase: Massive refinement in a small bundle, engaging costs, trendy cabin
However… Fascinating turbocharged engine restricted to high 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, trendy really feel, loads of commonplace tools
However… Guide transmission now not obtainable
Base-Value Vary: N/A
Gasoline Economic system (EPA mixed mpg): 35
Midsize Automotive
Toyota Camry
Why it’s a Finest Purchase: Commonplace 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
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 engaging bundle
However… Signia wagon not supplied with highly effective Hybrid Max engine
Base-Value Vary: $43,110-$56,660 (Commonplace Crown)
Gasoline Economic system (EPA mixed mpg): 30-41
Premium Massive Automotive
Lexus LS
Why it’s a Finest Purchase: Rivals German giant sedans at a extra affordable value, 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
Hearken to the Automotive Stuff Podcast
2026 Client Information Finest Purchase Footage
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