With the average new car price now above $50,000, getting good value matters more than ever. If you’re buying in 2026, you want a vehicle that’s not only affordable up front but also economical to own over time.
To identify the best new cars for your money in 2026, U.S. News & World Report evaluated models for quality, value and long-term ownership costs. Factors included fuel economy, safety ratings, reliability data, comfort and predicted maintenance expenses.
Based on this analysis, here are the 20 new cars that offer the strongest value for U.S. buyers this year.
Best Compact Car: 2026 Kia K4
- Starting MSPR: $22,290
- Overall score (out of 10): 9.1
- Why it won: Affordable in all trims, spacious cabin, easy-to-use infotainment system, long warranty
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Best Midsize Car: 2026 Honda Accord
- Starting MSPR: $28,395
- Overall score (out of 10): 9.4
- Why it won: Spacious interior, intuitive technology, nimble handling, comfortable ride, great fuel economy
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Best Compact Hybrid Car: 2026 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid
- Starting MSPR: $25,450
- Overall score (out of 10): 9.2
- Why it won: Many safety features come standard, excellent fuel economy, affordable starting price
Best Midsize Hybrid Car: 2026 Toyota Camry
- Starting MSPR: $29,100
- Overall score (out of 10): 9.4
- Why it won: Excellent fuel economy, many standard features, comfortable ride and handling
Best Sports Car: 2026 Toyota GR86
- Starting MSPR: $31,200
- Overall score (out of 10): 9.4
- Why it won: Superb handling, suspension suitable for everyday driving, low price for a sports car
Best Subcompact SUV: 2026 Nissan Kicks
- Starting MSPR: $22,430
- Overall score (out of 10): 8.5
- Why it won: High value, impressive fuel economy for a non-hybrid, effective cargo space, attractive interior and exterior
Best Subcompact Hybrid SUV: 2026 Kia Niro
- Starting MSPR: $27,390
- Overall score (out of 10): 8.6
- Why it won: Great mileage, lots of room, many available features, cool styling
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Best Compact EV SUV: 2026 Chevrolet Equinox EV
- Starting MSPR: $34,995
- Overall score (out of 10): 9
- Why it won: Stylish, roomy, well-equipped, long mile range, practical for daily use
Best Compact Hybrid SUV: 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid
- Starting MSPR: $30,490
- Overall score (out of 10): 9.3
- Why it won: Sleek interior, spacious cargo area, low starting price for the class
Best Compact Plug-In Hybrid SUV: 2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid
- Starting MSPR: $40,490
- Overall score (out of 10): 9.4
- Why it won: Spacious interior, excellent list of features, strong fuel economy, easy acceleration
Best Compact SUV: 2026 Hyundai Tucson
- Starting MSPR: $29,450
- Overall score (out of 10): 9.3
- Why it won: Roomy interior, many standard features, generous cargo space
Best Midsize EV SUV: 2026 Kia EV9
- Starting MSPR: $54,900
- Overall score (out of 10): 8.9
- Why it won: Many standard features, plenty of interior space, affordable starting price
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Best Midsize Hybrid SUV: 2026 Kia Sorento Hybrid
- Starting MSPR: $38,890
- Overall score (out of 10): 8.5
- Why it won: Strong fuel economy, many standard features, smooth ride
Best Midsize Plug-In Hybrid SUV: 2026 Mazda CX-90 PHEV
- Starting MSPR: $50,495
- Overall score (out of 10): 9.2
- Why it won: Stylish exterior and interior, effective plug-in hybrid powertrain, better handling than others in its category
Best 2-Row Midsize SUV: 2026 Nissan Murano
- Starting MSPR: $41,670
- Overall score (out of 10): 8.4
- Why it won: High-end interior, very comfortable seats, upscale look compared to class rivals, hands-free driving assist available
Best 3-Row Midsize SUV: 2026 Kia Sorento
- Starting MSPR: $32,390
- Overall score (out of 10): 8.8
- Why it won: Refined, comfortable, many high-tech features come standard
Best Large SUV: 2026 Ford Expedition
- Starting MSPR: $62,400
- Overall score (out of 10): 9.1
- Why it won: Powerful acceleration, comfortable handling, stylish and ample interior, advanced tech and safety features
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Best Minivan: 2026 Honda Odyssey
- Starting MSPR: $42,795
- Overall score (out of 10): 9.3
- Why it won: Very spacious, solid acceleration, long list of standard features
Best Midsize Pickup Truck: 2026 Toyota Tacoma
- Starting MSPR: $32,145
- Overall score (out of 10): 8.8
- Why it won: Many features come standard, several engine options, comfortable front seats
Best Full-Size Pickup Truck: 2026 Ford F-150
- Starting MSPR: $39,330
- Overall score (out of 10): 9.6
- Why it won: Configurations that can suit many drivers, several powertrain options, spacious cabin
Editor’s note: Vehicles were sourced from U.S. News’ “2026 Best Cars for the Money.” Prices are sourced from official websites and are accurate as of Jan. 30, 2026. Photos are for representational purposes only and might not reflect the exact year, make or model of the vehicle(s) listed in this article.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 20 Best New Cars for Your Money in 2026, According to US News
