These are the best cars for the money in 2026, according to experts

If the new year has you wanting to buy a new car that’s good to drive and doesn’t break the bank, but you’re not sure what to get, maybe this list will help. US News & World Report announced the winners of the 2026 Best Car for the Money awards, and with the rankings now covering 20 different categories, up from 13 in 2025, there’s something for every lifestyle, even if the average price of a new car hovers around the $50,000 mark. Without further ado, let’s see what cars, crossovers, SUVs, trucks, and minivans should be on your radar this year.

Best compact car for the money

The 2026 Kia K4 was voted the best compact car for the money, and with it starting at just $22,290, the sedan blends style with affordability. It’s also available as a hatchback, broadening its appeal, but what if your family needs more space?

The best compact SUV for the money

Staying in South Korea, the 2026 Hyundai Tucson won the award for best compact SUV for the money. That sneaks in under $30,000 with a base MSRP of $29,450, and even though the 2027 Tucson is getting a major facelift, the current model still looks good. With available AWD, it’s also suitable for those who endure a snowy winter.

The best compact hybrid car for the money

Staying in the compact segment, but focusing more on fuel costs, the best compact hybrid for the money is another car under $30,000, the 2026 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid ($25,450). The 2026 awards have been expanded to include more hybrids and when Autoblog asked if this signals a shift in demand for electrified vehicles that could suggest greater acceptance of electric vehicles or simply a greater focus on day-to-day running costs, Alex Kwanten, Managing Editor of US News Autossaid, “It comes down to dollars and cents.” People aren’t as concerned with what powers their car as they are with what it costs to keep it on the road, and hybrids offer greater efficiency without the inconveniences typically associated with owning an electric vehicle.

The best compact hybrid SUV for the money

Kia has another award, winning the Best Compact Hybrid SUV for the Money award with the 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid, which offers 232 horsepower at $30,490. And if you need more grunt, its more electrified sibling is also worth considering.

The best compact plug-in hybrid SUV for the money

Spend $10,000 more and you can have the best plug-in hybrid SUV for the money, the 2026 Kia Sportage PHEV ($40,490). It produces a respectable 268bhp and manages up to 34 miles of all-electric range. Prefer your SUV without an engine? Buy American.

The best compact SUV EV for the money

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox EV wins the award for best compact electric SUV for the money, and it’s not hard to see why. Midway through last year, the Equinox was the best-selling non-Tesla electric vehicle in the US. For 2026, the Equinox starts at $34,995, and that gets you 319 miles of EPA-estimated range (in FWD form).

The best subcompact SUV for the money

The first Japanese car on this list to get the nod is the 2026 Nissan Kicks, which won Best Subcompact SUV for the Money with its $22,430 starting price and up to 30 cubic feet of cargo space. But Korea’s hold on the top spots this year is far from weakened.

The best subcompact hybrid SUV for the money

The award for best subcompact hybrid SUV goes to the 2026 Kia Niro HEV, which starts at $27,390 and is available in four trims: LX, EX, SX and SX Touring. Even the top end is attractively priced, starting at $35,790. That’s enough family-oriented cars for now, though; let’s talk about something fun.

The best sports car for the money

They say the Miata is always the answer, but the award for best sports car for the money goes to the 2026 Toyota GR86. With 228bhp, it beats the 181bhp Mazda MX-5, and as a coupe rather than a convertible, it’s even more practical. With both cars starting around $31,000 this year, the Toyota is the easy choice.

The best midsize car for the money

Those who need a roomier sedan might want to consider the best midsize car for the money, the 2026 Honda Accord, which is just $100 more expensive than last year, starting at $28,395. That price undercuts the 2026 Toyota Camry, which starts at $29,000 in LE guise and has an eight-inch infotainment display, one inch smaller than the Accord’s. Who says size doesn’t matter?

The best two-row midsize SUV for the money

Following the success of the Kicks, Nissan wins another Best 2-Row SUV for the Money award with the 2026 Murano ($41,670). Its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine powers all four wheels in all three trims, delivering 241 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque on the tarmac.

The best 3-row midsize SUV for the money

Those who need more hauling capacity should take a look at the 2026 Kia Sorento ($32,390), winning Money’s Best Midsize 3-Row SUV. This is such a strong seller for the brand that Kia has been reluctant to launch its replacement.

The best mid-size SUV EV for the money

Money’s Best Midsize Electric SUV winner comes as no surprise — it’s the 2026 Kia EV9, which costs $54,900 in base form. Despite being a first-generation EV, first seen as a concept in 2021 and entering production in 2023, the three-row EV is beautifully built and very capable, with up to 309 miles of range possible with the Long Range RWD variant.

The best mid-size hybrid car for the money

Sedans continue to perform well, and the award for best midsize hybrid car for the money in 2026 goes to the $29,100 2026 Toyota Camry. The entire Camry lineup is now electrified, and while it may seem risky for such a popular nameplate, the move to hybrid power hasn’t diminished the Camry’s excellence.

The best mid-size hybrid SUV for the money

The last Korean winner on the 2026 list is the 2026 Kia Sorento Hybrid, taking home the best mid-size hybrid SUV for the Money award. While its styling may be quirky, its $38,890 starting price and EPA rating of 34 mpg (combined) make it a compelling choice in 2026.

The best mid-size plug-in hybrid SUV for the money

Full of style and substance, the 2026 Mazda CX-90 PHEV has been named the best mid-size plug-in hybrid SUV for the money, despite price increases for the new model year. Yes, it tops 50 grand with a starting price of $50,495, but the CX-90 is also a 2025 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ winner, and you can’t put a price on safety.

Best large SUV for the money

No one knows big SUVs and trucks like Detroit’s Big Three, and it’s the Blue Oval that wins Best Large SUV for the Money this year with the 2026 Ford Expedition. That extra size means extra strain on the wallet, but not by much; The 2026 Expedition starts at $62,400.

Best minivan for the money

The 2026 Honda Odyssey won the best minivan for the money award, beating out the Toyota Sienna, Chrysler Pacifica and Kia Carnival. If the Odyssey’s base MSRP of $42,795 is a little too much for you, the automaker has some pretty attractive lease deals for the family vehicle this month.

Best midsize pickup for the money

The penultimate award on this list is for best midsize truck, and the 2026 Toyota Tacoma is the winner, beating out competition from the Ford Ranger, Chevrolet Colorado, and GMC Canyon. With imposing looks, two powertrain options, and a base MSRP of $32,145, the Taco is a great option.

Best full-size pickup truck for the money

Finally, the announcement we’ve all been waiting for: The award for best full-size truck for the money goes to the 2026 Ford F-150. Ford’s F-Series trucks are the best sellers, and while recalls may have hurt the brand in 2025, the F-150 and its siblings remain prolific winners of both awards and buyers’ hard-earned dollars.

This story was originally published by Autoblog on January 22, 2026, where it first appeared in Buying Cars. Add Autoblog as a favorite source by clicking here.