2026 Editors' Choice: Cars
Be it a sedan, a hatchback, a coupe, or a convertible, you'll find the right car for you on our 2026 Editors' Choice list.
We wouldn't be Car and Driver if we didn't share our picks of some of our editors' favorite cars currently on sale. We're big fans of sedans, hatchbacks, coupes, and convertibles, especially those that offer a high level of driving fun. Our 2026 Editors' Choice list includes a broad range of options that include economical choices for daily commuting as well as sports car splurges that are perfect for weekend drives. Take a look below at all the non-luxury car models that made our list this year:
Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray
HIGHS: All-wheel-drive traction helps both acceleration and handling, easygoing ride for when you just want to cruise, two trunks add practicality.
LOWS: Fuel economy isn't any better than the nonhybrid Stingray, electric-only range is very limited, not as much of a flex as a Porsche or a McLaren.
VERDICT: The Corvette E-Ray is a fun hybrid sports car with an approachable price tag, and it'll hang with exotics that cost twice as much.
Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
HIGHS: Exotic-car styling, unbeatable performance value, upper trims are luxury-car nice inside.
LOWS: No manual transmission option, no rear seat, Chevy badge offers less cachet than BMW or Porsche competitors.
VERDICT: The Corvette Stingray offers big power and even bigger driving fun at a price that undercuts supercars by $100,000 or more.
Chevrolet Corvette Z06
HIGHS: The high-revving V-8 located amidship, race-car-like handling, unbelievable value proposition.
LOWS: No row-your-own gearbox, guzzles gas by the tankerful, European performance without as much prestige.
VERDICT: With a mid-mounted and tightly wound V-8, scalpel-sharp handling precision, and a starting price far below its closest rivals, the Z06 delivers near-European-supercar performance for half the price.
Chevrolet Corvette ZR1
HIGHS: Wildly quick straight-line acceleration, amazing performance value, impressive aerodynamics help track performance.
LOWS: Not enough of a step up from the Z06 in terms of handling and braking, interior isn't upgraded enough over those of lesser Corvettes.
VERDICT: The ZR1 takes the Corvette formula to its logical extreme with a twin-turbo V-8, an available hybrid all-wheel drive system, and crazy performance upgrades.
Ford Mustang
HIGHS: Impressive performance, ferocious V-8 soundtrack, comfortable retro-modern interior.
LOWS: No manual four-cylinder, Dark Horse is awesome but expensive, puny rear seats seem unnecessary.
VERDICT: As the last of a dying breed, this legendary steed does its best to keep the American muscle story alive.
Honda Accord / Accord Hybrid
HIGHS: Virtuoso ride and handling, stretch-out passenger space, impressive EPA fuel-economy numbers.
LOWS: All-wheel drive not available, base engine is second best, Camry beats the Accord hybrid in our highway fuel economy test.
VERDICT: A compelling combination of virtues makes the Accord a sublime sedan and our number one pick in the family sedan segment.
Honda Civic / Civic Hybrid
HIGHS: Attractive inside and out, efficient, quick in hybrid form.
LOWS: Underpowered with base engine, all-wheel drive isn't an option, large interior displays are exclusive to the top trim.
VERDICT: With its affordable price, clean design, agile moves, and economical powertrains, the Honda Civic remains the benchmark of the compact-car class.
Honda Civic Si
HIGHS: Impeccable six-speed manual, bargain price, accessible performance.
LOWS: Could use a few more ponies, underwhelming exhaust tone, the Civic Type R exists.
VERDICT: The Civic Si might not be the mightiest sport compact (or even the spiciest Civic), but its thrifty price and approachable performance envelope make it a bargain blast.
Honda Civic Type R
HIGHS: Race-car driving excitement, six-speed snicks through gears, versatile hatchback body style.
LOWS: Firm ride, rear bench only seats two, can't get heated seats.
VERDICT: A track-ready tool with the capability to take on your daily driving chores.
Hyundai Elantra N
HIGHS: Sports sedan handling, rip-roaring turbo four, fuel efficient in real-world testing.
LOWS: The crease-heavy design isn’t for everyone, some dual-clutch clunkiness at low speed, adaptive cruise control isn’t on the menu.
VERDICT: Quick, playful, and highly capable on a track, the Elantra N is a serious sports sedan—and seriously fun.
Kia K5
HIGHS: Striking looks, 290-hp GT model is a riot to drive, plenty of standard equipment.
LOWS: Driver's seat sits higher than we'd like, GT is held back by its all-season rubber, opting for big wheels harshens the ride.
VERDICT: The K5 stands out from staid-looking family sedans while delivering good value and a bit of fun.
Mazda 3
HIGHS: Posh interior, engaging to drive, manual transmission and AWD options.
LOWS: The stick is limited to a single setup, abysmal rear visibility with the hatchback.
VERDICT: With the 3 sedan and hatch, shoppers have a lot of choices, all of which are fun, refined, and reasonably efficient.
Mazda MX-5 Miata
HIGHS: A joy to drive, accessible pricing, open-top freedom comes standard.
LOWS: Bereft of cabin cubbies, puny trunk, gets noisy at highway speeds.
VERDICT: The Miata is purpose-built for driving enthusiasts, and it's best experienced with its top down.
Subaru BRZ
HIGHS: A blast on twisty roads, more practical than a Miata, still reasonably priced.
LOWS: Noisy cabin at highway speeds, lackluster exhaust tone, a rear seat made for luggage rather than bottoms.
VERDICT: The Subaru BRZ's thrills-per-dollar ratio is one of the highest of any new car, and one that keeps the fun, affordable sports car alive.
Tesla Model 3
HIGHS: Satisfyingly quick acceleration, quiet and comfortable cabin, priced attractively for its performance quotient.
LOWS: Real-world range falls short of estimates, relies too heavily on touchscreen for basic functions, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are MIA.
VERDICT: The Model 3 succeeds at delivering performance, style, and driving personality at a reasonable price.
Toyota Camry
HIGHS: Smooth hybrid powertrain, attractive and roomy interior, formidable fuel economy.
LOWS: Vague steering, lacks athleticism, more expensive than its staunchest rivals.
VERDICT: The Toyota Camry maintains its go-to family sedan status, offering impressive fuel economy, comfortable interior digs, and solid performance at an attainable price.
Toyota GR86
HIGHS: Sweetly tuned sports car handling, gobs of steering feedback, rev-happy four-cylinder has enough power to make driving fun.
LOWS: Excessive highway road noise, rear seats only large enough for inanimate objects.
VERDICT: With dashing looks, a manual transmission, a fun-loving personality, and an attractive starting price, the Toyota GR86 is the epitome of an affordable driver's car.
Toyota GR Corolla
HIGHS: Hyperactive turbocharged three-cylinder, tenacious traction in corners, all the practicality of a standard Corolla hatchback.
LOWS: Interior lacks flair, pedal spacing makes sporty heel-toe downshifts difficult, could use a sexier exhaust sound.
VERDICT: As one part rally car and one part practical hatchback, the Toyota GR Corolla is a two-car solution to a need for both pace and space.
Toyota GR Supra
HIGHS: Overachieving BMW turbo-six engine, available with a shift-it-yourself transmission, excellent excitement-to-cost ratio.
LOWS: Tight interior, massive blind spots, Android Auto not available.
VERDICT: Ultra-capable and engrossing to drive, the GR Supra offers performance-car thrills at a relatively reasonable price.
Toyota Prius
HIGHS: Turns heads (in a good way), fun to drive quickly, still the go-to choice for hypermilers.
LOWS: Limited headroom in back, poor gauge placement, makes droning sounds when pushed.
VERDICT: The fifth-gen Prius proves you don’t have to break the bank, look dorky, or cede your love of driving to maximize fuel efficiency.
Drew Dorian is a lifelong car enthusiast who has also held a wide variety of consumer-focused positions throughout his career, ranging from financial counselor to auto salesperson. He has dreamed of becoming a Car and Driver editor since he was 11 years old—a dream that was realized when he joined the staff in April 2016. He’s a born-and-raised Michigander and learned to drive on a 1988 Pontiac Grand Am. His automotive interests run the gamut from convertibles and camper vans to sports cars and luxury SUVs.
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