Manufactured goods — from vehicles to home appliances — judged on durability and real-world value.
Automobile 14 vehicle types, each split by Mass-production/Luxury × Gas-Hybrid/BEV
Every quadrant below shows honest 0–3 picks — never padded to reach three — sourced from Edmunds, IIHS, KBB Cost-to-Own, and Car and Driver, with real safety and cost caveats called out plainly, including empty quadrants and unresolved source conflicts. Avg. annual cost figures assume the first 5 years of ownership after a new-car purchase (KBB's 5-Year Cost to Own, averaged per year) — not a longer hold period, and not a used-vehicle purchase. That cost figure blends two different things: routine maintenance (oil/tire/brake wear, fluids, filters) is never covered by any new-vehicle warranty and should be treated as real, unavoidable spend; repairs (something failing that shouldn't have) are the part a basic and/or powertrain warranty typically absorbs almost entirely for the length of its term — so a brand with a longer basic warranty (Hyundai/Kia/Genesis at 5yr/60K, for example, versus the industry-standard 3yr/36K) should see less real-world out-of-pocket repair cost than KBB's blended historical estimate implies. Where the source data breaks maintenance and repairs out separately, both figures are shown; where it doesn't, they're combined and labeled as such.
Compact SUVs
The Lexus NX was checked against the luxury gas/hybrid picks below (evaluated on its 2026 entry trim, the NX 350h hybrid) — it earns a Top Safety Pick+, but its Edmunds consensus score (6.8/10, “Good”) is a full tier below Genesis GV70, BMW X3, and Mercedes-Benz GLC, and its warranty doesn't close that gap, so it doesn't crack the top 3.
Mass-production · Gas/Hybrid
1
Toyota RAV4
MSRP: starting at $31,900 (LE FWD)
Consensus: Edmunds/CR class leader; standard hybrid on most trims
IIHS: Not independently confirmed for the 2026 model year — verify before publishing
Warranty: 3yr/36K basic · 5yr/60K powertrain
Avg. annual cost: ≈$5,086/yr (5-yr KBB: $6,339 fuel + $11,945 insurance + $5,451 maintenance + $1,695 repairs) — 2025-model-year KBB data; 2026 breakdown not yet published
Watch-out: IIHS status for the 2026 model year still needs independent confirmation
2
Hyundai Tucson
MSRP: starting at $31,350 (SE)
Consensus: Edmunds 7.9/10 (“Excellent”) — ahead of the Honda CR-V it replaces on this list
IIHS: Top Safety Pick+ (confirmed)
Warranty: 5yr/60K basic · 10yr/100K powertrain — well ahead of the class-standard 3yr/36K + 5yr/60K
Avg. annual cost: ≈$5,226/yr (5-yr KBB: $6,370 fuel + $12,565 insurance + $6,546 maintenance + $651 repairs)
Watch-out: Replaces the Honda CR-V on this list — the CR-V scores a Poor on IIHS's current moderate-overlap test with no award at all, has a shorter warranty, and doesn't beat the Tucson on cost, so it no longer earns a top-3 spot here. The Kia Sportage (7.8/10, also Top Safety Pick+) was close behind but loses to the Tucson on both Edmunds score and running cost, so it doesn't crack the list either.
3
Mazda CX-50
MSRP: starting at $31,395 (S Select)
Consensus: Sharpest handling in class
IIHS: Top Safety Pick+ — Good on moderate-overlap (updated test)
Warranty: 3yr/36K basic · 5yr/60K powertrain
Avg. annual cost: ≈$5,423/yr (5-yr KBB: $7,152 fuel + $12,010 insurance + $6,160 maintenance + $1,794 repairs)
Watch-out: Strongest safety credential of the three mass-gas compact SUVs
Mass-production · BEV
1
Hyundai Ioniq 5
MSRP: starting at $35,000 (SE RWD, Standard Range)
Consensus: Fast 800V charging, roomy interior
IIHS: Top Safety Pick+
Warranty: 5yr/60K basic · 10yr/100K battery
ICCU warranty: Hyundai's 2026 recall campaign extended the charging-unit (ICCU) warranty to 15yr/180,000 mi for 2022–2024 Ioniq 5s (and the 2024 Robotaxi build) — check VIN eligibility at HyundaiUSA.com
Avg. annual cost: ≈$3,952/yr (5-yr KBB: $3,156 energy + $13,060 insurance + $2,890 maintenance + $655 repairs) — repairs are a small fraction of the total, consistent with the 5yr/60K basic warranty
Watch-out: Cheapest of the three to run day-to-day
2
Tesla Model Y
MSRP: starting at $41,380 (RWD/Standard, incl. destination)
Consensus: Best-selling EV in the US
IIHS: Top Safety Pick+
Warranty: 4yr/50K basic · 8yr/100–150K battery (by trim)
Avg. annual cost: ≈$4,791/yr (5-yr KBB: $2,939 energy + $15,725 insurance + $3,115 maintenance + $2,178 repairs) — 2025-model-year KBB data; the 2026 page shows no breakdown yet
Watch-out: Service relies on Tesla-only centers
3
Chevrolet Equinox EV
MSRP: starting at $36,795 (LT1, incl. destination)
Consensus: Most affordable of the three
IIHS: Not yet independently confirmed
Warranty: 3yr/36K basic · 8yr/100K battery
Avg. annual cost: ≈$4,120/yr (5-yr KBB: $3,314 energy + $12,940 insurance + $4,345 maint/repair)
Watch-out: Newest nameplate — thinner track record
Luxury · Gas/Hybrid
1
Genesis GV70
MSRP: starting at $47,985 (2.5T AWD)
Consensus: Strong value-luxury pick
IIHS: Top Safety Pick+
Warranty: 5yr/60K basic & powertrain — best in class
Avg. annual cost: ≈$6,282/yr (5-yr KBB: $8,221 fuel + $15,540 insurance + $6,955 maintenance + $695 repairs)
Watch-out: Priciest to run of the three despite strong safety/warranty credentials
2
BMW X3
MSRP: starting at $51,300 (30 xDrive)
Consensus: Sharp handling, broad engine lineup
IIHS: Top Safety Pick+
Warranty: 4yr/50K basic & powertrain
Avg. annual cost: ≈$5,371/yr (5-yr KBB: $6,415 fuel + $15,475 insurance + $3,130 maintenance + $1,837 repairs)
3
Mercedes-Benz GLC
MSRP: starting at $49,550 (GLC 300 RWD)
Consensus: Plush ride, strong tech
IIHS: Top Safety Pick
Warranty: 4yr/50K basic & powertrain
Avg. annual cost: ≈$7,005/yr (5-yr KBB: $6,976 fuel + $14,670 insurance + $11,755 maintenance + $1,623 repairs)
Watch-out: Slightly lower IIHS tier and highest running cost of the three
Luxury · BEV
1
Genesis Electrified GV70
MSRP: roughly $64,400–$65,900 (sources don't agree on an exact figure — confirm with a Genesis dealer)
Consensus: Strong range; shares GV70's safety/warranty strengths
IIHS: Top Safety Pick+
Warranty: 5yr/60K basic · 10yr/100K battery
ICCU warranty: Genesis Canada extended the 2023–2024 Electrified GV70's ICCU warranty to 15yr/290,000 km in 2026 — a matching US extension hasn't been independently confirmed; check VIN eligibility with a Genesis dealer
Avg. annual cost: ≈$5,614/yr (5-yr KBB: $4,092 energy + $18,570 insurance + $4,712 maintenance + $695 repairs)
2
Audi Q6 e-tron
MSRP: around $64,500 (base; one source described this as early 2027MY pricing — confirm before publishing)
Consensus: New PPE platform, strong tech
IIHS: Not yet independently confirmed
Warranty: 4yr/50K basic · 8yr/100K battery
Avg. annual cost: ≈$5,585/yr (5-yr KBB: $3,761 energy + $17,085 insurance + $5,007 maintenance + $2,072 repairs) — 2025-model-year KBB data, not trim-isolated
Watch-out: MSRP and model-year pricing still need confirmation before publishing
3
Genesis GV60 (Performance)
MSRP: starting at $71,875 (Performance AWD)
Consensus: Distinctive styling, strong performance
IIHS: Top Safety Pick+
Warranty: 5yr/60K basic · 10yr/100K battery
ICCU warranty: Genesis Canada extended the 2023–2024 GV60's ICCU warranty to 15yr/290,000 km in 2026 — a matching US extension hasn't been independently confirmed; check VIN eligibility with a Genesis dealer
Avg. annual cost: ≈$4,489/yr (5-yr KBB: $3,221 energy + $14,855 insurance + $3,672 maintenance + $695 repairs) — 2025-model-year KBB data, not broken out by Performance trim specifically
Watch-out: Smaller rear cargo than rivals
2-Row Midsize SUVs
Luxury · Gas/Hybrid
1
BMW X5
MSRP: starting at $68,300 (sDrive40i)
Consensus: Benchmark driving dynamics in the class
IIHS: Top Safety Pick+
Warranty: 4yr/50K basic & powertrain
Avg. annual cost: ≈$6,421/yr (5-yr KBB: $7,655 fuel + $17,395 insurance + $5,010 maintenance + $2,046 repairs)
2
Genesis GV80
MSRP: starting at $59,195 (2.5T)
Consensus: Strong value and standard features
IIHS: Top Safety Pick+
Warranty: 5yr/60K basic & powertrain
Avg. annual cost: ≈$7,180/yr (5-yr KBB: $8,452 fuel + $18,895 insurance + $7,856 maintenance + $695 repairs)
3
Lexus RX
MSRP: starting at $51,225 (RX 350 FWD)
Consensus: Tops Edmunds/consumer ratings
IIHS: Fails IIHS's current moderate-overlap rear-seat test (Poor)
Warranty: 4yr/50K basic · 6yr/70K powertrain
Avg. annual cost: ≈$6,206/yr (5-yr KBB: $7,643 fuel + $14,115 insurance + $8,166 maintenance + $1,107 repairs)
Watch-out: Don't let the strong consumer score hide the genuine rear-seat safety gap
Luxury · BEV
1
BMW iX
MSRP: starting at $76,325 (xDrive45)
Consensus: Distinctive styling, strong range
IIHS: No Top Safety Pick — BMW's most recent 2026 award went to the X1, not the iX
Warranty: 4yr/50K basic & powertrain · 8yr/100K battery
Avg. annual cost: ≈$6,746/yr (5-yr KBB: $3,981 energy + $25,170 insurance + $2,939 maintenance + $1,638 repairs) — highest insurance of the three
2
Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV
MSRP: starting at $66,300 (EQE 350+; one source listed $64,950)
Consensus: Plush, quiet cabin
IIHS: Not independently confirmed; no US Top Safety Pick
Warranty: 4yr/50K basic & powertrain · 8yr/100K battery
Avg. annual cost: ≈$6,548/yr (5-yr KBB: $3,963 energy + $16,155 insurance + $10,110 maintenance + $2,510 repairs) — highest maintenance of the three
Watch-out: Covered by NHTSA recall 24V372 (June 2024, ~14,900 US EQE/EQS vehicles) — a software bug could cut propulsion while driving; remedied by a free dealer software update, not an open defect. Consumer Reports also dings EQ-series models for touchscreen-dependent controls and a spongy brake pedal.
3
Cadillac Lyriq
MSRP: starting at $60,995 (Luxury)
Consensus: Strong value for a luxury BEV
IIHS: No award, but Good on moderate-overlap (updated test) — the best crash-test result of the three
Warranty: 4yr/50K basic & powertrain · 8yr/100K battery
Avg. annual cost: ≈$4,691/yr (5-yr KBB: $4,205 energy + $15,290 insurance + $2,633 maintenance + $1,328 repairs) — cheapest of the three to run
3-Row Midsize SUVs
Mass-production · Gas/Hybrid
1
Hyundai Palisade
MSRP: starting at $39,435 (SE)
Consensus: Edmunds #1 pick; quiet roomy cabin, industry-leading warranty, hybrid up to 34 MPG combined
IIHS: Top Safety Pick+ for builds after Nov. 2025 (Good); earlier-2026 builds rate Acceptable with Marginal rear restraints
Warranty: 5yr/60K basic · 10yr/100K powertrain
Avg. annual cost: ≈$6,346/yr (5-yr KBB: $8,856 fuel + $15,730 insurance + $6,472 maintenance + $673 repairs)
Watch-out: Build-date matters for the award — check the specific VIN's build month
2
Kia Telluride
MSRP: starting at $40,735 (2027-model LX FWD, incl. destination) — Kia skipped a 2026 model year, going straight from the 2025 Telluride to this redesigned 2027 version
Consensus: Bold trucklike styling, strong turbo power, dual wireless chargers
IIHS: Top Safety Pick+ for 2027-model builds after June 2026 (Good on moderate-overlap)
Warranty: 5yr/60K basic · 10yr/100K powertrain
Avg. annual cost: No published KBB Cost-to-Own breakdown available for the 2026/2027 model
Watch-out: The TSP+ award applies only to later builds — don't assume it covers every 2026 Telluride on a lot
3
Toyota Grand Highlander
MSRP: starting at $42,260 (LE)
Consensus: Smooth ride, roomy third row, hybrid up to 36 MPG combined, massive cargo space
IIHS: No award, but Good on moderate-overlap (updated test)
Warranty: 3yr/36K basic · 5yr/60K powertrain · hybrid battery 10yr/150K (with annual Toyota service)
Avg. annual cost: ≈$6,044/yr (5-yr KBB: $7,974 fuel + $13,555 insurance + $7,013 maintenance + $1,680 repairs)
Watch-out: Generic styling and one of the pricier picks in the class
Mass-production · BEV
1
Kia EV9
MSRP: starting at $54,900 (Light)
Consensus: Boxy, roomy 3-row EV; strong value for a mass-market electric SUV
IIHS: Top Safety Pick+ — Good on moderate-overlap (updated test)
Warranty: 5yr/60K basic · 10yr/100K powertrain · 10yr/100K battery
ICCU warranty: Not included — Kia's confirmed 2026 ICCU extension (15yr/180,000 mi) covers the 2022–2024 EV6 only; the EV9 isn't on the published eligibility list despite sharing the E-GMP platform
Avg. annual cost: ≈$4,494/yr (5-yr KBB: $4,063 energy + $13,990 insurance + $4,365 maintenance + $51 repairs) — cheaper to run than the Ioniq 9; repairs are almost nothing here
2
Hyundai Ioniq 9
MSRP: starting at $58,995 (S)
Consensus: Hyundai's flagship 3-row EV; shares E-GMP platform strengths with the EV9
IIHS: Top Safety Pick+ — Good on moderate-overlap (updated test)
Warranty: 5yr/60K basic · 10yr/100K powertrain · 10yr/100K battery
ICCU warranty: Not included — Hyundai's confirmed 2026 ICCU extension (15yr/180,000 mi) covers the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6 only; a Canadian source explicitly notes the Ioniq 9 is built on the same platform but is not on the eligible list
Avg. annual cost: ≈$4,959/yr (5-yr KBB: $4,026 energy + $18,020 insurance + $2,094 maintenance + $655 repairs) — highest insurance of the pair, lowest maintenance
Watch-out: Only 2 honest picks exist in this quadrant — no third mass-market 3-row BEV SUV is currently on sale in the US (Chevrolet's Traverse stays gas-only)
Luxury · Gas/Hybrid
1
Lexus TX
MSRP: starting at $56,940 (TX 350 FWD)
Consensus: Newest, roomiest 3-row Lexus
IIHS: Only small-overlap tested (Acceptable) — no moderate-overlap data published, a genuine gap
Warranty: 4yr/50K basic · 6yr/70K powertrain
Avg. annual cost: ≈$6,454/yr (5-yr KBB: $8,084 fuel + $14,855 insurance + $8,142 maintenance + $1,189 repairs)
Watch-out: Can't verify the test most other 2026 SUVs now face
2
Volvo XC90
MSRP: starting at $62,445 (Core)
Consensus: Volvo's safety-first reputation
IIHS: Top Safety Pick — Good on moderate-overlap (updated test)
Warranty: 4yr/50K basic & powertrain
Avg. annual cost: ≈$5,380/yr (5-yr KBB: $7,449 fuel + $13,000 insurance + $4,845 maintenance + $1,605 repairs)
Watch-out: Aging platform, but still backs up its safety reputation with current data
3
Infiniti QX60
MSRP: starting at $53,085 (Pure)
Consensus: Distinctive styling
IIHS: Top Safety Pick+ — Good on moderate-overlap (updated test)
Warranty: 4yr/60K basic & powertrain
Avg. annual cost: ≈$6,108/yr (5-yr KBB: $7,342 fuel + $15,230 insurance + $7,196 maintenance + $773 repairs)
Watch-out: Best IIHS award of the three despite the brand's lower profile
Luxury · BEV
1
Rivian R1S
MSRP: starting at $78,885 (Standard)
Consensus: Strong off-road and on-road capability
IIHS: Top Safety Pick+ (confirmed)
Warranty: 5yr/60K basic · 8yr/120K battery/drive unit
Watch-out: No published KBB Cost-to-Own breakdown available, despite the safety standout status
2
Volvo EX90
MSRP: starting at $76,695 (Plus)
Consensus: Volvo's safety-first reputation carries over
IIHS: Top Safety Pick+ (confirmed)
Warranty: 4yr/50K basic & powertrain · 8yr/100K battery
Avg. annual cost: ≈$4,969/yr (5-yr KBB: $4,491 energy + $15,475 insurance + $3,537 maintenance + $1,343 repairs) — 2025-model-year KBB data
Watch-out: Confirm current-model-year pricing and specs before publishing
3
Cadillac VISTIQ
MSRP: starting at $77,395 (AWD Luxury)
Consensus: Newest entrant
IIHS: Not yet IIHS-rated — a genuine data gap, not a failure
Warranty: 4yr/50K basic & powertrain · 8yr/100K battery
Avg. annual cost: ≈$6,041/yr (5-yr KBB: $4,315 energy + $21,880 insurance + $2,633 maintenance + $1,378 repairs) — highest insurance of the three
Full-Size 3-Row SUVs
Luxury · Gas/Hybrid
1
Mercedes-Benz GLS
MSRP: starting at $90,250 (GLS 450 4MATIC)
Consensus: Flagship 3-row comfort
IIHS: Thin published IIHS data for this whole class
Warranty: 4yr/50K basic & powertrain
Avg. annual cost: ≈$8,121/yr (5-yr KBB: $8,998 fuel + $17,830 insurance + $12,154 maintenance + $1,623 repairs) — 2025-model-year KBB data, not isolated to the 450 vs. 580
Watch-out: Highest running cost confirmed so far in the full-size luxury SUV class; IIHS data for this class remains thin
2
Infiniti QX80
MSRP: starting at $83,750 (Pure)
Consensus: Bold redesign, strong V6
IIHS: Thin published IIHS data
Warranty: 4yr/60K basic & powertrain
Avg. annual cost: ≈$6,786/yr (5-yr KBB: $10,167 fuel + $18,510 insurance + $4,539 maintenance + $712 repairs) — highest fuel cost of the three
3
BMW X7
MSRP: starting at $87,500 (xDrive40i)
Consensus: Strong tech and comfort
IIHS: Thin published IIHS data
Warranty: 4yr/50K basic & powertrain
Avg. annual cost: ≈$6,823/yr (5-yr KBB: $7,898 fuel + $18,325 insurance + $5,424 maintenance + $2,468 repairs)
Luxury · BEV
1
Cadillac Escalade IQ
MSRP: starting at $127,405 (AWD Luxury)
Consensus: Flagship size and range
IIHS: Ultra-luxury BEV tier broadly under-tested by IIHS
Warranty: 4yr/50K basic & powertrain · 8yr/100K battery
Watch-out: No published KBB Cost-to-Own breakdown available — KBB's Escalade cost page only covers the gas model, not the IQ
2
Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV
MSRP: starting at $91,300 (EQS 400)
Consensus: Plush flagship BEV
IIHS: Broadly under-tested
Warranty: 4yr/50K basic & powertrain · 8yr/100K battery
Avg. annual cost: ≈$7,432/yr (5-yr KBB: $4,564 energy + $19,810 insurance + $10,276 maintenance + $2,510 repairs) — 2025-model-year KBB data; note the EQS SUV lineup is actually 450+/450 4MATIC/580 4MATIC, no "400" trim exists, so confirm the exact trim before publishing
Watch-out: Highest maintenance cost confirmed among the ultra-luxury BEV SUVs so far. Also covered by NHTSA recall 24V372 (software fix, propulsion-loss risk, remedied), and the EQS Sedan's one-year depreciation (~49%, worst in a 2023–24 iSeeCars study) suggests steep resale risk likely shared by this SUV variant.
3
Tesla Model X
MSRP: starting at $99,990 (AWD)
Consensus: Longest-serving BEV in class
IIHS: Broadly under-tested
Warranty: 4yr/50K basic · 8yr/120–150K battery (by trim)
Avg. annual cost: ≈$6,537/yr (5-yr KBB: $3,435 energy + $23,955 insurance + $3,115 maintenance + $2,178 repairs) — highest insurance cost of the ultra-luxury BEV SUVs so far
Watch-out: Highest insurance cost confirmed among the ultra-luxury BEV SUVs so far
Off-Road / Body-on-Frame SUVs
Covers the body-on-frame off-roaders — Wrangler, Land Cruiser, Bronco, G-Class, Defender, GX — that don't fit the crossover-based SUV segments covered earlier. None of the three mass-market gas picks earned a 2026 IIHS award, and most of the luxury picks have no IIHS data published at all.
Mass-production · Gas/Hybrid
1
Jeep Wrangler
MSRP: starting at $38,030 (Sport 4-Door, excl. destination)
Consensus: Edmunds 5.2/10 (“Below Average”); unmatched off-road capability, but hard cabin entry, highway noise, and mixed reliability sentiment hold it back
IIHS: Good on moderate-overlap; small-overlap rollover issue fixed on builds after Oct. 2025, but passenger-side small-overlap still shows high injury risk — no Top Safety Pick or TSP+
Warranty: 3yr/36K basic · 5yr/60K powertrain
Avg. annual cost: ≈$6,171/yr (5-yr KBB: $10,344 fuel + $12,815 insurance + $5,879 maintenance + $1,817 repairs) — highest fuel cost of the three
2
Toyota Land Cruiser
MSRP: roughly $57,600–$59,195 (1958 trim; sources disagree on destination-fee treatment)
Consensus: Edmunds 6.4/10 (“Good”); smooth ride and strong fuel economy for the class, but a tight rear seat, slow 0–60, and long braking distance
IIHS: Marginal on moderate-overlap — no award
Warranty: 3yr/36K basic · 5yr/60K powertrain · hybrid battery 10yr/150K (hybrid-only in the US since its 2024 relaunch)
Avg. annual cost: ≈$6,082/yr (5-yr KBB: $7,686 fuel + $14,360 insurance + $6,611 maintenance + $1,755 repairs)
Watch-out: Weakest IIHS result of the three (Marginal, not just untested)
3
Ford Bronco
MSRP: starting at $42,490 (Base, excl. destination)
Consensus: Edmunds 5.7/10 (“Average”); world-class off-road capability and a wide trim range, offset by wind noise, a firm ride, and poor fuel economy
IIHS: Marginal on moderate-overlap (rear-passenger chest measure specifically) — no award; passenger-side small-overlap and side ratings came from Ford's own testing, not an independent IIHS run
Warranty: 3yr/36K basic · 5yr/60K powertrain
Watch-out: No published KBB Cost-to-Own breakdown available — KBB's Bronco page only links out to its generic cost tool rather than giving model-specific figures
Mass-production · BEV
Category pending, not empty by neglect. No mass-market body-on-frame BEV off-roader is sold in the US yet. The Jeep Wrangler 4xe is a plug-in hybrid, not a BEV, so it doesn't qualify. Scout Motors' (VW-backed) Traveler SUV is still pre-production despite its own marketing implying a 2027– launch — an independent production-timeline tracker puts actual production start around September 2028, with its factory still under construction and no public prototypes shown.
Luxury · Gas/Hybrid
1
Lexus GX
MSRP: starting at $68,335 (550 Premium, excl. destination)
Consensus: Edmunds 7.3/10 (“Very Good”) — the highest score of any vehicle in this section; rugged capability with Lexus refinement, held back mainly by weak fuel economy and a cramped third row
IIHS: Not tested — only the discontinued prior-generation GX460 was ever rated, nothing for the current generation
Warranty: 4yr/50K basic · 6yr/70K powertrain
Avg. annual cost: ≈$7,152/yr (5-yr KBB: $10,385 fuel + $14,980 insurance + $9,133 maintenance + $1,263 repairs) — highest maintenance cost of the three
Watch-out: Best Edmunds score in the off-road category, but also the highest maintenance cost of the three
2
Mercedes-Benz G-Class
MSRP: starting at roughly $155,250 (G550, excl. destination)
Consensus: Edmunds 5.5/10 (“Below Average”); unmatched off-road ability and a luxurious cabin, but functions more as a status symbol — cramped for its size, with clumsy on-road handling
IIHS: Not tested — no current IIHS record exists for the G-Class
Warranty: 4yr/50K basic, powertrain, and corrosion
Watch-out: Lowest Edmunds score of the three, and no published KBB Cost-to-Own breakdown available
3
Land Rover Defender
MSRP: starting at $65,350 (110 P300 S, excl. destination) — the 90 is a high-power-only configuration starting at $116,250
Consensus: Edmunds 6.4/10 (“Good”); drives more like a luxury SUV than an off-roader, with a refined ride, offset by infotainment complexity and poor fuel economy
IIHS: Not tested — no rating found for the current generation
Watch-out: No published KBB Cost-to-Own breakdown available; warranty term (commonly cited as 4yr/50K) couldn't be independently confirmed on a current source
Luxury · BEV
1
Mercedes-Benz G580 with EQ Technology
MSRP: roughly $161,500–$164,550 (sources disagree by a few thousand dollars)
Consensus: The electric G-Wagen — same body-on-frame off-road ability and cabin as the gas G-Class, in a BEV package
IIHS: Not tested
Warranty: 4yr/50K basic, powertrain, and corrosion — a separate battery-warranty term wasn't independently confirmed for this specific model
Watch-out: The only genuine luxury BEV body-on-frame off-roader currently sold in the US — and even that comes with real waitlists, since demand outstrips supply. INEOS's upcoming EV is a smaller crossover, not a true Grenadier/G-Class rival, and the Rivian R1S is unibody, not body-on-frame, so neither counts as real competition yet
Subcompact Sedans & Crossovers
The smallest mass-market class, one size below compact. Researched against Nissan Versa, Hyundai Venue, Hyundai Kona, Kia Seltos, Kia Niro Hybrid, Volkswagen Taos, and Chevrolet Trax — but Versa, Venue, Seltos, and Trax didn't clear the bar for a top-3 pick: Versa and Venue scored lowest on Edmunds (6.2/10 and 5.2/10), Seltos landed at 6.4/10 with an Acceptable-only IIHS moderate-overlap result, and Trax's Poor moderate-overlap IIHS score ruled it out despite a genuinely strong value case. No mainstream luxury brand currently sells a subcompact sedan or crossover in the US, so both luxury quadrants are empty here, not overlooked.
Mass-production · Gas/Hybrid
1
Hyundai Kona
MSRP: starting at $25,500 (SE) — Edmunds' own trim selector lists $27,100 for the same trim, a roughly $1,600 gap; confirm with a dealer before publishing
Consensus: Edmunds 7.9/10 (“Excellent”) — the top score in this class; roomy interior, generous standard tech, and AWD available on every trim (rare at this price point), offset by underwhelming base-engine acceleration and an occasionally bouncy ride
IIHS: Good on moderate-overlap (2026); the IIHS page displays a Top Safety Pick+ badge, but the award criteria weren't fully spelled out in the source — likely TSP+, not fully confirmed
Warranty: 5yr/60K basic & 10yr/100K powertrain
Avg. annual cost: ≈$4,874/yr (5-yr KBB: $5,755 fuel + $12,320 insurance + $5,559 maintenance + $734 repairs)
2
Kia Niro Hybrid
MSRP: starting at $27,390 (LX) — Edmunds' trim selector lists $28,885, a roughly $1,500 gap
Consensus: Edmunds 7.6/10 (“Very Good”); smooth, quiet ride and the strongest fuel economy in this class, offset by slow acceleration, no AWD option, and a ride that can feel unsettled over bumps
IIHS: The current generation's (2023+) own moderate-overlap result couldn't be confirmed in research — the prior generation's Good rating (2017–22) doesn't automatically carry over to the redesigned model, so this is flagged as unconfirmed rather than assumed
Warranty: 5yr/60K basic & 10yr/100K powertrain
Avg. annual cost: ≈$4,864/yr (5-yr KBB: $3,642 fuel + $12,750 insurance + $7,242 maintenance + $686 repairs)
Watch-out: Current-generation IIHS moderate-overlap rating isn't independently confirmed — worth verifying directly before publishing
3
Volkswagen Taos
MSRP: starting at $26,500 (S) — Edmunds' trim selector lists $27,975, a roughly $1,500 gap
Consensus: Edmunds 7.5/10 (“Very Good”); comfortable seating and a large cargo area for its size, with fiddly touch-sensitive climate controls and fewer driver-assist features than rivals
IIHS: Marginal on moderate-overlap (2025 S 4WD, tested after a January 2025 protocol update) — no Top Safety Pick award; the only top-3 pick in this class to score below Good on that test
Warranty: 6yr/72K basic & powertrain — longest in this class
Avg. annual cost: ≈$4,420/yr (5-yr KBB: $5,745 fuel + $11,760 insurance + $3,424 maintenance + $1,172 repairs) — lowest running cost of the three
Watch-out: Marginal IIHS moderate-overlap score is a real safety trade-off against its class-leading warranty and lowest running cost — worth weighing carefully
Mass-production · BEV
Kia Niro EV checked and excluded: Kia's own marketing team confirmed it to Korea Herald as discontinued, tied to the Niro's early-2026 hybrid-only facelift — what's left at dealers is dwindling leftover inventory of a dead nameplate, not an ongoing model. It's also genuinely compact-class, one size up from this quadrant, not subcompact.
1
Hyundai Kona Electric
MSRP: roughly $32,975 before destination (2026 brings a single, streamlined trim with a 48.6 kWh battery and ~200-mile EPA range, down from 4 trims/2 batteries previously) — some channels still list it under the 2025 model year, so confirm current pricing before publishing
Consensus: A genuinely distinct EV from the gas Kona above, not a badge-engineered variant — a reliable current-year Edmunds score couldn't be confirmed in this research
IIHS: Not independently confirmed for the EV's structure — the gas Kona's Good moderate-overlap rating doesn't necessarily carry over given the different weight and crash structure
Warranty: 5yr/60K basic & powertrain · 10yr/100K battery
Avg. annual cost: ≈$3,601/yr (5-yr KBB: $3,206 energy + $11,905 insurance + $2,160 maintenance + $734 repairs) — lowest running cost of any vehicle in this class, and the most complete data set of the two picks here
Watch-out: Its own Edmunds score and current-year IIHS rating are unconfirmed, despite the lowest running cost here by a wide margin
2
Kia EV3
MSRP: starting at $31,385 before destination (Light FWD, 58.3 kWh, ~221-mile EPA range) — extended-battery Wind/Land trims (81.4 kWh) reach up to ~321 miles, well past the Kona Electric's ~200
Consensus: Just launched US sales in August 2026 (514 units sold in its first full month) — genuinely purchasable, not a "coming soon" placeholder, but too new for Edmunds to have published a rating yet
IIHS: Not yet tested by IIHS — only Euro NCAP data exists (5 stars w/ safety pack), a different test regime that doesn't substitute for a US rating
Warranty: 5yr/60K basic & powertrain · 10yr/100K battery (standard Kia US/EV terms)
Watch-out: Longer range and a lower starting price than the Kona Electric, but KBB has no 5-Year Cost to Own data published yet (its page is still marked "Preview") — too new to compare running costs apples-to-apples. The third slot in this quadrant is intentionally left open rather than filled with the discontinued Niro EV.
Luxury · Gas/Hybrid
No genuine pick exists here. No mainstream luxury brand currently sells a subcompact sedan or crossover in the US — the segment's luxury tier simply doesn't exist yet.
Luxury · BEV
No genuine pick exists here, for the same reason as the gas/hybrid luxury quadrant above — no luxury-brand subcompact exists in any powertrain.
Compact Sedans
Covers the small/compact sedan class, one size down from the midsize sedans below — same mass-market vs. luxury, gas/hybrid vs. BEV split.
Mass-production · Gas/Hybrid
1
Honda Civic Hybrid
MSRP: starting at $29,395 (Sport)
Consensus: Edmunds #1 compact sedan (7.9/10); strong performance and fuel economy, roomy for the class
IIHS: Not separately listed for the Hybrid trim; the standard Civic sedan rates Acceptable on moderate-overlap with no award — the hatchback, not the sedan, holds the Civic's Top Safety Pick
Warranty: 3yr/36K basic · 5yr/60K powertrain · hybrid components 8yr/100K
Avg. annual cost: ≈$4,908/yr (5-yr KBB: $5,821 fuel + $12,320 insurance + $4,624 maint + $1,773 repair)
Watch-out: Top Edmunds pick, but its IIHS award applies to the hatchback body style, not this sedan
2
Hyundai Elantra Hybrid
MSRP: starting at $26,935 (Blue)
Consensus: Edmunds 7.6/10; smooth, very fuel-efficient, feature-packed; interior feels a step down from rivals
IIHS: Not separately listed for the Hybrid trim; the standard Elantra sedan holds Top Safety Pick (Good on moderate-overlap)
Warranty: 5yr/60K basic · 10yr/100K powertrain — longest of the three
Avg. annual cost: ≈$4,938/yr (5-yr KBB: $5,328 fuel + $13,495 insurance + $5,222 maint + $646 repair) — lowest repair cost of the three
3
Kia K4
MSRP: starting at $22,290 (LX)
Consensus: Edmunds 7.5/10; strong cabin space, tech, and standard equipment, though not an engaging drive
IIHS: Top Safety Pick+ — Good on moderate-overlap (sedan body style; the K4 hatchback rates only Marginal and carries no award)
Warranty: 5yr/60K basic · 10yr/100K powertrain
Avg. annual cost: ≈$5,566/yr (5-yr KBB: $5,451 fuel + $13,185 insurance + $8,542 maint + $651 repair) — highest maintenance cost of the three
Watch-out: Best IIHS credential of the trio, but only on the sedan — the hatchback version doesn't carry it
Mass-production · BEV
No genuine pick exists here. There is currently no mass-market compact BEV sedan on sale in the US: the Nissan Leaf's 2026 redesign and the returning 2027 Chevrolet Bolt are both hatchback/crossover-bodied, not sedans, and the original Bolt EV (a compact sedan-adjacent hatchback) is gone. The segment's BEV options — Tesla Model 3, Hyundai Ioniq 6 — are both sized as midsize sedans and already covered below.
Luxury · Gas/Hybrid
1
BMW 3 Series
MSRP: starting at $48,000 (330i)
Consensus: Edmunds #1 luxury compact sedan (7.7/10); powerful and boldly styled, trails some rivals on technology
IIHS: No award. Acceptable on moderate-overlap; Marginal on vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention
Warranty: 4yr/50K basic & powertrain
Avg. annual cost: ≈$5,534/yr (5-yr KBB: $5,809 fuel + $16,220 insurance + $3,520 maintenance + $2,119 repairs) — the repair portion is the part a basic warranty would typically absorb
Watch-out: Top Edmunds pick but a genuine IIHS gap — not just an untested model, but a Marginal result on a key test
2
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
MSRP: starting at $49,650 (C 300)
Consensus: Edmunds 7.1/10; upscale interior, strong tech interface and performance
IIHS: Good on moderate-overlap; meets the Top Safety Pick bar, but the newer vehicle-to-vehicle 2.0 test hasn't been run, so Top Safety Pick+ isn't confirmed
Warranty: 4yr/50K basic & powertrain
Avg. annual cost: ≈$7,082/yr (5-yr KBB: $6,231 fuel + $16,590 insurance + $10,964 maintenance + $1,623 repairs) — 2025-model-year KBB data; highest running cost of the three, and most of that is maintenance (unavoidable), not warranty-eligible repairs
Watch-out: Best-tested safety result of the three, but TSP+ status is unconfirmed pending the newer V2V test
3
Genesis G70
MSRP: starting at $43,450 (2.5T Standard RWD)
Consensus: Edmunds 6.0/10; elegant styling and good value, held back by a tight rear seat, small trunk, and weak fuel economy
IIHS: Only small-overlap tested (Good) — no moderate-overlap result published, a genuine gap
Warranty: 5yr/60K basic · 10yr/100K powertrain — longest of the three by far
Avg. annual cost: ≈$8,086/yr (5-yr KBB: $11,183 fuel + $20,125 insurance + $8,414 maintenance + $710 repairs) — highest running cost of the three, and weak fuel economy is most of why; repairs are the smallest line here, consistent with the G70's long 5yr/60K basic warranty
Watch-out: Can't verify the test most rivals (and most of this site's other picks) now face
Luxury · BEV
1
BMW i3 (2027, Neue Klasse)
Consensus: All-new electric sedan on BMW's new Neue Klasse platform; EPA-estimated range up to 468 mi, 800V architecture, native NACS port
IIHS: Not yet rated — the car isn't on sale yet
Warranty: Not yet published
Pricing: Starts at $61,500 plus $1,350 destination — AWD-only (i3 50 xDrive) across three trims
Watch-out: Not available to buy yet — US orders opened Sept. 29, 2026 with deliveries expected Q1 2027. Replaces the outgoing i4, which ends production after the 2026 model year
2
Polestar 2
MSRP: last sold as a 2025 model starting at $66,200 — not part of Polestar's 2026 US lineup
Consensus: Established EV sedan/liftback; was the longest-available option in this quadrant
IIHS: Not yet rated
Warranty: 4yr/50K basic & powertrain · 8yr/100K battery (up to 10yr/150K for some components in CARB states)
Avg. annual cost: ≈$4,482/yr (5-yr KBB: $3,742 energy + $14,625 insurance + $1,865 maintenance + $2,178 repairs) — 2025-model-year data, Long Range Dual Motor trim
Watch-out: Not a current 2026 pick — Polestar has been winding down US sales (tied to Chinese-ownership connected-vehicle restrictions) and is set to stop selling new cars in the US entirely by 2027. This quadrant is effectively down to the not-yet-available BMW i3 for now
Midsize Sedans
Covers the mass-market and luxury midsize sedan market, split the same way as every other body style here.
Mass-production · Gas/Hybrid
1
Toyota Camry
MSRP: starting at $29,600 (LE)
Consensus: Edmunds #1 midsize sedan (8.4/10); hybrid-only for 2026, strong efficiency and reliability reputation
IIHS: Top Safety Pick+ — Good on moderate-overlap (updated test)
Warranty: 3yr/36K basic · 5yr/60K powertrain · hybrid battery 10yr/150K (with annual Toyota service)
Avg. annual cost: ≈$5,253/yr (5-yr KBB: $3,727 fuel + $14,240 insurance + $6,631 maintenance + $1,667 repairs) — lowest fuel cost of the three
Watch-out: Top overall pick and best safety credential of the trio
2
Honda Accord Hybrid
MSRP: starting at $33,795 (Sport)
Consensus: Edmunds 8.3/10; refined ride, roomy cabin, strong resale
IIHS: Top Safety Pick — Good on moderate-overlap (updated test)
Warranty: 3yr/36K basic · 5yr/60K powertrain
Avg. annual cost: ≈$5,385/yr (5-yr KBB figures reflect the standard gas Accord, not Hybrid-specific — expect lower real-world fuel cost on Hybrid trims)
3
Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
MSRP: starting at $29,200 (Blue)
Consensus: Edmunds 7.8/10; distinctive styling, generous standard features
IIHS: Top Safety Pick+ — Good on moderate-overlap (updated test, builds after Nov. 2024)
Warranty: 5yr/60K basic · 10yr/100K powertrain — longest of the three
Avg. annual cost: ≈$5,490/yr (5-yr KBB: $3,525 fuel + $16,805 insurance + $6,442 maintenance + $678 repairs) — figures weren't confirmed as Hybrid-trim-specific
Watch-out: Strongest warranty of the three mass-gas sedans
Mass-production · BEV
1
Tesla Model 3
MSRP: starting at $36,990 (Standard)
Consensus: Best-selling EV sedan in the US; strong range and efficiency
IIHS: No award. Acceptable on moderate-overlap (updated test)
Warranty: 4yr/50K basic · 8yr/100–120K battery (by trim)
Avg. annual cost: ≈$4,834/yr (5-yr KBB: $2,721 energy + $16,155 insurance + $3,115 maintenance + $2,178 repairs) — cheapest energy cost of the pair
Watch-out: Service relies on Tesla-only centers
2
Hyundai Ioniq 6
MSRP: starting at $37,500 (SE Standard Range RWD; $38,615 incl. destination)
Consensus: Distinctive aerodynamic styling, efficient E-GMP platform
IIHS: No award, but Good on moderate-overlap (updated test)
Warranty: 5yr/60K basic · 10yr/100K powertrain · 10yr/100K battery
ICCU warranty: Hyundai's 2026 recall campaign extended the charging-unit (ICCU) warranty to 15yr/180,000 mi for 2023–2025 Ioniq 6s — check VIN eligibility at HyundaiUSA.com
Avg. annual cost: ≈$4,125/yr (5-yr KBB: $2,752 energy + $14,300 insurance + $2,916 maintenance + $655 repairs; 2025-model-year data, trim unlabeled) — longer warranty than the Model 3; a separate, non-comparable $58,014 total-cost-of-ownership figure (including financing/depreciation) is also published for the 2025 model
Luxury · Gas/Hybrid
1
Lexus ES
MSRP: starting at $49,700 (ES 350h Premium hybrid)
Consensus: Edmunds #1 luxury sedan (8.3/10); smooth ride, strong reliability reputation, available hybrid
IIHS: Not independently confirmed for this model year — verify before publishing
Warranty: 4yr/50K basic · 6yr/70K powertrain
Watch-out: No published KBB Cost-to-Own breakdown available, despite topping the Edmunds ranking — KBB's 2026 ES page lists it as N/A, and the redesigned lineup means no 2025 "350h" page to fall back on either
2
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
MSRP: starting at $63,900 (E 350)
Consensus: Edmunds 7.6/10; plush ride, strong tech, broad engine lineup
IIHS: No award. Marginal overall on moderate-overlap (updated test) — rear restraints/kinematics Marginal
Warranty: 4yr/50K basic & powertrain
Avg. annual cost: ≈$7,189/yr (5-yr KBB: $6,721 fuel + $17,145 insurance + $10,481 maintenance + $1,597 repairs) — highest running cost of the three
Watch-out: A flagship nameplate that genuinely underperforms on IIHS's current key test
3
BMW 5 Series
MSRP: starting at $60,500 (530i)
Consensus: Edmunds 7.4/10; sharp handling, strong tech
IIHS: Moderate-overlap not independently published — only small-overlap (Good) has been tested
Warranty: 4yr/50K basic & powertrain
Avg. annual cost: ≈$5,818/yr (5-yr KBB: $6,131 fuel + $17,210 insurance + $3,269 maintenance + $2,480 repairs)
Watch-out: Genuine gap on the test most rivals now face
Luxury · BEV
1
Mercedes-Benz EQE Sedan
MSRP: starting at $64,950 (EQE 320+)
Consensus: Plush, quiet cabin shared with the EQE SUV
IIHS: Not independently confirmed; no US Top Safety Pick
Warranty: 4yr/50K basic & powertrain · 8yr/100K battery
Avg. annual cost: ≈$7,040/yr (5-yr KBB: $3,849 energy + $19,065 insurance + $12,284 maint/repair) — highest maintenance of the two
Watch-out: Covered by NHTSA recall 24V372 (June 2024) — a software bug could cut propulsion while driving; remedied by a free dealer update, not an open defect. Consumer Reports also flags EQ-series infotainment and brake-pedal feel as weak points.
2
BMW i5
MSRP: starting at $67,100 (eDrive40)
Consensus: Electric version of the well-regarded 5 Series
IIHS: Not independently confirmed — no crash-test or award data published
Warranty: 4yr/50K basic & powertrain · 8yr/100K battery
Avg. annual cost: ≈$5,490/yr (5-yr KBB: $3,430 energy + $19,005 insurance + $2,536 maintenance + $2,480 repairs) — cheaper to run than the EQE
Watch-out: Only 2 genuine picks in this quadrant — the Genesis Electrified G80, a prior candidate, was discontinued in the US in 2025 due to weak sales and has no confirmed return date
Full-Size / Large Sedans
The flagship-sedan tier above the midsize sedans covered earlier — and the one place on this page where IIHS has almost no data at all, since these are all low-volume halo models.
Mass-production · Gas/Hybrid
1
Toyota Crown
MSRP: starting at $42,535 (XLE, excl. destination)
Consensus: Edmunds 7.1/10 (“Very Good”); a genuinely distinctive sedan experience, but pricing runs ahead of what it delivers
IIHS: Only small-overlap front tested (Good both sides) — no moderate-overlap result published, no award
Warranty: 3yr/36K basic · 5yr/60K powertrain · hybrid battery 10yr/150K (standard Toyota hybrid policy)
Avg. annual cost: ≈$5,767/yr (5-yr KBB: $6,811 fuel + $13,740 insurance + $6,548 maintenance + $1,734 repairs)
Watch-out: The only mass-market (non-luxury-brand) full-size sedan still sold new in the US — Nissan Maxima and Chrysler 300 are both discontinued, so this quadrant isn't padded to reach three
Mass-production · BEV
No genuine pick exists here. There is no mass-market (non-luxury-brand) full-size BEV sedan currently sold in the US. The Tesla Model S is the closest EV at this size, but it's consistently classified industry-wide as a large luxury sedan — it's cross-shopped against the S-Class and 7 Series, not against a Toyota Crown — so it doesn't qualify as the non-luxury pick this quadrant calls for.
Luxury · Gas/Hybrid
1
BMW 7 Series
MSRP: starting at $99,300 (740i, excl. destination)
Consensus: Edmunds 7.4/10 (“Very Good”) — the top score of the group; refreshed interior and a smooth, powerful drive, though owners are mixed on the button-free tech
IIHS: Not tested — no IIHS data exists for this nameplate, consistent with IIHS skipping ultra-low-volume flagships
Warranty: 4yr/50K basic & powertrain
Avg. annual cost: ≈$7,776/yr (5-yr KBB: $9,792 fuel + $22,035 insurance + $4,632 maintenance + $2,422 repairs)
2
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
MSRP: starting at $119,500 (S 500 4MATIC, excl. destination)
Consensus: Edmunds 7.1/10 (“Very Good”); smooth ride and a quiet, striking cabin, offset by recurring complaints about tech glitches and repeat repairs
IIHS: Not tested — no IIHS data exists for this nameplate
Warranty: 4yr/50K basic & powertrain
Avg. annual cost: ≈$8,261/yr (5-yr KBB: $12,176 fuel + $23,685 insurance + $3,965 maintenance + $1,479 repairs) — highest running cost of the three
Watch-out: Highest fuel and insurance cost of the three, despite the lowest repair figure
3
Genesis G90
MSRP: starting at $94,195 (3.5T, excl. destination)
Consensus: Edmunds 6.7/10 (“Good”) — the lowest score of the three picks, but by far the best value and warranty in the class
IIHS: The only flagship sedan here IIHS actually tested: Acceptable on moderate-overlap, Marginal on rear-passenger kinematics; no Top Safety Pick/TSP+ award
Warranty: 5yr/60K basic · 10yr/100K powertrain — strongest in the luxury flagship class by a wide margin
Avg. annual cost: ≈$7,355/yr (5-yr KBB: $13,547 fuel + $21,195 insurance + $1,339 maintenance + $692 repairs) — lowest maintenance and repair cost of the three by far
Watch-out: Lowest Edmunds score of the three, but the only one with any IIHS data at all, and the cheapest to actually maintain
Luxury · BEV
1
Mercedes-Benz EQS Sedan
MSRP: starting at $99,900 (EQS 450+, excl. destination)
Consensus: Edmunds 8.3/10 (“Excellent”) — the single highest score of any vehicle researched for this entire page; praised for ride, interior, and range, with complaints centered on brakes, tire wear, and software glitches
IIHS: Not tested
Warranty: 4yr/50K basic & powertrain · battery warranty up to 10yr/155,000 mi
Watch-out: No published KBB Cost-to-Own breakdown available, despite the standout Edmunds score. Also worth weighing: covered by NHTSA recall 24V372 (June 2024, software fix for a propulsion-cutoff bug, since remedied) and the worst one-year depreciation of any vehicle in a 2023–24 iSeeCars study (≈49% value loss) — real resale risk behind the class-leading Edmunds score.
2
BMW i7
MSRP: starting at $105,700 (eDrive50, excl. destination)
Consensus: Edmunds 7.6/10 (“Very Good”); praised for luxury, ride, and acceleration, with range and cargo space called out as weak points
IIHS: Not tested
Warranty: 4yr/50K basic & powertrain · 8yr/100K battery
Avg. annual cost: ≈$6,754/yr (5-yr KBB: $6,276 energy + $22,160 insurance + $3,695 maintenance + $1,638 repairs)
Watch-out: Only 2 genuine picks in this quadrant — a rumored Genesis Electrified G90 hasn't materialized, and Genesis actually pulled its one electric sedan (the Electrified G80) from the US market in 2025 over weak sales
Hatchbacks
Mass-production · Gas/Hybrid
1
Honda Civic Hatchback
MSRP: starting at $27,895 (Sport — the LX trim isn't offered as a hatchback, only as a sedan)
Consensus: Edmunds/C&D favorite; refined and efficient
IIHS: Top Safety Pick — Acceptable on moderate-overlap (updated test); rear restraints/kinematics Marginal
Warranty: 3yr/36K basic · 5yr/60K powertrain
Avg. annual cost: ≈$4,728/yr (5-yr KBB: $5,033 fuel + $12,815 insurance + $4,123 maintenance + $1,667 repairs)
Watch-out: Rear-seat restraint performance (Marginal) is the one soft spot on an otherwise strong result
2
VW Golf GTI
MSRP: starting at $34,590 (S)
Consensus: Enthusiast favorite; sharp handling
IIHS: Moderate-overlap not independently published — only small-overlap (Good) and LATCH have been tested
Warranty: 4yr/50K basic & powertrain
Avg. annual cost: ≈$4,848/yr (5-yr KBB: $6,976 fuel + $11,760 insurance + $3,922 maintenance + $1,581 repairs)
Watch-out: Genuine gap on the test most rivals now face; smaller US dealer/service network
3
Subaru Impreza
MSRP: starting at $27,790 (Sport, incl. destination — the base trim was dropped for 2026, so Sport is now the entry point)
Consensus: Standard AWD, strong value
IIHS: Not independently confirmed for this model year — verify before publishing
Warranty: 3yr/36K basic · 5yr/60K powertrain
Avg. annual cost: ≈$4,633/yr (5-yr KBB: $7,308 fuel + $11,640 insurance + $2,457 maintenance + $1,758 repairs)
Watch-out: Lower fuel economy than the hybrid-leaning rivals
Mass-production · BEV
1
Chevrolet Bolt (2027 relaunch)
MSRP: starting at $28,995 (entry LT, incl. destination)
Consensus: Returning after a pause; affordable BEV hatchback
IIHS: Not yet independently confirmed (2027 relaunch)
Warranty: 3yr/36K basic · 5yr/60K powertrain · 8yr/100K battery
Watch-out: Relaunch timing — confirm current availability; no published KBB cost data yet
2
Nissan Leaf
MSRP: starting at $31,485 (S+, incl. destination; cheaper base S trim pricing TBD)
Consensus: Long-running nameplate, affordable
IIHS: Not independently confirmed
Warranty: 3yr/36K basic · 5yr/60K powertrain · 8yr/100K battery
Avg. annual cost: ≈$4,425/yr (5-yr KBB: $2,994 energy + $13,445 insurance + $3,963 maintenance + $1,724 repairs)
Watch-out: Older platform; shorter range than newer rivals
Luxury · Gas
1
Mini Cooper (Hardtop)
MSRP: starting at $29,500 (Cooper 2-Door)
Consensus: The only true luxury-branded hatchback sold in the US
IIHS: Not independently confirmed
Warranty: 4yr/50K basic & powertrain
Avg. annual cost: ≈$4,825/yr (5-yr KBB: $6,857 fuel + $12,505 insurance + $3,337 maintenance + $1,426 repairs)
Watch-out: Niche segment; limited trim/body choices
Luxury · BEV
Effectively empty in the US. The only candidate, the Mini Cooper Electric, has an unconfirmed/contradictory US-availability status across sources — not presented as a confirmed pick.
Pickup Trucks
Small/Compact
1
Ford Maverick
MSRP: starting at $27,145 (XL EcoBoost)
Consensus: Strong value, hybrid standard on base trims
IIHS: No award. Marginal overall on moderate-overlap (updated test), incl. rear restraints/kinematics
Warranty: 3yr/36K basic · 5yr/60K powertrain
Avg. annual cost: ≈$5,094/yr (5-yr KBB: $4,895 fuel + $12,135 insurance + $6,606 maintenance + $1,833 repairs)
Watch-out: Set to become the segment's only long-term player as the Santa Cruz is discontinued
2
Hyundai Santa Cruz
MSRP: starting at roughly $29,750 (SE)
Consensus: Distinctive styling, car-like ride
IIHS: Top Safety Pick (confirmed) — the stronger safety credential of the two
Warranty: 5yr/60K basic · 10yr/100K powertrain
Avg. annual cost: ≈$5,439/yr (5-yr KBB: $7,152 fuel + $13,000 insurance + $6,378 maintenance + $667 repairs)
Watch-out: Being discontinued — don't present as a long-term pick despite the stronger safety score
Midsize
1
Ford Ranger
MSRP: starting at $33,550 (XL 2WD SuperCrew)
Consensus: Strong capability and tech
IIHS: Missed the 2026 Top Safety Pick awards, like most of the segment
Warranty: 3yr/36K basic · 5yr/60K powertrain
Avg. annual cost: ≈$5,981/yr (5-yr KBB: $9,499 fuel + $12,690 insurance + $5,883 maintenance + $1,833 repairs) — highest fuel cost of the three
2
Honda Ridgeline
MSRP: starting at $40,595 (Sport)
Consensus: Car-like ride, unibody construction
IIHS: Sources conflict — one press report says Top Safety Pick, a direct IIHS fetch shows Poor/no badge
Warranty: 3yr/36K basic · 5yr/60K powertrain
Avg. annual cost: ≈$5,947/yr (5-yr KBB: $8,813 fuel + $12,940 insurance + $6,184 maintenance + $1,797 repairs) — 2025-model-year KBB data, not isolated to Sport trim
Watch-out: Unresolved IIHS status — verify directly at iihs.org
3
Toyota Tacoma
MSRP: starting at $34,190 (SR, incl. destination)
Consensus: Best-selling midsize truck
IIHS: Struggling on IIHS's updated 2026 test, like most of the segment
Warranty: 3yr/36K basic · 5yr/60K powertrain
Avg. annual cost: ≈$5,530/yr (5-yr KBB: $8,009 fuel + $12,445 insurance + $5,502 maintenance + $1,693 repairs)
Full-Size · Gas/Hybrid
1
Toyota Tundra
MSRP: starting at $41,260 (SR 4x2 Double Cab)
Consensus: Strong V6 hybrid option
IIHS: Passes IIHS's key 2026 test cleanly
Warranty: 3yr/36K basic · 5yr/60K powertrain
Avg. annual cost: ≈$6,327/yr (5-yr KBB: $9,455 fuel + $13,620 insurance + $6,845 maintenance + $1,713 repairs)
Watch-out: Clean pass makes it the safety standout of the full-size gas trio
2
Ford F-150
MSRP: starting at $37,290 (XL 2WD Reg Cab, 8' box)
Consensus: America's best-selling vehicle
IIHS: Fails IIHS's key 2026 crash test
Warranty: 3yr/36K basic · 5yr/60K powertrain
Avg. annual cost: ≈$5,799/yr (5-yr KBB: $8,856 fuel + $12,875 insurance + $5,431 maintenance + $1,833 repairs)
Watch-out: Don't let sales volume hide this genuine safety gap
3
Ram 1500
MSRP: starting at $42,025 (Tradesman Quad Cab 4x2)
Consensus: Smooth ride, strong interior
IIHS: Fails IIHS's key 2026 crash test (scores Poor)
Warranty: 3yr/36K basic · 5yr/60K powertrain
Avg. annual cost: ≈$6,152/yr (5-yr KBB: $8,582 fuel + $13,060 insurance + $7,296 maintenance + $1,820 repairs) — not isolated to Tradesman trim
Watch-out: Current truck does not hold the Top Safety Pick+ some older articles cite
Full-Size · BEV
1
Rivian R1T
MSRP: starting at $70,990 (Dual-Motor Standard)
Consensus: Strong range and off-road capability
IIHS: Top Safety Pick+ (confirmed)
Warranty: 4yr/50K basic · 8yr/unlimited corrosion
Avg. annual cost: ≈$6,846/yr (5-yr KBB: $6,925 energy + $22,010 insurance + $3,115 maintenance + $2,178 repairs) — highest insurance cost of the three
Watch-out: Only one of the three with a confirmed award
2
Ford F-150 Lightning
MSRP: starting at $63,345 (STX)
Consensus: Familiar F-150 platform, electrified
IIHS: Not independently confirmed for current model year
Warranty: 3yr/36K basic · 5yr/60K powertrain · 5yr/unlimited corrosion
Watch-out: No published KBB Cost-to-Own breakdown available
3
Chevrolet Silverado EV
MSRP: starting at $54,895 (WT Standard Range)
Consensus: Strong range and towing
IIHS: Not independently confirmed for current model year
Warranty: 3yr/36K basic · 5yr/60K powertrain
Avg. annual cost: ≈$5,728/yr (5-yr KBB: $5,131 energy + $18,445 insurance + $3,042 maintenance + $2,020 repairs) — 2025-model-year KBB data; no 2026 breakdown published yet
Watch-out: IIHS status for the current model year still needs independent confirmation
Heavy-Duty
1
Ford F-250 Super Duty
MSRP: starting at $45,975 (XL)
Consensus: Strong towing/payload
IIHS: This entire class has never been crash-tested by IIHS
Warranty: 3yr/36K basic · 5yr/60K powertrain
Watch-out: Genuine absence of data on both safety and cost — no published KBB Cost-to-Own breakdown either
2
Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
MSRP: starting at $48,695 (WT Reg Cab, incl. destination)
Consensus: Strong towing/payload
IIHS: Never crash-tested
Warranty: 3yr/36K basic · 5yr/60K powertrain
Watch-out: Same data gap on both safety and cost
3
Ram 2500
MSRP: starting at $46,855 (Tradesman)
Consensus: Strong towing/payload
IIHS: Never crash-tested
Warranty: 3yr/36K basic · 5yr/60K powertrain
Watch-out: Same data gap on both safety and cost
Minivans
Not one minivan sold in the US — gas, hybrid, or EV — earned a 2026 IIHS Top Safety Pick; most are held back by aging platforms and rear-passenger protection weaknesses. Chrysler Pacifica (gas, Edmunds 6.6/10 “Good”) was checked against the three picks below and doesn't crack the top 3; its Hybrid trim was discontinued in early 2026, and the long-rumored Pacifica EV still hasn't launched. No luxury brand has ever sold a minivan in the US — Mercedes-Benz's VLE electric van is targeted for 2027, not on sale yet.
Mass-production · Gas/Hybrid
1
Toyota Sienna
MSRP: starting at $41,320 (LE 8-Passenger)
Consensus: Edmunds 7.8/10; standard hybrid, available AWD, 35–36 MPG combined
IIHS: Marginal overall — rear restraints/kinematics Poor
Warranty: 3yr/36K basic · 5yr/60K powertrain · hybrid battery 8–10yr
Avg. annual cost: ≈$4,910/yr (5-yr KBB)
Watch-out: Best-seller, but still Marginal on IIHS's current key test
2
Kia Carnival
MSRP: starting at roughly $41,390 (Hybrid, EX) — the Carnival Hybrid is on sale now, not a future model year as this page previously said; gas Carnival starts lower, around $37,490 (LX)
Consensus: Edmunds 7.8/10 (“Excellent,” Hybrid trim); distinctive styling, generous features
IIHS: Marginal overall (IIHS doesn't rate gas and Hybrid Carnival separately)
Warranty: 5yr/60K basic · 10yr/100K powertrain — longest in segment
Avg. annual cost: ≈$5,847/yr (5-yr KBB: $8,679 fuel + $12,690 insurance + $7,188 maintenance + $680 repairs) — gas-trim breakdown; KBB publishes a Carnival Hybrid cost page too, but only as a total 5-yr figure by trim ($60,690–$69,441 incl. depreciation), not broken into fuel/insurance/maintenance/repairs like the other picks here, so the gas-trim figures above are shown as the closest comparable breakdown
3
Honda Odyssey
MSRP: starting at $44,290 (EX-L, now the base trim)
Consensus: Edmunds 7.3/10; car-like drive, Magic Slide 2nd-row
IIHS: Poor overall — worst of the three
Warranty: 3yr/36K basic · 5yr/60K powertrain
Avg. annual cost: ≈$5,430/yr (5-yr KBB)
Watch-out: Worst IIHS score of the three
Mass-production · BEV
1
Volkswagen ID. Buzz
MSRP: starting at $59,995 (2025 MY, Pro S)
Consensus: Edmunds 8.1/10 (“Excellent”) — the highest score of any minivan on this page
IIHS: Good on moderate-overlap, but absent from IIHS's 2026 full-electric Top Safety Pick list — no award
Warranty: 4yr/50K basic & powertrain · 8yr/100K battery (≥70% capacity guaranteed)
Avg. annual cost: ≈$4,548/yr (5-yr KBB, Pro S Plus 4MOTION: $6,970 energy + $11,390 insurance + $3,148 maintenance + $1,232 repairs)
Watch-out: Genuinely the best-reviewed minivan on this page, but Volkswagen paused US production for the 2026 model year in Dec. 2025 — new orders are limited to remaining 2025 inventory, with no confirmed return date (earliest rumored is MY2027)
Luxury (Gas/Hybrid & BEV)
No genuine pick exists here. No luxury brand has ever sold a minivan in the US, in any powertrain. Mercedes-Benz's upcoming VLE electric van is targeted for 2027 — not on sale yet.
GT (Grand Touring) Cars
Almost none of these low-volume/halo models have been independently crash-tested by IIHS at all. “Not tested” below means genuinely no data exists, not a failing grade.
Mass-production · Gas (no mass-production BEV GT exists in the US)
1
Ford Mustang GT
MSRP: starting at $47,800 (GT Fastback)
Consensus: The quintessential affordable American GT — 5.0L V8, RWD
IIHS: No award; moderate-overlap Good rating is on the OLD test, not the current protocol
Warranty: 3yr/36K basic · 5yr/60K powertrain
Avg. annual cost: ≈$6,490/yr (5-yr KBB)
Watch-out: Don't read the old Good score as current
2
Toyota GR Supra
MSRP: starting at $58,300 (3.0 Automatic)
Consensus: BMW-engineered platform, Toyota styling/backing
IIHS: Not tested — no data exists
Warranty: 3yr/36K basic · 5yr/60K powertrain
Avg. annual cost: ≈$7,110/yr (5-yr KBB)
Watch-out: Genuinely unknown crash safety
Luxury · Gas/Hybrid
1
BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe
MSRP: starting at $96,050 (840i)
Consensus: 4-door GT, most practical of the three
IIHS: Not tested — low-volume luxury model
Warranty: 4yr/50K basic & powertrain
Avg. annual cost: ≈$7,930/yr (5-yr KBB)
Watch-out: No crash data
2
Lexus LC
MSRP: starting at $101,700 (LC 500, incl. destination)
Consensus: Hand-built 2+2, V8 or hybrid
IIHS: Not tested — low-volume halo car
Warranty: 4yr/50K basic · 6yr/70K powertrain — longest of the three
Avg. annual cost: ≈$8,751/yr (5-yr KBB) — highest maintenance of the three
Watch-out: No crash data; priciest to maintain despite Lexus's reliability halo
3
Porsche 911
MSRP: starting at $129,950 (Carrera Coupe, incl. delivery)
Consensus: Benchmark sports GT
IIHS: Not tested
Warranty: 4yr/50K basic & powertrain · 12yr corrosion
Avg. annual cost: ≈$8,888/yr (5-yr KBB: $9,158 fuel + $19,935 insurance + $15,347 maintenance) — 2025-model-year KBB data, not trim-isolated; KBB's repair line was blank, so this maintenance figure may understate total upkeep
Watch-out: No crash data
Luxury · BEV (both trim names literally say “GT” / “Grand Touring”)
1
Porsche Taycan (incl. Turbo GT trim)
MSRP: starting at $105,800 (base) up to $243,700 (Turbo GT)
Consensus: Fastest, most track-focused electric Porsche
IIHS: Not tested
Warranty: 4yr/50K basic & powertrain · 8yr/100K battery
Avg. annual cost: ≈$6,638/yr (5-yr KBB: $4,812 energy + $22,535 insurance + $4,564 maintenance + $1,279 repairs) — base-trim-only, 2025-model-year data; KBB publishes no separate breakdown for the Turbo GT
Watch-out: No crash data; cost figure covers the base Taycan only, not the Turbo GT
2
Lucid Air Grand Touring
MSRP: starting at $116,400
Consensus: Class-leading ~500+ mi EPA range
IIHS: Not tested
Warranty: 4yr/50K basic · 8yr/100K battery
Watch-out: No crash data; KBB lists cost as “N/A”
Small Sporty Open-Top (Roadster) Cars
No BEV roadster quadrant (mass or luxury) exists in the US today. Polestar 6 has been repeatedly delayed, possibly shelved for good; Tesla's “Roadster” isn't a true open-top; MINI's planned electric Cooper SE Convertible was canceled.
Mass-production · Gas
1
Mazda MX-5 Miata
MSRP: starting at $31,665 (Sport, incl. destination)
Consensus: The benchmark affordable roadster for 35+ years
IIHS: Not tested
Warranty: 3yr/36K basic · 5yr/60K powertrain
Avg. annual cost: ≈$5,509/yr (5-yr KBB: $6,146 fuel + $12,875 insurance + $6,812 maintenance + $1,713 repairs) — 2025-model-year KBB data, not isolated to Sport trim
Watch-out: No crash data
2
Mini Cooper Convertible
MSRP: starting at $34,600 (Cooper)
Consensus: The only other true small open-top on sale in the US
IIHS: Not tested
Warranty: 4yr/50K basic & powertrain
Avg. annual cost: ≈$4,718/yr (5-yr KBB: $9,209 fuel + $11,280 insurance + $1,865 maintenance + $1,235 repairs) — cheapest to maintain of the pair, but highest fuel cost
Watch-out: Sources conflict on its future production — verify with a MINI dealer
Luxury · Gas (no luxury BEV roadster exists)
1
BMW Z4
MSRP: starting at $56,100 (sDrive30i; some sources list $57,275)
Consensus: Sharper/more powerful than the Miata; shares a platform with the GR Supra
IIHS: Not tested
Warranty: 4yr/50K basic & powertrain
Avg. annual cost: ≈$5,320/yr (5-yr KBB) — cheapest to run of the pair
Watch-out: No crash data
2
Porsche 718 Boxster
MSRP: last sold as a 2025 model starting at $74,900 — gas-powered production has ended, no 2026 model exists
Consensus: Widely regarded as the sharpest-handling roadster sold today
IIHS: Not tested
Warranty: 4yr/50K basic & powertrain · 12yr corrosion
Avg. annual cost: ≈$9,100/yr (most recent available data)
Watch-out: Highest running cost of any car in this research — maintenance alone exceeds the Z4's entire 5-yr total. Also no longer a current pick: Porsche ended gas-engine 718 production; an EV successor under the same Boxster name is expected but not yet on sale
More manufacturing sub-categories will be added over time.