Ranking Cars We’ve Driven in 2026 That Didn’t Crack the Top 10
I tested dozens of new cars, trucks, SUVs and even a cargo van in 2026 for USA TODAY Cars. We recently ranked the top 10 best new cars I’ve tested so far this year, but there were plenty of honorable mentions that deserve some attention.
Here’s a best-of-the-rest list, ranking the honorable mentions to give drivers and potential buyers more insight on some of this year’s test vehicles.
The Cars That Fell Just Short of the Top 10
9. 2025 Porsche Taycan
Starting price: $99,400
What I liked: Porsche’s Taycan is a blast to drive on the highway. It features premium materials and great standard tech.
What I didn’t like: The Taycan is made for the open road. Its ride feels stiff driving through average suburban streets. It’s so quick that it isn’t a practical daily driver for most car buyers.
8. 2026 Lexus RZ
Starting price: $47,295
What I liked: The Lexus RZ has a luxurious cabin. It’s quick and comfortable. The exterior design is classy and elevated.
What I didn’t like: Its charging speeds could be quicker. Range is decent (229 miles), but could be better for daily driving purposes.
7. 2026 Lexus NX Hybrid
Starting price: $45,470
What I liked: Lexus’ small luxury SUV is refined and sporty. It’s affordable for its segment.
What I didn’t like: The cabin felt cramped at times and it didn’t feel as practical as some of its rivals. Cargo space is limited.
6. 2026 Rivian R1T
Starting price: $79,990
What I liked: The Rivian R1T Quad model I tested is a blast to drive because of its quick acceleration. Rivian software is amazing and the tech features are futuristic.
What I didn’t like: The R1T’s starting price is sky-high and upper trims are even pricier.
5. 2026 Nissan Pathfinder
Starting price: $39,900
What I liked: Comfy seating and great cabin space. It comes standard with a mighty V6 engine (284 horsepower).
What I didn’t like: The third row isn’t adult-sized and the ride can feel stiff at times.
4. 2026 Jeep Cherokee
Starting price: $35,000
What I liked: Amazing fuel economy (37 mpg combined) and a bold redesign for its cabin and exterior. Enough power to keep driving interesting.
What I didn’t like: Steering and braking could be more precise. Cabin materials can feel cheap, though the design is modern.
3. 2026 Kia K4 Hatchback
Starting price: $24,990
What I liked: Kia’s turbocharged K4 Hatch GT-Line Turbo is fun to drive and extremely affordable. It has decent standard tech for the money.
What I didn’t like: The best features and powertrain are reserved for the final configuration, which bumps up the price to nearly $29,000. That’s a significant increase from the base EX trim.
2. 2026 Genesis G80
Starting price: $58,450
What I liked: The G80 has a powerful turbocharged four-cylinder base engine and an available twin-turbo V6 with 375 horsepower. It also has an ultra-refined interior and excellent tech features.
What I didn’t like: Its starting price is beginning to become as expensive as rival luxury automakers with longer production histories and popular nameplates.
1. 2026 Genesis G90
Starting price: $92,700
What I liked: The best cabin and back seat I’ve seen in a new car in 2026. Its interior quality is top-tier, and it’s surprisingly powerful for such a large sedan.
What I didn’t like: The base price is high, pricing out many car buyers. The absolute best version will run you over six figures.
What the Testing Revealed
As an expert automotive reporter and vehicle reviewer, I find that automakers tend to offer the best versions of their new vehicles for testing. The reality is that many base models lack the standard features that can make or break a new vehicle’s driving and ownership experience.
The 2026 Toyota Camry and 2026 Mazda3 stand out in terms of standard features for the money and value. When you’re shopping for a new vehicle for long-term ownership, the best trim for your comfort and lifestyle may be a pricier upper trim that’s worth spending the extra money on.
Charles Singh is an Autos Connect Reporter for The Tennessean, part of the USA TODAY Network.
