Kelley Blue Book hands out its Best Buy Awards each January, naming one winner per vehicle category for the coming model year. The 2026 class spans electric hatchbacks, family haulers, a midsize sedan and a small pickup, and one nameplate has now collected the compact car prize more often than any other on this list. Here are ten of the 2026 category winners.
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1. Nissan Leaf: Electric Value Leader
KBB named the redesigned Nissan Leaf its 2026 Best New Model and also its Best Electric Vehicle Under $35,000, pointing to more than 300 miles of range. That range figure is the headline for a car that began life as an early mass-market EV with far more modest numbers.
For shoppers who want an electric commuter without a luxury price, the double award frames the Leaf as a credible budget option. As with any EV purchase, real-world range will vary with climate, speed and charging habits, so a test drive on a familiar route is worthwhile.
2. Hyundai Kona: Small SUV, Big Equipment
Hyundai’s Kona took the Best Subcompact SUV award for 2026, and the judges singled out strong value along with a long list of standard tech, safety and convenience features at a low price. It is the smallest crossover in this group and the one aimed squarely at first-time and budget buyers.
A subcompact SUV is often a compromise on space, so the award leans on equipment and price instead. Shoppers cross-checking trims should confirm which of the praised features come standard on the exact version being priced.
3. Hyundai Palisade: Upscale Three-Row Goes Hybrid
KBB selected the Hyundai Palisade as Best Midsize SUV for 2026, calling it upscale and spacious and noting that it is now available as a hybrid. The addition of a hybrid option broadens a family-hauler that already competes on cabin quality as much as size.
Large families get a three-row choice that no longer forces a fuel-economy penalty if the hybrid is selected. The midsize class is crowded, so the award is best read as a strong starting point for comparison rather than the final word.
4. Ford Expedition: Towing Takes the Crown
The Ford Expedition earned Best Full-Size SUV for 2026, with KBB crediting it with best-in-class towing capacity. Full-size SUVs are bought largely for hauling people and trailers, so that single claim carries unusual weight in this part of the market.
Anyone who tows a boat or camper will want to match the exact configuration to the trailer’s weight, because capacity depends on powertrain and equipment. The award signals that, on paper, Ford leads the class in the area that matters most to these buyers, though real-world tow ratings depend on the chosen setup.
5. Kia EV9: Three Rows, Fully Electric
KBB gave the Kia EV9 its Best 3-Row EV award for 2026, citing up to 305 miles of range and fast charging. The EV9 is a large, boxy electric SUV, and the award recognizes it as the standout among family-sized battery vehicles.
Families weighing a first EV with seating for more than five get a clear frontrunner here. The top range figure applies to specific trims, so buyers should check which version delivers it before assuming the maximum number applies to every model sold.
6. Hyundai Ioniq 5: Price Cut Wins the Award
Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 was crowned Best Electric Vehicle for 2026, with KBB noting that a significant price cut for the model year helped its case. The retro-futuristic hatchback had already been a favorite of reviewers, and the lower sticker strengthened its value argument.
A price reduction on an established EV is good news for shoppers who found earlier pricing steep. As incentives and discounts shift over time, the actual transaction price may differ from the figure that earned the award.
7. Honda Civic: Eleven Times a Winner
The Honda Civic won Best Compact Car for 2026, which KBB described as making it the 11-time winner in this segment. It is offered with either a gas engine or a hybrid powertrain, giving buyers a choice within the same familiar sedan and hatchback lineup.
Few nameplates can claim a record of repeat wins that long, and it speaks to consistency more than to any single standout feature. Shoppers still benefit from comparing the gas and hybrid versions, since the two suit different driving patterns.
8. Toyota Camry: Efficiency and Resale
KBB picked the Toyota Camry as Best Midsize Car for 2026, citing best-in-class fuel efficiency together with strong resale value and reliability. The Camry is now sold as a hybrid, and the combination of low running costs and lasting value is the core of the award.
Sedan buyers who plan to keep a car for years or sell it later will find resale value a useful tiebreaker. The midsize sedan class has shrunk, which makes a clear winner easier to name but does not remove the need to test drive rivals.
9. Toyota Sienna: The Hybrid Minivan
The Toyota Sienna took Best Minivan for 2026, praised for its roomy interior, known reliability and efficient hybrid power. Every Sienna is a hybrid, so the award reflects a vehicle that pairs sliding-door practicality with unusually frugal fuel use for its size.
Parents choosing between a minivan and a three-row crossover get a strong argument for the van here, especially on cargo space and running costs. The usual advice still applies, which is to test the seating and door layout with real car seats.
10. Ford Maverick: Small Truck, Real Numbers
KBB named the Ford Maverick Best Compact Truck for 2026, backing the pick with a 1,500-pound payload and 4,000-pound towing capacity. Those figures are modest next to full-size pickups, yet they are substantial for a truck of its compact size and modest price, which is part of the appeal.
City drivers and weekend hauliers who find a full-size pickup excessive get a right-sized alternative. Buyers planning to tow near the limit should confirm that the towing package matches the figure quoted for the award, since capacity varies with equipment and configuration.
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