Car and Driver magazine has once again curated its highly anticipated 10Best cars list for 2026, a definitive guide to the most outstanding vehicles available today. This annual accolade celebrates cars that not only push the boundaries of engineering and design but also deliver unparalleled driving pleasure and exceptional value. Through an exhaustive evaluation process that includes back-to-back testing on identical routes and comprehensive performance assessments, the magazine's seasoned experts meticulously scrutinize each contender. The selection criteria are stringent: vehicles must have a starting price under $115,000 and be available by January 2026. This rigorous methodology ensures that the 10Best list genuinely represents the cream of the crop, showcasing vehicles that embody their intended purpose with remarkable skill and an infectious joy behind the wheel.
Car and Driver's 2026 10Best: A Deep Dive into Automotive Excellence
The prestigious 2026 10Best awards from Car and Driver magazine have brought to light a remarkable collection of vehicles, each a testament to automotive innovation and driving passion. The selection process, a hallmark of the publication's commitment to thoroughness, involved extensive testing where every new and significantly updated model, alongside previous winners, was subjected to a gauntlet of evaluations. Judges, a team of twenty experienced evaluators, scored each car out of a hundred points after two weeks of intensive road tests, covering acceleration, braking, cornering, interior noise, and fuel efficiency.
Among the distinguished honorees, the BMW M2 stands out as a compact powerhouse. With 473 horsepower, it offers M3/M4 level performance in a more agile and affordable package, echoing the spirit of the iconic 2002. Its inclusion signifies its potent blend of power and practicality, fitting easily into urban landscapes without compromising on thrill.
Cadillac secured two spots with its formidable Blackwing series. The Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing, earning its fifth consecutive 10Best trophy, continues to impress with its smooth, customizable ride, manual gearbox option, and rear-wheel-drive dynamics. Not to be outdone, the larger Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing also made its fifth appearance, triumphing over new rivals like the BMW M5 and Audi RS7 in head-to-head comparisons, largely due to its superior value proposition and the bespoke options available through the 'Curated by Cadillac' program.
Chevrolet's mid-engine Corvette Stingray and E-Ray variants demonstrate a monumental shift in design, transforming the Corvette into a true ultra-high-performance sports car capable of competing with the world's elite.
Honda proved its consistent excellence with the Accord and Civic. The Accord was lauded for its unwavering quality and predictable performance, while the Civic, with its various iterations including the hybrid, Si, and Type R, was praised for its brilliant driving dynamics, affirming the adage, 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it.'
In the electric vehicle realm, the Lucid Air Pure made its third consecutive appearance, solidifying its place as a newcomer that has swiftly earned respect for its innovative design and compelling performance.
Mercedes-Benz earned recognition for the E450 sedan and wagon, celebrated for their refined purpose and grace amidst a fast-paced automotive world, embodying understated elegance and quality.
The collaborative efforts of Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86 showcased their prowess as light, rear-wheel-drive sports coupes, filling the void left by the temporary exit of some higher-priced competitors and proving that pure driving enjoyment doesn't always come with an exorbitant price tag.
Finally, the Volkswagen Golf GTI and Golf R, despite losing their manual transmission option in some markets, were still celebrated for their enduring appeal as hot hatches, proving that their spirit transcends a single feature.
These selections collectively paint a vivid picture of the current automotive landscape, where performance, value, and the sheer joy of driving remain paramount, guiding consumers towards vehicles that truly excel.
The 2026 Car and Driver 10Best awards offer valuable insights into the evolving automotive industry. It's inspiring to see a diverse range of vehicles, from high-performance sports cars to practical sedans, recognized for their excellence. This list serves not only as a benchmark for manufacturers but also as a trusted guide for consumers seeking quality, performance, and driving satisfaction. It highlights that true automotive brilliance lies in a harmonious blend of engineering prowess, emotional appeal, and tangible value, reminding us that the best cars are those that enrich our lives on every journey.
