Credit: Nissan
With hundreds of models for sale, it can be hard to know which car to buy. And with new or refreshed vehicles regularly being released, it gets even more difficult.
Luckily for us, our friends at Consumer Reports have tested pretty much every car available and are reviewing new ones as they’re released.
Below, we’ve compiled what they think of new and refreshed models for 2026, looking at which deserve your attention and which don’t.
1 / 5
Credit: Toyota
The RAV5 PHEV won praise from CR for being “quick, efficient, and packed with useful tech.” It said the latest version is the car's best. It also has excellent electric range, a smooth ride, and good handling. CR did warn that the SUV has a “rather plasticky, truck-like interior with a dearth of soft-touch surfaces and tasteful accents." That matters when it can cost close to $50,000 with added features.
2 / 5
Credit: Audi
Sedan sales are declining, meaning buyers in the luxury market actually have fewer options. Despite that, CR said the new A6, which starts just below $65,000, “doesn’t feel special enough to stand out.” The interior didn’t feel luxurious or innovative, and the all-wheel drive, once a plus from Audi, is now standard from many competitors. CR did, however, like the turbocharged V6 engine, said the seats were comfortable, visibility is strong, and it is great on the highway. “Overall, buyers already in the Audi universe will likely be happy with the new car if they can deal with the sacrifice in fuel economy and aren’t put off by the interior or new control systems,” CR said.
3 / 5
Credit: Subaru
A station wagon no more, the 2026 Outback is boxier, taller, and a true SUV. Some at CR said they missed how it used to feel like a wagon, saying the new model feels more generic and resembles the Forester. The latest version is has powertrain and platform improvements, and better interior design that feels more premium, CR said. It did find the ride somewhat noisy, though. It starts retailing at $35,000.
4 / 5
Credit: Nissan
Once a pioneering EV, the Nissan Leaf now exists in a market full of EVs. Its 2026 redesign means the car is now a subcompact SUV instead of a small hatchback. CR likes its longer range, saying it feels like less of a commute car. “The new Leaf fixed many of its previous generation’s most glaring issues, but created another with its less intuitive controls,” CR said. Its ride quality is much better, and its interior is more comfortable. The Infotainment system isn’t great, though. CR said “it’s a competent EV that’s easy to live with, and punches above its reasonable price,” starting at $30,000.
5 / 5
Credit: Nissan
The Sentra is now Nissan’s cheapest sedan after it abandoned the Versa. Recently redesigned and starting below $25,000. It’s a “generally likeable car with mostly traditional controls, an enjoyable-enough driving experience, technology and interior design that seem as if they belong in a more expensive model, and a smooth powertrain,” CR said. It’s the most you can probably get for its price, but CR was disappointed it doesn’t have a hybrid option.
