20 Best New Cars for Your Money in 2026, According to US News

With the average new car price now above $50,000, getting good value matters more than ever. If you’re buying in 2026, you want a vehicle that’s not only affordable up front but also economical to own over time.

To identify the best new cars for your money in 2026, U.S. News & World Report evaluated models for quality, value and long-term ownership costs. Factors included fuel economy, safety ratings, reliability data, comfort and predicted maintenance expenses.

Based on this analysis, here are the 20 new cars that offer the strongest value for U.S. buyers this year.

• Starting MSPR: $22,290
• Overall score (out of 10): 9.1
• Why it won: Affordable in all trims, spacious cabin, easy-to-use infotainment system, long warranty

• Starting MSPR: $28,395
• Overall score (out of 10): 9.4
• Why it won: Spacious interior, intuitive technology, nimble handling, comfortable ride, great fuel economy

• Starting MSPR: $25,450
• Overall score (out of 10): 9.2
• Why it won: Many safety features come standard, excellent fuel economy, affordable starting price

• Starting MSPR: $29,100
• Overall score (out of 10): 9.4
• Why it won: Excellent fuel economy, many standard features, comfortable ride and handling

• Starting MSPR: $31,200
• Overall score (out of 10): 9.4
• Why it won: Superb handling, suspension suitable for everyday driving, low price for a sports car

• Starting MSPR: $22,430
• Overall score (out of 10): 8.5
• Why it won: High value, impressive fuel economy for a non-hybrid, effective cargo space, attractive interior and exterior

• Starting MSPR: $27,390
• Overall score (out of 10): 8.6
• Why it won: Great mileage, lots of room, many available features, cool styling

• Starting MSPR: $34,995
• Overall score (out of 10): 9
• Why it won: Stylish, roomy, well-equipped, long mile range, practical for daily use

• Starting MSPR: $30,490
• Overall score (out of 10): 9.3
• Why it won: Sleek interior, spacious cargo area, low starting price for the class

• Starting MSPR: $40,490
• Overall score (out of 10): 9.4
• Why it won: Spacious interior, excellent list of features, strong fuel economy, easy acceleration

• Starting MSPR: $29,450
• Overall score (out of 10): 9.3
• Why it won: Roomy interior, many standard features, generous cargo space

• Starting MSPR: $54,900
• Overall score (out of 10): 8.9
• Why it won: Many standard features, plenty of interior space, affordable starting price

• Starting MSPR: $38,890
• Overall score (out of 10): 8.5
• Why it won: Strong fuel economy, many standard features, smooth ride

• Starting MSPR: $50,495
• Overall score (out of 10): 9.2
• Why it won: Stylish exterior and interior, effective plug-in hybrid powertrain, better handling than others in its category

• Starting MSPR: $41,670
• Overall score (out of 10): 8.4
• Why it won: High-end interior, very comfortable seats, upscale look compared to class rivals, hands-free driving assist available

• Starting MSPR: $32,390
• Overall score (out of 10): 8.8
• Why it won: Refined, comfortable, many high-tech features come standard

• Starting MSPR: $62,400
• Overall score (out of 10): 9.1
• Why it won: Powerful acceleration, comfortable handling, stylish and ample interior, advanced tech and safety features

• Starting MSPR: $42,795
• Overall score (out of 10): 9.3
• Why it won: Very spacious, solid acceleration, long list of standard features

• Starting MSPR: $32,145
• Overall score (out of 10): 8.8
• Why it won: Many features come standard, several engine options, comfortable front seats

• Starting MSPR: $39,330
• Overall score (out of 10): 9.6
• Why it won: Configurations that can suit many drivers, several powertrain options, spacious cabin

Editor’s note: Vehicles were sourced from U.S. News’ “2026 Best Cars for the Money.” Prices are sourced from official websites and are accurate as of Jan. 30, 2026. Photos are for representational purposes only and might not reflect the exact year, make or model of the vehicle(s) listed in this article.