Best New Cars by Category

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let's look at the vehicles that are not only the best-selling, but the finest examples in their categories. Kelley Blue Book ratings involve their editors spending a lot of time behind the wheel. They analyze every sedan, crossover, SUV, minivan, and truck on the market, comparing each to its competitors. 

Best Ranked Cars

Determinations are made for each vehicle regarding its powertrain and performance, fuel economy, ride and handling, styling and features, safety and driver assist technology, and price to the consumer. Naturally, they put each vehicle through its paces in terms of acceleration, braking, lane-changing, ease of parking, also considering build quality, interior comfort, and cargo space. 

Before determining which car is the best in its category, KBB factors in fuel economy and real-world dependability, cost to own and resale ability when finding the true value of each automobile. 
How Cars are Ranked
Before Kelley Blue Book rates any car, it is ranked against its direct competitors. This rating system involves subjective rating numbers for each aspect of the vehicle in question. Then the editors get together and compare the numbers. With that in mind, we present this year's list of the best cars on the market today. Each section displays the top three vehicles rated per category in 2024 for comparison. 


Best Compact Cars;

Best Compact Car

#1: Honda Civic
The reliable Civic is fuel efficient, comfortable, and fun to drive. What more could you want in a compact four-door sedan? A hybrid powerplant joins the lineup. Starting MSRP $25,045
Best Compact Cars 

Best Mid-Size Car

#1: Honda Accord
The front-wheel drive Accord is an excellent four-door mid-size sedan with a roomy and comfortable interior that includes a fuel efficient hybrid version in most trim levels.
Starting MSRP $28,990
Best Full-Size Car

Best Full-Size Car

#1: Toyota Crown 
Though more pricey than the Avalon it replaces, the Crown is a hybrid that offers great fuel efficiency in a full-size package including the latest safety and driver assist features.
Starting TSRP $47,145
Best Subcompact Car

Best Subcompact Car

#1: Hyundai Accent
The Accent is impressive, offering a sleek design, great fuel efficiency and advanced technology. A 120 horse four-cylinder engine takes you an EPA estimated 33 mpg city/41 mpg highway.
Starting MSRP $16,475
Best Hybrid Hatchback

Best Hybrid Hatchback

#1: Toyota Prius
The totally redesigned fifth generation Prius is actually sexy. All-wheel drive is available and there's even a plug-in hybrid version. It's faster and greener than any Prius before it.
Starting TSRP $28,745
Best Coupe


Best Sport Coupes

#1: Chevrolet Corvette 
Get supercar styling and blistering performance in a relatively affordable package. The new mid-engine 70th Anniversary Corvette marks the debut of the 670-horsepower Z06 model. The only thing faster is a Formula One Car. 
Starting MSRP $61,900
Best Sports Car

Best Roadster

#1: Mazda MX-5 Miata
A small convertible that packs big time fun, the Miata combines a light curb weight with a finely tuned suspension making it the king of twisty canyon roads. Put the top down and you'll be all smiles!
Starting MSRP $30,000
Best Electric Car

Best Electric Car

#1: Chevrolet Bolt
America's least expensive electric car, the Bolt hatchback is powered by a 200-horsepower electric motor that gets an EPA estimated 259 miles of range. Plus, it is amazingly roomy inside.
Starting MSRP $27,495
Best Compact SUV

Best Compact SUV

#1: Honda CRV
The pleasingly practical CRV brings good performance and plenty of cargo space to the crossover market. The 204-horse Sport hybrid version gets and EPA estimated 43 mpg city/36 mpg highway.
Starting MSRP $30,825
Best Mid-size SUV

Best Mid-Size SUVs

#1: Kia Telluride
The Telluride is a compelling package with its smooth V6 and comfy cabin.It's great for families that need a third row of seating for seven. An X-Pro version even handles off-roading.
Starting MSRP $37,355
Best Full-size SUV

Best Full-Size SUV

#1: Ford Expedition
This mighty three-row, eight-passenger family hauler can tow an impressive 9,000 pounds thanks to its 3.5-liter twin turbo V6. Available all-wheel drive lets you adventure off the beaten path.
Starting MSRP $57,420
Best Electric SUV

Best Electric SUV

#1: Hyundai IONIQ 5
The forward thinking IONIQ 5 won Car & Driver's EV of the year. There's ample room in the cabin and plenty of cargo space. Plus, the longer-range single-motor variant will take you an a nice charge.
Starting MSRP $42,985
Best Minivan

Best Minivan

#1: Toyota Sienna
Class leading fuel efficiency and excellent road manners pushes the Sienna Hybrid to the top spot. This thing is huge inside, offering 33.5 cubic feet of storage behind the third row of seating.
Starting TSRP $38,580
Best Mid-size Truck

Best Mid-Size Truck

#1: Toyota Tacoma
The all-new fourth generation Tacoma features striking bodywork and a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The hybrid iForce Max variant features 326 horsepower on tap, more than the competition.
Starting TSRP $28,000
Best Full-size Truck

Best Full-Size Truck

#1: Ford F-150
America's best-selling pickup for 46 years, the refreshed 2024 F-150 lets you choose a turbocharged V6, V8, of hybrid powertrain. Known for its heroic towing power and eight trim levels.
Starting MSRP $38,565
Best Electric Truck

Best Electric Truck

#1: Ford F-150 Lightning
This dual electric motor, all-wheel drive pickup can pack as much as 580 horsepower and take you up to an EPA estimated 320 miles on a charge. The Platinum trim can get you to 60 mph in just 4 seconds!
Starting MSRP  $42,000
Let Lithia Help
With over 75 years in the business of providing our customers with exemplary personal transportation solutions and hundreds of dealerships all across America, Canada and the UK, Lithia Motors can get you into the right vehicle for you and your family. There's a Lithia dealership near you!