The 10 Best Cars of 2022

The best cars are those that can offer a good mix of practicality, comfort, and performance. They’re also those that make you feel genuinely happy to drive them, whether you’re enjoying the soothing tranquility of your commute or taking your family on an outing in the mountains. Luckily, you can find lots of great options in the 2022 10Best list—and there’s even a couple that offer plenty of thrills for the sports-car lover on a budget.

1. BMW

With an engaging driving experience and a wide variety of models to choose from, BMW is a top choice for those who want the joy of car ownership without breaking the bank. The German automaker’s vehicles excel in road-test evaluations and in reliability and owner satisfaction surveys, putting it well above the competition.

2. Honda

Honda’s compact sedan and hatchback are among the most reliable cars on the market, and they also deliver a fun-to-drive experience with excellent fuel efficiency. They look sharp, feel upscale inside, and are affordable to own and maintain.

3. McLaren

The British automaker may be better known for its Formula 1 machines, but its street-legal cars are just as impressive. The McLaren 570S packs plenty of oomph and thrills into a compact package, with an engaging powertrain and track-ready handling that make it one of the most exciting sports cars around. It’s not for everyone, though, and its price tag is intimidating.

4. Audi

The German automaker’s cars have an unmistakable quality to them, and their upscale interiors are well-appointed and pleasant to live with. Its sedans and SUVs are also fun to drive, with nimble handling and plenty of cargo space. The Audi A4 is a practical option for those who don’t want to sacrifice the performance of a sportier car, and the Q7 is a family-friendly SUV that offers an engaging drive and a spacious interior.

5. Mercedes-Benz

The Benz E-Class is the goldilocks of luxury vehicles, with a buttery smooth entry-level model and a 600-horsepower firebreathing wagon to suit almost any driver’s needs. It has an unmistakably premium feel and comes with a long roster of standard luxury features. Its only drawbacks are its stiff ride, which can be distracting when the road turns twisty, and its hefty six-figure starting price.

6. Volkswagen

The VW brand may be better known for its economy-car offerings, but it has a handful of desirable models beyond the uber-efficient Jetta and Tiguan. The Passat is a spacious, comfortable, and capable family SUV with an enjoyable powertrain. Its nimble driving dynamics and attractive styling set it apart from many of its peers.

7. Jaguar

It may not be as opulent as some of the other names on this list, but few vehicles can match the off-road prowess of the XJ6, which offers classic Jag panache for a bargain price. You can even get the V-8 version with its howling flat-plane crankshaft engine for an extra dose of drama.