The Best Cars

Whether you’re an enthusiast seeking out soul-satisfying thrill rides or looking to save some money on fuel, there are many different cars out there that can help. But the best ones all have one thing in common: they go above and beyond what you expect of a car. They’re nimble on the track, practical when hauling people and gear, or simply elegant and luxurious. Some are iconic brands that have honed their craft for decades, while others are upstarts catching established players napping.

The best cars deliver the thrills, efficiency, comfort, and technology you need. Whether you want to dance down a winding road or cruise on the highway, there’s a car for every need.

If you’re looking for an SUV that can do it all, consider the Volkswagen Tiguan. Its upscale interior and premium cabin finishings are standouts in the class, and it comes standard with many desirable driver assistance features. The Tiguan also offers spacious seating and ample cargo room. However, some drivers might not appreciate its stiff ride over bumps and rutted roads.

Unlike most of its competitors, the Mazda 3 excels in both style and driving dynamics. Its crisp handling, nimble powertrains, and high-value features make it a top pick in the compact car segment. The slick-shifting manual transmission and engaging steering feel also set the model apart from other competitors. Nevertheless, some might find its funkadelic hamster-powered image outdated.

Highs: Stylish exterior styling, roomy and well-appointed cabin, fun-to-drive nature, standard driver-assistance tech, and excellent value. Lows: Some of its available trim levels feel lacking in luxury, base engine is lethargic, and its funkadelic hamster-powered appearance might be too outdated for some buyers.

Dropping truck-segment luxury-car prices on a pickup might seem crazy, but it’s arguably justified with the F-150 Lightning. This EV truck packs a lot of capability into a small package, and its twin-motor Quad-Motor models offer an explosive wallop. However, it can’t tow heavy trailers over long distances and its battery size saps on-road range.

Highs: Spacious cabin, impressive off-road capabilities, plenty of standard equipment, fuel efficiency, and a versatile cargo bed. Lows: Flinty ride quality over rough pavement, slow-shifting automatic transmission, and a smallish rear bench.

The BMW 7 Series prioritizes soul-soothing tranquility over heart-pounding thrills, and that’s exactly how it should be. It’s a luxurious stalwart with classic looks and impeccable road manners. But recent versions have traded some of the sedan’s once-premier agility for improved ride and steering quality.