The Best Cars of 2018
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There’s no shortage of new cars to consider, each promising to deliver thrills on the racetrack or a smooth ride for errands around town. But which ones are truly the best? The cars that make it to the top of our list have excelled in road-test performance, reliability, owner satisfaction, and safety. They’re also a good value over the long haul. We’ve rounded them up for you below, along with some of our other favorites that are worth considering.
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The Honda Accord has been our longtime favorite midsize sedan for 20 years, and it’s still among the most affordable options out there. A redesigned version for 2022 is better than ever, with smoother handling and a spacious, hushed cabin that rivals bigger luxury models for comfort. The Accord is also fun to drive and fuel-efficient, thanks to its zippy turbocharged four-cylinder engine and impressive front-drive grip.
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The Mazda 3 is the sportiest model in its class, with plenty of power for a fast, engaging drive. Its crisp-shifting manual transmission and a sporty exterior design help it stand out from the pack, but not so much that it isn’t practical for daily driving. The 3 is one of the few sports sedans to deliver a thrilling driving experience without a hefty price tag or unnecessary comfort features.
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The Jaguar F-Type is an icon for a reason, with legendary acceleration and a roaring exhaust note that screams “here I come!” It’s not as agile or refined as the German-brand offerings, but its racy handling makes up for it. The new Jaguar XF is even better, with a silky-smooth ride and a plush interior that feels like a luxury sedan.
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The BMW 7 Series prioritizes soul-soothing tranquility over heart-pounding excitement, but it still delivers on our driving dynamics tests with a supple ride and an unruffled cruising demeanor. Its competitors include the Audi A8, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, and Genesis G90, but the 7 Series offers a finer balance of power and handling that’s hard to match.
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A revitalized Honda CR-V continues to be the go-to compact SUV for shoppers on a budget. Its future-forward styling and some top trim levels’ near-luxury cabins add to its appeal, while a responsive optional hybrid powertrain boosts fuel economy. The CR-V is also a joy to drive, and its smooth handling and spacious interior make it ideal for family outings.