On May 6, 2026, CarGurus, the leading automotive shopping site in the U.S., celebrated the launch of its inaugural Confidence Awards, spotlighting the top new cars of 2026 across four key categories. The awards aim to provide car shoppers with a trusted guide to the best vehicles available today, emphasizing value, modern design, and thoughtful engineering.

1. A New Standard for Car Shoppers

David Undercoffler, Head of Consumer Insights at CarGurus, emphasized the complexities faced by today's car shoppers. With an expanding array of models, powertrains, and technology features, consumers require assistance in navigating their choices. "The Confidence Awards help cut through that complexity to spotlight the vehicles that truly deliver," Undercoffler stated. By leveraging insights from the largest car shopping platform in the U.S., CarGurus aims to inform and simplify the purchasing process for consumers.

2. The 2026 Confidence Award Winners

The winners of the 2026 CarGurus Confidence Awards, selected from a competitive field of vehicles, are as follows:

Best Truck for Families: Ram 1500

The Ram 1500 was recognized as the top truck for families, emerging victorious from over 30 eligible contenders. Its impressive safety ratings, versatile configurations (10 trim levels, two cab sizes, and multiple bed lengths), and refined design made it a standout choice for families seeking both capability and comfort.

Best Family Upgrade: Toyota Grand Highlander

The Toyota Grand Highlander earned the title of Best Family Upgrade for its impressive third-row seating, expansive cargo capacity, and versatile powertrain options. This vehicle is tailored for growing families, providing a blend of safety and functionality that meets evolving needs.

Best Smart Luxury Model: Genesis G70

Claiming the award for Best Smart Luxury Model, the Genesis G70 distinguished itself with its striking design, high-quality materials, and advanced technology features. This luxury sedan offers an exceptional driving experience without the exorbitant price tag, making it a compelling choice in the smart luxury segment.

Best Electric Vehicle Experience: Hyundai Ioniq 5

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 secured the award for Best EV Experience, noted for its cost-effectiveness and user-friendly technology. With features that simplify the transition from gasoline to electric driving, this vehicle showcases flexible charging options and a spacious interior, making it an ideal choice for first-time EV buyers.

3. Methodology Behind the Awards

CarGurus employed a rigorous evaluation process to determine the winners. Vehicles were assessed through a combination of marketplace data and expert editorial analysis, ensuring that they met minimum inventory thresholds and adhered to pricing guidelines. Each vehicle was scored across six key attributes: look and feel, performance, form and function, tech level, safety, and overall value. The scoring criteria were adjusted based on the specific focus of each award category.

4. Empowering Consumers and Dealers

Founded in 2006, CarGurus has consistently aimed to enhance trust and transparency in car shopping. As the most visited automotive shopping site in the U.S., CarGurus serves as a valuable resource for both consumers and dealers. The platform's focus on data-driven insights and software solutions enables efficient inventory management and pricing strategies, ultimately leading to more profitable operations for automotive dealers.

With operations in the U.S., U.K., and Canada, CarGurus continues to expand its reach, enhancing the car-buying experience for shoppers and providing dealers with the tools needed to thrive in a competitive market.

In conclusion, the 2026 CarGurus Confidence Awards not only highlight the best vehicles of the year but also reinforce CarGurus' commitment to serving as a trusted ally for consumers navigating the evolving automotive landscape.

Original press release