If you’re shopping for a new vehicle in 2026, starting with road test performance is one of the smartest moves you can make. The 2026 Auto Report Card highlights the car brands that delivered the best overall performance across extensive real-world testing.
“Start with this list to learn which brands make the best-performing cars overall in our tests. From there, you can dig deeper into the test results of individual models you're interested in.”
— Alex Knizek, Associate Director of Auto Test Development at CR
The brands below earned the top road test scores based on performance, comfort, handling, and overall driving experience. Brands that score highly tend to deliver consistent results across multiple models, not just one standout vehicle.
Source: The best brands tend to have strong and consistent performance in CR’s road tests.
Road test scores are based on how vehicles perform in everyday driving. Testing evaluates:
Brands at the top of the list typically balance performance, comfort, and usability across their entire lineup.
This list is the best place to start but it’s only the beginning.
Once you identify a high-scoring brand, you can explore individual model results to see how specific cars performed in areas that matter most to you.
For a personalised recommendation based on your individual set of circumstances, contact us today.
