Car buyers are facing an evolving market as new vehicle options become available for 2026. Consumer Reports has identified five popular vehicles to avoid, along with recommended alternatives that promise better performance and value. This analysis follows a robust year for the automotive industry, where retail consumers spent approximately $620 billion on new vehicles in 2025, reflecting a nearly 6% increase from the previous year.
Despite initial concerns over potential price increases due to a 25% tariff on automotive imports announced in March 2025, actual price hikes remained subdued. According to J.D. Power, the average retail transaction price for all vehicles in December 2025 was estimated at $47,104, representing a modest increase of $715 or 1.5% compared to the previous year. This stabilization has prompted consumers to reassess their vehicle options.
Consumer Reports’ Recommendations
Founded in 1936, Consumer Reports serves as a trusted source for consumer information, conducting comprehensive product testing and gathering feedback from over 6 million members. For this list, the organization evaluated the top-selling models across nine categories, highlighting vehicles that received lower ratings compared to their alternatives.
Here are the vehicles to avoid, along with the recommended substitutes:
1. **Luxury Mid-Sized SUV to Avoid: 2026 Land Rover Defender**
– Price Range: $63,500 – $168,700
– Consumer Reports Ranking: #12 of 17
– Mileage: 18 mpg (City: 12, Highway: 26)
**Luxury Mid-Sized SUV to Buy: 2026 BMW X5**
– Price Range: $67,600 – $129,700
– Consumer Reports Ranking: #1 of 17
– Mileage: 23 mpg (City: 15, Highway: 33)
2. **Popular Minivan to Avoid: 2026 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid**
– Price Range: $43,945 – $60,465
– Consumer Reports Ranking: #7 of 7
– Mileage: 27 mpg (City: 21, Highway: 32)
**Three-Row Minivan to Buy: 2026 Kia Carnival Hybrid**
– Price Range: $41,390 – $53,490
– Consumer Reports Ranking: #1 of 7
– Mileage: 31 mpg (City: 26, Highway: 34)
3. **Popular Electric SUV to Avoid: 2026 Honda Prologue**
– Price Range: $47,400 – $57,900
– Consumer Reports Ranking: #10 of 22
– Efficiency: 95 MPGe (City: 101, Highway: 88)
**Electric SUV to Buy: 2026 Tesla Model Y**
– Price Range: $39,990 – $59,990
– Consumer Reports Ranking: #1 of 22
– Efficiency: 123 MPGe (City: 130, Highway: 115)
4. **Popular Small Car to Avoid: 2026 Volkswagen Jetta**
– Price Range: $23,995 – $29,995
– Consumer Reports Ranking: #21 of 22
– Mileage: 34 mpg (City: 21, Highway: 54)
**Small Car to Buy: 2026 Honda Civic**
– Price Range: $29,395 – $33,595
– Consumer Reports Ranking: #1 of 22
– Mileage: 44 mpg (City: 39, Highway: 48)
5. **Popular Mid-Sized Car to Avoid: 2026 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid**
– Price Range: $29,200 – $38,250
– Consumer Reports Ranking: #9 of 10
– Mileage: 44 mpg (City: 36, Highway: 51)
**Mid-Sized Car to Buy: 2026 Toyota Camry**
– Price Range: $29,100 – $37,025
– Consumer Reports Ranking: #1 of 10
– Mileage: 48 mpg (City: 40, Highway: 54)
These recommendations provide consumers with insight into vehicles that may not meet expectations, paired with alternatives that have consistently performed well. As the automotive landscape continues to evolve, informed decisions will remain crucial for prospective buyers looking to invest in reliable and efficient vehicles.
