Consumer Reports top-5 vehicles to buy this Presidents Day

Purchasing a new vehicle is an arduous process that takes a lot of planning, a lot of time, and a lot of money.

There are plenty of online aides to help with the planning part of the equation. Better planning can help reduce the time it takes to make your decision. And there are even things you can do to alleviate that last, most important leg of the process: the price.

The internet is full of advice about the right time of year, month, and day to get the best deal on your new car purchase.

Related: Stop overpaying for these 5 new cars, says Consumer Reports

December is the best month of the year to hunt for deals since dealers are trying their best to meet their end-of-year sales quotas and clear out the last of their inventory.

According to Edmunds, December has historically been the best month to buy a new car, and while the pandemic upended that trend for a couple of years, since 2023, December has had the steepest discounts.

I know what you're thinking; this information would have been useful two months ago.

But December isn't the only time of the year to find good deals.

Presidents Day, which lands on Feb. 16 this year, is one of the biggest car sales days on the calendar, along with the Fourth of July.

Presidents Day falls smack in the middle of tax season, which is also another popular time to buy a car since dealerships often require a minimum 20% down payment, and many Americans have extra funds from their tax returns at this time of year.

Presidents Day also falls on a Monday every year, and Mondays tend to be the least busy day of the week at the dealership (though a holiday may slightly alter that part of the equation).

What I'm saying is that if you are in the market for a new vehicle, this weekend may be the time to find some of the year's best deals.

Luckily enough, Consumer Reports recently released its top car picks for 2026 to help you make your choice.

But there's a twist.

This year, for the first time, every one of their top picks is either a hybrid (or is available as one) or an electric vehicle.

What is Consumer Reports?

Founded in 1936 by a group of workers fired from a product-testing firm called Consumers’ Research, Consumer Reports is a multifaceted nonprofit organization that aims to educate consumers about products and help them make informed purchasing decisions.

It does this by purchasing and testing products directly, administering detailed surveys to its members about the products they own and use, and investigating the veracity of manufacturers’ claims.

Related: Consumer Reports has 5 more cars you should stop overpaying for

Consumer Reports at a glance

• Founded: 1936 (as Consumers Union by former employees of Consumers’ Research, fired after they attempted to unionize)
• Headquartered: Yonkers, NY
• Leadership: Marta Tellado (president and CEO)
• Employees: Approx. 500 to 600
• Members: At least 6 million
• Mission statement: “Consumer Reports is an independent, nonprofit member organization that works side by side with consumers for truth, transparency, and fairness in the marketplace.”

Consumer Reports’ slogan, “Smarter choices for a better world,” captures the organization’s purpose. CR aims to educate and inform the public by providing objective information about popular products, helping consumers make “smarter choices” when purchasing major items.

Consumer Reports names top car picks for 2026

If you are planning to buy a car this Presidents Day or anytime soon thereafter, consider these vehicles, which are Consumer Reports' top picks for 2026.

Consumer Reports Luxury Compact SUV pick: Lexus NX 2026

Price Range: $44,175 - $62,830 (Hybrid: $41.955 - $57,805)

Consumer Reports MPG: Overall 25/ City 17/ Hwy 35 (Hybrid: Overall 38/ City 37/ Hwy 39)

Ranking: #2 of 25 (Hybrid: #1 of 25)

What CR says: If you’re interested in a small luxury SUV, the Lexus NX is the surest answer. This repeat Top Pick combines elegance, efficiency, and reliability. Yes, the cabin is fairly compact, but it doesn’t feel crowded, and it’s equipped with soft surfaces and controls with a solid, high-quality feel. The front seats are especially plush and supportive.

Consumer Reports Luxury Midsize SUV pick: BMW X5

Price Range: $67,600 - $129,700 (Hybrid: $73,800)

Consumer Reports MPG: Overall 23/ City 15/ Hwy 33 mpg (Hybrid: Overall 21/ City 14/ Hwy 28)

Ranking: #1 of 17 Luxury Midsized SUV

What CR says: The BMW X5 remains one of the best luxury SUVs we’ve ever tested. It’s a premium, well-rounded vehicle that feels special even before you put it into gear. The cabin is dressed in leather, wood, chrome, and soft surfaces, and the supportive seats are perfectly sculpted for daylong road trips. The gas-only X5 is both powerful and efficient, with acceleration and efficient, with acceleration that rivals a sports sedan and fuel economy that, at 23 mpg overall, is among the best of any nonhybrid midsized SUV.

Consumer Reports Small Pickup pick: Ford Maverick

Price Range: $28,145 - $41,425

Consumer Reports MPG: Overall 23/ City 16/ Hwy 32 (Hybrid: Overall 37/ City 33/ Hwy 39)

Ranking: #2 of 3 small pickup trucks

What CR says: The Maverick is a great choice if you want a weekday commuter and a weekend plaything. The latest Maverick continues to stand out for its low entry price, relatively roomy cabin, and smooth ride—and for being available with a hybrid powertrain. The 2.5-liter, front-drive hybrid impressed us by achieving a superb 37 mpg overall in our tests. The more spirited gas-only 250-hp turbocharged four-cylinder returned 23 mpg overall, but it has a better predicted reliability score.

Consumer Reports Full-Sized Pickup pick: Ford F-150

Price Range: $37,290 - $79,005

Consumer Reports MPG: Overall 19/ City 13/ Hwy 26 mpg

Ranking: #2 of 15 full-sized pickup trucks

What CR says: The Ford F-150 remains America’s bestselling truck for many good reasons. This year, its improved reliability earned it a spot on our list. It also stands out for its strong powertrains, roomy cabin, and simple controls. The latest version adds useful innovations, such as blind-spot monitors and aids that simplify backing up and hooking up a trailer, as well as a flat tailgate that doubles as a workbench. The base 325-hp, 2.7-liter turbo V6 is a gem, with loads of low-end power and a smooth-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission.

Consumer Reports Electric Vehicle pick: Tesla Model Y

Price Range: $39,990 - $59,990

Consumer Reports MPG: Overall 123/ City 130/ Hwy 115 mpge

Ranking: #1 of 22 electric SUVs

What CR says: Continuing its reign as the bestselling electric vehicle, the Model Y combines a practical yet sleek hatchback design, long driving range, sports-car-level performance, and access to the widespread Tesla Supercharger network. Refreshed for 2026, the latest Model Y gained numerous updates. It has a more compliant ride, acoustic glass for a quieter cabin, upgraded interiors, and—in the midlevel Premium trim and up—an 8-inch touchscreen for rear passengers.

Related: 5 more new cars to avoid at all costs, and 5 alternatives to consider