What’s the best car? It’s the question we get asked over and over—a “hazard” of the job. (Not a real hazard, of course—ironworkers and zookeepers have it way tougher.) But when you’re driving and testing hundreds of cars every year, it’s a natural question. And that’s exactly why we have our 10Best Awards.
Since 1983, we’ve been answering this same question: what are the absolute best cars on the market? Not just the flashiest new releases, but the vehicles that genuinely deliver. Every year, a wave of new and redesigned models battles it out with last year’s winners for one of the 10 coveted spots. There’s a $110,000 price cap (sorry, Ferrari). Our team and contributors hit the road for two intense weeks of driving, testing, and plenty of debate—before voting on the cars that best do their job, offer real value, and, most importantly, make driving fun.
This year, the 10Best Cars list features eight returning champions and two newcomers. Together, they answer the age-old question: the best cars you can buy are all right here.
Polestar 5
If the Polestar 5 were a character, it would be the sleek, calculating sharpshooter in a futuristic thriller—quiet, precise, and deadly quick when it wants to be. This all-electric sedan delivers instant torque through dual motors, launching from 0–60 mph in just over four seconds, yet it never feels twitchy or overwhelming. Flip the drive mode to Comfort or Tour, and the suspension glides over rough tarmac, the steering lightens, and the cabin hums in serene silence—an ideal companion for long-distance cruising. But switch to Sport or Dynamic, and the Polestar awakens: steering tightens, torque flows instantly to all wheels, and the low-slung chassis grips the road like it was glued there. Inside, the minimalist Scandinavian cabin blends sustainable materials with high-tech sophistication, making every drive feel purposeful and modern. The Polestar 5 isn’t just fast; it’s a masterclass in versatile EV performance, rewarding you in traffic, on twisty backroads, and at speed on the highway.
BYD Tang L
The BYD Tang L enters a room—or a road—with the confidence of a heavyweight champion. Its three-row interior is cavernous, but the dual-motor powertrain propels the SUV from 0–60 mph in under five seconds without ever feeling ponderous. The MR suspension keeps it composed on highways and wobbly streets alike, while torque vectoring helps it dance through corners more gracefully than its size suggests. In Tour mode, it’s a serene cruiser, hushed and comfortable for passengers across all three rows. Hit Sport mode, however, and the Tang L’s power is palpable: the acceleration is immediate, the body leans minimally, and the cabin still absorbs bumps with poise. Tech and luxury inside—panoramic touchscreen, digital cluster, advanced ADAS—make every journey intuitive. Whether ferrying a family or carving open roads, the Tang L proves EV SUVs can be thrilling, spacious, and sophisticated all at once.
BYD Han L
The BYD Han L is the electric sedan that makes you forget you’re in an EV. Dual motors push the car forward with instant torque, hitting 0–60 mph in just over four seconds, while the low center of gravity and precise suspension keep corners flat and predictable. Tour mode whispers refinement: steering lightens, cabin noise disappears, and acceleration is smooth yet confident. Switch to Sport, and the Han L springs to life: power is immediate, the chassis feels taut, and corners are hugged with surprising agility. Inside, the cabin mixes elegance and technology with high-quality materials, a sweeping touchscreen, and intuitive controls. The Han L rewards both daily commuters and weekend enthusiasts, offering a rare combination of excitement, luxury, and comfort in a single electric sedan.
Audi E5 Sportback
The Audi E5 Sportback is a master of dual personalities. At low speeds and in Tour mode, it feels like a refined, whisper-quiet luxury sedan: the steering is light, the suspension absorbs imperfections, and the cabin hums with digital serenity. But feed it a twisty road or flip it into Sport mode, and the E5 becomes a surprisingly agile performer, with instant electric torque, flat cornering, and precise steering that reward every input. Its low, sleek Sportback profile isn’t just for looks—it improves aerodynamics, high-speed stability, and efficiency. Inside, premium materials and Audi’s MMI infotainment keep the driver in command without distraction. For an EV, the E5 Sportback balances high-tech performance, everyday comfort, and driving engagement like few others in its class.
Hyundai Ioniq 6 N-Line
The Ioniq 6 N-Line proves EV sedans can thrill without sacrificing usability. Its dual motors deliver brisk acceleration, but the chassis is what makes it feel alive: cornering is sharp, steering is precise, and the body stays balanced even through spirited curves. Tour mode transforms the cabin into a comfortable, serene cocoon, softening suspension and calming the powertrain for daily errands. Flip the mode to Sport, however, and the N-Line’s personality explodes: steering tightens, suspension firms, and every press of the accelerator delivers instant, thrilling response. Inside, modern digital displays, ergonomic seating, and intuitive controls make driving feel effortless. The Ioniq 6 N-Line is both a capable daily driver and an EV that excites when called upon, a rare balance in the segment.
Nissan Micra EV (6th Gen)
The sixth-generation Nissan Micra EV may be small, but it’s a sprightly city fighter. Its electric motor delivers immediate torque, making every traffic light a chance for a playful sprint, while its compact footprint allows effortless navigation through tight streets. Steering is communicative without being heavy, and the suspension balances comfort and control, smoothing bumps while keeping the car responsive. The cabin, while simple, is surprisingly functional: digital displays, infotainment, and driver aids make city driving stress-free. The Micra EV isn’t a performance monster, but for urban agility, efficiency, and cheerful responsiveness, it hits every note with charm.
Audi RS Q8 Performance
The Audi RS Q8 Performance is the SUV equivalent of a fire-breathing sports car. Its twin-turbo V8 catapults the nearly 5,300-pound SUV to 60 mph in just over 3.5 seconds, and the quattro all-wheel-drive system ensures it stays glued to the road through hairpin turns. Steering is direct, brakes are powerful, and the adaptive air suspension smooths rough pavement while keeping body roll in check. Inside, Alcantara, premium leather, and cutting-edge tech ensure the driver feels cocooned in both luxury and control. Flip through drive modes, and the RS Q8 alternates between a civilized tourer and a track-capable beast. It’s proof that size doesn’t dilute thrill—this is an SUV that punishes the road with power and precision, yet pampers occupants along the way.
Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II
The Ghost Series II is less about numbers and more about presence. Its twin-turbo V12 moves the car with effortless grace, making 0–60 mph feel instantaneous yet entirely serene. Ride quality is unmatched: every bump, crack, and imperfection disappears beneath the Magic Carpet-like suspension. Inside, leather, wood, and painstaking craftsmanship envelope occupants in a cocoon of calm. Even when pushed on fast roads, the Ghost retains composure, delivering power without drama. There’s a rare connection between driver, car, and road here, but it manifests as comfort and confidence rather than adrenaline. The Ghost Series II is a car that impresses through quiet authority, demonstrating that ultimate luxury is about seamless control, serenity, and sophistication.
Renault Kiger Facelift
The Renault Kiger Facelift takes a familiar, compact SUV and injects flair, refinement, and urban poise. Its updated design is sharper, bolder, and more confident, while suspension and steering changes make it nimble in city traffic. Despite modest power, the Kiger feels eager, responsive, and composed through corners and roundabouts. Inside, new materials, infotainment, and practical layout improve comfort and convenience for both driver and passengers. While it won’t set track times, the Kiger excels in everyday versatility: easy to park, smooth on urban roads, and surprisingly engaging for a small SUV.
Tata Altroz Facelift
The Tata Altroz Facelift sharpens an already capable premium hatchback, giving it sportier lines, improved materials, and refined handling. Its suspension absorbs city bumps while feeling planted on highways, and steering remains communicative and precise. Inside, the cabin feels upgraded and ergonomic, with modern infotainment and smart storage solutions. On the road, the Altroz is confident and poised, with enough agility to make twisty roads fun while remaining practical for daily commuting. The facelift enhances its road presence, making it a stylish, capable, and enjoyable hatchback for buyers seeking refinement and versatility without compromise.