Ford F-150, Tesla Model Y Top Consumer Reports' 2026 Vehicle Rankings

Hybrid vehicles dominate the list, highlighting automakers' pivot away from full EVs.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Consumer Reports has released its rankings of the best new vehicles for 2026, with Ford's F-150 pickup and Tesla's Model Y electric SUV topping their respective categories. The report highlights the continued dominance of Ford's full-size trucks, which drive a significant portion of Detroit automakers' profits, as well as the growing popularity of hybrid vehicles over fully electric models.

Why it matters

For automotive investors, understanding which automakers' products are resonating with consumers is crucial to predicting long-term sales and profitability. The Consumer Reports rankings provide valuable insights into current market trends, including the shift towards hybrid powertrains and the ongoing importance of full-size pickups like the F-150.

The details

Ford's F-150 was named the best full-size pickup, maintaining its reputation for reliability and strong powertrains. Full-size trucks and SUVs are highly profitable for Detroit automakers, with much higher margins than passenger cars. Meanwhile, nine of the top 10 vehicles on the list have hybrid options, reflecting automakers' pivot away from pure electric vehicles as the U.S. market for EVs develops more slowly than anticipated. Tesla's Model Y was named the best electric vehicle, underscoring its continued relevance as the company phases out production of the Model S and Model X.

  • Consumer Reports released its 2026 vehicle rankings on February 12, 2026.

The players

Ford Motor Company

A major American automaker known for its popular F-150 pickup truck.

Tesla

An American electric vehicle manufacturer and clean energy company.

General Motors

A leading American automaker that has also pivoted towards hybrid vehicles.

Consumer Reports

A non-profit consumer advocacy organization that publishes authoritative reviews and rankings of consumer products, including automobiles.

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What’s next

The rankings highlight the continued importance of full-size pickups and the growing popularity of hybrid vehicles, which could shape automakers' future product strategies and investment decisions.

The takeaway

The Consumer Reports rankings underscore the need for automakers to closely monitor consumer preferences and adapt their product lineups accordingly, as the automotive market continues to evolve with a mix of traditional internal combustion, hybrid, and electric vehicles.