Cars.com Highlights 2026 Best Value New Cars as Average Prices Reach $49,714
CARS•Cars.com unveiled its 2026 Best Value New Cars list for eight segments, factoring price, safety, tech features, fuel economy and one-year fuel costs; the average new-car listing price reached $49,714, up $709 from last year. Category winners include the Chevrolet Trax LS and Hyundai Ioniq 5 SE among others.
1. Awards Announcement
On April 7, 2026, Cars.com unveiled its 2026 Best Value New Cars across eight segments, highlighting models that deliver affordability, standard safety and tech features, fuel efficiency and low one-year fuel costs.
2. Market Trends
The average new-car listing price climbed to $49,714 in March 2026, up $709 year over year, with three-quarters of in-market shoppers indicating a focus on value as fuel, insurance and maintenance expenses rise.
3. Category Winners
The eight segment winners are Chevrolet Trax LS (Subcompact SUV), Kia Sportage Hybrid S (Compact SUV), Hyundai Palisade SE (Mid-Size SUV), Toyota Corolla Hybrid LE (Compact Car), Ford Maverick XL (Small Pickup), Toyota Tacoma SR5 (Mid-Size Pickup), Ford F-150 XL (Large Pickup) and Hyundai Ioniq 5 SE (Electric Vehicle).
4. Selection Methodology
Eligible models must be mainstream mass-market vehicles equipped with automatic transmission, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, blind spot monitoring, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection and lane departure warning, and must meet segment-average pricing and EPA fuel cost criteria.
