
This week, our editorial crew disclosed the 5 finalists contending for Highest Automobile To Purchase 2023. We have spent the yr logging tens of 1000’s of miles take a look at riding greater than 100 new cars (each 2022 and 2023 fashions) to lend a hand customers overview cars according to worth, potency, protection, internal spaciousness, high quality, design, and riding dynamics. The winner does not wish to be just right at each and every of the ones issues—it must be nice.
In an indication of the days, 4 of the 5 finalists this yr include electrified powertrains, however bucking present tendencies, 4 out of 5 price underneath $40,000. We believe cars priced as much as $100,000, however prioritize the ones underneath $50,000.
MORE: Practice all our Highest Automobile To Purchase 2023 information as we identify a winner
Highest Automobile To Purchase 2023 carries over our custom of spotlighting the ones cars that would possibly no longer get the splashiest protection however as a substitute excel at what they have been supposed do and exceed expectancies of homeowners. A take a look at previous winners supplies a valid basis as we crown a winner for our thirteenth annual Highest Automobile To Purchase award, to be introduced Jan. 4, 2023.
Listed here are the previous winners—all of which we nonetheless stand via nowadays—with what we wrote once they have been named.

2022: Ford Maverick
Ford’s go back to the small pickup truck phase was once a unanimous and unequivocal win throughout our editorial board. Twelve months later, it nonetheless sounds too just right to be true: A hybrid pickup truck getting 37 mpg mixed that prices not up to $25,000. It is simple to face via what we wrote closing yr: “It is not robust, it does not tow a lot, and the inner’s lined in additional plastic than an indoor playground. It is elementary and it is good…the Maverick is not seeking to be anything else greater than it’s, a cheap small pickup, and we like its unusual honesty.”
Associated with the Ford Get away and Ford Bronco Recreation compact crossovers, the Maverick sits underneath the Ranger in Ford’s truck lineup, however it is roomier and extra truck-like than the Hyundai Santa Cruz. Two demerits that Ford hasn’t but constant: Cruise keep watch over prices additional, and the hybrid powertrain handiest comes with front-wheel power. The hybrid powertrain makes use of a 2.5-liter inline-4 for a complete output of 191 hp and 155 lb-ft of torque; it may well tow 2,000 kilos. Double that capability with the two.0-liter turbo-4 that makes 250 hp and 277 lb-ft, and pair it all-wheel power. However that pairing, and the indecisive 8-speed computerized transmission, neuters the Maverick’s total worth because of its 25 mpg mixed ranking with AWD.
At simply 54.4 inches, the small mattress fits maximum lively existence, becoming two mountain motorcycles with their entrance wheels angled. The mattress partitions have twin lined containers and as much as 10 tie-downs, and the tailgate can cling as much as 400 kilos and tote 4×8 sheets of plywood with no mattress extender. The Maverick would possibly not be at a loss for words for a piece truck, however it may well maintain getaway tasks, transferring days, and weekend house tasks with better application than a crossover SUV. 4 folks are compatible within the workforce cab, although the 35.9 inches of rear legroom can also be tight for taller passengers.
Although it comes with computerized emergency braking and an 8.0-inch touchscreen with smartphone compatibility, we might step as much as the XLT Hybrid that prices about $26,000 this yr. It provides alloy wheels, cruise keep watch over, and different trendy touches to counterpoint the Maverick’s total application. We nonetheless suggest it as one in every of our peak alternatives.

2021: Ford Mustang Mach-E
Ford’s first heavily produced electrical automobile with a devoted platform honors the Mustang badge in a sporty crossover package deal loaded with same old options. It is the first electrical automobile to earn The Automobile Connection Highest Automobile To Purchase award, however it most probably would possibly not be the closing.
The Mach-E has the styling cues of its pony automotive namesake, the five-seat roominess of a crossover SUV, and the efficiency that bridges the space between them. With the bigger 88-kwh battery pack and a 2nd motor fastened up entrance for all-wheel power, the Mach-E darts to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds; the GT type can do it in 3.5 seconds. Intestine-dropping acceleration uninterrupted via tools shifts is the name of the game pleasure of proudly owning an electrical automobile, and the Mustang Mach-E upholds that during each and every configuration, even in single-motor rear-wheel-drive fashions, the place vary is prioritized over efficiency.
And not using a driveshaft tunnel, the Mach-E can if truth be told are compatible 5 passengers. The coupe-like roofline is offset via an ethereal and open fixed-glass roof on all however the base type. Same old options come with computerized emergency braking, adaptive cruise keep watch over, a fifteen.5-inch touchscreen, and wi-fi smartphone charging.
With a 300-mile vary that opponents handiest the Tesla Fashion Y and a value that undercuts it via no less than $7,000, Ford’s electrical crossover appeals to the loads like a Fashion T for the electrified age. Beginning at $43,995, it is inexpensive, simple to function, a laugh to power, and remains related with over-the-air updates. We have but to power any other electrical crossover SUV at this value that has moved us just like the Mach-E, although opponents are chasing its heels.

2020: Kia Telluride
The 2020 Kia Telluride received our Highest Automobile To Purchase vote casting via a landslide. The good-looking crossover SUV that seats as much as 8 passengers bested the comparable 2020 Hyundai Palisade on seems to be by myself, however it additionally excelled with loaded same old options at a price, and creature comforts that might move for a luxurious automobile. We were not by myself in our reward for the biggest Kia; even earlier than the COVID-19 pandemic limited provide, customers waited months to take supply of the Telluride as a result of Kia could not construct them rapid sufficient.
What was once so particular about any other three-row crossover SUV? It stood out within the uninteresting sea of circle of relatives haulers via being the most efficient circle of relatives automobile, ultimate crossover, ultimate and freeway cruiser. It additionally had the most efficient internal and the most efficient external, and it got here with superlative protection apparatus and lots of same old options, starting from adaptive cruise keep watch over and smartphone compatibility to a reassuring 5-year/60,000-mile guaranty. The 291-horsepower 3.8-liter V-6 paired to an 8-speed computerized transmission with to be had all-wheel power made the spacious SUV really feel a lot lighter on its rounded toes, and it was once nonetheless quite effective at 20 mpg town, 26 freeway, 23 mixed.
In the long run, the Telluride climbed a ways above the 9 different nominees. The rugged truck-like seems to be balanced the sophistication of a Land Rover with the brink of a GMC Denali, however with difference obviously marked for the Telluride. The blank strains and delicate completed carried over to the interior, the place it took on minivan roominess and its to be had power-folding 0.33 row seat unfolded 46 cubic toes of house. No different automobile for 2020 introduced all of it in combination in this type of compelling package deal, particularly in our really useful EX trim for approximately $40,000.

2019: Subaru Forester
It don’t have been a wonder {that a} crossover SUV crowned our Highest Automobile To Purchase 2019 contest. The us’s best-selling phase teemed with just right picks however the 2019 Subaru Forester stood above the remainder for its unbeatable mix of on a regular basis practicality and worth. It is not the primary time that Subaru has nailed our standards: the 2014 Subaru Forester was once our Highest Automobile To Purchase 2014, representing our handiest repeat winner.
The redesigned 2019 Subaru Forester would possibly no longer have grew to become many heads however it were given heads nodding in appreciation as soon as at the back of the wheel. The spacious internal, nice ahead imaginative and prescient, same old lively security measures, just right gasoline financial system of 29 mpg mixed with same old all-wheel power, and bold convenience and comfort options made it an throughout nice automobile with nice worth.
We really useful a well-equipped Forester Top rate for $28,300, which appealed to our frugality with out feeling like the cheap crossover SUV. There have been extra robust compact crossovers than the Forester’s 182-horsepower 2.5-liter flat-4 with a frequently variable transmission, and there have been more potent outward personalities. However no different 2019 automobile matched the Forester’s mix of serve as, convenience, protection, and worth.

2018: Honda Accord
The 2018 Accord wowed us earlier than we even drove it with its swish styling, fuel-efficient engines, and luxury-level internal. Then we drove it. Expectancies: exceeded. The 2018 Accord was once sufficient to stay us within the sedan fold even in opposition to an onslaught of crossover SUVs that maintain circle of relatives tasks with minivan-lite self assurance.
Honda’s transfer to a turbocharged engine lineup gave the Accord some much-needed verve with out sacrificing gasoline financial system. The all-day convenience of its seats mixed with its progressed Apple and Android-compatible infotainment made the Accord delightful for day by day commutes and for lengthy freeway treks. Best trims trip on an adaptive suspension that we mentioned “hits our candy spot.”
And at round $25,000 to begin, the Accord was once extremely geared up at each and every point and price properly not up to the common new automotive. Our enthusiasm for Honda’s mid-size sedan hasn’t waned, at the same time as patrons flock towards crossover SUVs.

2017: Chrysler Pacifica
The minivan is not lifeless—if anything else, it is turning into the “considering circle of relatives’s hauler.” It is with that mindset that the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica simply received us over. Its flexibility was once unrivaled via anything else on our nominee listing. Between two rows of seats that fold into the ground to create an absolutely flat load house on the tug of a couple of levers, a high-class internal with loads of same old and not obligatory generation, and a powerful V-6 engine, the Pacifica checked off all our containers.
Later within the type yr, a hybrid model arrived. Factoring in a federal rebate, the hybrid’s if truth be told less expensive—and thriftier—than the usual type, even though it misplaced the hideaway 2nd row that tucked into the shipment flooring.
The Pacifica would possibly not reboot minivans as patrons more and more flock to much less helpful crossovers, however the ones within the know for sure get it.

2016: Honda Pilot
In 2016, Honda stunned us with its third-generation Pilot. Its predecessor was once strangely trucky, however the new-for-2016 Pilot arrived with slick styling and highway manners to compare. In conventional Honda style it made leaps and limits inside of the place patrons want probably the most, gaining a much more flexible internal with very good house for each and every passenger.
Additionally, the Pilot was once strangely just right to power. We referred to as it “artful, slick, with nice application and protection as well” closing yr, and the similar holds true now.
Pageant handiest will get fiercer amongst three-row crossovers, however the Pilot stays a standout. An replace for 2019 made lively protection tech same old and remodeled one of the vital not obligatory transmission’s shortcomings.

2015: Subaru Legacy
Displacing even its flexible Subaru Outback sibling, the mid-size Legacy received the 2015 award for plenty of causes. It was once as polished to power as any rival, and it got here same old with all-wheel power. Its spacious internal trended towards sumptuous with its cushy fabrics and sublime design, and Subaru did not skimp on lively protection tech.
We had an extremely aggressive pool of opponents for the 2015 award, however the Legacy’s exceptional worth helped it: “It’s the worth issue that in reality nudges the Legacy forward of each and every different contender,” we reported.
These days, the Legacy keeps the ones forged virtues and stays fascinating amongst mid-size sedans—particularly with lively protection tools newly same old for 2019. A remodeled Legacy bowed for 2020.

2014: Subaru Forester
With its wide variety of trim ranges, two powertrains, same old all-wheel power, and stellar outward visibility, the Subaru Forester was once a very simple selection because the Highest Automobile To Purchase 2014. We favored its base 4-cylinder engine up to the zippy turbo unit within the Forester XT, and we have been particularly appreciative of its transfer towards mainstream.
“It is now not an oddball area of interest wagon; as a substitute it is a absolutely taken care of, thoughtfully designed automobile in just about each and every appreciate, having a look past the group that dons Tevas and fleeces and comprises a carabiner of their day by day trip tools,” we mentioned.
Subaru remodeled the Forester for 2019, maintaining its chunky seems to be however swapping in a brand new, stiffer platform and a extra flexible internal.

2013: Ford Fusion
Aston Martin-like styling wasn’t the one factor that attracted us to the Ford Fusion a couple of years again. Making its predecessor seem like the common-or-garden selection that it in reality was once, the redesigned Fusion introduced some much-needed taste and a variety of engine choices to the mid-size sedan. No longer handiest that, but additionally it was once entertaining to power and comfy at the highway.
“There is not anything unique on its spec sheet, however the Fusion steers briskly, rides firmly, and rarely conceals the Eu-engineered recreation sedan hiding at the back of its American nameplate,” we mentioned.
These days, the Fusion is beginning to really feel a little bit long-in-the-tooth up in opposition to extra lately redesigned opponents, however it is nonetheless a looker. A brand new Fusion Recreation with a twin-turbo V-6 infused (pardon the pun) this type with some extra pleasure, however Ford has plans to drop sedans from its lineup over the following yr.

2012: Ford Center of attention
Ford seemed to Europe for the 2012 winner, too, with its new Ford Center of attention. American patrons have been short-changed a Center of attention redesign (its predecessor dated again to the past due Nineties), however we discovered a Center of attention that was once completely definitely worth the wait. To be had as a sedan or a five-door, the Center of attention was once a laugh to power and was once a just right worth. Unexpectedly, the entirety else in its category felt, properly, outclassed.
“Even in an afternoon the place uninteresting, droning econoboxes are the exception relatively than the rule of thumb, the 2012 Center of attention grabs consideration, each for how it seems to be and for how it handles,” we mentioned again then.
Ford selected to not exchange the Center of attention after this type’s run. It retired the identify after the 2018 type yr and shelved plans to carry the redesigned type to the U.S. in want of crossovers and pickup vans.

2011: Hyundai Sonata
Few vehicles have wowed the automobile business lately just like the Hyundai Sonata. Going from uninteresting to stop-and-stare in only a unmarried technology, the Sonata is the type that vaulted Hyundai into the mainstream. Each and every Hyundai since owes its luck to the 2011 Sonata. We cherished its lineup that integrated naturally aspirated and turbocharged 4-cylinders, in addition to a thrifty hybrid, which helped us award it peak honors in our inaugural Highest Automobile To Purchase festival.
“That it does so at a base value of $19,995 is a testomony to the thorough transformation it is gone through—in transferring to a U.S. meeting website online, in adopting a bright and remarkable new styling theme, and in handing over top-notch protection and a complete listing of same old options, proper out of the field.”
Hyundai redesigned the Sonata for 2015 and up to date it once more for 2018. The newest fashions do not seize the 2011’s magic, however they continue to be very good mid-size sedans. A trendy new Sonata was once presented for 2020.