Are you looking to purchase a new car?
Every year it seems the choices get more challenging when it comes to cars. That said, a few tend to stand out when looking at the best cars of 2022. While a lot will ride on preference, the greatness of some cars is impossible to deny.
Whether the car is affordable, sporty, versatile, reliable, or a balance of everything, each category has a standout star. For a full list of the best cars of 2022, read on.
Best Budget Car
Let’s start with the best budget car. Of the affordable contenders, there are five worth mentioning. These all punch well above their price tags.
The Chevy Spark clocks in as hands-down the most budget-friendly car you can get. It comes in at around a whopping $14,000 brand new. Unfortunately, Chevy is discontinuing it next year, so make sure to get this car while you still can!
The 98hp engine sounds weak on paper, but with how light the car is, you hardly notice. It also gets 38 mpg on the highway, making it super-efficient. A lack of comparable safety features makes it cheap, but that’s also worth considering.
The Nissan Versa and Kia Rio are also good shouts, at $16,000 and $17,000 each, offering 122hp and 120hp, respectively. The power also comes with all the safety standards and great mpg. For about $3,000 more than the Chevy Spark, you’ll end up with something comparable to a $20,000+ car without breaking the bank.
If an engine in the 120-horsepower range isn’t for you, the Subaru Impreza and Kia Forte are here. At around $19,000 and $20,000 each, these are a noticeable step above the likes of the Spark.
The Impreza is the cheapest AWD you can find on the US market and comes with 152hp. The Kia Forte gives you 147hp in comparison, but the efficiency blows even the most jaded driver away at 41mpg on the highway.
Honorable mentions: the Kia Soul, Nissan Sentra, and Hyundai Accent.
Best SUV
Choosing an SUV is subjective. Those who want something smaller might like the Hyundai Tuscon. On the other hand, those seeking luxury could do worse than the Genesis GV80 or Lexus LX 600.
If we are throwing money at the wall, it’s hard to beat the Ford Explorer or Jeep Grand Cherokee.
However, the one that stands out as the best overall SUV is the mid-sized Kia Telluride. Its 291hp V-6 engine doesn’t seem like much compared to something like the Explorer. Yet, the Telluride pulls way above its weight.
It has power, zip, handling, and maneuverability way beyond its price and class. Buying a Kia Telluride will set you back around $34,000. With performance comparable to a Range Rover, you cannot go wrong.
An honorable mention goes out to the Ford Bronco for those who love off-roading. With innovation in comfort and performance, it leaves the Jeep Wrangler in the dust.
To get the latest news on standout models, click for more.
Best Minivan
When it comes to the best minivan, the Chrysler Pacifica stands in a league of its own. The 276hp V6 gives you plenty of zip, and the extra storage capacity on this 8-seater is clever and game-changing. It’s also the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid minivan, with 31mpg.
The Pacifica also comes in a plug-in hybrid model, boosting its efficacy to 82 MPGe. The base model runs around $38,000, with the hybrid starting at $46,000.
Honorable mentions: Kia Carnival, Toyota Sienna, and Honda Odyssey.
Best Sedan
This might not be what many want to hear, but the Honda Accord is the best sedan of 2022. It comes down to preference, but Honda is hard to beat this year in terms of value.
The Accord is quite literally the most balanced car on the market. It does it all: power, handling, style, fuel efficiency, safety, and comfort. But it won’t blow you away with how sporty or luxurious it is.
The Accord gives drivers one of the smoothest and most reliable driving experiences ever. You’ll almost never feel the Accord struggle to pull its weight or hit highway speeds. It does its job efficiently and with no complaints, thanks to a 192hp turbocharged 1.5L base engine.
The base model will run you around $26,000, but you can hit $33,000 with the 252hp top trim.
Those who prefer something more luxurious have options that don’t sacrifice performance for style. These include the Genesis G70 and the Mercedes E and S-Class.
Best Sports Car
No list of the best cars of 2022 would be complete without mentioning sports cars.
The Cadillac CT4-V and CT5-V Blackwings are incredible in every metric. Sleek, sexy, with monster engines and impeccable quality of design and comfort. The CT4-V clocks in at 472hp compared to the CT5-V’s 668hp, but both have legions of fans.
Honorable mentions: The Chevrolet Corvette, Porsche 718, and the Volkswagen Golf GTI.
Best Gas Mileage
If we discount electric cars, the Hyundai Ioniq has the best gas mileage at 59mpg combined. As a hybrid car, it handles beautifully around the city but can feel a little average at highway speeds.
At $24,500 brand new for the 2022 model, it will save a significant sum of gas money and at the bank, delivering phenomenal bang for your buck.
The 2022 Toyota Prius is also a good option at 56mpg, while the Hyundai Elantra Hybrid hits 54mpg. The most fuel-efficient non-hybrid option is the Mitsubishi Mirage at 39mpg.
The Best Cars of 2022
The best cars of 2022 are a question of preference for many, but some stand out. Some provide much bang for the buck that you have to consider them. Others are too sexy, convenient, or fuel-efficient to discount.
When reading about which cars might be best for you, it helps to have a trusted source. So if you find yourself in need of all the latest news and trends in the world of cars, check out our other blog posts. We have more great content for you to discover.
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