Key Takeaways
- Which car should you buy in 2023? It depends on your preferences and priorities.
- The list below contains 12 vehicles to suit a range of lifestyles and budgets.
- Learn about the most desirable features of 2023’s top-rated cars, including SUVs, cars, and trucks.
With so many options available when choosing a new car, it can be difficult to know where to start. TV ads look great, but they don’t offer deep insight into a car’s features.
This list contains 12 high-performing autos from a range of popular categories, including minivans, sports cars, compact cars, and SUVs. Whether you prioritize safety, comfort, or a smooth ride, there’s a model to suit your taste and budget.
1. Chevrolet Malibu
Why We Picked It: Exceptional value — fuel economy and starting price
MSRP: $24,700
J.D. Power Ranking: #1 in Midsize Cars
U.S. News and World Report Ranking: #7 in Midsize Cars
With an impressive consumer rating of 82 out of 100 from J.D. Power, the Chevrolet Malibu steals the number one spot for midsize cars in 2023. U.S. News and World Report put its popularity down to its spacious cabin, planet-friendly fuel economy stats, and wallet-friendly starting price.
Drivers love its easy-to-use infotainment system, reliability, excellent handling, and suitability for cold or hot weather.
Chevrolet2. Lexus RX
Why We Picked It: Stacked with features and fun to drive
MSRP: $48,550
J.D. Power Ranking: #1 in Midsize Luxury SUVs
U.S. News and World Report Ranking: #12 in Midsize Luxury SUVs
Consumers like the Lexus RX for its roomy cabin, smooth ride, and luxurious new design. An array of safety and tech features are included as standard, and the car’s sturdy brakes and nimble acceleration make this luxury midsize SUV a pleasure to drive.
Whether you prefer driving on smooth highways or going for off-road adventures, you’ll enjoy the ride.
Lexus3. Nissan Sentra
Why We Picked It: An ideal safe and comfy small car
MSRP: $19,950
J.D. Power Ranking: #1 in Compact Cars
U.S. News and World Report Ranking: #7 in Compact Cars
Car and Driver praises the Nissan Sentra for its slick exterior design and outstandingly comfortable seats. As evidenced by its 5-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, it’s a safe and reliable small car.
Plus, with plenty of space to store personal items and a luxurious but simple interior, it’s an ideal model for anyone looking to get from A to B in style.
Nissan4. Buick Envision
Why We Picked It: Excellent safety features and affordable luxury
MSRP: $33,400
J.D. Power Ranking: #1 in Compact SUVs
U.S. News and World Report Ranking: N/A
One of the best things about the Buick Envision is the excellent sound system combined with a cabin that’s impressively insulated against outside noise. Considering its price, it comes with a stack of safety technology features as standard and delivers on fuel economy.
Going even further, Kelley Blue Book says the Envision offers near-luxury that practically anyone can afford.
Buick Envision5. Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Why We Picked It: Robust hauling and towing capabilities
MSRP: $35,600
J.D. Power Ranking: #1 Large Light Duty Pickups
U.S. News and World Report Ranking: #4 Large Light Duty Pickups
Considering its size, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 offers exceptional handling and comes with a choice of powerful engines. It scores 9 out of 10 for safety, thanks in part to the excellent safety features that come standard, such as forward collision warning and lane departure warning with lane keep assist.
The truck has hefty hauling and towing capacities, making it great for commercial or domestic use.
Chevrolet6. Nissan Murano
Why We Picked It: Safe, stylish and fun to drive
MSRP: $33,660
J.D. Power Ranking: #1 in Midsize SUVs
U.S. News and World Report Ranking: #19 in Midsize SUVs
Wielding a powerful V6 engine, the Nissan Murano offers a smooth ride and has seats that feel great to sit in. Car and Driver calls its appearance, “a stylish mashup of a car and a crossover,” and J.D. Power gives it a rare 90 out of 100 in the driving experience and quality and reliability categories.
All models come with state-of-the-art driver-assistance tech that cautious drivers will appreciate.
Nissan7. Honda Odyssey
Why We Picked It: Tons of features for families
MSRP: $37,490
J.D. Power Ranking: #1 in Minivans
U.S. News and World Report Ranking: #1 in Minivans
The Honda Odyssey is 2023’s minivan of the year thanks to its generous and comfortable cabin, quality interior, and healthy resale value. The critics at U.S. News and World Report give the vehicle a near-perfect 9.5 out of 10.
They say it’s a great minivan that offers “versatile seating, a hearty V6 engine, confident handling, a smooth ride, and plenty of cargo space.”
Honda8. Chevrolet Corvette
Why We Picked It: Consistent excellence in terms of reliability and performance
MSRP: $64,500
J.D. Power Ranking: #1 Premium Sporty Car
U.S. News and World Report Ranking: #1 Luxury Sports Car
With lightning-fast acceleration, excellent handling, and a stunning design, the Chevrolet Corvette once again wins J.D. Power’s number one Premium Sporty Car award. It’s ideal for folks who like to drive fast and listen to music as they navigate the city like they’re in a supercar.
Its surprisingly comfy cabin and decent amount of trunk space make it a practical yet luxurious option.
Chevrolet9. Cadillac Escalade
Why We Picked It: High-end safety, audio, and design features
MSRP: $79,795
J.D. Power Ranking: #1 in Large Premium SUVs
U.S. News and World Report Ranking: #2 in Luxury Large SUVs
The Cadillac Escalade is an all-American classic luxury SUV with a high-end exterior, interior, and infotainment system. The cargo area is vast, yet it’s an agile, balanced ride with sturdy handling and three solid engine options.
If you’re looking for a chunky, premium SUV packed with swanky tech and plenty of storage space, it’s a no-brainer.
Cadillac10. Nissan Altima
Why We Picked It: Excellent fuel economy and spacious seating
MSRP: $24,900
J.D. Power Ranking: #1 in Midsize Cars
U.S. News and World Report Ranking: #4 in Midsize Cars
The Nissan Altima makes joint top-of-the-list in J.D. Power’s 2023 Midsize Cars ranking. It has plush seats, offers a smooth, easy driving experience, and delivers excellent fuel economy. Car and Driver says the family sedan has “sharp looks, a spacious cabin, and available all-wheel drive.”
Drivers are also complimentary about the safety and infotainment technology that comes as standard.
Nissan11. Chevrolet Equinox
Why We Picked It: Comfortable, well-equipped interior and good safety features
MSRP: $26,600
J.D. Power Ranking: #2 in Compact SUVs
U.S. News and World Report Ranking: N/A
The Chevrolet Equinox has plenty of legroom, a decent infotainment system that’s easy to use, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. Drivers are also raving about the compact SUV’s excellent speakers and outside noise-canceling capabilities.
It’s reasonably priced and has great safety features, which make it ideal for families and anyone who prioritizes comfort and dependability over style.
Chevrolet12. Chevrolet Traverse
Why We Picked It: Spacious yet nimble and smooth to drive
MSRP: $35,915
J.D. Power Ranking: #1 in Upper Midsize SUVs
U.S. News and World Report Ranking: #3 in Midsize SUVs
J.D. Power ranks the Chevrolet Traverse as the number one Upper Midsize SUV in 2023, praising its ample cabin that can comfortably seat eight adults and haul plenty of cargo. The Traverse is as well-suited to picking the kids up from school as it is to going on a road trip with friends.
Car and Driver says it has, “Handsome styling and a sense of athleticism that belies its size.”
Chevrolet
