Awards make a difference
Finding the right vehicle to meet your needs is a daunting task in a market with plenty of choices and stiff competition among automakers. That’s where Kelley Blue Book steps in to make that major purchase both well-informed and as easy as possible. It’s in that spirit that KBB publishes annual Best Buy Awards. For eight years, KBB.com’s experienced editorial staff puts the latest vehicles through their paces to determine which models are tops in their segments. We look for those vehicles that deliver the optimum blend of performance, capability, low operating costs, and affordability.
Whatever your transportation needs, the Best Buy Award program includes categories that represent the wide range of vehicles available on the market today. We consider traditional gas-powered vehicles, hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and pure electrics in segments that include compact and midsize cars, pickup trucks, and SUVs. The last two categories continue to expand to include on the SUV side smaller subcompact entries in mainstream and luxury brands, and a new compact pickup award.
As the market evolves, so do we
Also attracting a wider range of competing vehicles is the electric vehicle category, where new, longer-range, and more affordable models are beginning to hit the market. Like the expanding roster of truck and SUV categories, electric vehicles will have a growing impact on the luxury and mainstream market. EVs are also available in a wider range of vehicle types, including compact hatchbacks, luxury sedans, SUVs, and even pickup trucks.
Even as the vehicles under our consideration continue to evolve, what doesn’t change are the criteria Kelley Blue Book editors rely on to help determine which models are eligible for consideration and, ultimately, the awards themselves. At the top of our list are vehicles that combine affordability, low ownership and operating costs, dependability, and reliability. These attributes go hand in hand with vehicles that offer comfort, convenience, the latest in high-tech driver and safety assists, intuitive infotainment, and at the same time are easy and fun to drive. A vehicle that earns a Kelley Blue Book Best Buy Award is certainly one that warrants serious consideration.
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How we do what we do
Much of the initial information needed to qualify and evaluate vehicles for our annual Best Buy program comes from the vehicles test-driven by KBB editors throughout the year. These opportunities include manufacturer vehicle launches, test vehicle evaluation and video production at our offices, and insights derived from our long-term test fleet.
This extensive hands-on experience with new vehicles provides the basis for our expert reviews, road test videos, Top 10 lists, and comparisons found on KBB.com. Based on this coverage and data gleaned from our resale values and 5-Year Cost to Own data, we determine which all-new or extensively redesigned vehicles we will consider as Best Buy candidates.
The list of participating vehicles is finalized during the summer with testing at our Irvine, Calif., headquarters starting in September. It’s here where the current category winner is tested side-by-side against the crop of the latest challengers. We evaluate seating comfort, ease and flexibility of getting in and out of the vehicle, the vehicle’s luggage space, along with other creature comforts and infotainment systems.
In addition, we look closely at build quality, cabin materials, and pricing against the competition and expected resale value and operating costs. We also get behind the wheel and test drive the vehicles over a series of loops that involve everyday traffic and road conditions to experience the cars as an owner would. A manufacturer’s reputation for quality, reliability, durability, and various warranties, including bumper-to-bumper and powertrain offerings, also factor in our decision.
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For 2022, the Kelley Blue Book Best Buy Awards go to the best in categories that encompass nearly the entire range of vehicles that meet virtually all automotive needs. We also recognize the Best New Model for 2022. We believe our awards are a powerful tool when it comes to making the right new vehicle choice.
Best new model
The Ford Maverick
Ford
2022 Ford Maverick
The Ford F, +0.98% Maverick boasts 42 mpg fuel economy, a low starting price, and plenty of capability.
Category best buys
Compact car
2022 Honda Civic
Whether you need a first-class commuter car or a stylish performance hatchback, the Honda HMC, +0.51% Civic delivers for an affordable price.
Midsize car
2022 Honda Accord
The Honda Accord’s strengths come from its strong mechanicals, timeless styling, roomy cabin, and comfortable ride.
Subcompact SUV
2022 Kia Seltos
The stylish 2022 Kia 000270, +0.84% Seltos has a spacious upscale interior with modern tech, safety, and class-leading cargo room, all at a reasonable price.
Compact SUV
2022 Toyota RAV4
The fuel-efficient Toyota TM, +0.48% RAV4 has a wide lineup and excellent practicality, plus extensive features and a good safety suite.
2-row midsize SUV
2022 Hyundai Santa Fe
The Hyundai HYMTF, +0.73% Santa Fe shines in a broad variety of categories. It drives well, looks great, exudes quality, and feels more expensive than it is.
3-row midsize SUV
2022 Kia Telluride
We continue to be impressed by the family-friendly Kia Telluride on many fronts, including its design, comfort, utility, and value.
Full-size SUV
2022 Ford Expedition
The 2022 Ford Expedition receives significant updates that make this past Best Buy winner even better.
Compact pickup truck
2022 Ford Maverick
The Ford Maverick is a capable, fuel-efficient, super-affordable compact truck with a starting price below $ 20,000.
Midsize pickup truck
2022 Toyota Tacoma
The Toyota Tacoma has proven durability, excellent off-road prowess, and plenty of trim levels to choose from.
Full-size pickup truck
2022 Ford F-150
The Ford F-150 is tops in towing and hauling and is ready for both work and play.
Minivan
2022 Toyota Sienna
The 2022 Toyota Sienna has interior practicality and comfort, plenty of standard tech and safety features, and a highly efficient hybrid powertrain
Electric vehicle
2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E
The Mustang Mach-E offers an engaging balance of great performance, fresh style, and modern tech.
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Plug-in hybrid vehicle
2022 Toyota RAV4 Prime
Combining 302 horsepower, 40-mpg capability, and full-time all-wheel drive makes the 2022 Toyota RAV4 Prime hard to beat.
Luxury car
2022 Lexus ES
No other luxury car can match the Lexus ES with its blend of premium amenities, technology, advanced safety features, and overall value.
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Subcompact luxury SUV
The Mercedes-Benz GLA 250
Mercedes-Benz
2022 Mercedes-Benz GLA
The GLA has the features, driving manners, safety, and technology that buyers – even buyers on a more limited budget – expect from a Mercedes.
Compact luxury SUV
2022 Genesis GV70
The 2022 Genesis GV70 packs a lot of value into a stylish and sporty package that’s loaded with technology and safety features.
Midsize luxury SUV
2022 Genesis GV80
The Genesis GV80 has set the bar high in the class in terms of design, interior comfort, build quality, and performance.
This story originally ran on KBB.com.