When it comes to crowning the finest vehicles on the market, few accolades carry the weight of the 10Best awards. Each year, we embark on a journey to evaluate the freshest and most groundbreaking models with a base price under $110,000. What sets this test apart from others is that reigning champions from last year are invited to defend their titles, creating a unique blend of past favorites and fresh contenders. This approach ensures that our 10Best list represents not just the best of what’s new but the overall cream of the crop available today.
We spent two intensive weeks putting each vehicle through its paces, driving back-to-back across different terrains and conditions. Our goal was simple: find the cars that can seamlessly balance performance, comfort, and value. Unlike traditional tests that break down categories like design, technology, or speed, our voting system here is much more holistic. Each car receives a score between 1 and 100, reflecting the entire driving experience. Taking inspiration from figure skating, we discard the highest and lowest scores to ensure fairness before tallying up the results. This method ensures that only the best rise to the top.
Acura Integra Type S: A Modern Take on the Hot Hatch
When it comes to versatile performance, the Acura Integra Type S is hard to beat. It’s a car that doesn’t just excel on a thrilling, winding road but also makes your daily commute something to look forward to. It blends sharp handling with a ride that’s comfortable enough for daily driving. Powered by a lively engine that’s fuel-efficient, it appeals to enthusiasts who don’t want to sacrifice practicality for performance. What makes the Integra stand out is its ability to carry four adults and a decent amount of cargo—a rare combination in the hot hatch segment, which has increasingly tilted towards luxury sports cars and SUVs.
Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing: Pure Adrenaline on Four Wheels
If sheer power is what you’re after, look no further than the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing. Returning to claim its third 10Best award, this sedan is nothing short of a beast. Imagine driving a car that can spin its tires at highway speeds—on dry pavement. With a monstrous 668-hp supercharged V-8 engine, the CT5-V Blackwing delivers an experience that feels like bringing a bazooka to a fistfight.
While this kind of performance comes with a hefty price tag—starting at $96,990—and fuel economy that will make you wince, it’s hard to deny the sheer joy that comes with owning this powerhouse. If you crave heart-pounding thrills and have the budget for it, the Blackwing is worth every penny.
Honda Accord: The Timeless Champion
For decades, the Honda Accord has been the benchmark for what a family sedan should be. With its 38th appearance on our 10Best list, it’s clear Honda has mastered the art of continuous improvement. Over the years, the Accord has grown bigger, faster, more efficient, and more luxurious without losing the core values that make it a favorite among families and driving enthusiasts alike.
What sets the Accord apart from its competition is its ability to evolve without losing sight of what makes it great. The 11th-generation model is a testament to Honda’s commitment to refinement, offering a balance of practicality, performance, and comfort that few cars can match.
Chevrolet Corvette: A Legend That Keeps Evolving
The Chevrolet Corvette has been a perennial favorite in the automotive world, and it’s not hard to see why. Now in its fifth production year with a mid-engine layout, the Corvette continues to impress with its blend of performance and affordability. Starting at $69,995, it remains one of the best values for a car that can dominate on the track and still be comfortable enough for a weekend cruise.
Although the high-performance Corvette Z06 has edged out of the 10Best price cap by just $4,395, the standard model continues to impress with its versatility and all-weather usability. This car is proof that you don’t need to sacrifice performance for practicality.
Lucid Air Pure: Redefining Electric Luxury
In the world of electric vehicles, the Lucid Air Pure stands out as a disruptor. As the most affordable model in Lucid’s lineup, it offers better range than many of its pricier competitors. Even the all-wheel-drive version, which slightly reduces range, still outperforms many gasoline-powered cars.
What makes the Air Pure truly remarkable is how little you give up in its lower-tier package. Sure, you might miss out on some luxury features like a glass roof or ventilated seats, but for $78,975, you’re getting an EV that offers superior performance and range in a sleek, minimalist design. In a market where premium electric vehicles often come with a steep price tag, the Lucid Air Pure proves you don’t have to break the bank to drive into the future.
Honda Civic: A Model for Every Driver
The Honda Civic has long been a go-to choice for drivers seeking reliability, performance, and affordability. Whether you’re looking for a fuel-efficient daily driver or a turbocharged thrill ride, there’s a Civic for you. From the base LX model to the high-performance Civic Si, Honda has covered all the bases, offering manual and automatic options, sedans, hatchbacks, and even models with summer tires for those who crave a more engaging drive.
The Civic’s versatility is its strength, making it a favorite for drivers from all walks of life. No matter your budget or driving style, there’s likely a Civic that fits your needs.
Subaru BRZ/Toyota GR86: A Refreshing Throwback to Analog Driving
As the automotive world shifts towards SUVs and electrification, the Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86 stand as reminders of the simple joys of driving. These lightweight, rear-wheel-drive sports cars are all about the fundamentals—nimble handling, responsive steering, and an engaging manual transmission. During our 10Best testing, these cars often kept pace with far more powerful vehicles through tight, technical sections, proving that fun isn’t always about horsepower.
If you’re tired of the high-tech, high-power trend and want something that connects you directly to the road, the BRZ and GR86 offer an experience that’s becoming increasingly rare.
Toyota Prius: The Hybrid Icon Gets a Power Boost
The Toyota Prius has long been synonymous with fuel efficiency, but the latest model adds something that’s been missing from the equation—power. With the new Prius Prime, Toyota has transformed the hybrid into a genuinely quick car. Whether you opt for the 220-hp Prime or the 194-hp base model, the Prius now offers acceleration that matches its futuristic design.
Starting under $30,000, the Prius remains an affordable option for those who prioritize efficiency but don’t want to compromise on style or performance. Toyota has once again proven that the Prius isn’t just a car for eco-conscious drivers—it’s a car for everyone.
Porsche 718 Boxster/Cayman: Perfection in Motion
Rounding out our 10Best list is the Porsche 718 Boxster and Cayman duo, returning for the 19th time. These mid-engine sports cars offer a driving experience that few can match, with precise handling and an uncanny connection between driver and machine. While the interior design may be showing its age, the driving dynamics remain as sharp as ever.
For those who value pure driving enjoyment, the 718 is in a class of its own. Even mundane tasks feel special when you’re behind the wheel of one of these Porsches, a testament to their enduring excellence.
Conclusion
From powerful sedans like the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing to efficient electric vehicles like the Lucid Air Pure, this year’s 10Best list showcases the diversity and innovation in today’s automotive market. Whether you’re looking for raw power, everyday practicality, or cutting-edge technology, there’s something here for every kind of driver. These cars represent the pinnacle of what’s available today, proving that no matter how the industry evolves, great cars will always have a place on the road.