Kelley Blue Book released its Best Buy Awards for 2020 last November. KBB editors look at “quality, comfort, driving dynamics, dependability, low ownership costs, and affordability” to determine the best new car and best car in several different segments. There are a few changes from last year. KBB added “Midsize Truck” and “Two-Row Midsize SUV” categories, and split the alternative power category into “Electric Car” and “Plug-in Hybrid” segments.
Honda proved the top manufacturer, winning five of the 15 segments. Though the Hyundai Motor Group nearly equaled them by locking down four segment wins and the title for “best new car.” Ford and Audi were the other manufacturers to lead multiple segments.
The KBB award-winners are below, as well as links to our reviews. If you know what type of car you’re looking for, the awards could be a helpful jumping-off point. If you’re more intrigued by the performance vs. value end of the spectrum, check out our favorite cars we drove in 2019.
Best New Car / Best Three-Row Midsize SUV: 2020 Kia Telluride
Best Compact Car: 2020 Honda Civic
Best Midsize Car: 2020 Honda Accord
Best Subcompact SUV / Electric Car: 2020 Hyundai Kona
Best Compact SUV: 2020 Honda CR-V
Best Two-Row Midsize SUV: 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe
Best Full-Size SUV: 2020 Ford Expedition
Best Midsize Pickup Truck: 2020 Chevrolet Colorado
Best Full-Size Pickup Truck: Ford F-150
Best Minivan: 2020 Honda Odyssey
Best Plug-in Hybrid Car: 2020 Honda Clarity PHEV
Best Luxury Car: 2020 Lexus ES
Best Subcompact Luxury SUV: 2020 Audi Q3
Best Compact Luxury SUV: 2020 Audi Q5
Best Midsize Luxury SUV: BMW X5
