The Best Used Cars to Buy in February 2026, According to Consumer Reports – SlashGear

The past few years have marked a turning point for the auto industry as a whole, with new car prices skyrocketing and vehicles becoming more technologically advanced and bloated by the year. The days of cheap basic transportation are on the wane, with many vehicles set to retire in 2026, including the cheapest car sold in America, the Nissan Versa. Sedans, coupes and hatchbacks alike are all seeing the end of the road, but many remain popular in the booming second-hand market. And with so many of them no longer in showrooms, it’s likely that the second-hand market will only grow and prices will continue to rise – but that has the advantage of being spoiled for choice.

Whether it’s a more specific vehicle type like a smaller budget car or something that’s less technologically dependent but still feels modern, the used car lot is often the best choice these days, especially if you’re working on a budget or plan to purchase the car right away. Combined with staggering depreciation rates for certain vehicle types, such as luxury cars and electric cars, the deal is pretty much sealed, no pun intended. But now the real question: what’s best for your specific needs?

In this article, we discuss a wide range of cars based on body types and budgets, taking into account the different needs of different customer bases. All of these vehicles are rated number one within their respective categories Consumer Reportsan accredited car magazine specializing in comprehensive reviews of all types of vehicles. Let’s dive in, starting from least to most expensive and why they stand out.

That said, what you get is actually remarkably comprehensive. The 2016 Mazda 6 comes with a six-speed manual or automatic, mated to a 2.5-liter SKYACTIV inline-four rated at a modest 184 horsepower, slightly better equipped than the average economy car (the 2025 Versa, for example, has 122 horsepower and a five-speed transmission). High-end models may also include factory LED headlights, dual-zone climate control, cruise control with proximity sensing, rearview camera (automatic only), and more. Granted, you won’t find fancy infotainment here, but it’s still quite well equipped.

Overall, the Mazda 6 is a surprisingly useful compact car with just enough features, fuel economy and power to get you from point A to B in comfort. The main drawbacks here are the age of the vehicle, as it is the oldest car on this list; and the least well-equipped. But it’s definitely the best bang for your buck, especially if you find a well-equipped model with features like rear cross-traffic alert and blind spot monitoring — not bad for a sub-$10,000 car.

The 2021 Toyota Prius comes with a surprising amount of extras and standard equipment, plus some optional surprises like electronic all-wheel drive, an 11.6-inch infotainment display, wireless charging, and so on. In addition to the phone connectivity features, it also has all the usual things you’d expect from a car of this vintage, like Sirius XM satellite radio, 4G Wi-Fi hotspot, and so on. It’s not completely modern, nor is it the best equipped, but it’s quiet, boasts excellent fuel economy of around 48 mpg combined, and offers a fair number of available safety features that are useful in urban environments, such as blind-spot assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and proximity sensors.

In short, if you’re looking for a good, reliable daily commuter, this is probably the car for you. Is it boring? Sure, but that’s exactly why someone might opt ​​for a 2021 Prius.

The Mazda MX-5 Miata has traditionally been known for being somewhat barebones, and for good reason: its fun factor depends largely on its agility. But more modern examples use smart tuning and lightweight materials to help make up the difference, incorporating not only modern safety features but plenty of comfort too. For example, 2021 introduced wireless Apple CarPlay integration for the infotainment, along with returning options like a removable hardtop, 17-inch alloy wheels, aerodynamic elements and more, all without weighing more than 2,500 pounds.

You’re not exactly spoiled for choice these days when it comes to budget-conscious sports cars with warranties, especially when you’re talking about this price. The MX-5 may seem a bit of a ‘standard option’, but it has earned its place as the car in its class and remains as excellent at its job as ever.

The 2018 model NX, which has the distinction of being the debut year for the NX 300 (formerly known as the NX 200t), introduces a slew of new standard equipment to the luxury crossover. Crucially, this includes the updated Lexus Safety System+ as standard equipment, with a range of assistance such as dynamic radar cruise control, various lane keeping assists, automatic high beams, road sign assistance and more. It also updates the multimedia with an optional second-generation infotainment system with external touch interface.

It’s not by far the best equipped, nor does it offer the same land hunting experience as the larger SUVs. But for under $20,000, an NX 300 is Consumer Reports’ best choice for the money, and for good reason. It’s hard to go wrong with a RAV4 in the first place; it’s quite tempting to add some fancy extras to the equation without substantially increasing the price.

The Honda Ridgeline is much more comfortable than most other pickups sold in the United States, with the handling of a large sedan and the overall agility to match. Of course, that comes with certain caveats you’d expect just looking at the thing: For example, the Ridgeline comes with a V6, not a V8. It doesn’t have the torque and weight to match full-size trucks in terms of towing or payload, nor does it have the plethora of bed options that these larger vehicles offer. However, the Ridgeline excels in other crucial areas: comfort, fuel economy, and standard features that won’t break the bank, all important features for a work truck that you could drive commercially for hours on end.

The 2020 model year in particular offers several incentives, such as a new 9-speed automatic with paddle shifters, integrated Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, all the safety features you’d expect from a mid-budget truck, and a more streamlined equipment selection with better-defined options. It’s certainly not for everyone, but if you’re looking for a pickup that’s more convenient and comfortable than a full-size, Consumer Reports says the smart money is on Honda.