by Keith Barry with Herb Weisbaum

Last updated March 19, 2026

If you haven’t purchased a new vehicle in a few years, expect to see mostly SUVs on the lot. And brace yourself for sticker shock: On average, new-car buyers paid $49,353 in February 2026, according to Kelley Blue Book, despite dealers and manufacturers offering better discounts.

So how do you decide what you can afford and what to buy? In a recent episode of Checkbook’s Consumerpedia podcast, Keith Barry, senior autos reporter at Consumer Reports, shared his advice. We’ve lightly edited the interview for brevity and clarity.

2026 New-Car Trends

Herb Weisbaum: Automakers are focused on luxury models. The days of a low-end sedan costing $20,000 are in the rear-view mirror. Why is that?

Keith Barry: Automakers realized they could make more money by selling cars that were loaded with more features. Bare-bones vehicles had narrower margins, and automakers think those buyers could be served by the used-car market. As a result, we’re seeing higher trim levels hitting the market.

H.W.: Regarding engines, there are more hybrid models available this year. And even though the Trump administration killed the EV Tax credit of up to $7,500, there are still about 155 electric models on sale in the U.S., according to the Alliance for Automotive Innovation.

K.B.: You’re not going to find great subsidized deals, but there are still EVB vehicles out there. The rest of the world is going electric, so automakers are still doing EV development and research.

But right now, it’s hybrids. Everything is getting the hybrid treatment. From small cars all the way up to three-row SUVs and a full-size pickup truck, you’re going to find hybrid options available.

H.W.: Is that because they get great mileage, and you don’t have to worry about finding a charging station?

K.B.: Exactly. When we asked our readers, they said hybrids are more reliable. We love hybrids because they tend to perform better when we test them at our test track. That little bit of electric shove off the line gives you a little sportier performance even in that family SUV. It gives you more power and, in some cases, more towing capacity.

SUVs: Pros, Cons, and What Features to Consider

H.W.: Why are SUVs so popular?

K.B.: They’re essentially tall cars, usually with all-wheel drive available and a large cargo area. The pros: You sit high up, and a lot of people find it easier to get in and out of them. If you’re carrying a lot of stuff, if it’s a stroller, if you have a big dog, if you need a third row, they’re pretty much the best option out there.

H.W.: What are the cons of an SUV?

K.B.: Despite sitting higher off the road, we find that, depending on the design, many SUVs offer worse visibility right in front of you. So, it makes features such as parking cameras and automatic emergency braking a little more important. SUVs also tend to get worse fuel economy than sedans. The bigger the vehicle—and this goes for all big vehicles—the worse your brake and handling performance is going to be.

H.W.: What are a few features to look for when shopping for an SUV?

K.B.: A surround-view camera used to seem like a luxury. But with today’s SUVs, where visibility out the back and sides isn’t great, it can show you how close your tires are getting to the curb and the corners of the vehicle. Look for a powered liftgate, too; some of these are very tall and very heavy. Being able to press a button to close them rather than having to pull them down is very helpful.

H.W.: And what about the engine: gas, hybrid, or EV?

K.B.: Hybrid is the way to go here, especially with a big vehicle. We’ve seen three-row SUVs get fuel economy in the mid-30s, and that’s incredible. A few years ago, mileage in the high teens was a big deal for some of these vehicles. So, absolutely, hybrid is the way to go.

Sedans: Pros, Cons, and What Features to Consider

H.W.: Why might buyers consider sedans?

K.B.: Sedans are much less expensive than anything else out there, and they tend to get better fuel economy. You don’t have to buy an SUV to get all-wheel drive; many sedans have AWD. Some sedans have rear seats that fold down. It’s easier to get larger items into the car if you can fold down those back seats.

H.W.: And the cons?

K.B.: They’re lower to the ground, so you might not be able to see around the car next to you when you’re pulling into traffic. Getting in and out can be a little more difficult. We hear that from our testers all the time.

H.W.: And recommendations on the engine type?

K.B.: We love the hybrids here. But there are a lot of great electric sedans and very good deals on them. With some, you can get 300+ miles per charge. So, if you’re looking for an EV, consider a sedan. But a hybrid is always a good choice there, too.

Pickup Trucks: Pros, Cons, and What Features to Consider

H.W.: What should truck buyers look for these days?

K.B.: Before you go shopping, measure the garage. We hear all the time about folks who get home, and they realize their new truck doesn’t fit.

Nothing can tow, haul, and carry like a pickup truck. Many newer pickups are comfortable to drive. They don’t drive like a truck, as the saying goes; they drive like a family sedan. They’re comfortable, they’re well-appointed inside, and they’re luxurious. So, you can basically get nearly all the pros of every other type of vehicle and do things no other vehicle can.

H.W.: Any specific features to look for with a truck?

K.B.: You need to choose the cab type and the bed size. You need to know whether you want four doors or two doors, whether you want seating for the whole family, the whole crew, or just that one small seat up front. You also need to decide whether you want a long or a short bed. If you’re going to tow, you really need to sit down with the salesperson and figure out the exact configuration of the truck you’re going to buy, because the differences between towing packages on pickup trucks can be significant.

H.W.: And what about the engine? I assume it makes a bigger difference with trucks than with other vehicles.

K.B.: It does. There are some electric trucks out there. I know one [the Ford F-150 Lightning] was famously discontinued recently. One reason is that towing is an issue with electric vehicles. Your range drops the more you’re towing. Gas, sometimes even diesel, depending upon whether you’re really doing some heavy-duty towing, is probably best for your full-size pickup truck. If you’re just a weekend warrior who likes to haul furniture, go antiquing, or bring home mulch, there are hybrid pickup trucks like the Ford Maverick that are small, maneuverable, and get great gas mileage. And they’re a lot easier to drive.

Top Shopping Strategy

H.W.: Final question. Could you share a few tips based on your years of experience writing about car shopping?

K.B.: My tips all come down to what you do when you get to the dealership. Never fall in love with a car. There’s always going to be another one there. Dealers count on you falling in love with that particular vehicle and getting carried along with the process. All of a sudden, you’re driving home and thinking, “I paid how much?” Don’t let them rush you. You set the pace, not the salesperson. Take your time, get the car you really want, and get the deal you really want. 

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Contributing editor Herb Weisbaum (“The ConsumerMan”) is an Emmy award-winning broadcaster and one of America's top consumer experts. He has been protecting consumers for more than 40 years, having covered the consumer beat for CBS News, The Today Show, and NBCNews.com. You can also find him on Facebook, Blue Sky, X, Instagram, and at ConsumerMan.com