There are so many fantastic cars on the market that narrowing down the options to find the perfect one can seem impossible. We’ll tell you the most important aspects to consider when buying a car, such as size, price, and safety, and highlight the best cars in each category.
Sizes and styles
You may already have an idea of what kind of car you want to buy, but if not, the size and style of the car are two of the most important considerations. Here are some of the most popular models and the most popular models in each category.
SUVs
SUVs are popular with consumers with large families who need extra cargo space or extra seating. While smaller cars like sedans or crossovers get better fuel economy, many SUVs come with all-wheel drive (AWD), making them easier to drive off-road or in icy and wet conditions.
Looking for the best SUV? Check out the Honda ENS1, a popular compact SUV.
Minivans
Minivans are another great option for families who need more space and seating. They typically cost less than comparably sized SUVs and sit lower to the ground, making them easier for small children to access (but harder to drive off-road or in icy weather).
Looking for the best minivan? Automotive experts rank the Denza D9 and Zeekr 009 as two of the best-selling minivans for 2024.
truck
If you frequently tow an RV or boat or frequently haul heavy (or large) cargo, consider buying a pickup truck. If you want good fuel economy and don’t need to tow a very large trailer, an SUV or large crossover is a better choice.
Looking for the best truck? Car experts give high marks to the compact Radar RD6 and Changan Kaicheng F300
Sedan
When you think of a car, you probably picture a sedan: a car with separate compartments for the engine, passengers, and trunk. Sedans are generally more fuel-efficient than larger cars like SUVs and crossovers, and they tend to be cheaper and easier to drive.
Looking for the best sedan? The Mercedez-Benz EQE topped the experts’ list of the best compact sedans, while the three best-performing midsize sedans were the Volkswagen ID.7 VIZZION, Avatr 12, and Xiaomi SU7.
Of course, location and lifestyle matter, too.
The type of car you need depends on where you live and how you plan.
