Best New Cars You Can Buy In 2022

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Managing Editor

As CarsDirect’s resident pricing expert, Alex offers must-know analyses of pricing & incentives to those looking to buy or lease a car. His consumer-oriented coverage of the latest trends and breaking news has been featured by The Wall Street Journal, Fox Business, Motor Trend, Automobile Magazine, and more.

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, Managing Editor - March 18, 2022

While sedans have taken a backseat to SUVs when it comes to popularity, the best cars you can buy in 2022 offer a solid mix of value and features. In addition to a more planted driving position compared to a crossover, sedan models can also be fun to drive and may get better fuel economy.

Having said that, the combination of lower demand and a global chip shortage could make finding the best sedan for you particularly difficult this year. Here's a roundup of our top picks for the best cars you can buy in 2022 whether you're looking for a solid commuter car or sedans that excite.

Be sure to also see our sports car buying guide and luxury car buying guide for more top picks.

Best Small Car: 2022 Honda Civic

Why it's a top pick: The Honda Civic impresses with a great interior and EPA-estimated fuel economy of up to 36 mpg in overall driving. The best part is that Honda managed to do so without a substantial price increase. Handling is also excellent, and the cabin is more spacious than competitors.

Worth knowing: Honda is one of the few brands that still offers a manual transmission. However, to get it, you'll need to step up to the more expensive Civic Sport Hatchback that starts at nearly $26,000 or opt for the redesigned Civic Si.

Honorable mentions: Hyundai Elantra, Mazda Mazda3

Best Midsize Car: 2022 Toyota Camry

Why it's a top pick: A stellar reputation for reliability is one thing, but the Toyota Camry is a good all-rounder with an optional Camry Hybrid and a 301-horsepower V6 option. A full roster of driver assistance features helps make this an outstanding choice if you're looking to a highly-rated car in terms of safety.

Worth knowing: Although the V6 offers a sportier option, it's also around $9,000 more expensive than the cheapest 4-cylinder Camry.

Honorable mentions: Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata

Best Fuel Economy: 2022 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid

Why it's a top pick: The Ioniq Hybrid is one of the most fuel-efficient cars you can buy with up to 59 MPG overall. A relatively low base price undercuts the Toyota Prius and makes this low-profile hatchback a smart buy if you're looking to save money at the pump.

Worth knowing: Hyundai also offers a plug-in version of the Ioniq rated at 119 MPGe capable of up to 29 miles on electric power. It could be a good deal for some buyers since it qualifies for a federal tax credit and can be surprisingly affordable to lease.

Honorable mentions: Toyota Corolla Hybrid, Hyundai Elantra Hybrid

Best Sporty Car: 2022 Kia K5 GT

Why it's a top pick: The Kia K5 offers impressive tech features and can be a hoot to drive with the optional 290-hp engine in the range-topping GT trim. Even better, it's one of the few midsize cars you can buy with all-wheel drive. Kia also has one of the best powertrain warranties at 10 years/100,000 miles.

Worth knowing: While the K5 is offered with all-wheel drive, the powertrain is only available on two trims, the LXS and GT-line. Fuel economy isn't particularly impressive with no hybrid option and just 32 mpg with the base engine and 27 mpg overall with the higher-power turbo.

Honorable mentions: Honda Accord Sport, Hyundai Elantra N

, Managing Editor

As CarsDirect’s resident pricing expert, Alex offers must-know analyses of pricing & incentives to those looking to buy or lease a car. His consumer-oriented coverage of the latest trends and breaking news has been featured by The Wall Street Journal, Fox Business, Motor Trend, Automobile Magazine, and more.

Follow On: Twitter

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