The Best Cars to Buy in 2019

Kelley Blue Book announced a slew of awards late last year for the best cars to buy in 2019. And, since January is the official month of “New Year, new everything,” now’s a good as time as any to dive into what new cars will be the smartest automotive purchases of the year.

As segments split into subsegments, the decision process arguably gets more robust, more complicated. For this year KBB added new categories that better define the evolving platforms car companies continue to produce. Once broken down, KBB considers “affordability, quality, driving dynamics, dependability, and low cost to own,” which might mean the winners aren’t necessarily top sellers, just the smarter buy.

There are a few no-brainers on the list — it shouldn’t come as a surprise that Honda swept six of the 14 categories. But, Hyundai, winning the overly crowded subcompact SUV segment and earning the best performance car award show just how far the South Korean brand has come. The same can be said for Volvo taking top honors as the “Best New Model,” too. Going into 2019, the market was always going to be packed with choices, no matter the segment you’re leaning towards, but Kelley Blue Book’s list should help you through the decision process.