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 a time as any to make the smartest automotive purchase you can.
As segments split into sub-segments, the buying process gets more complicated. For 2019, 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 in some cases means the winners aren’t necessarily top sellers, just a 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 shows 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 bound to be packed with choices, no matter the segment, but Kelley Blue Book’s list should help streamline your approach.
Best New Model / Subcompact Luxury SUV: 2019 Volvo XC40
