Finding a great used car can be a tricky thing to do. If you want a model that’s only a couple of years old and only has a few thousand miles, its best to look for the best cars of 2018. That year was a good year for reliable, good-looking, and amenity-packed cars. These vehicles can be had for a significant discount now since they are one to two years old. Most 2018 models will be coming off short-term leases, which means that you can snap up an excellent certified pre-owned or CPO deal for a reasonable price. Here are the best cars of 2018.
Seven Best Cars of 2018
- 2018 Mazda3
- 2018 Honda Civic
- 2018 Toyota Camry
- 2018 Hyundai Sonata
- 2018 Chevrolet Impala
- 2018 Kia Stinger
- 2018 Chevrolet Bolt
7 Best Cars of 2018
2018 Mazda3
The 2018 Mazda3 is a compact car that comes in a variety of body styles, including a hatchback. It consistently is a favorite of the automotive press for its stylish good looks, a playful and dynamic driving experience, and a ton of tech-based active safety systems. Reviewers really like the fun-to-drive Mazda3 because it’s more than just another bland vehicle on the road. It also gets good reliability ratings across the board. If you get into the Touring or Grand Touring trim, you can upgrade the infotainment system so that it offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto by visiting a dealer. The IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick for 2018 when equipped with specific headlights. NHSTA gave the 2018 Mazda3 an five-star safety rating, too.
2018 Honda Civic
The 2018 Honda Civic makes a great commuter car for those who need something reliable, stylish, spacious, and fuel-efficient. It was rated one of the top vehicles for 2018 by KBB and continually shows up on their best cars list. The 2018 Honda Civic comes with several different body styles and powertrains, so you can be sure that you are getting the right one for you. It also comes with advanced safety systems available. Plus, the 2018 models offer both AppleCar Play or Android Auto as standard on EX models and above. NHTSA gave the 2018 Honda Civic a 5-star rating across the board, and IIHS gave Civic an overall score of Good for 2018.
2018 Toyota Camry
The 2018 Toyota Camry is also a compact car that makes for a really reliable commuter vehicle. If you need a bit more space, a 2018 Camry might be for you. The Camry is a solid bet if you are looking for something that comes complete with tons of safety and driving aids. The drawback of the 2018 Toyota Camry is that it does not come with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. That means you’ll need to find another way to connect your smartphone if you purchase a used Toyota Camry. You can also get the Camry in a variety of trims and engines, including a hybrid. NHTSA gave the 2018 Toyota Camry an overall safety rating of 5-stars. IIHS gives the 2018 Camry a Top Safety Pick+ Award, too.
2018 Hyundai Sonata
The 2018 Hyundai Sonata is another excellent bet if you want something that is reliable, gets a fantastic 10-year/100,000 mile warranty, and is a standout on the road. Hyundai redesigned the Sonata in 2018, and it got all-new styling, technology, transmission, and powertrain upgrades and added features. Plus, it can be outfitted easily with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. NHTSA gave the Hyundai Sonata a 5-star safety rating. The IIHS gave the Hyundai Sonata a Top Safety Pick+ rating for 2018, too.
2018 Chevrolet Impala
Modern styling, comfortable driving dynamics and a massive trunk in a large American-made vehicle makes the 2018 Chevrolet Impala stand out as a great bet for this model year. You can get onboard WIFI, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto on the 2018 Impala, and it comes in a collection of new colors for 2018. NHTSA gave the Impala a 5-star crash rating, and the IIHS gave it an overall rating of Good with some poor performance noted for the headlights.
2018 Kia Stinger
For a sports sedan that has excellent handling, striking good looks, and tons of power, look no further than the 2018 Kia Stinger. The Stinger was all-new in 2018, and reliability has been pretty solid for the vehicle. It comes with Kias 10-year/100,000 mile warranty and a suite of bells and whistles to make your commute that much better. NHTSA has not rated the 2018 Kia Stinger, but IIHS gave it a rating of Good for 2018.
2018 Chevrolet Bolt
The 2018 Chevrolet Bolt makes it on this list for its affordable electric drivability. The Chevy Bolt is a compact electric car that gets more than 200 miles of range on a single charge. It comes with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, has a cavernous interior, and is downright fun to drive. If you are looking for an alternative to a gasoline-powered car, the 2018 Chevy Bolt is a good bet. NHSTA gave it a 5-star rating, and the IIHS a rating of Good.
How we chose the best cars of 2018
We looked at the ratings from top publications like Car & Driver, Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds, and Consumer Reports to compile this list. We also checked out the crash test ratings on the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS). We looked at top-rated sub-compact, compact, and mid-size sedans and hatchbacks to compile this list. Trucks, SUVs, and Crossovers were excluded for the purpose of this story.
The Bottom Line
If you’re looking for a great deal on a used vehicle that’s only one to two years old, look no further than the best cars of 2018. You can save a ton and get a great, reliable vehicle, that has almost all of the modern-day bells and whistles you’ll want and need.