2022 has gotten off to a flying start. Our ranking of the best cars has significantly changed, with many fresh, high-performing models getting released this year. Still, we expect more game-changing vehicles featuring cutting-edge technology and modern, eye-catching designs to hit the market in the near future.
But since buyers can only buy what's on the market, of more than 400 models at our disposal today, we've selected those that go above and beyond to deliver the finest possible driving experience. From well-liked models leading the pack for decades to newly launched models from start-ups playing catch-up, here are our 10 highest-rated cars of 2022.
10 Top Rated Budget Sports Car: Subaru BRZ
The Subaru BRZ is the perfect definition of fun and affordable sports car. The 2022 model is more powerful than before, replacing the previous 2.0-liter engine with a potent 2.4-liter flat-four. The engine produces 228 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, more power than the Mini Cooper, Mazda Miata, or even the Honda Civic Sport.
More potent options are available from other makers, but the Subaru BRZ offers the conventional sports car experience at an affordable price, below $35,000. It's proof that having a fun car doesn't have to cost a fortune.
9 Top Rated Luxury Sports Car: 2022 Chevrolet Corvette
The Chevy Corvette has been at the center stage of performance cars for decades. The modern C8 takes that tradition to a whole new level with a thumping motor. Available as a convertible or a 2-door coupe, it's equipped with a 6.2-liter V8 engine sending 490 hp and 470 lb-ft to the rear wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission.
The more powerful Z51 package is a track day darling, and its cabin is still comfortable enough for everyday use. The Corvette earns its place as our best high-quality sports car, not just for being a high-performing model but also because it is the best performance bargain you can get.
8 Top Rated Full-Size Pick-Up Truck: 2022 Ram 1500
The 2022 Ram 1500 exhibits no weakness; it's powerful, capable, and comfortable. In recognition to daily pickup truck drivers, the Ram 1500 has a comfortable cabin - the kind you'd find in a luxury sedan. It's arguably one of the most luxurious full-size pickup trucks today.
The Ram 1500 gets its power from a range of legendary engine options, including a hybrid powertrain. The 3.0-liter V6 engine boasts a better EPA fuel economy than the KIA Telluride, and the strongest configuration can tow up to 12,750 pounds. The all-around performance of the Ram 1500 makes it our top-rated pickup truck.
7 Top Rated Electric SUV: 2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E
The 2022 Mustang Mach-E is a beautiful sporty all-electric SUV that blends the present with some elements of the past. While it's true giving the crossover a muscle car nameplate doesn't sit well with many enthusiasts, we can all agree it was somehow a smart marketing strategy.
The Mach-E's exterior is a head-turner, and the interior is well appointed, brimming with the latest in-car tech. Nifty storage solutions add to its practicality, not to mention how agile and fast it feels getting behind the wheel. The sportiest version goes from standstill to 60mph in a scant 3.7 seconds – enough time to embarrass the Mustang Mach 1. The travel range is also decent, approximating 300 miles on a full charge.
6 Top Rated Offroad SUV: 2022 Ford Bronco Raptor
The Ford Bronco Raptor dared to challenge the Jeep Wrangler as the undisputed off-road king, and that it did. It is as badass as everyone expected it to be. The Raptor is not only off-road capable but also nicely composed for on-road driving.
The 418-hp 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine produces enough power to blast past traffic and attack a lonely dirt road. The interior is practical and spacious enough to accommodate five passengers. It also features removable doors and roof for extreme off-road fun.
5 Top Rated Midsize SUV: 2022 Kia Telluride
The Kia Telluride is now in its third year of production. It continues to lead other SUVs in its class, thanks to its exceptional ride comfort, upscaled interior, and roomy cabin, among other standard features.
The top SX trim comes with rare and luxurious features like ventilated second-row seats and ambient lighting. The Telluride gets energized by a thirsty but potent V6 engine that churns out 291-hp and 262-lb-ft of torque. While the above features make it a competitive midsize SUV, the value proposition makes the Kia Telluride our best-ranked SUV.
4 Top Rated Midsize Car: 2022 Honda Accord
The 2022 Honda accord might look like your ordinary sedan, but driving it is a true revelation of its class. It has repeatedly proved to be the front-runner for drivers looking for a well-rounded midsize sedan.
The current model carries on the car's impressive refinement, practicality, comfort, and fuel efficiency. Honda offers two engine options, a 192-hp 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and a powerful 252-hp 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine. A hybrid unit is also available, consisting of two electric motors and a four-pot gasoline engine.
3 Top Rated Muscle Car: 2022 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
We picked the CamaroZL1 as our best muscle car, not because it's the most powerful but because it is unbeatable regarding driver engagement. The Camaro ZL1 is a racetrack-ready muscle car, thanks to the fire-breathing supercharged V8 engine.
Gearheads will love that the Camaro ZL1 comes with a standard six-speed manual transmission, but an optional 10-speed automatic transmission is available. Regardless, the V8 engine lays down some insane performance figures, getting from 0 to 60mph in 3.5 seconds. The cabin is sleek and high-tech, but it's not particularly practical.
2 Top Rated Sports Sedan: Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing
Cadillac has been producing fast and sporty sedans for over a decade, but none is as impressive as this CT5-V Blackwing. It is a blend of power, comfort, and exceptional handling. It features adjustable suspension, which Cadillac claims to be the world's fastest-reacting suspension technology.
The Blackwing gets its juice from a top-of-the-range hand-built 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine cranking out 668 hp and 659 lb-ft of torque (Cadillac's highest engine output) sent to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual transmission or an optional 10-speed automatic transmission. This makes it a worthy competitor to the likes of the BMW M5 and the Mercedes-AMG E63, but the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing comes out on top because it's more affordable.
1 Top Rated Luxury SUV: Genesis GV80
The GV80 is Genesis' first effort at producing an SUV, and surprisingly, it got off to a flying start. It features a striking design and loads of luxurious amenities at a price that undercuts its German adversaries.
The GV80's appeal extends to its performance as it is powered by either a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine or a more powerful 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine. The latter propels the GV80 from 0-60mph in 5.3 seconds.