Cars.com automotive experts lauded the 2023 Niro for retaining the best features of its first-generation model while implementing practical and stylish upgrades, including improved efficiency, new LED running lights and customizable rear quarter accent panels.
“With mounting consumer interest in battery-powered cars, we named the Kia Niro — with its EV, plug-in hybrid and EV versions — as our Best Car of 2023,” said Jenni Newman, Cars.com editor-in-chief. “The Niro boasts impressive versatility, style, comfort and value, but it was the hybrid version of this hatchback that really wowed our judges. Overall, it leads an impressive pack of winners this year, including the Jeep Grand Cherokee as our first-ever Best SUV and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 as our Best EV. All of our winners represent the very best in their respective categories and signal to shoppers where to begin their search.”
| Cars.com’s Best Of Awards2023 Winners | |
| Vehicle Category | Winner |
| Best Car | Kia Niro |
| Best Pickup Truck | Ford Maverick |
| Best Electric Vehicle | Hyundai Ioniq 5 |
| Best SUV | Jeep Grand Cherokee |
| Best Luxury Car | Genesis G90 |
| Best Family Car | Kia Carnival |
Competition Brings out the Best in Value and Options
Emerging brands are driving innovation and value for the money among other new entrants and legacy automakers alike, and consumers are answering with growing demand for high quality delivered at even higher value. Two of this year’s six Best Of winners — the Kia Niro and Ford Maverick — were also named to Cars.com’s first-ever Affordability Report, published in January. As a steady stream of new electric models roll off the line and into the market, all stacked with the latest technological conveniences (plus some fun bells and whistles), it will continue to add pressure on manufacturers to exceed shoppers’ expectations of what an EV ownership experience can provide.
Car shoppers who want to take advantage of Cars.com’s Best of 2023 award-winning roster will find a plethora of these vehicles available from their local dealership on Cars.com. When searching, look for the “Best of 2023” badging displayed on a vehicle’s profile. Shoppers can also find an extensive library of helpful information and tools including expert reviews, side-by-side comparisons, vehicle price history, financing, payment calculators, trade-in offers, area dealers and much more. Before a shopper sets foot on a dealer lot, they can find all the education and resources they need to prepare them for a seamless car-buying experience.
Award Methodology
When determining the Best Car award winner, Cars.com experts consider three key criteria: quality, innovation and value. The Cars.com’s marketplace Best Of awards program includes six different categories: Best Car, Best SUV, Best Pickup Truck, Best Family Car, Best Luxury Car and Best Electric Vehicle. Cars.com’s experts consider all model-year 2023 vehicles in a corresponding category for these six awards.