Best new car values for the money

U.S. News and World Report puts together its list of Best Cars for the Money with a range of criteria. The magazine analyzes "every published, credible review of a given model" to establish consensus opinion, then it judges that against hard specs like cargo room, fuel economy, and reliability ratings. So instead of looking for the lowest price in a segment, the magazine looks for vehicles with excellent assessments and ownership experiences, as well as competitive pricing. Here's U.S. News' list, with Autoblog's take on the choices along with links to deeper coverage of each model:

Best Subcompact Car Value: Hyundai Accent

What Autoblog said: Remarkably well equipped for its size and surprisingly spacious inside, the engine gets a little buzzy when you wring it out but the four-cylinder is eager and gets the promised 40 miles per gallon on the highway.

Also check out: The Nissan Versa, which is a little nicer inside, and the Hyundai Venue, which is a little more expensive and stylish but offers a slightly better ride.

Best Compact Car Value: Kia Forte

What Autoblog said: Deserves more praise than it gets, with styling cribbed from the excellent Stinger GT sport sedan, excellent materials in the cabin, great gas mileage, and a stout warranty.

Also check out: The Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla are the twin stars the rest of the segment revolves around.

Best Midsize Car Value: Toyota Camry

What Autoblog said: After breaking free of its drab roots, the Camry found its personality just as almost all the competition disappeared. More stylish than ever, with a better interior, optional all-wheel drive, and a terrific hybrid option.

Also check out: The Mazda6 is hands-down the best-handling sedan in the segment, the Honda Accord does virtually everything well.

Best Large Car Value: Toyota Avalon

What Autoblog said: Surprisingly engaging, loads of space and comfort, cabin quality rivals real luxury brands. But you’ll have to act quickly – this one goes out of production at the end of 2022.

Also check out: There are only two real competitors left, the anonymous Nissan Maxima and gray-haired Chrysler 300.

Best Hybrid/Electric Value: Toyota Corolla Hybrid

What Autoblog said: No longer just an appliance, the best-selling nameplate in the world is a little more stylish, a little nicer inside, and a little more fun to drive. Borrowing the Prius powertrain makes it impressively quiet, and we beat the EPA-estimated 52 mpg combined without trying.

Also check out: The Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid, rated at 58 mpg combined.

Best Subcompact Crossover Value: Kia Soul