Edmunds, the American automotive resource, named Tesla Model 3 its 2026 ‘Top Rated Electric Car’ for the second consecutive year on Wednesday.
The company also announced its top titles for several other vehicles across different categories, including the ‘Best of the Best 2026’ accolade for the Hyundai Palisade Hybrid.
With an Edmunds rating of 8.1 out of 10 and a tested range of 338 miles, the model from the Elon Musk-led company was called it “the best value electric car you can buy.”
“This is the best Model 3 yet. It is impressively well-rounded thanks to improved build quality, ride comfort, and a compelling combination of efficiency, performance, and value,” Edmunds stated on its website.
Jonathan Elfalan, Edmunds’ director of vehicle testing, also praised the fully electric sedan’s well-rounded capabilities.
“The Model 3 offers just about the perfect combination of everything — speed, range, comfort, space, tech, accessibility, and convenience. It’s a no-brainer if you want a sensible EV,” he said.
The company tested the Long Range and Performance variants of the model, which “earned high marks.”
Tesla responded to the announcement on X, thanking the organization for recognizing the Model 3’s “second year in a row” achievement.
In announcing the “Top Rated Electric Car,” Edmunds also shared its two honorable mentions for the class: the 2026 Audi A6 Sportback E-tron and the 2026 BMW i5 luxury sedans.
For the first model, the resource highlighted the fact that it “blew its EPA-estimated range out of the water in the Edmunds EV Range Test (392 miles with an all-wheel-drive model),” adding that it was “a lot of fun to drive” and offered “an impressively smooth and quiet ride.”
Meanwhile, the BMW i5 was praised for its “whopping 321 miles in the Edmunds EV Range Test” and for its “compelling tech and pleasurable driving experience.”
Other Winners
According to the American automotive organization, the biggest winner was the Hyundai Palisade Hybrid three-row SUV, which was the recipient of the ‘Top Rated SUV’ award and also of the highest honour: ‘Best of the Best 2026.’
The Manager of Written Content at Edmunds Cameron Rogers credited the South Korean automaker for delivering a standout product:
“A true surprise from one of the most daring automakers in the game. From its impeccable design to the astounding set of features, the Palisade Hybrid leaves absolutely nothing on the table,” Rogers said.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 crossover SUV received the highest rating in the Electric SUV category.
Meanwhile, the Honda Civic Hybrid compact earned the ‘Top Rated Car’ title for the second year in a row.
The ‘Edmunds Top Rated Truck’ award was attributed to the Ford Maverick pickup truck, while the Rivian R1T midsize pickup truck was named the ‘Top Rated Electric Truck.’
Euro NCAP
The ‘Edmunds Top Rated Electric Car’ award was the latest received by the Tesla Model 3.
Safety-wise, Europe’s car safety agency Euro NCAP announced last month that the sedan achieved the highest safety scores in the ‘Large Family Car’ category, under its stricter 2025 testing protocol.
The Tesla Model 3 earned 359 of 400 possible points in the organization’s safety testing.
Scores included 90% for adult occupant protection, 93% for child occupant protection, 89% for pedestrian protection, and 87% for Safety Assist systems.
The US giant received another honor for its Model Y SUV, which was the winner in the ‘Small SUV’ class.
