From safe sedans to practical SUVs, these are the new cars that balance crash protection, reliability, and affordability for first-time drivers

From a Kia K5 with a wide low-cut trunk to a Palisade Hybrid with lane-centering assist and 34 mpg across eight seats

From a Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro with seat-mounted shocks to a Rivian R1T that fords 43 inches of water on electric power

From a fully redesigned Hyundai Palisade with the list's top reliability score to a BMW X7 with first-rate materials and a sub-six-second sprint

From a debut Hyundai Ioniq 9 with a perfect safety score to a Tesla Cybertruck with Top Safety Pick+ and five NHTSA stars