At Planet Ford in Spring, TX (serving The Woodlands, Conroe, greater Houston) Ford is always our top pick and it is for our clients too, especially our Ford trucks. Now, Consumer Reports’ (CR) latest rankings has it in their 2026 Top 10 Picks and its first-ever Safety Verdict rankings.

Built Ford Tough Performance. The inclusion of the Ford F-150 marks the first time a full-size truck has made the list since 2019. That is thanks to improvements in predicted reliability, 3.5-liter PowerBoost hybrid performance and available BlueCruise. Plus, it was a stand out for its strong powertrains, roomy cabin, and simple controls.
Leader of the Pack! The Ford Maverick continues to lead the small pickup category. It was noted for its affordability, reliability, smooth ride, and the impressive 37 mpg overall from Maverick hybrid.

These wins solidify Ford’s reputation for trucks that balance utility with efficiency.
Power Up Your Safety. Consumer Reports also shared its new Safety Verdict rankings, which incorporate their evaluations for handling and ease of use, crash test results from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, and whether proven safety technologies are available as standard equipment. Visit CR to learn more, including how Ford’s sister brand, Lincoln earned their own great rankings!
Our sister store, Planet Lincoln on I-45 in Spring is loving the Consumer Reports rankings as well. The publication identified Lincoln as a top safety leader — ranking 4th overall and beating brands like Toyota, Honda, and Volvo by making advanced safety tech standard.
“It’s encouraging to see F-150 and Maverick earning two spots among Consumer Reports’ Top 10 Picks in New Cars, plus Lincoln ranking fourth in the new Safety Verdict rankings,” saidJosh Haliburton, Ford Executive Director of Quality. “Combined with Ford earning our best reliability finish in 15 years this past fall in Consumer Reports’ Reliability Rankings, these milestones show we are moving in the right direction. However, we aren’t resting on these achievements. We remain laser-focused on improving quality for our customers in every vehicle we assemble.”
Ready for to make Ford your top pick, too? Visit us on 204031 I-45 N. in Spring or PlanetFord45.com.
Source: https://www.fromtheroad.ford.com/us/en/articles/2026/consumer-reports-2026-top-10-picks-ford-lincoln