The Five Remaining Pick10 Inductees: Part 2

Surprise, they’re all Japanese.

Welcome to Day 2 of announcing our Pick10 winners. If you’ve seen Day 1, then you understand that every model embossed with a checkmark is on this list for a reason. Longevity is the buzzword if you wish to keep your car for years to come, and these prove it.

Looking forward to the next five, you’ll see that three come from a struggling, but prolific, automaker that listens to its buyers and is all the better for it. There’s also a surprise Subaru and a normcore automobile that has been spruced up for 2025. Let’s dive into why they’re here.

Pick10 — Nissan Frontier

Pickup trucks have grown too big, too complicated, and too expensive as of late. They used to be simple, utilitarian tools designed to get you and your things from point A to B without breaking a sweat. Nowadays, that’s rare to find.

Rare but not impossible, which is why the Nissan Frontier makes the cut. It doesn’t bring any flash nor excess, yet it matches—or exceeds—the hauling numbers that its competition brings to the table. All without going crazy with the gimmicks.

No hybrid here, a tried-and-true 3.8-liter V-6 delivers ample power without the need of electrical assist. That’s connected to a 9-speed transmission for ample acceleration. While it won’t get the mileage of the Toyota Tacoma, you’ll come to find out that remains one of its few flaws.

Pick10 — Nissan Sentra

The Nissan Sentra is maybe the most surprising entrant on this list. Socio-economic conditions dictate its current greatness as it becomes one of the cheapest new cars you can buy in 2026.

That doesn’t mean just because you’re on a budget, that you have to make sacrifices. The Sentra received a overhaul more radical than the Zohran Mamdani, both refreshing and a little polarizing but mostly good. You get an upscale cabin and lavish amenities to boot. All for a price that barely knocks the door of $30,000.

Part of why it’s cheaper than Toyota’s Corolla or the Honda Civic is under the skin. The 2.0-liter inline-4 remains, making exactly the same 149 horsepower as before. That’s connected a rubber band transmission, which we know better as a CVT. It’s better tuned than before, but let’s be honest. You’re not buying an econobox for the thrills. You buy it for anything but.

To that end, the Sentra plays to its strengths, now to a greater degree. And that’s what makes it a winner.

Pick10 — Nissan Z

Sports cars are a rare find new. So it’s odd to witness a model like the Nissan Z see a boost in sales like it did in 2025. Unlike the Toyota Supra, the Z intends to stick around for the near future.

Aiding that bet is the addition of a manual transmission to the Nismo variant, much to the outcry of its fans who pleaded for one after it was initially launched with an automatic only. Now you have both gearboxes to choose from for 2026. A refresh for 2027 fuels greater enthusiasm for the Fairlady, which I’ll write about soon.

But why? Is it the 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 that makes 400 horsepower and goes like stink? Or is it the comfortable bucket seats? Or the rev-match system to better train novices who wish to learn how to drive manual?

How about all of the above. That’s what makes the Nissan Z a winner and worth keeping for years to come.

Pick10 — Subaru Crosstrek

I don’t know about you but the Subaru Crosstrek is the vehicle that surprised me the most in recent years. The first thing I noticed about the redesigned Crosstrek (new for 2024) is how comfortably supportive the seats are. From there, it was positive after positive after positive. For 2026, Subaru made key changes that elevates the Crosstrek to greatness.

Beyond the seats, the less powerful motor is gone. The 2.5-liter engine that’s in all Crosstreks mean it’s no longer a snail. The addition of a hybrid setup for 2026 gives it more pep in its step while delivering globs more fuel economy. How good? Subaru claims nearly 600 miles on a full tank.

On the other end of the spectrum, there’s a Wilderness model geared for the more outdoorsy folks. That includes a higher ground clearance and enough features to keep you off the grid for a few days.

For all of its merits, if you can get past the somewhat archaic touchscreen, it’s worth a look.

Pick10 — Toyota Camry

What hasn’t been said about the Toyota Camry? Its reputation for reliability and ability to transport its occupants in unequivocal comfort is unmatched for the price this side of a Lexus.

I will add an unlikely trait: Superb chassis. No seriously. Since the Camry was redesigned for 2025, it has been a stonker to drive. A hybrid-only powertrain delivers that jump off the line in either front-wheel or all-wheels driven. Plus the added benefit of fuel economy that sees mileage hover in the forties and fifties. Well-tuned suspension dampening means the Camry never loses out on its trademark plush ride.

A generous roster of amenities encompassing a dual-pane sunroof and red leather seats make it hard to justify buying a Lexus. For that reason alone, the Toyota Camry made the final cut for 2026.

Closing thoughts? At least a couple of these models are controversial. The fact remains, each of these cultivated a following based on traits that make every car worth keeping. As Sped grows, so will the criteria for what will make the Pick10 roster next year.

Right now, we’re walking before we can run.

-TA