U.S. News & World Report Identifies the 9 Best Cars to Buy Now

WASHINGTON, Aug. 9, 2017; U.S. News & World Report, today unveiled August's list of the Best Cars to Buy Now. Automakers are offering some significant incentives on new cars in an effort to jumpstart lagging sales. However, just because a car has a big discount doesn't necessarily mean it's a good buy. U.S. News Best Cars has identified nine cars, SUVs and trucks that not only offer hefty savings, but are also a pleasure to own.

August 2017: The Best Cars to Buy Now

Model	U.S. News Best Cars Rankings Score (Out of 10)	Available Deal
Lexus RC	8.6	Buy with 1.9 percent financing for 60 months
Chevrolet Sonic	8.6	Lease for $219 per month for 39 months with $2,149 down; Buy with 0 percent financing for 60 months
Hyundai Sonata	8.8	Buy with 0 percent financing for 60 months or $6,750 cash back
Volvo XC90	8.6	Lease for $555 per month for 39 months with $4,655 down
Nissan Murano	8.5	Lease for $239 per month for 36 months with $2,689 down; Buy with 0 percent financing for 72 months or $3,000 cash back
Toyota Avalon	9	Buy with 0 percent financing for up to 72 months or $3,000 cash back
Kia Sorento	8.7	Buy with 0 percent financing for 66 months or $3,000 cash back
GMC Canyon	8.7	Lease for $249 per month for 24 months with $4,569 down; Buy with 0 percent financing for 60 months
Chevrolet Tahoe	8.4	Lease for $549 per month for 39 months with $3,969 down; Buy with 2.9 percent financing for 60 months or $1,500 cash back

"You don't have to drive a bad car to get a good deal," says Matt Rand, analyst for the U.S. News Best Cars rankings. "The Best Cars to Buy Now list highlights cars that receive good reviews and have excellent financing or leasing incentives that save you money."

To be included on August's list of the Best Cars to Buy Now, a car has to meet three criteria: declining sales, strong manufacturer incentives and excellent scores in the U.S. News Best Cars rankings. Collectively, the cars on the list have an average year-over-year sales decline of more than 22 percent, which is well over the roughly 4 percent sales decline the industry as a whole has seen so far in 2017. The Best Cars to Buy Now list also takes advantage of rising incentive spending, with low interest rates and cash back offers. Finally, all cars on the list have an overall score of at least 8.4 (out of 10) in the rankings.

Deals listed are from manufacturers' sites using representative ZIP codes. Deals may vary depending on location, the buyer's credit score and other factors. Deals are valid through August 31, 2017, according to manufacturers' sites. In some cases, they extend to September 5, 2017.

Since 2007, U.S. News Best Cars, the automotive channel of U.S. News & World Report, has published rankings of the majority of new vehicles sold in America. Each year, U.S. News also publishes the Best Cars awards, including Best Vehicle Brands, Best Cars for the Money and Best Cars for Families. U.S. News Best Cars had over 65 million visitors over the past year, with the majority actively shopping for a car. Eighty percent of active shoppers reported that the U.S. News Best Cars site influenced their car purchasing decision.