Consumer Reports has released its highly anticipated top picks for the Best 2025 Cars, highlighting vehicles that excel in reliability, safety, and overall owner satisfaction without breaking the bank. In a market where the average new car price hovers around $48,641, these selections offer consumers smart choices that prioritize value and quality.
“You don’t have to spend that much to get a car that’s going to be safe and reliable and enjoyable to own,” notes Alex Knizek, associate director of auto test development for Consumer Reports. This year’s list emphasizes the increasing prominence of hybrid vehicles, featuring them in six out of ten categories, including plug-in hybrid options. Hybrids are praised for their fuel efficiency, quiet cabins, and responsive performance, bridging the gap between traditional gasoline engines and fully electric vehicles.
Consumer Reports’ rigorous testing process involves purchasing vehicles anonymously and subjecting them to over 50 tests after a 2,000-mile break-in period. Their rankings also incorporate reliability and owner satisfaction surveys from their extensive member base, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation.
Top Small Car: Nissan Sentra
The Nissan Sentra stands out as a top small car choice, offering a surprisingly spacious interior, agile handling, and impressive fuel economy. Consumer Reports highlights its inclusion of more standard active safety features compared to some pricier competitors, making it a smart choice for budget-conscious buyers seeking safety and practicality in a compact sedan.
Top Subcompact SUV: Subaru Crosstrek
For those seeking a versatile and adventurous subcompact SUV, the Subaru Crosstrek earns top honors. Its combination of good fuel economy, generous ground clearance, and standard all-wheel drive makes it equally adept at navigating city streets and exploring off-road trails. Consumer Reports praises its user-friendly controls and comfortable seating in both rows, with higher trims offering a more powerful 182-hp engine for enhanced performance.
Top Compact SUV: Subaru Forester
The redesigned 2025 Subaru Forester continues its reign as a top compact SUV, marking its 12th consecutive year on Consumer Reports’ Top Picks list. The latest model boasts a quieter cabin and increased cargo space, further enhancing its practicality. Its excellent visibility, fuel efficiency, and standard all-wheel drive system solidify its position as a reliable and family-friendly SUV.
Top Midsized Car: Toyota Camry
Completely redesigned for 2025 and now exclusively offered as a hybrid, the Toyota Camry remains a top midsized car choice. Consumer Reports describes it as “comfortable, practical, and user-friendly,” highlighting its smooth ride and sharp handling. The Camry’s reputation for reliability combined with its updated hybrid powertrain makes it a compelling option in the competitive sedan market.
Top Small Pickup: Ford Maverick/Maverick Hybrid
The Ford Maverick and Maverick Hybrid earn their spot as the top small pickup due to their affordability, well-designed interior, and easy maneuverability. While the standard turbocharged four-cylinder engine offers good performance, the hybrid version truly shines with its exceptional fuel economy, achieving 37 mpg in Consumer Reports’ testing. This truck offers a unique blend of car-like driving dynamics and truck utility.
Top Fuel-Efficient SUV: Toyota RAV4 PHEV
For maximum fuel efficiency in an SUV, the Toyota RAV4 PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) is Consumer Reports’ top pick. Outperforming other RAV4 models, the PHEV boasts impressive acceleration and an electric range of up to 42 miles. Knizek points out plug-in hybrids as an excellent stepping stone for those considering full electrification, offering a balance of electric driving and gasoline engine backup.
Top Midsized SUV: Toyota Highlander Hybrid
The Toyota Highlander Hybrid excels as a top midsized SUV, offering a winning combination of fuel economy, three-row seating, and standard all-wheel drive. Achieving 35 mpg in Consumer Reports’ tests, the Highlander Hybrid is praised for its versatility, comfortable rear seats, smooth ride, responsive handling, and extensive suite of safety features, making it an ideal family SUV.
Top Electric Vehicle: Tesla Model Y
The Tesla Model Y secures its position as the top electric vehicle, favored for its practical hatchback design and exhilarating performance. Consumer Reports highlights its “otherworldly” acceleration and modern design, along with improved reliability compared to previous years. Knizek emphasizes Tesla’s refined manufacturing process for the Model Y, resulting in a dependable EV choice.
Top Luxury Compact SUV: Lexus NX350h/450h+
In the luxury compact SUV category, the Lexus NX350h and NX450h+ hybrids stand out for their plush interiors, user-friendly infotainment system, and refined driving experience. Offering a balance of comfort and agility, these Lexus SUVs deliver a composed ride and efficient performance. The NX350h hybrid achieves 38 mpg, while the NX450h+ plug-in hybrid provides a 37-mile electric range.
Top Luxury Midsized SUV: BMW X5/X5 PHEV
Crowning the luxury midsized SUV segment are the BMW X5 and X5 PHEV. Praised for their exceptionally quiet cabins, richly appointed interiors, and supportive seats, these SUVs offer a premium driving experience. The base X5 delivers swift acceleration and 23 mpg, while the plug-in hybrid variant provides up to 39 miles of electric range, blending performance with efficiency in a luxurious package.
Consumer Reports’ top picks for the best 2025 cars demonstrate that consumers can find reliable, safe, and enjoyable vehicles across various categories without exceeding their budget. With a strong showing from hybrid models, the automotive landscape is evolving to offer more fuel-efficient and technologically advanced options. For detailed reviews and further information, visit ConsumerReports.org.
