Consumer Reports has released its highly anticipated top picks, revealing that you don’t need to break the bank to drive away in one of the Best New Cars on the market. In a climate where the average new car price in the U.S. has climbed to $48,641 this past January, marking a 1.3% increase year-over-year according to Kelley Blue Book, Consumer Reports’ latest list offers a refreshing perspective. Their expert evaluations spotlight several 2025 model-year vehicles that promise exceptional quality without the premium price tag, with some of the most accessible options starting at a suggested retail price of just $21,590.
According to Alex Knizek, associate director of auto test development for Consumer Reports, a renowned organization dedicated to research, testing, and consumer advocacy, “You don’t have to spend that much to get a car that’s going to be safe and reliable and enjoyable to own.” This year’s top picks also reinforce an ongoing trend in the automotive industry: the rise of hybrid vehicles. Hybrids dominate Consumer Reports’ 2025 list, securing spots in six out of ten categories, including an impressive three plug-in hybrid models.
Knizek notes that the impressive performance of hybrids in their rigorous testing is due to their inherent reliability, superior fuel economy, quiet and comfortable cabins, and responsive acceleration. While hybrid models have historically carried a higher price tag than their gasoline-powered counterparts, the price difference has significantly diminished in recent years, making them an increasingly appealing option. “It tends to be a no-compromise solution,” he explains.
Consumer Reports’ prestigious list is the culmination of extensive annual testing, encompassing approximately 50 new vehicles each year. These vehicles are purchased anonymously from dealerships and subjected to over 50 individual tests after a 2,000-mile break-in period. Furthermore, reliability and owner satisfaction surveys from Consumer Reports members are integral to their comprehensive analysis.
Considering buying out of state? Exploring options beyond your local dealership can sometimes lead to finding your dream car, as highlighted in discussions about out-of-state car purchases.
Top Small Car: Nissan Sentra
Alt text: The Nissan Sentra, recognized as a top small car, offers a spacious cabin and advanced safety features.
The Nissan Sentra stands out in the small car category for offering a surprisingly spacious cabin, agile handling, and commendable fuel economy. Consumer Reports emphasizes that it also comes equipped with a more comprehensive suite of standard active safety features compared to some of its more expensive competitors, making it one of the best new cars in its class for value and safety.
Top Subcompact SUV: Subaru Crosstrek
Alt text: The Subaru Crosstrek subcompact SUV, a top pick known for its fuel efficiency and all-wheel drive capability.
The Subaru Crosstrek earns its place as a top subcompact SUV due to its impressive fuel economy, generous ground clearance, and standard all-wheel drive. These features make it exceptionally versatile, equally at home navigating city streets and exploring off-road trails. Consumer Reports highlights the SUV’s user-friendly controls and comfortable seating in both the front and rear. While the base trim features a 152-hp engine, all other trims boast a more powerful 182-hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering enhanced performance. For those seeking the best new cars for adventure and practicality, the Crosstrek is a strong contender.
Top Compact SUV: Subaru Forester
Alt text: The Subaru Forester compact SUV, recognized for its spacious cargo area and quiet cabin after its 2025 redesign.
The 2025 Subaru Forester is lauded by Consumer Reports as a supremely practical compact SUV, especially following its recent redesign. The updated model boasts a quieter cabin and increased cargo space compared to its predecessor. Its excellent visibility, fuel efficiency, and standard all-wheel drive have solidified its position on Consumer Reports’ Top Picks list for an impressive 12 consecutive years, making it consistently one of the best new cars in the competitive compact SUV segment.
Top Midsized Car: Toyota Camry
Alt text: The Toyota Camry midsized car, redesigned for 2025 and praised for its comfortable ride and user-friendly design.
Redesigned for 2025, the Toyota Camry is celebrated by Consumer Reports as a “comfortable, practical, and user-friendly” midsized sedan. Now exclusively offered as a hybrid, the Camry delivers a smooth and refined ride with responsive handling. Its long-standing reputation for reliability and efficiency makes it a perennial favorite and one of the best new cars for families and commuters alike.
Top Small Pickup: Ford Maverick/Maverick Hybrid
Alt text: The Ford Maverick small pickup truck, a top pick for its affordability, maneuverability, and available hybrid model.
The Ford Maverick earns its place on this year’s list thanks to its appealing price point, well-designed interior, and exceptional maneuverability. While the standard model’s 250-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine offers spirited performance, Consumer Reports highlights the 191-hp hybrid version as the “real draw,” achieving an impressive 37 mpg in their tests. Knizek points out the unique appeal of the Maverick: “Pickups often have poor fuel economy, but this one is more reasonably sized. It drives kind of like a car, but then you have that bed on the back. It’s a unique vehicle on the marketplace, and it shows.” For those seeking the versatility of a truck with car-like efficiency, the Maverick is undoubtedly one of the best new cars.
Top Fuel-Efficient SUV: Toyota RAV4 Prime (PHEV)
Alt text: The Toyota RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid SUV, recognized as the most fuel-efficient SUV and a top performer in its class.
Consumer Reports designates the Toyota RAV4 Prime, the plug-in hybrid variant, as the top fuel-efficient SUV, outperforming other models in the RAV4 lineup. In their testing, this compact plug-in hybrid SUV accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just over six seconds and boasts an electric range of up to 42 miles. As one of three plug-in hybrids on this year’s top picks list, Knizek considers these vehicles “a solid option” for those contemplating electric vehicles but not yet ready for a full commitment. For drivers prioritizing fuel economy and performance in an SUV, the RAV4 Prime is among the best new cars available.
Top Midsized SUV: Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Alt text: The Toyota Highlander Hybrid midsized SUV, a top choice for fuel economy in its class, offering three-row seating and all-wheel drive.
The Toyota Highlander Hybrid earns recognition from Consumer Reports for its exceptional fuel economy, three-row seating capacity, and standard all-wheel drive. Achieving 35 mpg in Consumer Reports’ tests, it’s described as a “smart, versatile vehicle” with comfortable rear seats, a smooth ride, responsive handling, and a wealth of safety features. For families needing space and efficiency, the Highlander Hybrid is one of the best new cars in the midsized SUV category.
Top Electric Vehicle: Tesla Model Y
Alt text: The Tesla Model Y electric vehicle, a top EV pick praised for its hatchback practicality and improved reliability.
The Tesla Model Y distinguishes itself from other Tesla models with its practical hatchback body style, earning it the top spot in the electric vehicle category. Consumer Reports describes it as both practical and exhilarating, offering “otherworldly” acceleration and a distinctly modern aesthetic. While the Model Y has been featured on Consumer Reports’ top picks list previously, its improved reliability has been a key factor in its return to the roundup this year. Knizek comments, “It’s above average compared to other electric vehicles, and year after year it shows Tesla has the manufacturing process down on this vehicle. It’s a dependable vehicle for people time and time again.” For those venturing into the EV market, the Model Y is considered one of the best new cars in the electric segment.
Top Luxury Compact SUV: Lexus NX350h/450h+
Alt text: The Lexus NX luxury compact SUV, offering both hybrid and plug-in hybrid models with plush interiors and advanced technology.
The Lexus NX350h/450h+ excels in the luxury compact SUV category, offering plush seating and a straightforward infotainment system. Consumer Reports notes its “refined but firm” ride, coupled with responsive steering and capable handling. The NX350h, the traditional hybrid model, achieved 38 mpg in testing, while the NX450h+, the plug-in hybrid, offers a 37-mile electric-only range and 35 mpg on gasoline alone. For those seeking luxury and efficiency, the Lexus NX models are among the best new cars in the luxury compact SUV class.
Top Luxury Midsized SUV: BMW X5/X5 PHEV
Alt text: The BMW X5 luxury midsized SUV, available in both standard and plug-in hybrid versions, known for its quiet cabin and powerful performance.
The BMW X5 and X5 PHEV models are recognized as top luxury midsized SUVs, offering swift acceleration and 23 mpg for the base X5 in Consumer Reports’ testing. The plug-in hybrid variant extends the electric-only range to 39 miles and achieves 21 mpg once the battery is depleted. Consumer Reports highlights these SUVs as “exceptionally quiet” with richly appointed cabins and supportive seats. Starting at $66,300 for the base X5 sDrive40i and X5 xDrive40i, and $73,800 for the X5 xDrive50e plug-in hybrid, the BMW X5 lineup represents the pinnacle of luxury and performance, solidifying their place among the best new cars in the luxury SUV market.
(This story has been updated with more information.)
