Consumer Reports has released its highly anticipated list of top picks for the best new cars of 2025, highlighting vehicles that excel in reliability, safety, and overall owner satisfaction. Importantly, their findings suggest that you don’t need to break the bank to get a top-quality vehicle.
While the average price of a new car in the United States hovers around $48,641, according to Kelley Blue Book, Consumer Reports’ latest list features several 2025 models that offer exceptional value, with starting MSRPs as low as $21,590.
“You absolutely don’t have to spend a fortune to drive a car that’s safe, dependable, and a pleasure to own,” states Alex Knizek, associate director of auto test development at Consumer Reports. This independent organization conducts rigorous research, testing, and advocacy to guide consumers.
A significant trend highlighted in Consumer Reports’ Best New Cars 2025 list is the rise of hybrid vehicles. Hybrids dominate six out of the ten categories this year, including three plug-in hybrid models. Knizek notes that their impressive reliability, fuel efficiency, quiet interiors, and quick acceleration contribute to their strong performance in Consumer Reports’ evaluations. While hybrids sometimes carry a higher price tag than their gasoline counterparts, the price difference has diminished, making them an increasingly attractive option.
“They really represent a solution without compromise for many drivers,” Knizek explains.
Consumer Reports’ annual top picks are the result of extensive testing of approximately 50 new vehicles each year. These vehicles are purchased anonymously and undergo over 50 tests after a 2,000-mile break-in period. Reliability and owner satisfaction data from Consumer Reports members are also incorporated into their comprehensive analysis.
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Top Consumer Reports Picks for Best New Cars 2025
Small Car: Nissan Sentra
The Nissan Sentra stands out in the small car category for its surprisingly spacious cabin, agile handling, and excellent fuel economy. Consumer Reports emphasizes that the Sentra also offers a generous suite of standard active safety features, often exceeding those found in more expensive competitors. This combination of practicality, efficiency, and safety makes the Nissan Sentra a top recommendation in the competitive small car segment for 2025.
Subcompact SUV: Subaru Crosstrek
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. Consumer Reports highlights its versatility, making it equally adept at navigating city streets and venturing onto more adventurous terrain. User-friendly controls and comfortable seating in both the front and rear further enhance the Crosstrek’s appeal. While the base trim features a 152-hp engine, higher trims boast a more powerful 182-hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, providing a more spirited driving experience.
Compact SUV: Subaru Forester
The redesigned 2025 Subaru Forester is lauded by Consumer Reports as an exceptionally practical compact SUV choice. The redesign brings significant improvements, including a quieter cabin and increased cargo space compared to previous models. For twelve consecutive years, the Forester has earned a spot on Consumer Reports’ Top Picks list, a testament to its excellent visibility, fuel efficiency, and standard all-wheel drive system, making it a consistently reliable and capable SUV in the competitive market.
Midsized Car: Toyota Camry
Completely redesigned for 2025, the Toyota Camry continues its reign as a top midsized car. Consumer Reports describes the new Camry, now exclusively offered as a hybrid, as comfortable, practical, and user-friendly. The 2025 Camry delivers a smooth ride with responsive handling, maintaining its reputation for reliability and efficiency while embracing a fully hybrid powertrain for enhanced fuel economy and reduced emissions.
Small Pickup: Ford Maverick/Maverick Hybrid
The Ford Maverick and Maverick Hybrid secure their place as Consumer Reports’ top small pickup choice due to their affordability, well-designed interior, and easy maneuverability. The Maverick provides decent passenger space, and while the standard 250-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine offers good performance, the 191-hp hybrid version is particularly appealing. The Maverick Hybrid impressed Consumer Reports with a remarkable 37 mpg in their real-world testing, making it a fuel-efficient and practical option in the pickup truck segment.
Knizek emphasizes the Maverick’s unique appeal: “Pickups are often known for poor fuel economy, but the Maverick is more reasonably sized and drives much like a car, while still offering the utility of a truck bed. It truly stands out in the current automotive market.”
Fuel-Efficient SUV: Toyota RAV4 Prime (PHEV)
For drivers prioritizing fuel efficiency in an SUV, the Toyota RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid (PHEV) is Consumer Reports’ top pick. This compact plug-in hybrid SUV outperforms other RAV4 models, delivering impressive acceleration, going from 0 to 60 mph in just over six seconds in Consumer Reports’ testing. It also boasts an electric range of up to 42 miles, making it ideal for daily commutes and shorter trips on electric power alone, further enhancing its fuel savings.
As one of three plug-in hybrids on this year’s top picks list, Knizek points out that PHEVs like the RAV4 Prime are “an excellent stepping stone for those considering electric vehicles but not yet ready to fully commit.”
Midsized SUV: Toyota Highlander Hybrid
The Toyota Highlander Hybrid is recognized by Consumer Reports as a top midsized SUV, offering a compelling combination of fuel economy, three-row seating, and standard all-wheel drive. Achieving 35 mpg in Consumer Reports’ tests, the Highlander Hybrid is praised as a “smart and versatile vehicle.” It features comfortable rear seats, a smooth and controlled ride, responsive handling, and a comprehensive suite of safety features, making it an excellent choice for families seeking a practical and efficient SUV.
Electric Vehicle: Tesla Model Y
The Tesla Model Y earns the coveted spot as Consumer Reports’ top electric vehicle pick. Its hatchback design gives it a practical edge over other Tesla models. Described as both practical and fun to drive, the Model Y offers exhilarating acceleration and a modern, minimalist aesthetic. Improved reliability has been a key factor in the Model Y’s return to the top picks list.
Knizek notes the Model Y’s improved reliability: “It’s now rated above average compared to other electric vehicles, demonstrating Tesla’s refined manufacturing process for this model. It’s consistently proven to be a dependable electric vehicle for owners.”
Luxury Compact SUV: Lexus NX350h/450h+
In the luxury compact SUV category, the Lexus NX350h and NX450h+ (plug-in hybrid) are Consumer Reports’ top selections. These SUVs offer luxurious and comfortable interiors with plush seating and an easy-to-use infotainment system. They provide a refined yet controlled ride with responsive steering and confident handling. The NX350h hybrid achieves an impressive 38 mpg in testing, while the NX450h+ plug-in hybrid offers a 37-mile electric-only range and 35 mpg when running on gasoline.
Luxury Midsized SUV: BMW X5/X5 PHEV
Rounding out Consumer Reports’ best new cars 2025 list in the luxury midsized SUV segment are the BMW X5 and X5 PHEV (plug-in hybrid). The base X5 delivers brisk acceleration and 23 mpg according to Consumer Reports, while the plug-in hybrid variant offers an electric-only range of up to 39 miles and 21 mpg once the battery is depleted. Both X5 models are noted for their exceptionally quiet cabins, richly appointed interiors, and supportive seats, providing a premium and comfortable driving experience.
- Starting MSRP: $66,300 for the X5 sDrive40i and X5 xDrive40i; $73,800 for the X5 xDrive50e plug-in hybrid; $90,850 for the X5 M60i; $127,200 for the X5 M Competition
(Updated for accuracy)
