10 Best Cars Of 2025: Expert Reviews And Tests
With more than 260 models to choose from and costs going up because of inflation, it can be hard to pick the correct car. Find out our top 10 options for 2025 that have been examined by experts. They all have great performance, safety, and value in popular areas.
Introduction to 2025's Top Picks
To choose the best cars for 2025, we tested them thoroughly for performance, safety, reliability, and owner happiness. Each winner had great performance in road tests and comes with innovative safety features including automated emergency braking systems.
This year's selection of cars offers a great mix of traditional, hybrid, and electric vehicles, which shows how quickly the auto industry is changing. Some of the most important developments are better fuel economy across the board and better basic safety features. These cars are great deals for customers.
1. Small Car: Nissan Sentra
The 2025 Nissan Sentra shows that you don't have to pay a lot for a great car. This small sedan is a great deal since it has basic safety features, a smooth ride, and great gas mileage—32 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the interstate. It starts at less than $25,000.
The inside is better than expected for its class, with easy-to-use controls and unexpectedly roomy amenities. The new three-year maintenance plan provides a lot of value, and purchasers may personalize their experience without spending a lot of money on additions like leather seats and high-end audio systems.
2. Midsized Car: Toyota Camry
The new 2025 Camry from Toyota is a big step forward for midsize sedans. The switch to an all-hybrid lineup gives the car a great 48 mpg combined fuel economy while keeping the model's well-known comfort and reliability.
The new powerplant has 17 more horsepower than the old one, which makes acceleration more responsive without sacrificing efficiency. The Camry's attractiveness grows in areas with bad weather because all trim levels come with all-wheel drive.
3. Subcompact SUV: Subaru Crosstrek
The Subaru Crosstrek is still the best subcompact SUV because it can accomplish both city and outdoor tasks well. It can handle both city streets and unpaved roads just as well because it has standard all-wheel drive and 8.7 inches of ground clearance.
The new 182-hp engine, which is now standard on most trims, gives you enough power for both your everyday commute and weekend escapades. The 2025 model is an even better pick in its class because it has better EyeSight safety features and better inside finishes.
4. Compact SUV: Subaru Forester
The 2025 Forester is a fully new car that builds on the strengths of the previous model. The car now gets 29 miles per gallon combined, and the interior spaciousness is still the best in its class, with better soundproofing and high-quality materials throughout the cabin.
The improved powertrain gives you more torque for better performance in the real world, while yet keeping Subaru's reputation for being able to handle any conditions. The new technology includes a better infotainment system and more driver aid functions.
5. Fuel-Efficient SUV: Toyota RAV4 PHEV
The RAV4 PHEV has great performance and is quite efficient at the same time. The hybrid system with 302 horsepower lets the car go from 0 to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds and gives it a range of 42 miles on electric power alone for regular driving.
Owners can fully charge their cars in about 2.5 hours with a Level 2 charger, which makes it useful for both short and long travels. It stands out in the compact SUV class because it has better ride quality and standard safety equipment.
6. Midsized SUV: Toyota Highlander Hybrid
The Highlander Hybrid is different since it has three rows of seats and gets good gas mileage for a small SUV. With a combined rating of 35 mpg and a range of 600 miles, it's perfect for family road trips. Plus, basic all-wheel drive means it can handle any weather.
The interior is still very comfortable, and in 2025 it will have better materials and technology. The third row may fit an adult from time to time, and the baggage space is big enough for busy families.
7. Luxury Compact SUV: Lexus NX350h and NX450h+
In the luxury small SUV market, Lexus has two great hybrid choices. The NX350h gets 38 miles per gallon combined, while the plug-in NX450h+ gets 37 miles of electric range and 35 miles per gallon in hybrid mode.
Both variants have high-quality materials inside and cutting-edge technology, like a better infotainment system. Ride quality strikes a good balance between comfort and handling, which is what people want from a luxury car.
8. Luxury Midsized SUV: BMW X5 and X5 PHEV
The BMW X5 is a great example of a premium SUV since it combines performance and style. The basic model gets 23 miles per gallon combined, and the PHEV version has a range of 39 miles on electric power for local driving.
The quality of the interior is top-notch, with high-end materials and cutting-edge technology throughout. The handling is still athletic, and the ride is still comfortable, so it's a great choice for people who want a luxury SUV.
9. Electric Vehicle: Tesla Model Y
The Tesla Model Y is still the best electric SUV on the market since it has great range and performance. The updated 2025 model has better ride comfort and less cabin noise, but it still has the same great acceleration and handling as the previous model.
The simple interior has a big center display that controls most of the functions, however some people could find this distracting. Being able to use Tesla's huge Supercharger network is still a big plus for long-distance trips.
10. Small Pickup: Ford Maverick and Maverick Hybrid
The Ford Maverick changes the game for small pickups with its powerful engines and useful design. The hybrid gets an impressive 37 miles per gallon combined, and the turbocharged version has 250 horsepower for tougher jobs.
The new all-wheel-drive hybrid technology makes the car more appealing in northern areas starting in 2025. The inside area is nonetheless excellent for its size, with smart storage options and strong materials used throughout.
