Navigating the new car market can be daunting, especially with the average price of a new vehicle hovering near $50,000. For those seeking the Best New Cars without breaking the bank, Consumer Reports has released its highly anticipated top picks for 2025. This list emphasizes that you don’t need to pay a premium to get a vehicle that excels in reliability, safety, and overall owner satisfaction.
Consumer Reports, a trusted non-profit organization known for its rigorous testing and unbiased reviews, annually evaluates around 50 new vehicles. Their process involves purchasing cars anonymously and subjecting them to over 50 tests after a 2,000-mile break-in period. Crucially, their rankings also incorporate reliability and owner satisfaction data gathered from member surveys, offering a comprehensive view of vehicle performance and long-term ownership experience.
This year’s top picks highlight a significant trend in the automotive industry: the rise of hybrid vehicles. Hybrids dominate the list, securing spots in six out of the ten categories, including three plug-in hybrid models. Experts at Consumer Reports point to hybrids’ impressive reliability, fuel efficiency, quiet cabins, and responsive acceleration as key factors in their strong performance. While hybrids were once considerably more expensive than their gasoline counterparts, the price difference has narrowed, making them an increasingly attractive option for car buyers seeking the best new cars that balance performance and economy.
Here’s a category-by-category breakdown of Consumer Reports’ top picks for the best new cars in 2025:
Small Car: Nissan Sentra
The Nissan Sentra stands out in the small car category for its surprisingly spacious interior, agile handling, and commendable 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 looking for a reliable and safe small car.
Subcompact SUV: Subaru Crosstrek
For those seeking versatility in a compact package, the Subaru Crosstrek earns its place as a top subcompact SUV. Its combination of good fuel economy, generous ground clearance, and standard all-wheel drive makes it equally adept at navigating city streets and venturing onto more adventurous terrains. Consumer Reports praises its user-friendly controls and comfortable seating in both the front and rear. While the base trim’s engine is adequate, upgrading to higher trims unlocks a more powerful 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine for enhanced performance.
Compact SUV: Subaru Forester
The Subaru Forester continues its reign as a top pick in the compact SUV segment, securing a spot on Consumer Reports’ list for an impressive 12th consecutive year. The redesigned 2025 model boasts a quieter cabin and increased cargo space compared to previous iterations. Its excellent visibility, fuel efficiency, and standard all-wheel drive solidify its position as a practical and dependable choice for families and individuals alike seeking one of the best new cars in the SUV category.
Midsize Car: Toyota Camry
Completely redesigned for 2025, the Toyota Camry maintains its reputation for reliability and practicality as a top midsize car. Now exclusively offered as a hybrid, the Camry delivers a smooth and comfortable ride with responsive handling. Consumer Reports emphasizes its user-friendliness and overall refinement, making it a compelling option for those prioritizing comfort, efficiency, and proven dependability in their next sedan.
Small Pickup: Ford Maverick/Maverick Hybrid
Breaking the mold of traditional, gas-guzzling pickups, the Ford Maverick, particularly the hybrid version, earns accolades for its affordability, maneuverability, and car-like driving experience. Consumer Reports highlights its reasonable passenger space and notes that while the standard turbocharged engine is capable, the hybrid variant truly shines with its exceptional fuel economy, achieving 37 mpg in their testing. This unique blend of truck utility and fuel efficiency sets the Maverick apart in the market for best new cars in the pickup segment.
Fuel-Efficient SUV: Toyota RAV4 PHEV
For buyers prioritizing fuel efficiency without sacrificing SUV practicality, the Toyota RAV4 Prime (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) emerges as a top contender. Consumer Reports rates it as the highest-performing RAV4 in the lineup, citing its quick acceleration (0-60 mph in just over six seconds) and a useful electric range of up to 42 miles. As a plug-in hybrid, it offers a bridge for those considering electric vehicles, providing both electric driving capability and the reassurance of a gasoline engine for longer trips, making it one of the best new cars for eco-conscious drivers.
Midsize SUV: Toyota Highlander Hybrid
The Toyota Highlander Hybrid continues to impress as a versatile and fuel-efficient three-row SUV. Consumer Reports praises its excellent fuel economy (35 mpg in testing), standard all-wheel drive, comfortable rear seats, smooth ride, and responsive handling. Its comprehensive safety features and overall practicality make it a “smart and versatile vehicle” ideal for families needing space and efficiency in one of the best new cars in the midsize SUV category.
Electric Vehicle: Tesla Model Y
The Tesla Model Y distinguishes itself among electric vehicles with its practical hatchback design, offering more versatility than other Tesla models. Consumer Reports describes it as both practical and fun to drive, noting its “otherworldly” acceleration and modern design. Improved reliability ratings have solidified its place on this year’s top picks list, demonstrating Tesla’s advancements in manufacturing consistency and making the Model Y a dependable choice in the growing EV market for the best new cars.
Luxury Compact SUV: Lexus NX350h/450h+
In the luxury compact SUV segment, the Lexus NX Hybrid (both the NX350h traditional hybrid and NX450h+ plug-in hybrid) stands out for its refined driving experience, comfortable and upscale interior, and user-friendly technology. Consumer Reports highlights its plush seats, straightforward infotainment system, and a ride that balances refinement with responsive handling. Excellent fuel economy in both hybrid versions further enhances its appeal as a top luxury compact SUV.
Luxury Midsize SUV: BMW X5/X5 PHEV
Rounding out the list is the BMW X5 and X5 PHEV, recognized as top luxury midsize SUVs. Consumer Reports lauds their exceptionally quiet cabins, richly appointed interiors, supportive seats, and powerful yet efficient powertrains. The base X5 delivers swift acceleration and respectable fuel economy, while the plug-in hybrid variant offers a significant electric range and impressive fuel efficiency when running on gasoline. The X5 series represents the pinnacle of luxury and performance in the SUV category, making it one of the best new cars for discerning buyers.
Conclusion
Consumer Reports’ top picks for 2025 demonstrate that the best new cars are not solely defined by price tags. Reliability, safety, fuel efficiency, and overall owner satisfaction are paramount. This year’s list strongly features hybrid vehicles, showcasing their increasing dominance in combining performance and economy. Whether you’re in the market for a small car, a spacious SUV, or a luxurious ride, Consumer Reports’ recommendations provide a valuable starting point for finding a vehicle that meets your needs and exceeds your expectations without overspending. For those seeking the best new cars, prioritizing these factors, as highlighted by Consumer Reports, is a surefire path to a satisfying vehicle purchase.
