Navigating the new car market can be daunting, especially with the average new car price hovering near $50,000. For savvy car buyers looking for value without compromising on quality, Consumer Reports has released its highly anticipated top picks for the Best New Cars 2025. This year’s list emphasizes that you don’t need to break the bank to drive a vehicle that is not only reliable and safe but also enjoyable.
According to Consumer Reports’ latest findings, a focus on practical features and dependable engineering defines the best new cars of 2025. Forget overpriced vehicles; the top picks include models with starting MSRPs as accessible as $21,590. Alex Knizek, associate director of auto test development for Consumer Reports, highlights this point: “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 aligns with the growing consumer demand for vehicles that offer long-term value and peace of mind.
A significant trend in the best new cars 2025 lineup is the rise of hybrid vehicles. Hybrids dominate six out of the ten categories, including three plug-in hybrid options. Consumer Reports’ testing reveals that hybrids excel due to their exceptional reliability, impressive fuel economy, quiet interiors, and responsive acceleration. While traditionally hybrids carried a higher price tag, the price difference compared to their gasoline counterparts has diminished, making them an increasingly attractive option for budget-conscious and environmentally aware buyers alike. “It tends to be a no-compromise solution,” Knizek notes, underscoring the balanced appeal of hybrid technology in the current automotive landscape.
Consumer Reports rigorously evaluates approximately 50 new vehicles annually to compile their top picks. Each vehicle is purchased anonymously and undergoes over 50 tests after a 2,000-mile break-in period. The analysis also incorporates reliability and owner satisfaction surveys from Consumer Reports members, ensuring a comprehensive and data-driven assessment. This meticulous process guarantees that the best new cars 2025 list is based on real-world performance and owner experiences, providing consumers with trustworthy recommendations.
Top Consumer Reports Picks for Best New Cars 2025
Small Car: Nissan Sentra
The Nissan Sentra emerges as the top pick in the small car category, offering a compelling blend of practicality and value. Consumer Reports praises the Sentra for its surprisingly spacious cabin, agile handling, and commendable fuel economy. Furthermore, it boasts a generous array of standard active safety features, often exceeding those found in more expensive competitors. The Nissan Sentra proves that affordable doesn’t have to mean compromising on essential features and driving enjoyment, making it a smart choice for those seeking the best new cars 2025 in the compact segment.
Image alt text: Front view of a silver Nissan Sentra 2025 model, highlighting its modern design and compact size, recognized as a top pick for best new cars 2025 in the small car category by Consumer Reports.
Subcompact SUV: Subaru Crosstrek
For those needing a versatile and adventurous subcompact SUV, the Subaru Crosstrek stands out as a top performer. Consumer Reports highlights its excellent fuel economy, generous ground clearance, and standard all-wheel drive, making it equally adept at navigating city streets and exploring off-the-beaten-path trails. The Crosstrek also scores high marks for its user-friendly controls and comfortable seating both in the front and rear. While the base trim engine is adequate, the available 182-hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine in higher trims provides a more spirited driving experience, solidifying the Subaru Crosstrek as a leading contender in the best new cars 2025 subcompact SUV class.
Image alt text: Subaru Crosstrek 2025 in action, driving on a gravel road, showcasing its all-wheel-drive capability and suitability for both urban and outdoor adventures, recognized among the best new cars 2025.
Compact SUV: Subaru Forester
Continuing Subaru’s success, the Forester earns the top spot in the compact SUV category. The redesigned 2025 Subaru Forester impresses with a quieter cabin and increased cargo space compared to previous models. Consumer Reports emphasizes its exceptional visibility, fuel efficiency, and standard all-wheel drive as key factors contributing to its impressive 12-year streak on the Top Picks list. The Subaru Forester remains a consistently reliable and practical choice, reaffirming its position as one of the best new cars 2025 for families and individuals seeking a dependable compact SUV.
Image alt text: Side view of a Subaru Forester 2025, highlighting its redesigned body and spacious cargo area, a top compact SUV in the best new cars 2025 category according to Consumer Reports.
Midsized Car: Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry, a perennial favorite, is fully redesigned for 2025 and continues to dominate the midsized car segment. Now exclusively offered as a hybrid, the Camry is lauded by Consumer Reports as “comfortable, practical, and user-friendly.” Its smooth ride and responsive handling, combined with Toyota’s legendary reliability, make the 2025 Camry a compelling choice. This hybrid-only approach underscores the shift towards fuel efficiency without sacrificing performance, cementing the Toyota Camry’s status among the best new cars 2025 for sedan buyers.
Image alt text: Front-quarter view of a redesigned Toyota Camry 2025, showcasing its sleek lines and hybrid powertrain, recognized as a leading midsized car in the best new cars 2025 list from Consumer Reports.
Small Pickup: Ford Maverick/Maverick Hybrid
The Ford Maverick and Maverick Hybrid redefine the small pickup truck segment with their unique blend of car-like maneuverability and truck utility. Consumer Reports recognizes the Maverick for its attractive price point, well-designed interior, and ease of driving. While the standard turbocharged four-cylinder engine offers good power, the hybrid version truly shines with its exceptional fuel economy, achieving 37 mpg in Consumer Reports’ tests. Knizek points out, “It drives kind of like a car, but then you have that bed on the back,” emphasizing the Maverick’s unique appeal and position as one of the best new cars 2025 for versatile functionality.
Image alt text: Close-up of the bed of a Ford Maverick 2025 pickup truck, highlighting its practical size and utility, making it a top pick in the small pickup category of best new cars 2025.
Fuel-Efficient SUV: Toyota RAV4 Prime (PHEV)
For the fuel-conscious SUV buyer, the Toyota RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid (PHEV) stands out as the top fuel-efficient SUV. Consumer Reports notes its superior performance compared to other RAV4 models, boasting a 0-to-60 mph acceleration in just over six seconds and an impressive electric range of up to 42 miles. As one of three plug-in hybrids on this year’s list, Knizek considers these vehicles a “solid option” for those transitioning to electric mobility. The Toyota RAV4 Prime offers a compelling combination of efficiency and performance, making it a leader among the best new cars 2025 for environmentally conscious drivers.
Image alt text: Toyota RAV4 Prime 2025 plug-in hybrid SUV charging, emphasizing its fuel efficiency and electric range, a top choice for best new cars 2025 in the fuel-efficient SUV category.
Midsized SUV: Toyota Highlander Hybrid
The Toyota Highlander Hybrid extends Toyota’s dominance in the SUV categories, earning the top spot for midsized SUVs. Consumer Reports praises its exceptional fuel economy for a three-row SUV, achieving 35 mpg in testing, along with standard all-wheel drive. Described as a “smart, versatile vehicle,” the Highlander Hybrid offers comfortable rear seats, a smooth ride, responsive handling, and a wealth of safety features. For families needing space and efficiency, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid remains a top contender in the best new cars 2025 midsized SUV segment.
Image alt text: Front view of a Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2025, showcasing its spacious three-row design and fuel-efficient hybrid system, recognized as a top midsized SUV among best new cars 2025.
Electric Vehicle: Tesla Model Y
In the electric vehicle category, the Tesla Model Y continues to impress. Consumer Reports favors the Model Y’s hatchback design over other Tesla models, highlighting its practicality and engaging driving experience. With “otherworldly” acceleration and a modern aesthetic, the Model Y combines performance and style. Improved reliability has solidified its position on Consumer Reports’ top picks list. Knizek notes, “It’s a dependable vehicle for people time and time again,” confirming the Tesla Model Y as a leading electric vehicle and one of the best new cars 2025 in the EV market.
Image alt text: Tesla Model Y 2025 charging at a Supercharger station, emphasizing its electric vehicle technology and improved reliability, a top EV pick in the best new cars 2025 category.
Luxury Compact SUV: Lexus NX350h/450h+
Lexus enters the top picks with the NX350h and NX450h+ in the luxury compact SUV category. Consumer Reports praises the NX models for their luxurious interiors, user-friendly infotainment system, and refined driving dynamics. The NX350h hybrid and NX450h+ plug-in hybrid offer excellent fuel economy and electric range, respectively, without compromising on the Lexus driving experience. The Lexus NX series represents a blend of luxury and efficiency, earning its place among the best new cars 2025 in the luxury compact SUV segment.
Image alt text: Luxurious interior of a Lexus NX 2025, showcasing its plush seats and sophisticated design, recognized as a top luxury compact SUV in the best new cars 2025 selection.
Luxury Midsized SUV: BMW X5/X5 PHEV
Rounding out the list is the BMW X5 and X5 PHEV in the luxury midsized SUV category. Consumer Reports highlights their exceptionally quiet cabins, richly appointed interiors, and supportive seats. The base X5 offers swift acceleration, while the plug-in hybrid variant provides an electric-only range of up to 39 miles. Both models deliver a premium driving experience with BMW’s signature performance and luxury, making the BMW X5 series a top luxury midsized SUV and one of the best new cars 2025 for discerning buyers.
Image alt text: Front view of a BMW X5 2025, emphasizing its luxurious styling and powerful presence, a top luxury midsized SUV in the best new cars 2025 category according to Consumer Reports.
Conclusion
Consumer Reports’ top picks for the best new cars 2025 demonstrate that reliability, safety, and driving satisfaction are achievable across various price points and vehicle categories. The increasing prominence of hybrid and plug-in hybrid models underscores the automotive industry’s shift towards greater fuel efficiency and electrification. Whether you’re in the market for a fuel-sipping small car, a versatile SUV, or a luxurious ride, this year’s list provides a valuable starting point for finding a vehicle that meets your needs and exceeds your expectations in 2025 and beyond. By focusing on data-driven evaluations and real-world owner feedback, Consumer Reports continues to be a trusted resource for car buyers seeking the best new cars 2025.
