With more than 260 models available today, buying a new car can be overwhelming, not to mention expensive. The average price of a new car today is almost $49-thousand, a near-record high, so it’s even more important to know what your options are if you want to get a good deal. And that’s where Consumer Reports can help.
- The nonprofit consumer organization, known for their independent product testing, has just come out with their annual Top Picks for vehicles in 2025.
- They put 50 popular cars through more than 50 tests to analyze everything from emergency handling to ice-braking to off-roading and even how much luggage each trunk can fit.
- The winners include several options that are far below that $49-thousand average new car price, with the most affordable one — the Nissan Sentra’s — suggested retail price starting at $21,590.
- Hybrids are big, there’s one in six of 10 categories this year, including three plug-in hybrid models.
Consumer Reports’ Top Picks for The Best Cars of 2025
- Small Car - Nissan Sentra
- Subcompact SUV - Subaru Crosstrek
- Compact SUV - Subaru Forester
- Midsize Car - Toyota Camry
- Small Pickup - Ford Maverick/Maverick Hybrid
- Fuel-efficient SUV - Toyota RAV4 PHEV
- Midsize SUV - Toyota Highlander Hybrid
- Electric Vehicle - Tesla Model Y
- Luxury Compact SUV - Lexus NX350h/450h+
- Luxury Midsize SUV - BMW X5/X5 PHEV
Source: Consumer Reports
Scott's Thoughts:
- I’d be happy to drive any of these, so who’s buying?
- I want an electric car. Too expensive for my income and the charging constantly seems to be a pain.
- I still remember one of my first cars. A good ole' Dodge Dart with the slant six engine! Leaked oil like a sieve but ran and ran!