The 10 best vehicles of 2025 according to Consumer Reports
The renowned American magazine Consumer Reports has just presented its list of the 10 best new vehicles on the market in 2025, based on an evaluation of more than 260 models.
Once again, the team bases its choices on customer satisfaction and reliability ratings, on-road performance, the list of safety features (all of which include automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection) and fuel consumption.
The list includes four hybrid models, three plug-in hybrids and one 100% electric model, several of which made the top 10 last year. Subaru and Toyota are once again the most represented brands, which should come as no surprise to you if you consulted the list of best buys we published in The Car Guide 2025.
Here's Consumer Reports' top 10 for 2025 and tell us if you agree with the choices. Let's face it, the first one is pretty debatable...
Nissan Sentra 2025
Consumer Reports rating: 78
Comments: ‘The Nissan Sentra is an exceptional value. It has more standard active safety features than some more expensive rivals and scored well in the road test for ride comfort, agile handling, excellent fuel economy and a relatively spacious cabin.’
Toyota Camry 2025
Consumer Reports rating: 82
Comments: ‘Improvements throughout the car have made this popular and efficient sedan an obvious choice to return to our top picks list. It remains comfortable, practical and user-friendly. The Camry is now available only as a hybrid and [...] even more fun to drive. What's more, all-wheel drive is available on all versions.’
Find out more about the Camry.
Subaru Crosstrek 2025
Consumer Reports rating: 80
Comments: ‘The Crosstrek offers excellent handling, good fuel economy, all-wheel drive as standard and high ground clearance to cope with the toughest roads. It's easy to get in and out of. The front and rear seats are comfortable and supportive.
Find out more about the Crosstrek.
Subaru Forester 2025
Consumer Reports rating: 93
Comments: ‘The Forester has been redesigned for 2025 and is now better than ever. It's still roomier than it looks, with easy access, excellent visibility, a smooth ride, outstanding fuel economy and all-wheel drive as standard. What's more, the cabin is quieter and there's more cargo space than on the previous model, both welcome improvements.’
Find out more about the Forester.
Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid 2025
Consumer Reports rating: 88
Comments: ‘This compact plug-in hybrid SUV (formerly known as the Prime) is the best version of Toyota's popular RAV4. It's an ideal solution for drivers who like performance and efficiency. Its main advantage is that the battery offers a significant electric range of up to 42 miles (68 km).’
Find out more about the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid.
Toyota Highlander hybrid 2025
Consumer Reports rating: 81
Comments: ‘The Highlander Hybrid is a unicorn among mid-size SUVs, combining three rows of seating with fuel economy worthy of the most efficient compact SUVs. Passengers will appreciate the comfortable rear seats and ride comfort, while the driver will appreciate the manoeuvrability and abundance of active safety features. If you need more space, the Grand Highlander Hybrid is worth considering.’
Find out more about the Highlander hybrid.
Lexus NX 2025
Consumer Reports rating: 83
Comments: ‘The NX is well equipped and has a cabin that pampers its occupants with upmarket touches, such as plush seats and a simple infotainment system. The best versions are the NX 350h and NX 450h+ hybrids. Both offer a refined but firm ride, quick steering and reassuring handling [...] the latter with 37 miles (60 km) of electric range.’
BMW X5 2025
Consumer Reports rating: 87
Comments: ‘This well-balanced vehicle has an exceptionally quiet and richly finished interior. Both powerful and efficient, the base X5 offers rapid acceleration and low fuel consumption. The plug-in hybrid variant enhances this efficiency with an electric range of up to 39 miles (63 km). Whatever the powertrain, the finely-tuned suspension delivers a composed ride and confident, athletic handling that further distinguishes the X5 from its luxury rivals.’
Tesla Model Y 2025 (before update)
Consumer Reports rating: 73
Comments: ‘The Model Y shares many virtues with its sister, the Model 3 sedan: great range, thrilling performance and access to Tesla's vast network of Superchargers. All in all, this eco-friendly vehicle is both practical and entertaining. An update promising a more comfortable ride and quieter cabin is coming soon.’
Find out more about the Model Y.
Ford Maverick 2025
Consumer Reports rating: 74 (Maverick hybrid: 69)
Comments: ‘The Maverick is a fun, frugal little truck. It even has a refined ride [...] and its compact size makes it easy to manoeuvre. The interior is quite comfortable, with easy access, simple controls and adequate space for passengers. The 250bhp turbocharged four-cylinder engine is reasonably energetic. Overall, this refreshed pickup for 2025 is an attractive alternative to many higher-priced mid-size models.’
