When it comes to purchasing a new vehicle, most car owners can agree on one fundamental desire: to avoid unpleasant surprises. This inherent need for dependability and value is precisely what Consumer Reports (CR) addresses with its annual rankings of the best cars, trucks, and SUVs, serving as an indispensable guide for making informed decisions in an increasingly complex market. Focusing on the pillars of reliability and value, CR’s latest list showcases a blend of familiar favorites and new contenders, reflecting continuous refinements by manufacturers and evolving consumer priorities.
Consumer Reports’ recommendations are the culmination of an exhaustive, multi-faceted evaluation process designed to provide practical, consumer-focused advice. Each year, the non-profit organization anonymously purchases and rigorously tests approximately 50 new vehicles, putting them through more than 50 tests after a 2,000-mile break-in period. These empirical results are then combined with invaluable data from their annual reliability and satisfaction surveys of members, creating a holistic assessment. The critical factors considered in their analysis include performance, predicted reliability, owner satisfaction, and safety, with safety ratings drawing from reputable sources like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). It is important to note that recalls, while significant, are not factored into CR’s final scores.
This year’s top picks from Consumer Reports highlight several compelling trends in the automotive landscape. The list includes a significant number of hybrids, a nod to the market’s continuing shift towards electrification, and one all-electric vehicle. Affordability remains a strong theme, with four models starting under $30,000, challenging the notion that a reliable vehicle must come with a hefty price tag. As Alex Knizek, associate director of automotive test development for Consumer Reports, wisely observes, “You don’t have to spend that much to get a car that’s going to be safe and reliable and enjoyable to own.” Furthermore, crucial safety features such as automatic emergency braking, blind spot warning, and rear cross traffic warning systems are increasingly standard, underscoring CR’s advocacy for these life-saving technologies. These vehicles are not just highly rated; they are meticulously vetted to ensure they meet the real-world demands and expectations of today’s drivers, from daily commutes to long-haul adventures.
1. **Nissan Sentra (Small Car)**Starting with the essential small car segment, the Nissan Sentra emerges as a top pick for 2025, offering a compelling blend of practicality and affordability. As one of the newer entries to CR’s comprehensive top picks list this year, it immediately stands out for its accessible starting price, which, according to the latest reports, can be as low as $21,590 depending on the trim level. This makes it an incredibly attractive option for budget-conscious buyers who refuse to compromise on core automotive qualities.
Consumer Reports reviewers have lauded the Nissan Sentra for a variety of attributes that contribute to a superior ownership experience. Despite its classification as a small car, it boasts a relatively spacious interior, providing unexpected comfort for both drivers and passengers. This thoughtful design helps to alleviate the common perception that smaller vehicles inherently lack interior room, making it a viable option for diverse needs.
Furthermore, the Sentra delivers a smooth ride, a notable achievement for a vehicle in its price range. This translates to more comfortable daily commutes and longer journeys alike, enhancing overall driver and passenger satisfaction. Its standard suite of safety features, including emergency braking, and user-friendly controls that are “straightforward and easy to master,” underscore CR’s emphasis on safety and usability, ensuring a confident and secure driving experience for all.
2. **Subaru Crosstrek (Subcompact SUV)**For those seeking versatility in a subcompact SUV, the Subaru Crosstrek consistently ranks high, demonstrating its capability for a wide range of driving scenarios. This model, a carryover from CR’s 2024 top picks, has been further refined with a redesign for 2024, introducing new safety features and an upgraded infotainment system. With starting MSRPs ranging from $25,810 to $32,610, it presents a competitive package within its category.
One of the Crosstrek’s standout features is its commendable fuel economy, which, in 2024 testing, achieved 29 mpg — recognized as the top fuel economy for a non-hybrid SUV equipped with all-wheel drive. This efficiency, combined with its high ground clearance and standard all-wheel drive, makes it an ideal companion for both bustling urban environments and more rugged wilderness excursions. Its design thoughtfully balances practicality with a spirit of adventure.
Reviewers also highlighted the Subaru Crosstrek’s user-friendly controls and comfortable seating for both front and rear passengers, contributing to a pleasant experience during any trip. While the base trim features a 152-hp engine, other trims offer a more robust 182-hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, providing options for buyers who prioritize more “peppier” performance. As Jake Fisher, senior director of auto testing for Consumer Reports, noted in the 2024 context, “These are very fuel-efficient, very comfortable… They’re very nice vehicles overall at a reasonable price point — you have a four-wheel drive SUV that’s easy to drive, as well as comfortable and quiet.”
3. **Subaru Forester (Compact SUV)**Continuing Subaru’s strong showing in the SUV categories, the Forester secures its place as a practical and enduring favorite, earning a spot on CR’s Top Picks list for an impressive 12 consecutive years. This compact SUV, with a starting MSRP ranging from $29,995 to $40,295, stands out for its unwavering reliability and thoughtful design, further enhanced by a 2025 redesign that brings a quieter cabin and increased cargo space compared to its predecessor.
A key factor in the Forester’s consistent acclaim is its exceptional accessibility, particularly noted by experts like Alex Knizek. He states, “Without a doubt, the Subaru Forester in terms of both seat height, which is at most people’s hip level, and ride height, which is not too high, makes it particularly easy to get in and out of.” This emphasis on ease of entry and exit, combined with its characteristic boxy shape, contributes to “excellent visibility,” a crucial safety and convenience factor that modern swoopy designs often compromise.
The Forester’s enduring appeal is also rooted in its solid performance metrics, including excellent visibility, strong fuel economy, and standard all-wheel drive. These attributes, along with its roomy design, responsive, and secure handling, solidify its reputation as a dependable and enjoyable vehicle to own. Jake Fisher further reinforced this in 2024, stating, “When you look at the drive, the comfort, Subaru is doing really well,” cementing the Forester’s position as a top choice for a wide array of drivers.
4. **Toyota Camry (Midsized Car)**The Toyota Camry, a perennial favorite and a testament to consistent quality, has been completely redesigned for 2025 and makes a notable return as a top pick in the midsized car segment. With starting MSRPs ranging from $28,700 to $34,900, the latest iteration of the Camry now exclusively offers a hybrid powertrain, signaling Toyota’s deep commitment to electrification and enhanced fuel efficiency.
Consumer Reports describes the redesigned Camry as “comfortable, practical, and user-friendly,” continuing the legacy that has made it a household name for decades. It delivers a smooth ride, a hallmark of the Camry experience, coupled with unexpectedly sharp handling that adds a layer of engagement to daily driving. This combination ensures that the Camry remains a top choice for those seeking a refined and effortless commuting experience.
Historically recognized for its bulletproof reliability and consistent comfort, the Camry Hybrid now amplifies these qualities with impressive fuel economy. The 2024 Camry Hybrid model, for instance, was noted for an estimated 52 miles per gallon. While earlier, sportier designs of the Camry were noted by Alex Knizek as being “quite low to the ground” and potentially “a little tricky getting in there,” the new hybrid-only focus aims to perfect the balance of comfort, performance, and accessibility, maintaining its position as a go-to choice for dependable midsized transportation.
5. **Ford Maverick/Maverick Hybrid (Small Pickup)**The Ford Maverick and its hybrid variant carved out a unique and highly praised niche in the small pickup segment, earning it a spot on CR’s Top Picks list. With starting MSRPs ranging from $26,995 to $40,350, this compact truck challenges conventional expectations by offering the utility of a pickup with the drivability of a car, making it an exceptionally versatile choice for modern consumers.
Consumer Reports highlights the Maverick’s competitive price, well-designed interior, and impressive maneuverability as key factors in its success. It provides decent passenger space, which is a significant advantage in the compact pickup category, ensuring comfort for occupants without sacrificing its practical dimensions. The base model’s 250-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine offers “peppy” performance, but it’s the 191-hp hybrid version that truly captures attention.
The Maverick Hybrid is described as “the real draw,” achieving an impressive 37 mpg in Consumer Reports’ rigorous tests. This level of fuel efficiency is particularly remarkable for a pickup, a vehicle type often associated with poor gas mileage. As Alex Knizek pointed out, “Pickups often have poor fuel economy, but this one is more reasonably sized. It drives kind of like a car, but then you have that bed on the back.” Jake Fisher, too, expressed his admiration, describing it as “such a Swiss army knife of a vehicle,” underscoring its unique blend of attributes that make it a standout on the market today. It truly represents a “no-compromise solution” for many buyers.
6. **Toyota RAV4 PHEV (Fuel-efficient SUV)**For those seeking robust performance alongside remarkable efficiency in a compact SUV, the Toyota RAV4 PHEV stands out as a top contender, consistently outperforming its non-PHEV RAV4 counterparts in Consumer Reports’ rigorous evaluations. This plug-in hybrid variant showcases Toyota’s mastery in blending electrified powertrains with everyday practicality, making it a compelling choice for a diverse array of drivers. Its designation as a “Fuel-efficient SUV” on CR’s list is a testament to its forward-thinking design.
In Consumer Reports’ independent testing, the RAV4 PHEV demonstrated impressive acceleration, sprinting from 0 to 60 mph in just over six seconds. This responsiveness, coupled with its advanced plug-in hybrid system, ensures ample power for merging onto highways or navigating city streets with confidence. As one of three plug-in hybrids to make this year’s top picks, it underscores the growing appeal and effectiveness of PHEV technology.
A significant advantage of the RAV4 PHEV is its substantial electric-only driving range, offering up to 42 miles on a single charge. This capability allows many drivers to handle daily commutes and errands entirely on electric power, reducing fuel consumption. Alex Knizek highlighted that plug-in hybrids are a “solid option” for consumers not yet ready to fully commit to an all-electric vehicle, providing flexibility and peace of mind. With starting MSRPs ranging from $44,265 for the SE to $48,135 for the XSE, it represents a strategic investment in both performance and long-term fuel savings.
