With the new year rolling in, you may be considering finally getting a brand new car. Whether you’re looking for a sleek and modern design, better fuel efficiency, or the latest technology features, it’s a great time to start exploring your options. As the automotive industry continues to evolve, there are more choices than ever, including electric and hybrid models that offer both environmental and economic benefits. Additionally, the start of the year often brings new incentives and promotions, making it an ideal time to make a purchase.
Watch out for these cars in 2025
According to a report by Consumer reports, these are the top five cars not to be missed this year if you are in the market to purchase a new vehicle. The list sees cars from major automobile companies like Nissan, Honda, Audi, Volkswagen, and Ford. USA automobile companies take the top spot with the most number of vehicles to take the list, closely followed by German competitors with Japanese automobile makers taking the third podium spot.
In the 2025 report card, Subaru has made a significant leap, claiming the top spot among 32 brands, with the top five remaining consistent from the previous year. “We live with these vehicles every single day. We take them home, we drive them on public roads, we put our families in them, we go to the grocery store and we use all of this data, combined with our survey information to figure out who makes the best cars,” explained Alex Knizek, Associate Director of Auto-Test Development at Consumer Reports.
Consumer Reports has previously tested and ranked vehicles on maintenance costs, insurance costs, reliability, and other car-related queries in order to inform vehicle owners on the best possible choices to suit their needs.
Top 5 cars for 2025
For 2025, Consumer Reports ranks these automobile companies as top brands to purchase a vehicle from:
- Subaru
- BMW
- Lexus
- Porsche
Surprisingly, Tesla did not make the list. In addition tothese top brands, Consumer Reports also recommends that consumers keep a close eye on the following vehicles expected to be released next year:
- Acura ADX
- Audi A6 E-Tron
- Audi Q5
- BMW X3
- Buick Enclave
- Cadillac Escalade IQ
- Cadillac Vistiq
- Dodge Charger
- Ford Expedition
- GMC Terrain
- GMC Yukon
- Honda Passport
- Honda Prelude
- Hyundai Ioniq 9
- Infiniti QX80
- Lincoln Navigator
- Lucid Gravity
- Mini Aceman
- Nissan Armada
- Nissan Murano
- Ram 1500 REV
- Scout Terra & Traveler
- Toyota 4Runner
- Volkswagen ID.7
- Volkswagen ID.Buzz
- Volkswagen Tiguan
- Volvo EX90
Electric vehicles remain competitors
Of Consumer Reports List, nearly one third of the recommended vehicles to watch out for in 2025 are electric or hybrid vehicles. This trend reflects the growing consumer interest in sustainable transportation options and the automobile industry’s shift toward greener solutions. As environmental concerns intensify and regulations surrounding emissions tighten, automakers are investing heavily in electric and hybrid technologies.
These vehicles are not only more eco-friendly but also offer lower long-term operating costs, improved efficiency, and enhanced performance. As battery technology advances and charging infrastructure expands, electric and hybrid vehicles are expected to play an even more significant role in revolutionizing the automotive landscape, offering consumers a wide range of choices in the years ahead.
Other alternative engine solutions are also being explored by automobile companies such as hydrogen and biofuels. Hydrogen-powered engines, which produce only water vapor as a byproduct, offer a promising solution to reduce carbon emissions. Similarly, biofuels, derived from renewable resources, can serve as an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional gasoline and diesel. By diversifying their approach, automakers aim to create cleaner, more efficient engines that align with global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and ensure long-term sustainability. However, electric engines still remain a clear favorite by consumers.
