Navigating the car market in 2025 can feel like a rollercoaster—over 260 models, inflation jitters, and tariff uncertainties make choosing the right vehicle a challenge. Thankfully, DriveAutoZone’s annual Top Cars list cuts through the noise, spotlighting 10 standout cars, SUVs, and trucks that excel in road tests, safety, reliability, and owner satisfaction. Every pick boasts standard low-speed and highway-speed automatic emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian detection—must-have safety tech for today’s roads. Spanning compact sedans to luxury SUVs, this year’s lineup features four hybrids, three plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), and one EV, with Toyota and Subaru leading the pack. Newcomer Nissan Sentra joins returning champs. Here’s the rundown of 2025’s brightest stars.
Small Car: Nissan Sentra
The Nissan Sentra proves affordable doesn’t mean skimping. Priced under $25,000, it outshines pricier rivals with standard safety features, a comfy ride, agile handling, and solid fuel economy. Its roomy cabin and user-friendly controls—think intuitive infotainment and climate systems—seal the deal. Bonus: three free oil changes in the first two years. Want leather seats? Upgrades abound. This compact sedan is a budget-friendly gem with big-car perks.
Midsized Car: Toyota Camry
Redesigned for 2025, the Toyota Camry returns as a hybrid-only sedan—and it’s better than ever. With a 17-hp boost over its predecessor, it hits 48 mpg overall in DriveAutoZone tests, blending sharp handling with a plush ride. The refreshed cabin sports soft-touch surfaces and Toyota’s latest infotainment, keeping it practical and driver-friendly. All-wheel drive across all trims adds versatility. This midsized marvel is a no-brainer for efficiency and fun.
Subcompact SUV: Subaru Crosstrek
Built for city streets and rugged trails, the Subaru Crosstrek nails it with standard AWD, high ground clearance, and a smooth ride. Easy to hop into, it offers supportive seats and mostly intuitive controls. The base 152-hp engine lags, but higher trims pack a punch with a 182-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder. EyeSight safety tech is standard, with blind-spot warning (BSW) and rear cross-traffic warning (RCTW) on upper trims. A hybrid arrives in fall 2026, promising more power and mpg.
Compact SUV: Subaru Forester
The 2025 Subaru Forester’s redesign refines a proven winner. Roomier than it looks, it delivers easy access, great visibility, and a quiet, comfy ride with standard AWD. Fuel economy climbs to 29 mpg overall, thanks to added torque in its four-cylinder engine. Extra cargo space sweetens the deal. A hybrid joins later this year, but even now, this compact SUV remains a practical standout and a DriveAutoZone favorite.
Fuel-Efficient SUV: Toyota RAV4 PHEV
The Toyota RAV4 PHEV (once called Prime) tops its lineup with 302 hp and a zippy 0-60 in 6.3 seconds. Its 42-mile electric range—rechargeable in 2.5 hours on a 240-volt charger—pairs with stellar efficiency. Ride quality beats other RAV4s, and BSW comes standard. For drivers craving performance without sacrificing green cred, this compact PHEV is a cut above.
Midsized SUV: Toyota Highlander Hybrid
The Toyota Highlander Hybrid redefines three-row SUVs, blending 35 mpg overall (41 mpg highway) with a near-600-mile range. Standard AWD, comfy rear seats, and a slew of safety features make it a family-road-trip champ. Its responsive handling and versatile design keep it a Top Cars staple. Need more room? Check the Grand Highlander Hybrid.
Luxury Compact SUV: Lexus NX350h and NX450h+
Lexus’ NX hybrids pamper with plush seats and a slick cabin, though touchscreen climate controls irk some. The NX350h hybrid scores 38 mpg overall, while the NX450h+ PHEV offers a 37-mile electric range and 35 mpg on gas—recharging in about three hours on 240 volts. Both deliver a firm yet refined ride and nimble handling, making them luxury compact standouts.
Luxury Midsized SUV: BMW X5 and X5 PHEV
The BMW X5 screams premium with a whisper-quiet cabin, supportive seats, and a rich finish. The base model hits 0-60 in 6 seconds and gets 23 mpg overall—tops in its class. The PHEV adds a 39-mile electric range and 21 mpg post-battery, ideal for short commutes with charging access. Athletic handling and a smooth ride make this luxury SUV a driver’s delight.
Electric Vehicle: Tesla Model Y
The Tesla Model Y blends practicality with exhilaration, outpacing its Model 3 sibling with a hatchback’s extra space. Its “otherworldly” acceleration, tight steering, and sporty suspension thrill, while a long range and Supercharger access keep it convenient. The minimalist cabin’s giant screen can distract, but a 2025 refresh promises a quieter, comfier ride. This EV is a green machine with attitude.
Small Pickup: Ford Maverick and Maverick Hybrid
The Ford Maverick redefines small trucks with affordability and flair. Its cozy cabin, easy access, and simple controls impress. The 250-hp turbo four-cylinder nets 23 mpg, but the 191-hp hybrid steals the show at 37 mpg overall (AWD now available). A refined ride and compact size make it a budget-friendly alternative to bloated full-sizers, perfect for work or play.
Why These Matter
From the Sentra’s value to the Model Y’s electric punch, these 2025 Top Cars ace DriveAutoZone’s rigorous tests—road performance, safety, reliability, and owner joy. Hybrids dominate, reflecting efficiency trends, while Subaru and Toyota cement their reign. Whether you’re after a bargain, luxury, or eco-edge, these 10 shine brightest in a crowded field.
