Thinking about a new car purchase soon? With so many new models hitting the market, how can you possibly decide which vehicle truly stands out? As the accompanying video from Edmunds highlights, their team drives hundreds of new cars, trucks, and SUVs each year, rigorously testing them on both public roads and private tracks. This extensive evaluation process allows them to identify the real gems among the constant influx of new vehicles, even the ones that might seem uncomfortable, inefficient, or equipped with subpar technology.
The first half of the year has already presented an impressive array of vehicles, from high-performance sports cars to practical electric SUVs and luxurious sedans. Edmunds’ experts have diligently put these machines through their paces, separating the truly exceptional from the merely average. Their insights offer a trusted guide for consumers navigating the complexities of the modern automotive landscape. Below, we’ll delve deeper into some of the most impressive vehicles Edmunds has encountered this year, exploring what makes them top contenders for the title of the best cars of 2025.
1. Volkswagen Golf R: The Quintessential Hot Hatch
Few cars embody the “hot hatch” spirit quite like the Volkswagen Golf R. This compact powerhouse manages to deliver thrilling performance without sacrificing everyday usability. Its turbocharged engine provides ample thrust, allowing it to accelerate out of corners with exhilarating speed. However, what truly elevates the Golf R is its remarkable customizability. Drivers can fine-tune its performance to an incredible degree, thanks to a custom drive mode that offers about 15 different suspension settings, allowing for a transformation from comfortable daily driver to track-ready machine.
Beyond its dynamic capabilities, the Golf R boasts an upscale interior filled with advanced technology, including excellent driver aids that enhance safety and convenience. While some minor quibbles exist, such as its climate controls and limited paint options, these are easily overlooked in light of its overall excellence. The ability to handle lengthy road trips, carry large items from IKEA, and still be a “riot to drive” makes the Golf R an exceptionally versatile and desirable vehicle for those seeking performance and practicality in one stylish package. It truly represents one of the best cars of 2025 for driving enthusiasts.
2. Volkswagen ID. Buzz: A Retro-Futuristic Electric Icon
The return of the iconic Volkswagen Bus as an electric vehicle, the ID. Buzz, was met with immense anticipation, and it certainly delivered. Volkswagen absolutely nailed the design, blending nostalgic retro cues with futuristic elements in a way that is both charming and distinctive. The optional two-tone paint job is particularly striking and adds to its unique personality. More than just aesthetics, the ID. Buzz offers immense practicality, featuring a cavernous interior capable of comfortably accommodating four adults and even more cargo.
This electric three-row vehicle stands out with its incredibly practical sliding doors, a feature rarely seen on modern EVs. This combination of personality and practicality is a rare find in today’s market, making it an ideal choice for families or anyone needing substantial space with zero emissions. While its range could be a touch higher to broaden its appeal, it remains a testament to Volkswagen’s ability to innovate while honoring its heritage. The ID. Buzz is a strong contender among the year’s top electric vehicles, proving that family haulers can also be fun and stylish.
3. Porsche 911: The Gold Standard in Sports Cars
For decades, the Porsche 911 has been the benchmark against which all other sports cars are measured, and the latest iterations continue this legacy. Edmunds reviewers were fortunate enough to experience several variants this year, including the base model, the Convertible (Cabriolet), and even the new hybrid GTS. What consistently impresses about the 911 is its unparalleled driving dynamics, with even the “base” model setting an incredibly high standard for performance. Its rapid acceleration and fantastic brakes ensure a thrilling and confidence-inspiring ride.
The good news for enthusiasts is that choosing the convertible version doesn’t compromise the driving experience, maintaining the 911’s sharp handling and responsiveness. Whether it’s the pure exhilaration of the GT3 or the sophisticated power of the hybrid GTS, the 911 remains incredibly close to a perfect car in terms of driver engagement and engineering precision. When discussing the best cars of 2025 in the sports car category, the Porsche 911 undoubtedly holds a top spot, showcasing a blend of tradition and cutting-edge technology.
4. BMW X3: The Utilitarian Luxury SUV
Not every top-tier vehicle needs to be flashy or make a grand statement; some excel by simply being exceptionally well-executed all-around. The BMW X3 perfectly exemplifies this philosophy. While it might not boast radical styling or outrageous performance, it delivers a compelling package for a small luxury SUV. Under its hood, an efficient turbo four-cylinder engine provides strong, responsive power, while the cabin offers impressive comfort for both driver and passengers. A significant advantage of the X3 is its generous cargo space, often surpassing competitors in its class, which greatly enhances its everyday utility.
Edmunds was so impressed with its balanced attributes that they added an X3 to their year-long road test fleet, aiming to thoroughly understand what it’s like to live with day-to-day. While some interior plastics might feel less premium than expected in a luxury vehicle, its core strengths of efficiency, comfort, and practicality make it a smart and reliable choice. The X3 might not shout for attention, but its foundational excellence makes it a strong recommendation for anyone seeking a competent and comfortable luxury SUV, firmly establishing its place among the best cars of 2025.
5. Bentley Continental GT Plug-in Hybrid: Unmatched Grand Touring Luxury
Stepping into the realm of ultimate luxury, the Bentley Continental GT Plug-in Hybrid is a vehicle that truly captivated Edmunds’ reviewers, with one calling it “one of the best cars any of us have driven all year.” Bentley’s renowned attention to detail is evident in every stitch of leather and every piece of wood trim, offering literally millions of combinations for interior and exterior customization. What truly transformed this grand tourer, however, is the introduction of its new plug-in hybrid powertrain. This innovative system combines upfront electric range for silent city driving with an astounding 800 horsepower on tap, ready to press occupants back into those exquisite quilted leather seats.
Despite its substantial size, this Bentley is astonishingly fast, delivering an effortless surge of power when needed. Its comfort levels are so extraordinary that “nothing scored higher in our ratings this year in the comfort section,” setting a new benchmark. While its price point places it firmly in the ultra-luxury segment, the Continental GT Plug-in Hybrid is a masterclass in automotive engineering and opulence, offering an experience that is both exhilarating and supremely refined. It defines what it means to be a truly magnificent vehicle among the best cars of 2025.
6. Genesis GV70: The Rising Star in Luxury SUVs
The Genesis brand, having only existed for about 10 years, has quickly made a name for itself by offering compelling luxury vehicles that punch well above their weight. The Genesis GV70 is a prime example of this success, standing out for two key reasons: its exceptional comfort for a small SUV and arguably one of the best interiors available in any vehicle under a hundred thousand dollars. The cabin is a truly inviting and luxurious space, making daily commutes and long journeys equally enjoyable.
While its fuel economy might not always match some rivals, like the BMW X3, the GV70 compensates with its striking design, advanced technology, impressive value, and undeniable “swagger.” It’s a product that feels far more established than its young brand pedigree would suggest, earning it an easy recommendation from Edmunds’ experts. The GV70 showcases Genesis’s ability to blend premium features with distinctive style and a satisfying driving experience, positioning it as a top contender among the best cars of 2025 in the luxury SUV segment.
7. Hyundai Ioniq 5: The Evolving Electric All-Rounder
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 has been a standout electric vehicle since its debut in 2022, consistently praised for its impressive interior, engaging driving experience, and ultrafast charging speeds. For the current year, Hyundai has made it even better with crucial updates. These enhancements include improved technology, the addition of more physical controls—a direct response to customer feedback—and the highly anticipated NACS charge port, which provides direct access to Tesla Supercharging stations. This comprehensive package makes the Ioniq 5 even more user-friendly and versatile.
Beyond its standard form, the Ioniq 5 also offers compelling variations, including an off-road-capable version and a “crazy fast, drifty one” that excels in performance challenges. Its ability to offer more performance and utility than even a hot hatch like the Golf R is remarkable. Edmunds reviewers found it hard to think of another car that does so many things well, underscoring its broad appeal. The Ioniq 5’s continuous improvement and diverse capabilities make it one of the most compelling electric vehicles on the market and a strong candidate for the best cars of 2025.
8. Lexus ES: The Epitome of Quiet Luxury and Comfort
In a world increasingly dominated by flashy performance and cutting-edge tech, the Lexus ES stands out by perfecting the fundamentals of luxury. This sedan knows exactly what it is: a vehicle designed to transport you from point A to point B in absolute comfort and serene quietude. Even though the ES platform is aging, Edmunds continues to love its unwavering commitment to a high-quality interior and a smooth, refined ride. It isn’t overtly sporty, nor does it boast the most revolutionary technology, but its strength lies in its pure, unadulterated luxury experience.
For those prioritizing relaxation and efficiency, the ES also offers a hybrid model that achieves an impressive 44 MPG combined, a significant benefit for daily driving. While it might not excite every “car enthusiast” in the same way a 911 or a Bentley would, the ES offers a sophisticated, understated excellence that many modern vehicles miss. It’s a rock-solid, dependable luxury sedan that nails the core principles of comfort and quality, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate refined elegance among the best cars of 2025.
9. BMW M2: The Unapologetic Driver’s Car
When Edmunds reviewers spoke of a sports car that came “almost nothing” close to the Porsche 911, the BMW M2 was the vehicle they had in mind. This compact sports coupe is a true enthusiast’s dream, perfectly blending fun for spirited drives around town with the capability to thrill on a track. What truly sets the M2 apart in an era of increasingly digital driving experiences is its ability to maintain a strong driver-car connection. Furthermore, the option of a manual transmission underscores BMW’s commitment to pure driving enjoyment, a feature increasingly rare in modern performance cars.
Of course, a car this focused on performance comes with a few compromises: the rear seats are largely impractical, the ride can be stiff around town, and it’s quite thirsty for its size. However, these are hardly dealbreakers for someone seeking a dedicated driving machine. The M2 excels at its mission, providing an unparalleled sense of engagement on a perfect road on a perfect day. Edmunds wished their two-week test loan could have lasted two years, a testament to its exceptional appeal as one of the best cars of 2025 for driving purists.
10. Tesla Model Y: The Transformed Electric Utility Vehicle
The Tesla Model Y has consistently been a formidable electric SUV, known for its excellent cargo room, substantial range, intuitive technology, and robust performance. However, what makes the current iteration truly stand out is its commitment to addressing past weaknesses. Where previous models sometimes suffered from subpar interior quality, the new Model Y features a significantly improved cabin with better build quality and enhanced materials. Crucially, the ride comfort, once a major critique, has been dramatically transformed. Reviewers previously noted a “very unsettled feeling,” but the updated model now offers one of the best riding experiences in its class.
While the minimalist, buttonless interior and the variable effectiveness of its driver aids may still be deal-breakers for some buyers, the Model Y’s overall package is incredibly compelling. Its blend of utility, value, and performance is difficult to find in a single vehicle, making it a powerful choice in the EV market. Edmunds was so impressed with its transformation that they added a Model Y to their year-long road test fleet, keen to explore its long-term livability. This significant evolution makes the Tesla Model Y a top contender for the title of the best cars of 2025, offering a truly well-rounded electric vehicle experience.
Under the Hood: Your Q&A on This Year’s Best Rides
What is this article about?
This article showcases the best cars, trucks, and SUVs that Edmunds experts have driven so far this year, including early 2025 models. It aims to help people find top-performing vehicles.
How does Edmunds choose the ‘best cars’ for their list?
Edmunds’ team tests hundreds of new vehicles on roads and tracks every year. They thoroughly evaluate each car’s performance, comfort, and technology to identify truly outstanding models.
What kinds of cars are included in Edmunds’ top picks?
The list features a variety of vehicles, such as high-performance sports cars, practical electric SUVs, luxury sedans, and versatile family vehicles. Examples include the VW Golf R and Tesla Model Y.
Are there any electric vehicles (EVs) on this list?
Yes, the article features several electric vehicles. Noteworthy EVs include the Volkswagen ID. Buzz, the Hyundai Ioniq 5, and the Tesla Model Y, all praised for different reasons.