With the Academy Awards in our rearview mirror, we turn our attention to the big event in our calendar of accolades: The Best New Cars of 2025. Don’t expect gold statuettes, emotional acceptance speeches, or an orchestra to play off verbose winners (we’re looking at you, Adrien Brody). Do expect clear, unbiased, expert opinions about a wide selection of new cars.
The Autotrader editorial team scrutinized the new cars available for sale as 2025 and early-release 2026 models and picked the 10 best for your consideration. This year’s list includes four electric vehicles (EVs), two hybrid gasoline-electric vehicles (HEVs), and four traditional gasoline internal combustion engine (ICE) models. Unsurprisingly, six vehicles on the list are SUVs. We were pleasantly surprised to see three sedans and one minivan.
We focused on new and refreshed vehicles available for purchase within the next nine months. The cars on our list offer significant value or are groundbreaking in some other way.
A vehicle’s base model had to start below $130,000 to qualify for our list. Most cars on this list are thousands of dollars below that.
Here are Autotrader’s Best New Cars of 2025 (presented in alphabetical order by manufacturer):
1. 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ
When it debuted in 1999, the Cadillac Escalade revolutionized the SUV market, proving that there was room for luxury alongside utility. With the new 2025 Escalade IQ, Cadillac jumps into the full-size luxury electric SUV pool with all four big wheels. “The idea of an electric Escalade seems borderline inappropriate until you experience how well-executed the Escalade IQ is,” says Senior Editor Rob Nestora. “Beauty, brawn, poise, panache–the Escalade IQ has all the above by the metric ton.”
Senior Editor Eric Brandt praises the IQ and Cadillac’s parent company, saying that the SUV “speaks to the variety in GM’s EV offerings. From the mainstream and practical Chevy Equinox EV up to this plus-size luxury SUV with a 55-inch screen, up to 36 speakers, and screens and tray tables in the second row, GM increasingly has an EV for everyone. Also, its 460-mile max range estimate is among the best of any electric SUV.”
Find 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ models near you
2. 2025 Ford Expedition
Another full-size SUV entry, the 2025 Ford Expedition enhances the traditional family hauler with great new technology and a game-changing split liftgate that caught the eye of Brandt. “I’ve always been a fan of this feature on luxury SUVs, and it’s nice to see it standard on a mainstream model like the Expedition,” he says. Executive Editor Brian Moody calls the Expedition “the king of large SUVs. He says it has “the right look, ability, and plenty of thoughtful features. It can do almost anything you ask of it.” The Expedition keeps getting better and better. Ford listened to its owners and kept the features they treasured while adding more things to love.
Find 2025 Ford Expedition models near you
3. 2025 Honda Civic Hybrid
Honda abandoned the Civic Hybrid in 2015 after three generations of production, concentrating on making the ICE version of the car more efficient and reliable. We’re happy to see the return of the HEV in the 2025 Honda Civic Hybrid. “Just when you thought they couldn’t make the Civic any better, Honda introduced the Hybrid version,” says Senior Editor Allyson Harwood. “More power and more efficient? Yes, please!”
“This new addition to the 2025 lineup is a welcome one, netting 49 mpg and bringing a good boost in power, too, to the tune of 200 horsepower,” says Senior Editor Matt Degen. “In my days spent testing the new Civic Hybrid, I often found myself smiling and just appreciating how well it did everything and so seamlessly. The fact that Honda builds it as a sedan or hatchback adds to its allure.”
Find 2025 Honda Civic Hybrid models near you
4. 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9
For several years, families have asked, “When can I get an electric Palisade?” Hyundai has responded with the 2025 Ioniq 9, which should have tech-forward families flocking to showrooms when it arrives later this spring. “The Ioniq 9 isn’t just good because of its terrific electric powertrain; it’s also roomy, high-tech, and even looks interesting,” according to Eric Brandt. With three rows of seating, a roomy cabin, an outstanding predicted EV range, and advanced technology, the Ioniq 9 has impressed drivers in preview and launch events leading up to its on-sale date. If it lives up to the legacy of the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6—not to mention the Palisade—expect to see the Ioniq 9 in driveways near you very soon.
Find 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 models near you
5. 2025 Kia K4
Just when the big brains seem ready to pronounce the death of the compact sedan, Kia strikes down the venerable Forte and brings the all-new K4 to its lineup. “The Kia K4 is a comforting piece of evidence that there’s still room in the new car market for a new sedan that’s small and affordable,” says Eric Brandt. “It looks good, gets up to 40 mpg on the highway, and has the technology and warranty coverage we love about Kia.”
Matt Degen agrees. “The K4 exceeded my expectations in a segment that rarely exceeds expectations. Before even getting in to drive Kia’s new compact sedan, you can’t help but note that it’s special thanks to its design,” he says.
I chose the K4 for my rental car on two recent trips. I was delighted that even the fleet versions have standard wireless Apple CarPlay, a tremendous bonus when I needed navigation and satellite radio in unfamiliar places. Wrapping an attractive, capable, comfortable subcompact sedan around that feature got my attention.
Rob Nestora is always looking for more. “The handsome yet edgy K4 is the compact Kia sedan we’ve been yearning for. Now it just needs an honest-to-goodness performance version,” he says.
Find 2025 Kia K4 models near you
6. 2025 Nissan Kicks
Nissan has been in the news for its struggles. If Nissan could find a way to focus on great entry-level cars like the 2025 Kicks, maybe they wouldn’t have to struggle so much. Good, honest, and not a bit fussy, the Kicks is an excellent choice for any buyer on a budget. “The Nissan Kicks is quietly one of the best bargains in small SUVs,” says Eric Brandt. “The new generation has a bigger interior, available all-wheel drive, and fun options like headrest speakers, and it still starts at under $25,000.”
Allyson Harwood agrees. “The Kicks’ combination of standard safety features and tech make this a great car for younger drivers.”
Brian Moody is impressed with what he sees. “I like the well-thought-out interior and exterior design,” he says. “It manages to be inexpensive without looking cheap.”
Find 2025 Nissan Kicks models near you
7. 2025 Toyota 4Runner
I’m a 4Runner guy. I’ve owned three different generations (so far). The new 4Runner does everything I need a 4Runner to do in a familiar yet modern way. I’m not alone.
Rob Nestora says, “The 4Runner has finally arrived, and all I keep thinking about is what I must do to get one in my driveway.”
While he is more prone to minivans for his five children than midsize SUVs, Eric Brandt said, “The new Toyota 4Runner modernizes the iconic off-roader while staying true to form. It’s still a rough-and-tumble off-roader with charming simplicity, but it’s about time it got basic creature comforts like a power liftgate.” Balancing creature comforts with off-road chops has always been a 4Runner trait, along with legendary durability. With this new generation of production, the legend lives on.
Find 2025 Toyota 4Runner models near you
8. 2025 Toyota Camry
When a friend asked me which midsize American sedan they should buy, I recommended the 2025 Toyota Camry. Assembled in Georgetown, Kentucky, the Camry is as American as apple pie, ideally suited for our tastes and needs. The Camry is one assimilated immigrant.
“I could summarize the all-new 2025 Camry with two words: Nailed it,” says Matt Degen. “To expand upon that, I’ll add that Toyota’s relative risk in making all new Camry models hybrids is a bet that pays off. You get the best of both worlds with this powertrain, achieving up to 51 mpg while also getting potent power—up to 232 horsepower. And, yeah, you can have all-wheel drive, too.”
Brian Moody concurs. “As the years go by, the Camry is getting increasingly attractive,” he said. “Smooth acceleration, predictable handling, and abundant standard safety features make the Camry a must-test-drive vehicle.”
Find 2025 Toyota Camry models near you
9. 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz
Though the production version is not nearly as cute as the concept car Volkswagen has teased us with for almost a decade, the all-electric ID. Buzz van is fun, functional, and funky. “This van has all the happy retro vibes you could ask for,” says Allyson Harwood. “The ID. Buzz has a cavernous interior, yet a relatively tidy footprint.”
“The look sells this electric bus,” Brian Moody said. “Thankfully, useful and unique features make the latest take on a cherished favorite worthwhile and incrementally better than other family vans.”
“The VW ID. Buzz is about more than just its jaw-dropping design,” adds Eric Brandt. “To me, it’s exciting because the minivan segment finally has an EV. Although this will likely be driven as a fashion statement more than a family hauler, it’s still good to see my favorite segment get an all-electric option.”
Find 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz models near you
10. 2025 Volvo EX30
Volvo has been creeping toward luxury for a few years, but this new EV is a return of the Everyman Volvo. Mainstream, uncomplicated, safe, and unique, the 2025 Volvo EX30 is an EV for all. Several of my friends have preordered the EX30—a rare situation in a group of buyers who are more likely to line up for the latest sports car or specialty model.
Brian Moody may have his finger on the pulse. “More electric cars should follow Volvo’s lead,” he said. “Compelling features, a reasonable price, and decent range all add up to an electric car you won’t regret buying. An excellent suburban runabout.”
Eric Brandt also sees the EX30’s potential. “The Volvo EX30 could be the car that makes Volvo a bigger name in the U.S.,” he said. “It’s a little quirky, which is expected of a Volvo, but it’s also an EV that’s genuinely practical and affordable for a wide range of drivers.”
Find 2025 Volvo EX30 models near you
Autotrader’s Best Cars of 2025
- 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ
- 2025 Ford Expedition
- 2025 Honda Civic Hybrid
- 2026 Hyundai Ionic 9
- 2025 Kia K4
- 2025 Nissan Kicks
- 2025 Toyota 4Runner
- 2025 Toyota Camry
- 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz
- 2025 Volvo EX30
I agreew with everything on this list! 100% accurate