These Are 15 Best New Cars of 2025. We Drove Them and This is Why They Shine
In alphabetic order, these are the best of the best new cars of the year.
2025 was, without question, a busy year. There were lots of new car introductions—BMW iX3, Kia Telluride, Jeep Recon, Subaru Trailseeker, Vittori Turbino, Genesis GV60 Magma are on my list for what should be the highlight of 2026—and lots of new cars that made their way from the reveal stage to the marketplace. While every new car stood out, these are the 15 best cars of 2025 and why we love them.
This story is 100% human-researched and written based on actual first-person knowledge, extensive experience, and expertise on the subject of cars and trucks.
2025 Was a Remarkable Year for New Cars
The year was marked by a continuing shift in how cars are powered, with hybrid electric powertrains taking the spotlight for many car makers and not for the reason you might think: Yes, they are more fuel efficient but they are also more powerful.
Hybrids and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, or PHEVs, deliver an unbeatable combo of power and confidence and are, for now, the perfect way to deliver it all: Good MPG, great power and the joy of electric driving. But that’s not to say that the love for better, more efficient and powerful gas-powered engines took a backseat, nor did pure electric cars. They all got better in 2025, one of the reasons it was such a stellar year. Here are the 15 best cars I drove this year in alphabetic order because asking me to rank them from first to least favorite is just too much.
1. Audi RS e-tron GT Performance
This little sports coupe blew me away, literally. Blew. Me. Away. We had the chance to take this all electric sports car, built on the same platform with the same powertrain as the Porsche Taycan, on the track and put all its 912 HP. On a track or closed road it’ll deliver a 2.4 second 0-60 performance. Let me just say that I find the 0-60 measure to be an unrealistic accounting of how you’ll drive it or what that power really means to you because, who really ever does that? But we did and I can attest, moving through space that fast will melt your brain.
The Audi RS e-tron GT Performance, priced from $167K to about $200K, is also simply a gorgeous, elegant, and refined sports sedan built with the finest materials and design the company offers. Even if you never take it to the track or put it’s performance to test, it’s worth every penny of the price tag because it’s that beautiful.
2. Bentley Flying Spur
This ultra luxury sedan really surprised me. I love the Bentayga Speed, the newest SUV from Bentley, for its proportions and interior features, which are are among the most elegant on the road. But the Flying Spur’s over-the-top luxuries— rear heated seats with massage, wireless headphones on separate channels for rear seat passenger entertainment systems, layered design details that are curated to create a mood, the rotating center display, all of it is charming.
But the Flying Spur, priced from $200,000 to over $300,000, delivers 771 HP from the PHEV powertrain—and 37 miles of all electric driving—and it allows you to truly fly. Every on ramp and empty expanse of highway is your own personal runway. And its charming face and demure posture are totally disarming; cruise through town and everyone turns and smiles at this pretty car; no one would ever suspect it has so much power under the hood.
3. BMW X5
BMW has been on a journey of redesigning all its models and this year was the 5 Series time to shine. The 5 sedan, M5 performance sedan and the i5 electric sedan accompany the X5 SUV, one of the company’s best-sellers thanks to its roomy rear seat, plenty of cargo space and all the luxuries we expect from BMW, which prioritizes performance as well as luxury.
In addition to things we’ve loved from BMW in the past, such as the clamshell liftgate that makes hauling things just a bit easier, BMW added a modern look and feel with elaborate interior lighting that can be customized —even the sound system speakers and sunroof are lighted!—and new technology that includes “Hey BMW” voice activated assistance. Priced from $63K to $127K, the X5’s engine options deliver from 375 HP to 617 HP, or essentially, great to amazing.
4. Cadillac Escalade IQ
The Cadillac Escalade IQ was one of the most-awaited cars of the year. That’s because it was expected to, and it did, deliver a Cadillac level of luxury in a electric powertrain. In this case though, Cadillac managed to out-deliver its own reputation with the most luxe Cadillac ever. Add to that Super Cruise hands free driving, a dash-spanning glass display and delightful details like doors that close with a touch of a button, a rear seat executive package that adds massage seats and entertainment, and modern materials and design that thrust Cadillac into its next most elegant era.
One thing to consider is the fixed pane open glass sunroof, which I found allowed too much sun and heat into the cabin, but otherwise, this 680 HP, 450 mile range EV is not just a pinnacle for the brand but a target for the luxury EV industry to best.
5. Dodge Charger Six Pack
When Dodge bid farewell to its V8 engine lineup many thought it was the end of the road; that Dodge’s muscle car days were done.
Oh, what a silly thought. Dodge is known for the category and has roared back with what may actually be the most perfect muscle car ever: The Dodge Charger Six Pack. The approach is novel: The company built the Six Pack, a 6-cylinder 550 HP engine (there’s a 420 HP version too) on the design of the all electric 670 HP Dodge Charger Daytona. The result is absolutely brilliant: The Six Pack, priced from just under $50K to about $70K, has standard AWD and a roomy, retro-inspired cabin with plenty of space for 4 or 5 passengers. Even the 2-door model is spacious, though there’s a 4-door model for those who need better rear seat access. Muscle car fans need to drive this, but really, anyone looking for fun, sporty retro with modern tech and features will be delighted. Thrilled, even.
6. Ford Expedition
When it comes to family cars, Ford takes things very seriously. And when it comes to off-road performance the company is equally focused. Put those two things together and you get the Ford Expedition: an 8-passenger 4WD SUV that may be the best on the road for accommodating kids in car seats and overlanding families, or both at the same time.
The Ford Expedition, priced from $62,000 and delivering 400 HP (or 440 HP in the more powerful engine option), is notable for all its versatility: A sliding center console that moves to make space for a handbag, sliding and folding center and 3rd row seats that make room for gear or passengers or both; work lights inside and out so you can set up camp in the dark or disassemble your kids hockey gear and stow it in the skating rink parking lot. And for those who need a little more on the off-road, the Tremor edition delivers it all: More towing, more power, more capability.
7. Hyundai Ioniq 9
Hyundai had a busy year rolling out new models including the new Hyundai Palisade, Tucson, and Ioniq 5 XRT. But the Ioniq 9, an all-electric 3-row SUV takes the top spot for sweet, elegant fun in the Hyundai family. This SUV is loaded with Hyundai’s top-notch tech, from voice activated assistance to wireless Apple CarPlay, HD cameras, blind spot cameras and Hyundai Pay that allows you to seamlessly charge, park and eventually pay for other things—with your car!
Then, the Ioniq 9 marries this with an interior look and feel that is equally as sophisticated. The result is one of the smartest and most elegant cars on the road. It’s all electric with a range of up to 320 miles; it charges fast with up to 80% replenished at a DC fast charger in 18 minutes and it’s powerful, delivering up to 422 HP. Priced from $59K to $76K, the Ioniq 9 puts Hyundai squarely in the luxury EV space with the most innovative and elegant Hyundai ever.
8. Infiniti QX 80
2025 has been a streak of brilliance for Infiniti as the company brought it’s flagship back to the forefront of excellence. We’ve long loved the Infiniti QX80 for its large, commanding proportions, luxe appointments and the feeling of confidence and protection it delivers.
For 2025, though, it delivers so much more: an expansive screen setup, “Hey Google” voice-activated assistance, immersive sound and massaging seats. Priced from $82K to $110K, the cabin is wide, open and comfortable and even 3rd row passengers can get plenty of room and in the top of the line Autograph model. heated seats. Powered by a V6 engine that delivers 450 HP, the QX80 will grow in importance for Infiniti; expect to see a super-powered track version and hopefully, an off-roader in 2026.
9. Lamborghini Urus SE
If you thought Lamborghini is all about small, super-powered race cars, you’re only partially right: the Lamborghini Urus SE takes all the company does with sports cars and puts it into one of the most beautiful and special SUVs on the road. Since the company rolled out the Urus it’s become the brand’s No. 1 best seller and for good reason: it’s fast, it’s fun and it takes on daily life with ease.
The Lamborghini Urus SE takes all that up a notch, delivering 789 HP from the V8 engine assisted by a plug-in hybrid electric motor. Priced from $258K, buyers can head to the Lamborghini Lounge to personify theirs through the Ad Personam program and make it truly special. Or, go for the one we drove painted in Viola Galaxis with a cream leather interior; you won’t be sorry. This is the most beautiful car I drove all year, hands down.
10. Lincoln Navigator
When you think of tech forward cars Lincoln isn’t the brand that comes to mind first. But it should be. When Lincoln redesigned the Navigator the company took the long view, adding a dash-spanning multimedia system, a control panel to mange the functions and added Rejuvenate mode, combining massage, fragrance, music and lights to let you create a haven of calm or energy, your choice.
The result is 3 rows of luxury, as is Lincoln’s reputation, plus a stellar tech array that will lead you to an elevated lifestyle you didn’t know existed. Priced from $99K to about $120K, the Navigator is powered by V6 engine that delivers 440 HP. And with Blue Cruise hands-free driving paired with the luxury that Lincoln delivers, this is a win-win-win.
11. Lucid Gravity
One of the most heralded new cars on the road, electric car maker Lucid is American designed (in California), American built (in Arizona) and among the most powerful (1,234 HP in the Lucid Air Sapphire) on the road. But don’t let all that distract you from what the Lucid Gravity does so well: ferry your babies and besties in modern style and comfort.
The Gravity is at once a performance SUV, delivering 828 HP of silent, soaring power, but also a comfort pod with plenty of legroom in all seats, a 3rd row that stows in the floor and a very manageable cabin and roof rack; it’s huge but doesn’t feel all that big.
Priced from $80K and delivering up to 450 miles of electric driving, the Lucid Gravity’s modern look, from the glass roof that extends into the windshield to the ‘pilot panel’ screen and expansive multimedia screen, every inch of this car makes the future a calm, comfortable and intuitive space.
12. Maserati Gran Turismo
The last four years have seen the Maserati brand come back to life: A new engine, new track cars, a race team and two of the most beautiful daily performance drivers on the road: The GranTursimo and the GranCabriolet. Really, you can take your choice: convertible or coupe. Either deliver a stunning drive, delivering up to 542HP from the V6 Nettuno engine, the same that powers Maserati’s sports cars.
The GranTurismo shares more than just the engine, though; the company’s designers focused on performance in the design of these 2-door sports cars. Everything about the hood lines, the lower spoilers and diffusers, the roof line, all of it, are designed to keep the car planted on the road and roaring through every curve. And it feels good, not just thanks to the power but thanks to the luxe interior that on its own is worth the $174K+ price tag.
13. Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e
If ever there’s a perfect SUV on the road, this might be it: The Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e, a PHEV that delivers a stunning 60 miles of range, great MPG, 303 HP and a starting price of $60K—for, yes, a Mercedes-Benz.
The best part is that this is all Mercedes-Benz, with the tech and smart performance we expect from the brand: The fun of driving in sport mode, the luxury of a beautifully appointed interior, the magic of Mercedes-Benz technology. All at a price that is exceptional for the luxury (and electric range) you get.
14. Rivian R1 Quad
2025 saw Rivian hit new highs, quite literally. Not only did the brand announce game-changing technology, but the company’s engineers and designers introduced the most powerful and capable R1 Quad, a four-motor SUV that can scale heights typically only achieved by goats and eagles.
The Quad, delivering 1,025 HP from its four motors, was developed by engineers who competed in road rallies and races to perfect the performance of the R1, available in either an SUV or a pickup truck. Among the innovations they came up with are Kick Turn mode, which allows the Quad to make turns so tight it can literally spin in a circle, and RAD tuner mode that allows the ultimate in customized off-road settings. Pair that with an interior that feels like a chic woodland cabin, an expansive sunroof and 3 rows of seating and this $120K off-roader is really something special.
15. VW ID Buzz
2024 finally—finally!—saw the introduction of the VW ID Buzz, but I’m adding it to the 2025 Best Cars list because this was the year that everyone who wanted to drive it finally got to. The revival of the VW Bus was long awaited by so many: Those who love the carefree lifestyle that the busses of yore embodied, the whimsical yet practical design, the fossil fuel free powertrain that delivers on the ethos for so many who want to drive guilt free. The ID Buzz’s huge interior, ample cargo space and fun design are the ultimate package for so many fans. And we are so, so, so glad that it finally made its way to North America.
Now, on to see what 2026 holds. But really, can it compare?
More About:Car Culture