These Were the Best New Cars We Test Drove in 2025—And Why They Made Us Swoon
And it wasn't easy to narrow it all down. 2025 produced some amazing cars.
When I think about the best cars for 2025, and phew, the list made me a bit fatigued. Add in the cars our A Girls Guide to Cars reviewers drove, and it’s positively exhausting, numbering in the many hundreds of in-depth test drives.
We take what we do seriously: driving, exploring, and evaluating cars so you are armed with great information as you shop for a car. And if you’re here just for the fun of it, all the better; we love that too.
But at the end of this chrome and paint rainbow is a golden kettle of favorites: The best cars and SUVs we drove all year. The ones that sparked our emotions, made our souls soar, that we can’t shake the memory of. These are the best cars we drove in 2025.
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.
Cadillac Escalade IQ: My Most Memorable Test Drive
Cadillac got this one right from the start; it’s not an electric car that’s a Cadillac, it’s a Cadillac—the penultimate Cadillac—that’s also electric. From doors that open and close with the push of a button to exterior lights that’ll make you want to sit and play with them in your driveway to rear seat tray tables that stow in the armrest, this is a seriously luxe SUV. It’s finished in leatherette, glossy woods, gorgeous metals, and lush paint colors that come together as one of the most elevated palettes in the car biz.
But it’s also amazing to drive, powerful, fast, and with a long-distance range that left me wondering what day next week I’d have to finally plug it in. The only issue of note is that without a sunroof screen in the cabin, it got quite hot, something I’d love in Northern winters but not so much in Texas summers. Still, I really loved this SUV.
The 2025 Lincoln Navigator Black Label Made My Family Swoon
Kim S, who reviews cars with her teen and younger daughter, was told by her children that the 2025 Lincoln Navigator Black Label should replace her beloved Acura SUV because of how impressive it was. She couldn’t help but see where they were coming from.
“This SUV redefined what luxury family transportation means to me,” she noted. “Yes, it’s a massive SUV that requires confidence to navigate through parking lots and city streets, but its commanding presence is matched by thoughtful design at every turn. That 48-inch panoramic dashboard isn’t just impressive to look at—the animated weather displays actually made checking approaching storms oddly entertaining (my 14-year-old was filming it on my phone).”
“What truly sets the Navigator apart is Lincoln’s commitment to ensuring everyone in the car experiences luxury, not just the driver. Third-row passengers get heated seats and climate controls, second-row captain’s chairs have massaging functions, and there’s storage everywhere for real family life. The Sunrise Copper Metallic paint had strangers stopping me to compliment it, and honestly, I felt like the main character every time I got behind the wheel. At $118,000+, it’s firmly in aspirational territory, but for families who spend serious time on the road and can comfortably afford it, the Navigator Black Label delivers a level of comprehensive luxury that justifies my kids’ brutally honest assessment: “This is so much better than your car, Mommy.””
The Dodge Charger Sixpack Was Hands-Down One of the Best Cars for 2025
I have a love-hate relationship with muscle cars. I love the feel of all that power in my hands; I love the control over an ambitious powertrain with the muscle to plow through the air in a blur. But I hate a tight, constrained cabin, cramped rear passengers, and a low roofline that forces me to sit low, too; it impedes my visibility.
All that is naught in the Dodge Charger Sixpack, and its nearly-identical sister the Dodge Charger Daytona EV (which I really loved, too). The Sixpack takes a more practical approach to the modern muscle car with an affordable 6-cylinder engine tuned to deliver either 420 HP or 550 HP (the EV produces 670HP), a roomy, heritage-inspired cabin, and standard all-wheel drive. Every single thing about this car is smart, charming, and classic. If this were the last car I ever drove, I’d be happy about that.
The Electric Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen Is All That — and More
Sara Lacey, one of our writers and the president of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press Association, was also impressed by a large-and-in-charge SUV. She drove a lot of cars this year, but this was one of her best cars for 2025.
“My favorite test drive this year was the Mercedes-Benz electric G 580 (technically, the G 580 with EQ Technology SUV),” she said. “It exceeds my expectations in every way. Every single time I opened the door, I was thrilled with the mechanical button-push, which is a feat on an EV.”
“Then, the heft of the door and the sound of the closing were reminiscent of days gone by, when all cars felt a lot more substantial. There were luxurious details throughout, as a vehicle that’s still largely handmade should be. I was delighted by almost all of them (I’m looking at you, MBUX). Passengers are treated nicely in the G580, too, no skimping anywhere. And in case you want to take the G580 off-road, it’s got massive torque thanks to four electric motors, one on each wheel, that dazzles in its G-Turn mode but also creates exceptional grip in slippery or atypical trail or road conditions. Off-road mode helps you keep your calm with all kinds of feedback.”
“Yes, it looks just like a G-Wagen. Yes, it performs just like a G-Wagen. It’s decadent, it’s phenomenal both on and off-road, and most of all, it treats you like the queen you are.”
Really Learning The Magic of EV Driving in the Mustang Mach-E
This year, I started on a path that’ll take me places I hadn’t anticipated: Learning to live the EV life like a local. My first foray into driving an EV full-time was in the Mustang Mach-E, and while I only had it for 4 months, it taught me so much. Driving can be more fun and less effort than I ever thought. That an open-concept minimalist interior is like finally getting a walk-in closet after only having reach-in closets.
That hands-free driving was at its best on my daily white-knuckle rush hour commute; it let me relax, hands on my lap. And it taught me I could do things I had reluctant to do: road trip solo in an EV; figure out the ins and outs of home charging; and really learn to talk to my car and get it to do all the things I want and need from it.
The biggest lesson, though, is that the EV life is really, really good. If you believe the bunk, you’re really just shortchanging yourself. Schedule a test drive, and you’ll see why we picked it as one of the best cars for 2025.
Rivian R1S Quad and Hummer May Convert Kristen to The EV Life
Kristen Brown, our Autos Editor, tested two powerful, 1,000+ horsepower EVs, the 2026 Rivian R1S Quad Motor and the 2025 GMC Hummer EV 3X Pickup. She loved them both so much that she couldn’t pick just one. So, she named both as her best cars for 2025.
“I feel torn between both the Rivian R1S Quad and the Hummer EV 3X pickup,” she admitted. “Both EVs have so much to offer, are seriously versatile, and have so much personality. Both have over 1,000 horsepower, fun software features, are very family-friendly, and easy to love. I loved the Hummer’s novelty, and the size isn’t as big a problem as I thought it’d be (pun intended). I was smitten with Rivian’s design and luxuriousness. Hop in and close the door, and it’s like an instant trip to your respite in the mountains. The design is ‘intimate cabin’ finished with plaid carpets, wood trim, and soft leatherette.”
“But it was the instant torque of both EVs that I really loved. The acceleration is hard to beat. Still, a gas car, which is what I grew up with, is comforting, and because I have to rely on public charging as a renter, an EV isn’t right for me—yet. But when I don’t have to worry about range or charging, an EV may be on the horizon.”
Hyundai’s New SUV Design Is Crushing It: Ioniq 9 and Palisade
This year, I got to test drive two cars I’d been waiting for, and I’ve been thinking about a lot since: the Hyundai Palisade and the Ioniq 9. And while they are not at all the same car, they share design DNA that sets the stage for future Hyundai models and paints a pretty sweet picture. The approach is modern lounge, with soft, rounded corners, cushy, comfortable seats, and conveniences at your fingertips.
So while the Ioniq isn’t simply an electric version of the Palisade, if you like the Pixel detail that defines modern Hyundais, you’ll find it in both cars, though more in the Ioniq 9 than the Palisade. Both have similar front seats, screens, and center consoles, and both offer 3 rows of comfort, though skip the top-of-the-line powered center row seats, which I feel are not as safe as they could be since they will move even with a person in the seat.
So really, your only chore is to choose: Electric, hybrid, or gas.
The Rivian Gen-2 R1T Quad Is a Scene-Stealer
Natalie Merola, who reviews everything from hypercars, supercars, trucks, side-by-sides, and cars, 2025 was the year she found herself enjoying what EVs have to offer. While it took her a while to decide, she named the Rivian R1T Quad as one of the best cars for 2025.
“I drove a lot of cars across different categories, but I’ve recently found myself impressed with plug-in hybrids and fully electric cars,” she told me. “The 2026 Rivian Gen 2 R1T Quad is at the top of my list for the ultimate tech and adventure-style EV. My family loved this truck. And it certainly influenced some neighbors to order one, or at least it felt like that. We’ve seen so many R1Ts pop up on the roads in our neighborhood.”
“Although people are inclined to commiserate the lack of Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, the R1T made up for that with its own software that’s intuitive and not distracting. With a mindful interior space and storage, it’s incredibly useful, elegant, and innovative. It feels like it has your family in mind, from connectivity to camera views and legroom.”
“My mom really liked the charge indicator light on the front grille; I loved the custom sounds you can link to it. The app made me feel like it was really mine. It was a rare connection. But most of all, there’s nothing like a fancy truck that also is capable, can go the distance, and share in the EV off-road adventures starting to become more and more of a reality—even for those of us in Texas.”
This Year’s Most Impressive Test Drive: Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e
This one really surprised me: the Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e, a five-passenger plug-in hybrid, delivers 60 miles of range on a charge. 60 miles. I did charge it while I had it, but only a couple of times, and I never used gas. Never. Plus, it’s all the lovely things we cherish about Mercedes: Power, luxury, and innovation
The Year’s Most Surprising Test Drive: Range Rover SE LWB
Yes, I know that Range Rover is luxe. And yes, I know it’s powerful, capable, and in the long wheel base, accommodating two extra people. But what I wasn’t ready for was all the cleverness, controls, and features tucked away so you don’t have to look at them; a level of luxury that is surpassed only by cars that cost twice as much; the confidence of power and capability. It’s easy to see why Range Rover drivers have so much confidence everywhere else in life; they drive around in confidence all day in this SUV.
The Year’s Most Charming Test Drive: Bentley Flying Spur Speed
I was so ready to be nonplussed by the Bentley Flying Spur. This chauffeur-level sedan has rear reclining, massaging seats, layers upon layers of luxury details, and self-leveling “B” badges on the wheels that remind everyone that this car is something special.
And then I got behind the wheel, and when a driver in front of me annoyed me, I simply tapped the accelerator and flew away from him in a silent blast of power. That’s because the Speed, a 771 HP powerhouse, is a plug-in hybrid electric. Dial the drive mode selector to B or Sport, and you’ll hear the twin turbo V8 engine come to life, or don’t and just enjoy the power. Then, enjoy the under-the-radar of this sedan that no one will guess is as mighty as it is.
Audi RS e-tron GT Performance, the Fastest, Most Luxe Car on the Road
Built on the same platform and sharing a powertrain with the Porsche Taycan, the Audi RS e-tron GT Performance takes everything its cousin does and adds a layer of elegance and luxury. And brain-melting speed. This is one of the fastest cars on the road, but its gorgeous exterior and beautiful interior don’t give a race-car vibe. So, you might want to warn your passengers before you floor the accelerator, lest they “decorate” the interior with their lunch—it’s that fast (and that fun).
The Lucid Gravity Is Seven Seats of Family Cool
When’s the last time anyone said ‘that family car is cool?’ The answer: the last time someone took a ride in the Lucid Gravity. This car is three rows of comfort, luxury and smart design, from the panoramic glass roof that extends from the windshield to the middle of the passenger cabin, to the 3rd row seats that stow into the floor (and create a cargo well when they’re up!) and offer more cargo space than any other 3-row EV, to the rear doors that open a full 90 degrees for easy entry. Then, there’s a uniquely designed front screen, the squircle steering wheel, and a pilot panel for even more functions. All together, every passenger in this SUV feels special.
The Lamborghini Urus SE Is a Most Beautiful Powerhouse
Like the Bentley Flying Spur Speed, the Lamborghini Urus SE takes what is already a powerhouse of an SUV and makes it even better with … electric power. With a total output of 789 HP from the plug-in electric hybrid powertrain, this SUV is anxious to hit its natural gait, which is somewhere in the 80 MPH range (maybe faster).
But the power story steals from the rest of what makes this SUV so luscious: the interior and exterior are crafted with every detail intentional; inside, the upholstery, hard surfaces, and controls come together beautifully, more beautiful than I expected from Lamborghini, even knowing its high-design bespoke capabilities, which are substantial. The Urus is a more subtle vehicle than the brand’s other models, and for that, it rides a bit under the radar; its beauty and power surprised me, but only a bit. No wonder the Urus accounts for more than half of Lamborghini’s sales.
And no wonder these cars are all we can think about, but it’s been a good year, and one that 2026 will have to work hard to beat.
More About:Car Reviews