The search for the Best Car to Buy in 2025 is well underway, with the final five contenders already chosen and the winner set to be announced early next year. In order to narrow down the field, 18 new and redesigned cars were eliminated for a variety of reasons, such as being too expensive or not evolving their respective segments enough. The goal of this annual award series is to provide consumers with a solid recommendation based on extensive test driving of over 100 new vehicles, ranging from 2024 to 2026 models.
The criteria for selecting the winner includes evaluating vehicles based on value, efficiency, safety, interior spaciousness, quality, design, and driving dynamics. The ultimate goal is to find a car that excels in these areas and stands out as a great choice for consumers. The winner doesn’t need to be good at each of these things—it needs to be great.
This year’s finalists cover a range of vehicle types, from related EVs to updated three-row SUVs to a perennial off-road wagon favorite. The winner will be announced on January 6, 2025, along with winners from sister sites Motor Authority for luxury and performance vehicles, and Green Car Reports for vehicles that prioritize efficiency above all else.
Looking back at past winners can provide insight into what makes the Best Car to Buy today. For example, the Kia EV9 three-row electric crossover won the top award in its first model year for broadening the appeal of EVs in a unique way. With a 304-mile range and seating for up to seven passengers, the EV9 offered a compelling combination of range, value, and features that set it apart from the competition.
Another past winner, the Ford F-150 Lightning electric pickup truck, marked a significant milestone in the mass adoption of electric vehicles. With impressive performance figures, a spacious front trunk, and innovative features, the Lightning stood out as a groundbreaking vehicle that set a new standard for electric trucks.
Ford’s return to the small pickup truck segment with the Maverick was also a standout winner, offering exceptional fuel efficiency and affordability in a compact package. Despite its basic interior and modest towing capacity, the Maverick’s honesty and economy made it a favorite among consumers and critics alike.
As the search for the Best Car to Buy in 2025 continues, consumers can expect to see more innovative and exciting vehicles vying for the top spot. With a focus on value, efficiency, safety, and overall excellence, the winning car is sure to be a standout choice for shoppers in the coming year. The new article focuses on the Ford Maverick, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Kia Telluride, Subaru Forester, and Honda Accord.
The Ford Maverick, despite its pairing with an indecisive 8-speed automatic transmission, offers a small bed perfect for active lifestyles with dual covered bins, tie-downs, and a 400-pound tailgate. The crew cab can accommodate four people, but taller passengers may find the rear legroom tight at 35.9 inches. The XLT Hybrid, priced around $26,000, adds alloy wheels and cruise control, making it a top choice despite its 25 mpg combined rating with AWD.
Ford’s first mass-produced electric vehicle, the Mustang Mach-E, combines sporty crossover styling with performance that bridges the gap between a pony car and a crossover SUV. With a 88-kwh battery pack and all-wheel drive, the Mach-E can reach 60 mph in 4.8 seconds, offering gut-dropping acceleration without gear shifts. Starting at $43,995, it rivals the Tesla Model Y in range and affordability, making it a top choice in the electric crossover SUV segment.
The 2020 Kia Telluride won The Car Connection’s Best Car To Buy award due to its handsome design, loaded standard features, and value. The spacious SUV seats up to eight passengers and comes with a 291-horsepower V-6 engine paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission. Priced at around $40,000, the Telluride stands out in the crowded family hauler market for its rugged looks, refined interior, and exceptional safety features.
In 2019, the Subaru Forester topped The Car Connection’s Best Car To Buy competition for its unbeatable blend of practicality and value. The spacious interior, standard all-wheel drive, good fuel economy of 29 mpg combined, and impressive safety features made it a standout choice. Priced at $28,300 for a well-equipped Forester Premium, it offered a great balance of function, comfort, safety, and value.
The 2018 Honda Accord impressed with its sleek styling, fuel-efficient engines, and luxury-level interior. The move to a turbocharged engine lineup gave the Accord a boost in performance without compromising fuel economy. Despite the rise of crossover SUVs, the 2018 Accord stood out for its overall package, making it a compelling choice for sedan enthusiasts. The Honda Accord has long been known for its all-day comfort and the 2017 model did not disappoint. With improved Apple and Android-compatible infotainment, the Accord made daily commutes and long highway treks a pleasant experience. The top trims even rode on an adaptive suspension that hit the sweet spot for many drivers. Starting at around $25,000, the Accord was well-equipped at every level and offered great value compared to the average new car. Despite the trend towards crossover SUVs, our enthusiasm for the Accord remained high.
In 2017, the Chrysler Pacifica was named the Best Car To Buy, showcasing that the minivan was far from dead. The Pacifica’s flexibility, with two rows of seats that folded into the floor, along with a high-class interior and strong V-6 engine, set it apart from the competition. Later in the model year, a hybrid version was introduced, offering even greater value with its federal rebate. While minivans may not be as popular as crossovers, the Pacifica’s unmatched versatility and features made it a standout choice.
The 2016 Honda Pilot impressed us with its sleek styling, versatile interior, and great road manners. It was a significant improvement over its predecessor, offering a more refined driving experience and ample space for passengers. The Pilot continued to stand out in the competitive three-row crossover segment, with updates in 2019 making active safety tech standard and addressing any previous shortcomings in the optional transmission.
The Subaru Legacy took the title of Best Car To Buy in 2015, thanks to its polished driving experience, standard all-wheel drive, and luxurious interior. The Legacy offered outstanding value, making it a top choice among mid-size sedans. With active safety gear becoming standard in 2019, the Legacy remained a desirable option in its segment, with a revamped version introduced in 2020.
The Subaru Forester was named the Best Car To Buy in 2014, thanks to its wide range of trim levels, standard all-wheel drive, and versatile interior. The Forester moved towards mainstream appeal, shedding its niche wagon image for a more thoughtfully designed vehicle. A 2019 update brought a new platform and improved interior to the Forester, maintaining its rugged yet refined character.
In 2013, the Ford Fusion captured our attention with its Aston Martin-like styling, wide range of engine options, and engaging driving dynamics. While the Fusion may feel a bit dated compared to newer rivals, its attractive design and enjoyable driving experience still hold up. A new Fusion Sport model injected some excitement into the lineup, but Ford’s plans to phase out sedans may signal the end of the Fusion’s run.
The 2012 Ford Focus impressed us with its fun-to-drive nature and excellent value. While Ford decided not to replace the Focus after 2018, the model set a new standard in its class with its attention-grabbing design and agile handling. The Focus was a standout choice for buyers seeking a compact car that delivered both style and performance.
The Hyundai Sonata was the Best Car To Buy in 2011, marking a turning point for the brand. The Sonata’s transformation from dull to eye-catching in just one generation propelled Hyundai into the mainstream market. The success of the 2011 Sonata set the stage for future Hyundai models, showcasing the brand’s ability to innovate and compete with established players in the industry. When Hyundai introduced the Sonata in 2011, it quickly captured the hearts of car enthusiasts with its impressive lineup of naturally aspirated and turbocharged 4-cylinder engines, along with a thrifty hybrid option. This diverse range of powertrains helped the Sonata clinch the top spot in the Best Car To Buy competition.
What made the Sonata even more appealing was its affordable starting price of $19,995. This was a clear indication of the extensive overhaul the vehicle had undergone, from shifting production to a U.S. assembly plant to adopting a striking new design language. Additionally, the Sonata boasted top-notch safety features and a comprehensive list of standard equipment, making it a compelling choice for buyers looking for value.
While subsequent redesigns in 2015 and 2018 didn’t quite capture the magic of the 2011 model, the Sonata continued to excel as a mid-size sedan. The 2020 iteration, in particular, introduced a stylish new look that further enhanced its appeal.
Overall, the Hyundai Sonata has proven to be a versatile and well-rounded vehicle that offers something for everyone. With its range of engine options, attractive pricing, and impressive features, it’s no wonder that the Sonata has remained a favorite among consumers. Whether you’re looking for a fuel-efficient hybrid or a sporty turbocharged sedan, the Sonata has you covered.
