10 New Cars Named ‘Best Buys’ for 2025

Every year, automotive experts and reviewers shortlist standout vehicles that offer the best combination of value, performance, reliability, and overall ownership experience. For 2025, several new cars across different segments have earned the coveted “Best Buy” distinction proving that you don’t have to compromise when choosing your next ride. From compacts to SUVs, these 10 models deliver top-quality features at sensible prices.

Toyota Camry

so like, the camry again? i swear it just never dies. it’s like that one friend who shows up everywhere even when you didn’t invite them. but i mean, for around 30k-ish dollars, it’s… fine. quiet. safe. smells like every rental car ever though. my uncle had one that just clicked every time it turned right and somehow it became part of the vibe.

Honda Civic

you know what’s weird? civics feel smaller every year but also, somehow, faster. this new one’s like what—27k maybe? not sure, but the seats kinda hug you like they’re trying too hard. i used to drive one back in college that rattled if you turned the AC too high. still loved it. had that, uh, “i’m just figuring out life” sort of energy.

Mazda 3

hmm okay so mazdas… they’re like indie musicians of cars. underrated, artsy, but lowkey dramatic. i sat in one last week and just went “damn this interior smells nice.” around 25k i think. not too fancy, not too broke. just right. but the infotainment thing made me wanna throw the dial out the window.

Hyundai Elantra

i don’t know who redesigned this thing, but they were feeling it. all those angles and lights—it’s like origami on wheels. 24k-ish maybe? drives smoother than it looks though. used to think hyundai was only for, like, your dad’s accountant, but now it’s kinda cool.

Kia Sportage

funny story, i test drove one and the salesman wouldn’t stop calling it “sporty.” it’s not sporty. it’s comfy, fine, but it’s not… sporty. around 30, maybe 32k? great if you want a tiny SUV that tries to feel adventurous but really just wants to go to target.

Subaru Forester

this one feels like hiking boots. sturdy, a bit dusty, smells like pine air freshener. probably 31-33k i think. i had a friend who drove one and named it “Forest” (yeah, original, i know). they used it mainly for grocery runs though, not mountains.

Chevy Trax

cheapest little overachiever of the bunch, i think. low 20s maybe? looks better now, less “rental lot survivor.” i once rented one on a trip and somehow the bluetooth paired with a stranger’s phone never figured that out. the guy’s name was “Carlos’s iPhone,” so… thanks for the tunes, Carlos.

Nissan Rogue

ehh this car always confuses me. it’s neither rogue nor rebellious. it’s just middle-class comfort trying to look adventurous. 30k ballpark. seats are nice though, and the new ones feel fancier inside. i get those fake leather smells every time i sit in one.

Ford Maverick

now this one’s fun. like a tiny truck that doesn’t care what you think. hybrid option, low 20s for base, crazy good deal. my neighbor bought one and immediately put stickers all over it like a high school skateboard. feels like something i’d own if i ever decided to “fix things around the house.” (i won’t.)

Tesla Model 3

yeah yeah, i know. we’re all kinda over the hype but also not really? i sat in one recently super quiet, creepy almost. around 40 grand if you’re lucky. feels future-ish, but also, idk, soulless? it’s like a phone on wheels. kinda miss knobs and buttons, not gonna lie.