Consumer Reports Names Its 10 Top Vehicles for 2025. Which One is Best for Older Adults?
Find out if your car is on the list. Plus, learn the features older adults should consider
One thing many car owners can agree on is that they don't like surprises. If you’re in that group, then this year’s Consumer Reports top 10 best cars, trucks and SUVs is for you. Focusing on reliability and value, the Consumer Report (CR) ranking includes eight returning winners from last year, a number of hybrids, one electric vehicle and four cars that start at under $30,000.
"Car models tend to become more reliable over time, as manufacturers keep refining designs without making major changes. That's why some of the same models pop up on the list, year over year," says Alex Knizek, associate director of automotive test development for Consumer Reports.
Here's a rundown of the top 10 cars, how cars get on the list and the car Knizek says is best for older adults.
Which car is best for older drivers?
For those us in the over-50 set, Knizek says it's a good idea to consider accessibility and visibility when choosing a vehicle.
How CR picks cars for the list
Each year, CR purchases and tests roughly 50 vehicles. The non-profit then combines those results with their annual reliability and satisfaction survey of members, says Knizek.
The factors CR considers: performance, reliability, owner satisfaction and safety. Safety is based on ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Recalls are not factored into Consumer Reports' (CR) final scores.
Of CR's top picks, the Subaru Forester came in first for Knizek in that regard. "Without a doubt, the Subaru Forester in terms of both seat height, which is at most people's hip level, and ride height, which is not too high, makes it particularly easy to get in and out of," he says. He also notes that with its boxy shape rather than swoopy design, the Forester has excellent visibility.
Conversely, shoppers should be aware that some sedans are not as accessible. Toyota's Camry, for example, has been given a sportier look, "but it's actually quite low to the ground, so it can be a little tricky getting in there," notes Knizek.
In terms of safety, all the top picks this year come standard with automatic emergency braking that works at both low speeds and highway speeds. CR is also a big proponent of blind spot warning and rear cross traffic warning systems, which tend to come bundled together. "I definitely encourage people to seek out those features," says Knizek.
Many hybrids and one electric vehicle made the cut
This year's 10 best also reflect the continuing electric car and hybrid trend, including more than half a dozen models that either come standard or available as electric-gas hybrids. One all-electric vehicle (EV) made the list this year: the Tesla Model Y. Why? "EVs are still kind of struggling when it comes to reliability," says Knizek.
Affordability important? Four cars under $30k are on the list
One other common feature among CR's top picks: value. The average U.S. buyer pays about $48,000 for a new car, according to CR. But there are 4 models on the list with starting prices under $30,000 including the Nissan Sentra, Subaru Crosstrek, Toyota Camry and Ford Maverick.
"You don't have to spend a ton to get something that's safe and reliable," notes Knizek.
Ready for the complete list? Here you go, starting with the best small car.
Best small car
Nissan Sentra
- Price: Starting at $22,730
- EPA mpg: 34
- NHTSA safety rating: 5 stars
Boasting the lowest starting price on CR's list is the front-wheel drive Nissan Sentra (last year's winner in this category was the Mazda 3). Reviewers noted that it has a relatively spacious interior and is a smooth ride for a small car in this price range. Also noteworthy was the fact that it comes standard with safety features — including emergency braking — and that the vehicle's controls are straightforward and easy to master.
Best subcompact SUV
Subaru Crosstrek
- Price: Starting at $27,230
- EPA mpg: 29
If you're looking for something a little more versatile, the Subaru Crosstrek offers all-wheel drive, making it more adept at winter and off-road driving. CR's reviewers found the interior controls user-friendly but the subcompact SUV doesn't have a lot of interior storage. The vehicle also has surprisingly modest fuel consumption for an all-wheel drive, but testers note the base model is a little under powered and recommend upgrading to the 2.5-liter engine option.
Best compact SUV
Subaru Forester
- Price: Starting at $31,415
- EPA mpg: 29
The Subaru Forester has been redesigned for 2025. But as CR notes, it's kept a lot of what buyers have liked from previous designs, which is why this model has made the top 10 list for 12 years in a row. Older drivers and passengers will appreciate this all-wheel-drive SUV's easy access, superior visibility, and now quieter interior. Also new this year: a hybrid version of the Forester will be available, which should deliver even better fuel economy.
Best midsized car
Toyota Camry
- Price: Starting at $29,835
- EPA mpg: 50
The newly redesigned Camry is now offered only as a hybrid, meaning it has a supporting electric powertrain along with the gas engine. Like other standard hybrids, it charges as you drive and doesn't need to be plugged in. According to Knizek, Toyota has refined the system to the point that most drivers wouldn't even realize it's a hybrid — until they notice what great mileage it gets. Just remember that folks with flexibility issues may find the Camry a little tricky to climb down into as it sits low to the ground.
Best small pickup
Ford Maverick and Maverick Hybrid
- Price: Starting at $27,890
- EPA mpg: NA
In spite of its name, the Ford Maverick is a compliant and fun little pickup to drive. The gas version is definitely responsive with its 250-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine, but the CR reviewers really like the hybrid version of the front-wheel-drive truck, which reached 37 mpg in their tests. For a truck, the Maverick also has reasonable space for passengers in the back. It also has straightforward controls that make it easy to operate.
Best fuel-efficient SUV
Toyota RAV4 PHEV
- Price: Starting at $45,615
- EPA mpg: 94
The RAV4 is easy to slide into without having to squat or duck down. It also delivers truly impressive range and performance for a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), which means you can plug it in to charge the electric side of things if you want and run it with the gas engine when going on longer trips. The rechargeable battery will get you 42 miles on its own, which is exceptional for a PHEV, and good enough for driving around town. And it's quite zippy, accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds in CR’s tests.
Best midsized SUV
Toyota Highlander Hybrid
- Price: Starting at $47,470
- EPA mpg: 35
If you're looking for something bigger to haul the grandkids around in, the Highlander offers three rows of seats in a midsized SUV (the only model on CR's list to offer this feature). It also comes standard with all-wheel drive, making it more surefooted in the snow and rain. The hybrid support boosts this SUV's fuel economy to a combined 35 mph city/highway, which is truly impressive for a vehicle this size.
Best luxury compact SUV
Lexus NX350h and 450h+
- Price: Starting at $46,600 for the hybrid; $62,390 for the plug-in hybrid
- EPA mpg: 39 for hybrid; 84 for the plug-in hybrid
Well-known for cosseting its drivers and passengers, Lexus doesn't disappoint with the NX350h hybrid and the NX450h+ plug-in hybrid SUVs. CR calls the seating in these models "plush" and had positive experiences with the infotainment systems offered. The NX350h is a standard hybrid, which means it doesn't need to be plugged in to charge the supporting electric power train and runs on gas most of the time. The NX450h+ can go up to 37 miles under electric power and be plugged in when you want to fully charge the system. Reviewers found both models offered a predictable but firm ride.
Best luxury midsized SUV
BMW X5 PHEV
- Price: Starting at $67,475 gas; $74,975 PHEV
- EPA mpg: 25 gas; NA hybrid
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The most expensive vehicles in CR's top 10 this year, the BMW X5 and plug-in hybrid version of the X5, deliver not only luxury but also excellent handling. CR called their driving abilities "confidence-inspiring" and "athletic," something you cannot say about most SUVs. The X5 can get from 0 to 60 mph in 6 seconds. Better still, the PHEV version of the SUV can take you up to 39 miles on electric power before relying on gas alone. Blind-spot and lane-departure warning systems, rear cross traffic alerts, and driver attention alert systems—all of which CR recommends—are standard on both versions of the X5.
Best electric vehicle
Tesla Model Y
- Price: Starting at $46,380 (long-range model)
- EPA mpg: 125
The only all-electric vehicle in this year's top 10 is Tesla's midsized SUV, the Model Y. Its fully electric power train means it delivers excellent acceleration from a standing start and tight handling, making it as fun to drive as a sports car. What the reviewers really liked about this car is actually the company's extensive public charging network, which makes it easy to plug in. On the other hand, there are no gauges directly behind the steering wheel for the driver, so you have to look over to your right to see what's going on, and some buttons are quite small. CR does not encourage buyers to get the assisted driving option ("Full Self Driving mode"), which doesn't have some driver monitoring safeguards that others off
