If you're looking to buy yourself a new car, it's always best to do a bit of research first. These cars are the ones that have come in with the highest ratings through multiple reviews. But, to keep things fair, there is also one that nobody should ever buy.
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The list features something for every taste, from the small hatchback runaround to the big all-weather truck.
Best Compact Car - Honda Civic Hybrid 2025
The hybrid nature of the Honda Civic Hybrid immediately makes it stand out on this list. It sports 200 horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque under the hood, and yet still sees 49 mpg. That's a whole lot of fun over a whole lot of miles.
Although it is one of the smaller cars on this list, it's not cramped inside. The car can easily fit a family and the luggage that comes along with it. The ride is more than comfortable and comes with all the mod cons you could want. Google Assistant rides along with you, making the car as smart as you need.
All this comes in at a very reasonable $30,000 making it one of the highest-rated cars of the year.
Best SUV - Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid 2025
If you need a bit of extra space, and some workhorse specs, then you could do a lot worse than the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid. Not only is it running at a solid 39mpg, but it also features an economically friendly hybrid engine that doesn't skimp on power.
What sets this car apart from the rest and bumps its ratings through the roof is the seating space. Usually, if you're looking to transport more than four you'll need a minivan. But, the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid has space for eight. That's not a tight eight either, that's eight with space.
Best Truck - Ford Maverick 2024
If you're looking to get yourself a new truck this year, you may want to give the Ford Maverick a test drive. Ford has always been associated with great trucks, and this small one is no exception. It makes itself very available by being priced at the low end of the scale, for around $25,000.
Despite being a truck, and a decent-sized one at that, it is incredibly versatile. It handles very well and feels more like a crossover than a full-size truck. It also boasts fantastic MPG with around 33 on average between the city and the highway. This is the perfect truck for people who don't want to go all out on a full size, and yet still have all the power and ability.
Best Electric Car - Tesla Model 3
It kills me to say it, but Tesla is still top of the charts for electric cars. The Tesla Model 3 had a facelift for 2024 and it's sitting pretty as one of the highest-rated cars in the US market. There is no denying that the wizards at Tesla have worked their magic with this one. The value is fantastic, and it's a real pleasure to drive, feeling head and shoulders ahead of the competition.
Ranging from $35 to 45 thousand the Tesla Model 3 can be customized with a huge range of options. If you want the calm and enduring long-range model, that's not a problem. However, if you want the Model 3 and want it to be able to smoke almost everything on the racetrack, the same car can do it. Versatility is key with the Model 3. You simply need to pick your poison.
Worst Rated Car - Jeep Wrangler
If you want to be the laughingstock of anyone who knows even the first thing about cars, buy yourself a Jeep Wrangler. They look ridiculous and have the durability of a paper napkin. The first curb you bounce this thing up is going to have the doors falling off.
Besides its absolutely abysmal robustness comes a fuel consumption comparable to most navy ships. It averages out to around 18 MPG and will have you bankrupt with a quick trip to the shops.
Inside, the cab is so loud you can't hear yourself think, and the suspension will leave your spine compacted at the first pothole you hit. Steering takes some serious arm work too. Expect a workout on every corner.
