Consumer Reports' latest top picks list suggests you don't need to spend top dollar for a reliable vehicle.

The average new car price in the U.S. was $48,641 in January, up 1.3% from the previous year, according to Kelley Blue Book. Consumer Reports’ most recent top cars, trucks and SUVs list highlights several 2025 model-year vehicles that put less strain on the pocketbook, with the most affordable’s suggested retail price starting at $21,590. 

“You don’t have to spend that much to get a car that’s going to be safe and reliable and enjoyable to own,” said Alex Knizek, associate director of auto test development for Consumer Reports, a research, testing, and advocacy organization. 

Another ongoing trend from Consumer Reports' top picks list for 2025: hybrid vehicles. This year’s list has hybrids in six of the 10 categories, including three plug-in hybrid models.

Knizek said their reliability, fuel economy, quiet cabins and acceleration speeds have helped hybrids perform well in testing. And while these models can be more expensive than their gas-engine counterparts, Knizek said the price gap has narrowed in recent years. 

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“It tends to be a no-compromise solution,” he said.  

Consumer Reports’ list is determined by annual testing of about 50 new vehicles. Each vehicle is purchased anonymously at dealerships, and more than 50 tests are conducted after a 2,000-mile break-in period. Reliability and satisfaction surveys from members also factor into the analysis.  

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Small car: Nissan Sentra 

Consumer Reports found the Nissan Sentra offers a relatively roomy cabin, nimble handling, good fuel economy and more standard active safety features than some higher-priced competitors. 

• Starting MSRP: $21,590-$25,285, depending on trim

Subcompact SUV: Subaru Crosstrek 

The Subaru Crosstrek’s good fuel economy, high ground clearance and standard all-wheel drive make it suitable for both urban driving and adventures in the wilderness, according to the report. Consumer Reports highlighted the SUV’s user-friendly controls and comfortable seats in both the front and rear. Aside from the base trim, which has a weaker 152-hp engine, all other trims offer a “peppier” 182-hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine.  

• Starting MSRP:  $25,810-$32,610, depending on trim 

Compact SUV: Subaru Forester 

The 2025 Subaru Forester is a practical choice, according to the report, especially after a 2025 redesign that offers a quieter cabin and more cargo space than the previous model. Consumer Reports says the SUV’s visibility, fuel economy and standard all-wheel drive helped the vehicle earn a spot on its Top Picks list for 12 consecutive years.  

• Starting MSRP: $25,810-$32,610, depending on trim 

Midsized car: Toyota Camry 

Redesigned for 2025, the Toyota Camry is “comfortable, practical, and user-friendly,” according to the report. Consumer Reports says the sedan – now offered solely as a hybrid – is a smooth ride with sharp handling. 

• Starting MSRP: $28,700-$34,900, depending on trim 

Small pickup: Ford Maverick/Maverick Hybrid 

Consumer Reports says the Maverick’s price, interior and maneuverability earned it a spot on this year’s list. The truck offers decent passenger space, and while the 250-hp turbocharged four-cylinder in the basic model is peppy, the 191-hp hybrid version is “the real draw” after earning 37 mpg in Consumer Reports' tests.

Pickup trucks often have poor fuel economy, "but this one is more reasonably sized. It drives kind of like a car, but then you have that bed on the back," Knizek said. “It’s a unique vehicle on the marketplace, and it shows.” 

• Starting MSRP: $26,995-$40,350, depending on trim 

Fuel-efficient SUV: Toyota RAV4 PHEV 

Consumer Reports says the compact plug-in hybrid SUV outperforms the other RAV4 offerings. The vehicle goes from 0-to-60 mph in just over six seconds in Consumer Reports’ tests and has an electric range of up to 42 miles.  

One of three plug-in hybrids on this year's top picks list, Knizek said these vehicles are a “solid option” for people who aren’t yet ready to commit to a fully-electric vehicle.  

• Starting MSRP: $44,265 for the SE, $48,135 for the XSE 

Midsized SUV: Toyota Highlander Hybrid 

Consumer Reports says the Highlander Hybrid offers good fuel economy, three-row capacity and standard all-wheel drive with 35 mpg in tests. The report says it’s a “smart, versatile vehicle” with comfy rear seats, a compliant ride, responsive handling and plenty of safety features.   

• Starting MSRP: $46,020-$53,675, depending on trim 

Electric vehicle: Tesla Model Y 

Consumer Reports says the Model Y’s hatchback body style puts it ahead of other Tesla models. Described as practical yet entertaining, the electric car offers “otherworldly” acceleration and a modern aesthetic.

The Model Y has been on the Consumer Reports' top picks list before, but Knizek said improved reliability helped the vehicle earn a spot on this year’s roundup. 

“It's above average compared to other electric vehicles, and year after year it shows Tesla has the manufacturing process down on this vehicle,” he said. “It’s a dependable vehicle for people time and time again.” 

• Starting MSRP: $44,990 for the long range rear-wheel drive; $47,990 for the long range all-wheel drive; $51,490 for the performance all-wheel drive  

Luxury compact SUV: Lexus NX350h/450h+ 

The compact SUV offers plush seats and a straightforward entertainment system, as well as a “refined but firm” ride with quick steering and capable handling. The NX350h, the traditional hybrid model, got 38 mpg in testing while the NX450h+, the plug-in hybrid, got a 37-mile electric-only range and 35 mpg on gas alone.  

• Starting MSRP: $46,600-$63,505, depending on trim 

Luxury midsized SUV: BMW X5/X5 PHEV 

The base X5 offers swift acceleration and 23 mpg, based on Consumer Reports’ testing, while the plug-in hybrid has an electric-only range of up to 39 miles and 21 mpg once the battery is depleted. The report says the SUVs are “exceptionally quiet” with a richly finished cabin and supportive seats.   

• Starting MSRP: $66,300 for the X5 sDrive40i and X5 xDrive40i; $73,800 for the X5 xDrive50e plug-in hybrid; $90,850 for the X5 M60i; $127,200 for the X5 M Competition

(This story has been updated with more information.)