Best vehicle brands for 2025

CHARLOTTE — With car prices at or near record levels and interest rates still high, buying any car, new or used, is a high-stakes financial decision.

That’s why Consumer Reports puts together report cards for all the cars it tests to help you make the right choice that will last for years.

Consumer Reports engineers and automotive experts put every car it buys through more than 50 tests and compare over 250 models on-road performance, comfort, reliability, owner satisfaction, and safety.

ALSO READ: Long-term costs could make a used car more expensive than a new one

Among the 32 brands in CR’s 2025 report card, the top five remain unchanged from last year, with one significant shift—Subaru claims the top spot.

2025 Consumer Reports best vehicle brands:

1. Subaru

2. BMW

3. Lexus

4. Porsche

5. Honda

6. Audi

7. Kia

8. Hyundai

9. Toyota

10. Infiniti

11. Mini

12. Acura

13. Genesis

14. Mazda

15. Nissan

16. Chrysler

17. Buick

18. Tesla

19. Ford

20. Mitsubishi

21. Cadillac

22. Volvo

23. Mercedez-Benz

24. Lincoln

25. Chevrolet

26. Volkswagen

27. Alfa Romeo

28. Dodge

29. GMC

30. Land Rover

31. Rivian

32. Jeep

Also making the grade—BMW, Lexus, Porsche, and Honda. Dodge, GMC, Land Rover, Rivian, and Jeep were ranked at the bottom.

However, Consumer Reports warns that even top-scoring brands can have vehicles that don’t score so well. So it’s really important that you do your research and check the ratings for the vehicles that you’re specifically interested in.

Consumer Reports also ranks the best-used car brands, including Lexus, Toyota, and Mazda.

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