Once a year, Edmonds’ car experts gather to judge the best new vehicles on sale. The annual Edmunds Top Rated Awards are given to cars, trucks and SUVs that outperform the competition according to Edmunds’ rigorous vehicle testing program. To win, each vehicle must have been tested on the Edmunds test track and thoroughly tested in real-world use.
There are six main categories: best car, SUV and truck, and the electric version in the same category. This year, some are new champions, while others are repeat winners. The starting prices listed below include destination charges.
The 2025 Honda Civic isn’t just the best car of the year. This might be the best Honda Civic ever. A big reason is the newly available hybrid powertrain. The EPA estimates that this helps hybrid versions of the Civic achieve up to 49 mpg in combined city/highway driving, an impressive result that Edmunds confirmed in its real-world testing. Happily, this doesn’t come at the cost of power; In fact, the hybrid’s acceleration is on par with the sporty Civic Si. All Civics also offer ample passenger space and easy-to-use technology features.
Civic sedan with hybrid powertrain starting price: $30,100
Edmonds Top Rated Electric Car: Tesla Model 3
Tesla made significant updates to its popular Model 3 last year, landing the electric sedan on the top-rated podium for 2025. It has an affordable price, ample range, and a more premium and better assembled cabin than before. It is suitable for daily commute as well as long trips. The Model 3 Long Range All-Wheel Drive version drove 338 miles on a single charge in the independent Edmunds EV Range Test. If it’s excitement you’re after, the Performance version easily satisfies with its ability to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in an Edmunds-tested 3.0 seconds.
Starting price: $43,880
Great fuel economy is the key to why the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid won the SUV category. An EPA-estimated 36 mpg in combined city/highway driving is about what you’d typically expect from a compact sedan. For a three-row SUV, 36 mpg is outstanding. The Grand Highlander Hybrid also features a spacious interior, a smooth ride, and a host of standard technology and driver assistance features. If you have a large family and want the utility of a hybrid along with the gas mileage of an SUV, there’s nothing better than the Grand Highlander.
Starting price: $46,830
Edmonds’ Top-Rated Electric SUV: Kia EV9
The Kia EV9 is Edmunds’ top-rated electric SUV for two years in a row. It is an ideal vehicle for those who want an EV with more space and utility than other electric SUVs. It has three rows of roomy seats that you can use to take your kids to school or fold up to bring your trip home from Costco. The car is also pleasant to drive. Dual-motor versions of the EV9 have no problem getting up to highway speeds or passing slower traffic. Other EV9 highlights include a host of standard features, an Edmunds-tested range of more than 300 miles, a long warranty and distinctive styling.
Starting price: $56,395
Edmonds Top Rated Trucks: Ford Ranger
There are plenty of capable midsize trucks on the market for 2025. But none satisfy Edmonds’ editors quite like the 2025 Ford Ranger. It starts with its standard turbocharged 270-horsepower four-cylinder engine that gives the Ranger high speeds and the ability to tow up to 7,500 pounds when properly equipped. When you’re not hauling stuff, the Ranger is satisfied with a standard interior with a smooth ride and easy-to-use controls. There’s even a Ranger Raptor version that’s perfect for playing in the dirt.
Starting price: $34,575
Edmonds Top Rated Electric Trucks: Raven R1T
The Rivian R1T electric pickup received a major update for 2025, so extensive that it tops our electric truck list. The exterior carries the same styling as before, which stands out from the crowd for all the right reasons. It also retains the sharp handling and quick acceleration that it has always had. But now it has even greater range—357 miles with the dual motor and max battery-equipped R1T Edmunds tested—and an easy-to-use touchscreen interface. Its clever all-wheel drive system makes it surprisingly capable off-road.
Starting price: $71,700
says EDMUNDS.
If you’re researching your next car purchase, check it out Edmonds Top Rated Award Winner for 2025. Take a look at the full list of winners and runners-up, and see if you agree with our picks.
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This story was provided to The Associated Press by an automotive website. Edmonds. Keith Buglewicz is an assistant at Edmonds.
