Car shopping in 2025 was like navigating for a streaming service—too many options, not enough time, and somehow you still end up disappointed. Gas guzzlers compete with electric dreams and hybrids that can’t decide what they want to be when they grow up. This list cuts through the noise, spotlighting rides that aced our tests for handling, reliability, and that magical “is it worth the cash?” factor. We balanced the raw data, expert takes, and a dash of gut feeling to bring you rides ready for daily grinds or epic road trips. Consider this your cheat sheet to avoid buyer’s remorse.
17. BMW X5 (External)
An SUV that’s equally at home hauling groceries or hauling ass on winding roads.
Need an SUV that’s as comfortable cruising wine country as it is navigating school pickup lines? The BMW X5 earns high marks for versatility, blending performance with luxury. The X5’s 12.3-inch touchscreen displays maps to your next adventure while passengers enjoy premium leather seats.
BMW X5 (Internal)
The X5 offers a smooth ride thanks to its adaptive suspension. However, its higher price point may cause some budget-conscious buyers to reconsider. With ample cargo space for all your weekend treasures, this SUV transforms simple getaways into sophisticated adventures.
16. Chevrolet Corvette (External)
America’s sports car legend continues with modern tech wrapped in classic appeal.
Some gearheads might be surprised that the Chevrolet Corvette almost wasn’t called that at all. Kelley Blue Book ranks it as a leading sports car, emphasizing safety, economy, and value. Walking into a classic car show, you see gleaming chrome and retro designs, each car telling its era’s story.
Chevrolet Corvette (Internal)
These shows, with their rows of lovingly preserved vehicles, capture decades of design and engineering evolution. Looking ahead, the Corvette’s legacy promises future innovations, blending classic appeal with cutting-edge tech. Like a superhero with an updated suit, the Corvette keeps its essence while upping the tech game.
15. Ford F-150 (External)
The workhorse that sips fuel like a hummingbird at happy hour.
Got a boat the size of a small yacht? A camper that feels more like a house? For those hauling needs, Edmunds calls the Ford F-150 the best large truck, and efficiency is part of the reason. This isn’t your grandpa’s gas-guzzler; it’s the modern workhorse that actually cares about your wallet.
Ford F-150 (Internal)
Cross-country trips become manageable when you’re towing a trailer, kids are arguing in the back, and you’re still passing gas stations because the F-150’s fuel efficiency holds strong. As modern life gets increasingly complex, sometimes you just need a reliable truck that doesn’t act like a diva.
14. Honda Civic (External)
The Swiss Army knife of cars, just way less stabby.
Compact cars prove practicality never goes out of style. Kelley Blue Book ranks the Honda Civic as the best compact car for practicality, and they aren’t wrong. It’s the automotive equivalent of your favorite pair of jeans—reliable, comfortable, and it just works.
Honda Civic (Internal)
Daily commutes don’t have to feel soul-crushing when you’re chilling in a Civic that sips fuel efficiently. You’ll find yourself laughing all the way to the bank because you avoided buying a gas-guzzling SUV. Who says you need a tank to tackle the urban jungle?
13. Honda CR-V (External)
The vehicular equivalent of your favorite jeans: reliable, comfortable, and it just works.
Forget those rolling tin cans that feel like driving a school bus; the Honda CR-V actually handles like a car. Car and Driver recognizes it for competent handling and build quality. Loading up the CR-V for family road trips means less worrying about whether the car will make it.
Honda CR-V (Internal)
You know that feeling when everything just clicks? That’s the CR-V experience. It’s not flashy, but it gets you there reliably. Sometimes that’s all that really matters—especially when kids are arguing over window seats.
12. Honda Civic Type R (External)
Turns mundane grocery runs into high-performance adventures.
Car and Driver notes that sports models suit dynamic drives to pop-up markets, enhancing adventure dining. Anyone who’s hit up weekend food fests knows the drill: fighting for parking, dodging pedestrians with artisanal cheese boards, and squeezing gourmet condiments into your trunk.
Honda Civic Type R (Internal)
The Type R’s responsive handling lets you dart between slow-walking families like a caffeinated squirrel in a park. You snag that one-of-a-kind hot sauce, toss it in the back, and blast off to the next culinary temptation. Its track-tuned suspension might rattle delicate pastries, but you look damn cool doing it.
11. Hyundai Ioniq 5 N (External)
A high-tech culinary compass for sustainable, stylish feasting.
EVs excel for quick charging on rural drives to those hidden farm-to-table spots your Yelp-obsessed friend won’t stop raving about. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N balances performance and range for those who take weekend brunch very seriously. Don’t let the retro styling fool you.
Hyundai Ioniq 5 N (Internal)
Ditching usual highway stops for secluded organic blueberry farms becomes effortless. The only sound? The gentle hum of electric power as you plot your next foodie adventure. Charge it up, set GPS for “local food,” and prepare for guilt-free gastronomic exploration.
10. Hyundai Ioniq 9 (External)
Trading gas-guzzling dinosaurs for sleek, silent panthers.
Remember family road trips where charging stops felt like unplanned sequels to “National Lampoon’s Vacation”? Edmunds calls the Hyundai Ioniq 9 the top electric SUV, hinting those days might be over. Loading up the family, dog, and enough snacks to survive a zombie apocalypse becomes stress-free.
Hyundai Ioniq 9 (Internal)
With Hyundai’s EV tech, pit stops become coffee breaks, not anxiety sessions. Anyone who’s rerouted trips because of charging deserts knows the drill. The Ioniq 9 promises to turn travel nightmares into distant, laughable memories.
9. Kia Telluride (External)
The clown car of deliciousness, minus the actual clowns.
According to Car and Driver, the Kia Telluride stands out with its spacious, luxury-like interiors. Shuttling friends to insane food festivals—the ones with deep-fried Oreos and questionable artisanal kombucha—becomes a concierge-level experience. You’re not just a chauffeur; you’re providing comfort.
Kia Telluride (Internal)
Telluride’s roomy three-row seating and cargo eliminate Tetris games with oversized novelty food items. Anyone who’s navigated packed cars knows the Telluride experience feels almost zen-like. Plenty of room for culinary treasures without anyone feeling crammed in a tin can.
8. Lexus GX (External)
The automotive equivalent of a chef’s knife: elegant but ready for serious action.
Don’t buy the hype that the Lexus GX is just a grocery-getter; this luxury SUV boasts legitimate off-road chops. Its rugged design and capable four-wheel drive make it reliable for accessing remote cultural food events, blending capability with immersive travel experiences.
Lexus GX (Internal)
Culinary-focused road trips where destinations matter as much as the journey become possible. The GX’s reliability ensures confident ventures off beaten paths, whether chasing regional delicacies or attending obscure food festivals. It solves accessibility problems without compromising comfort.
7. Lexus (External)
The golden retriever of the car world—loyal, dependable, and surprisingly long-lasting.
Remember when your grandma’s toaster outlasted your first car? That legacy lives on with Lexus. J.D. Power’s study named Lexus highest overall with 140 problems per 100 vehicles, proving remarkable dependability. Consumer Reports affirms Lexus for top reliability in 2025 rankings.
Lexus (Internal)
Planning cross-country road trips becomes about anticipating the best taco stands from Oregon to Texas, not fearing roadside breakdowns. Lexus isn’t just a car; it’s a reliable partner that lets you focus on enjoying life’s scenic routes and hidden culinary gems.
6. Mazda (External)
Fewer surprises, more scenic detours.
In 2025, Consumer Reports affirmed Mazda’s reliability, underscoring a commitment to quality. This means more than avoiding roadside hiccups; it’s about enjoying every mile without that “check engine” light ruining your vibe. Planning trips to hole-in-the-wall taco joints 200 miles away requires confidence.
Mazda (Internal)
Cruising down coastlines, windows down, without second thoughts about whether your ride will actually make it becomes reality. Mazda’s focus on dependability means fewer surprises and more spontaneous adventures. Reliability becomes a promise that your car won’t turn mundane drives into dramatic plot twists.
5. Porsche Cayenne (External)
A symphony of practicality and driving pleasure that begs for scenic routes.
Before SUVs became just grocery-getters, some cars still embraced winding road thrills. Gripping the wheel while responsive chassis dances through each curve like a tango partner defines the experience. Car and Driver recognizes the Cayenne for its sporty handling.
Porsche Cayenne (Internal)
That same sporty feel comes with enough cargo space to haul weekend camping gear. The Cayenne isn’t just about carving corners; it transforms mundane errands into joyrides. It’s basically the only vehicle you’ll ever need.
4. Toyota Camry (External)
The automotive equivalent of that dependable friend who always shows up on time.
Cross-country road trips shouldn’t revolve around fuel stops every other hour. Kelley Blue Book recognizes the Toyota Camry as the top mid-size sedan, delivering 50+ mpg for long hauls. It’s like having a gas tank that laughs in the face of distance.
Toyota Camry (Internal)
Beyond saving your wallet, the Camry nails reliability. It’s perfect for anyone prioritizing practicality without sacrificing comfort. While others Google “nearest gas station,” you’re cruising past with a smug grin and a full podcast queue.
3. Toyota Camry Hybrid (External)
Finding out your financially savvy friend is also surprisingly fun.
Some hybrids feel like trading style for savings, but the Toyota Camry Hybrid balances both beautifully. Edmunds calls it the #1 midsize sedan for efficient road trips, designed to deliver 50+ mpg. You spend less time at pumps and more time Instagramming roadside attractions.
Toyota Camry Hybrid (Internal)
Highway cruising with snacks in tow actually thanks your wallet. The Camry Hybrid handles daily commutes and weekend getaways with equal ease. If you want smart and sensible without looking like a Prius convention attendee, this might be your sweet spot.
2. Toyota Grand Highlander (External)
Portable base camp for all your culinary adventures.
Road trips with family deserve serious upgrades, because spaciousness isn’t luxury—it’s necessity. The Toyota Grand Highlander offers three-row seating and cargo space to haul everything from food tour finds to festival treasures. Piling in kids, dogs, and enough snacks to survive zombie apocalypses becomes manageable.
Toyota Grand Highlander (Internal)
This SUV handles both daily commutes and cross-country treks. Plenty of room ensures everyone stays comfortable, and you might actually arrive without needing therapy. Maybe you can have space and utility in a world where cars keep shrinking.
1. Volkswagen Golf GTI (External)
Purpose-built for urban food crawls that SUVs can only dream about.
Urban adventurers know parallel parking sometimes feels like performing brain surgery with a spatula. The Golf GTI offers a remedy for agile urban food crawls. Zipping through narrow city streets, effortlessly snagging coveted parking spots outside new ramen joints while minivan crowds seethe becomes possible.
Volkswagen Golf GTI (Internal)
Want a car that doubles as a culinary getaway vehicle? The Golf GTI challenges the notion that practical cars can’t be fun—though that fight may be as divisive as arguing pineapple belongs on pizza.
