Every year, car enthusiasts and buyers eagerly await the list of the best cars to hit the roads. The Car and Driver 10Best Awards answer the most common question: What is the best car to buy? Since 1983, this award has recognized vehicles that stand out in terms of performance, value, and driving experience.
With a price cap of $110,000, the selection process includes rigorous testing, expert reviews, and intense discussions among automotive professionals. This year’s list features eight returning champions and two new entries, proving that some cars consistently deliver excellence.
1. Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing: The Best Compact Sports Sedan
In the world of high-performance sports sedans, the Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing has secured its place at the top for four consecutive years. Competing against strong rivals like the BMW M3 and Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio, this turbocharged six-cylinder beast offers exceptional handling, speed, and an exhilarating driving experience.
2. Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing: The Ultimate V8 Sports Sedan
For those who love manual transmissions, rear-wheel drive, and V8 power, the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing is a dream come true. This luxury sports sedan is a four-time 10Best winner, offering thrilling acceleration and best-in-class comfort. Its latest 2025 upgrade makes it even more refined.
3. Chevrolet Corvette: The Mid-Engine Marvel
The legendary Chevrolet Corvette continues to dominate the sports car world with its powerful mid-engine design. Available in multiple versions, from the 490-hp Stingray to the all-wheel-drive E-Ray and the track-ready Z06, this car delivers breathtaking speed and agility. Even the base Stingray can reach 0-60 mph in just 2.8 seconds!
4. Honda Accord: The Best Mid-Size Family Sedan
For 39 years, the Honda Accord has been an undisputed champion in the mid-size sedan category. It offers spacious interiors, fuel efficiency, and a fun-to-drive experience. The hybrid version delivers 204 horsepower and an impressive 39 mpg on highways, proving that efficiency doesn’t mean sacrificing performance.
5. Honda Civic: Affordable Yet Premium
Developing an affordable car that feels premium is a challenge, but Honda has perfected it with the Civic. Now in its 11th generation, the Civic continues to impress with its reliable engine, sleek design, and excellent fuel efficiency. This is the 11th time it has earned a spot on the 10Best list.
6. Lucid Air: The Best Luxury EV
The Lucid Air is not just an electric vehicle; it’s a luxury sedan that offers over 400 miles of range with silent yet powerful performance. Its interior combines high-end materials with a futuristic touchscreen interface, making it a strong rival to Tesla and Rivian in the EV market.
7. Mercedes-Benz E450: The Definition of Luxury
The Mercedes-Benz E450 is a luxury sedan that pampers its occupants with a smooth ride and a quiet cabin. Its inline-six engine delivers powerful acceleration (0-60 mph in just 4.4 seconds) while maintaining exceptional comfort. This is the first time the latest-generation W214 E-Class has made it to the 10Best list.
8. Porsche 718 Cayman & Boxster: The Perfect Sports Cars
Whether you prefer a coupe (Cayman) or a convertible (Boxster), Porsche’s 718 models offer unmatched driving thrills. The GTS 4.0 variant is particularly outstanding, but even the entry-level models deliver a fantastic blend of performance, beauty, and reliability.
9. Subaru BRZ & Toyota GR86: Fun on a Budget
These twin sports cars provide Mazda MX-5 Miata-like driving excitement at an affordable price. Starting at ₹32 lakh, the BRZ and GR86 offer rear-wheel drive, a six-speed manual transmission, and great handling, making them the best budget-friendly sports cars.
10. Tesla Model 3 Long Range: The Best Practical EV
Tesla has refined the Model 3 Long Range with a bigger battery (82 kWh), improved range (363 miles), and more power (302 hp). These updates make the latest Model 3 faster, more efficient, and more enjoyable to drive, securing its place among the 10Best Cars of 2025.
Whether you’re looking for a high-performance sports car, a family sedan, or an electric luxury vehicle, this list has something for everyone. The Cadillac CT4-V and CT5-V Blackwing dominate the sports sedan category, while the Chevrolet Corvette continues to set new benchmarks for performance.
The Honda Accord and Civic remain the best choices for daily commuters, and the Lucid Air and Tesla Model 3 Long Range prove that EVs can be both luxurious and practical.
These 10 cars have been chosen for their excellence in design, performance, and value, making them the best cars you can buy in 2025.
FAQ;s
What is the best sports sedan of 2025?
The Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing is the best compact sports sedan, while the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing leads the V8 sports sedan category, offering thrilling performance and driving dynamics.
Which car offers the best value for money in 2025?
The Honda Accord remains the best value-for-money mid-size sedan, delivering reliability, efficiency, and a fun driving experience at an affordable price.
What is the best luxury electric car in 2025?
The Lucid Air stands out as the top luxury EV, providing over 400 miles of range, a sleek design, and premium interior features that rival top luxury brands.
Is the Tesla Model 3 Long Range worth buying in 2025?
Yes, the latest Tesla Model 3 Long Range comes with an improved battery, increased range of 363 miles, and better performance, making it a great EV choice.
What is the best affordable sports car of 2025?
The Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86 offer thrilling driving dynamics, rear-wheel drive, and affordability, making them the best budget-friendly sports cars of 2025.