Each year, automotive enthusiasts and prospective car buyers eagerly await Car and Driver’s highly anticipated 10Best list. This esteemed compilation highlights the vehicles the publication’s editors deem the most compelling, rewarding, and significant. For 2025, the list once again showcases a diverse range of automobiles that excel in their purpose while offering exceptional value and an engaging driving experience.
This isn’t a list solely focused on the most expensive or exclusive cars; instead, it celebrates vehicles that stand out in their respective segments, providing a benchmark for excellence. Earning a spot on the Car and Driver 10Best list is a testament to a car’s overall quality, performance, and ability to connect with the driver.
The Rigorous Selection Process: How the 10 Best Are Chosen
Car and Drive Driver’s awards result from a demanding evaluation process. The editorial team spends two intensive weeks testing many eligible vehicles. To be considered, a car must be on sale by January of the award year and have a base price below 2.5 times the average cost of a new car. The manufacturer must also provide a test example. The competition includes all-new or significantly updated models and the previous year’s winners.
The evaluation involves extensive driving on various road types, from challenging backroads to everyday commutes, along with rigorous instrumented testing. Editors score each vehicle based on how well it fulfils its mission, i.e., the value proposition, and the driving joy it delivers. The cars with the highest average scores ultimately earn a coveted spot on the 10Best list.
Honorees of Distinction: The 2025 Car and Driver 10 Best Cars
The 2025 Car and Driver 10Best list features a mix of perennial favourites and notable newcomers. While the complete official article details each winner in depth, the search results indicate several vehicles that have received recognition.
Among the repeat winners are automotive icons that consistently impress with their performance and overall excellence. In both Stingray and E-Ray forms, the Chevrolet Corvette continues its long-standing tradition of being a performance bargain and a world-class sports car. Its mid-engine configuration delivers exceptional handling and exhilarating speed, making it a driver’s delight.
Cadillac’s performance sedans, the CT4-V Blackwing and CT5-V Blackwing, also return to the list, cementing their status as top-tier high-performance machines. These Blackwing models offer a thrilling combination of potent engines, sharp handling, and available manual transmissions, catering to driving enthusiasts who crave a visceral connection to the road.
Honda demonstrates its continued commitment to building outstanding vehicles, including the Honda Accord and Honda Civic. These models are consistently praised for their practicality, fuel efficiency, comfortable ride, and surprisingly engaging driving dynamics for their segments. The Accord, in particular, has an impressive history on the 10Best list, highlighting its enduring appeal and all-around competence as a mid-size sedan. The Civic, in its various forms, including the popular hatchback and performance-oriented Si and Type R variants, continues to set the standard for compact cars.
Other vehicles appearing in search results related to the 2025 list and Car and Driver’s evaluations include the Porsche 718 Boxster and Cayman, celebrated for their sublime handling and driving purity, and the Lucid Air in its Pure and Touring trims, recognised for its impressive electric range and luxurious feel. The Mercedes-Benz E450 is noted for its refined luxury and comfortable ride, embodying the strengths of a classic executive sedan. The Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86 twins are also mentioned and lauded for their accessible sports car performance and rear-wheel-drive fun.
Why the 10Best List Matters
Car and Drive Driver’s List is valuable for consumers navigating the complex automotive market. It cuts through the noise, highlighting vehicles that offer a genuinely rewarding ownership and driving experience. Earning a 10Best award is a significant achievement for manufacturers, validating their engineering and design efforts.
Whether you’re in the market for a practical daily driver, a thrilling sports car, or a luxurious sedan, the 2025 Car and Driver 10Best list provides a curated selection of vehicles representing the pinnacle of automotive excellence in their categories. Exploring these winners is an excellent starting point for anyone seeking a new car that stands out.