Experts have compiled a surprising list of the best cars of 2025: there are inexpensive models too

Experts have named the best cars of 2025 as part of the NACTOY competition finalists. American experts surprised with their favorites compared to their European colleagues. Moreover, the list includes many inexpensive models.

The North American Car of the Year 2025 list, which consists of nine finalists, includes mostly affordable cars. Still, there are almost no "fashionable" electric vehicles - only two. The details are reported by Carscoops.

This is in complete contrast to the European Car of the Year 2025 competition. There are seven finalists, and all of them are electrified - hybrids or 100 percent EVs. The American jury was not too impressed with the plug-in this time, and did not even include the long-awaited Dodge Charger Daytona muscle car on the shortlist. Of course, the Tesla Cybertruck is also not on the list.

The best cars of the year - the finalists of the North American Car of the Year 2025:

• Honda Civic Hybrid;
• Kia K4;
• Toyota Camry;
• Ford Ranger;
• Toyota Tacoma;
• Ram 1500;
• Chevrolet Equinox EV;
• Volkswagen ID. Buzz;
• Hyundai Santa Fe.

These are the finalists of the competition, which were determined as the best cars of the year. It remains to choose the winners in three categories among them, who will be announced at the Detroit Auto Show on January 10, 2025.