Best Vehicles of 2025! The Driven Top 11 List!
About this episode
Reflecting on the tumultuous automotive landscape of 2025, the host presents a unique top 11 list of standout vehicles, focusing on affordability and innovation rather than the usual popular picks. From the stylish Buick Vista and Chevy Trax to the versatile GMC Sierra EV and the family-friendly Hyundai Palisade, each vehicle is highlighted for its distinct features and performance. The discussion emphasizes the importance of test driving and personal preference, encouraging listeners to explore options outside their comfort zones.
Automotive writer Tom Voelk drove over 100 vehicles in 2025. What are his favorites? These 11, a wide mix of cars, trucks, and SUVs with ICE, hybrid and EV powertrains. Here's Tom's year in review as he goes over what he enjoyed the most. Many of these are finalists for the North American Utility, Car and Truck of the Year Award. And many are affordable with nearly half available under $40,000 well equipped. Though a few crest well over $100K.
Ford F-150
"...popular vehicles like Ford F-150, Chevy Silverado, Honda Accord, Civic CR-V, and Toyota RAV4..."
The Ford F-150 is a big truck that many people use for work and everyday driving. It's known for being tough and reliable.
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup truck known for its versatility, durability, and strong performance. It's one of the best-selling vehicles in the United States, popular for both work and personal use.
Chevy Silverado
"...like Ford F-150, Chevy Silverado, Honda Accord, Civic CR-V, and Toyota RAV4..."
The Chevy Silverado is another big truck similar to the Ford F-150, popular for its power and ability to carry heavy loads.
The Chevy Silverado is a full-size pickup truck that competes directly with the Ford F-150. It is known for its strong towing capacity and variety of configurations.
Honda Accord
"...like Ford F-150, Chevy Silverado, Honda Accord, Civic CR-V, and Toyota RAV4..."
The Honda Accord is a car that many people like because it's reliable and good on gas. It's comfortable for families and everyday driving.
The Honda Accord is a midsize sedan known for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and spacious interior. It's a popular choice among families and commuters.
Honda Civic
"...like Ford F-150, Chevy Silverado, Honda Accord, Civic CR-V, and Toyota RAV4..."
The Honda Civic is a smaller car that many people enjoy driving because it's fun and saves on gas. It's a great choice for new drivers.
The Honda Civic is a compact car known for its sporty design, fuel efficiency, and reliability. It's popular among younger drivers and those looking for an economical vehicle.
Toyota Camry
"...like Ford F-150, Chevy Silverado, Honda Accord, Civic CR-V, and Toyota RAV4 and Camry."
The Toyota Camry is a popular car that many people choose because it's dependable and good on gas. It's comfortable for driving around town or long trips.
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan known for its reliability, comfort, and fuel efficiency. It's often recommended for families and commuters alike.
ICE
"...many different powertrains, ICE, HEV, and EV."
ICE means Internal Combustion Engine, which is the kind of engine that uses gas or diesel to run cars. It's the usual engine found in most vehicles.
ICE stands for Internal Combustion Engine, which refers to traditional engines that burn fuel to create power. This is the most common type of engine in vehicles today.
EV
"...many different powertrains, ICE, HEV, and EV."
EV means Electric Vehicle, which is a car that runs only on electricity. It doesn't use gas and is better for the environment because it doesn't pollute the air.
EV stands for Electric Vehicle, which is powered entirely by electricity and has no internal combustion engine. These vehicles produce zero tailpipe emissions and are increasingly popular.
Chevrolet Trax
"...which is important. Buchan Vista and Chevy Trax."
The Chevy Trax is a small SUV that is easy to drive around the city and is usually affordable. It's a good choice for people looking for a compact vehicle.
The Chevy Trax is a subcompact SUV known for its compact size and affordability. It's designed for urban driving and offers a good balance of features and price.
powertrain
"...both are built on the same architecture, use identical powertrains and are aimed at the same audience, I'm treating them as one."
The powertrain is what makes a car go. It includes the engine that creates power and the parts that send that power to the wheels.
A powertrain refers to the components that generate power and deliver it to the road, including the engine, transmission, and drivetrain. It essentially encompasses everything that makes the vehicle move.
front drive
"...the downside is neither of them ooze power, and they're front drive only."
Front drive means that the front wheels of the car are the ones that get the power from the engine. This setup helps with handling and can make the inside of the car roomier.
Front drive, or front-wheel drive (FWD), is a vehicle layout where the engine's power is directed to the front wheels. This configuration often provides better traction in slippery conditions and maximizes interior space.
Cadillac Lyric
"Next up is Lyric, that's more roomy, stylish, and supremely comfortable."
The Cadillac Lyric is a new electric SUV from Cadillac that focuses on being stylish and comfortable.
The Cadillac Lyric is an all-electric luxury SUV that emphasizes style, comfort, and advanced technology.
Cadillac Optiq
"Starting with OPTIQ, that's surprisingly affordable for a premium EV with over 300 miles of range."
The Cadillac OPTIQ is an affordable electric car from Cadillac that can travel over 300 miles on a single charge.
The Cadillac OPTIQ is a premium electric vehicle that offers an affordable entry point into the luxury EV market, with a range of over 300 miles.
Cadillac Vista
"Vista adds a third row that's actually usable, and its styling is escalated adjacent."
The Cadillac Vista is an electric SUV that has a third row of seats, which is great for families needing more space.
The Cadillac Vista is an electric SUV that features a third row of seating, making it a practical choice for families.
phone mirroring
"My digs, OPTIQ and Vista don't support phone mirroring..."
Phone mirroring lets you see your phone's screen on your car's display, so you can use apps and maps more easily.
Phone mirroring is a feature that allows a smartphone's interface to be displayed on a vehicle's infotainment system, enabling easier access to apps and navigation.
DC charge speed
"the max DC charge speed on these three is below 200 kilowatts, though for those that don't travel much, that's a nothing burger."
DC charge speed is how quickly you can charge an electric car using a special fast charger, which is faster than regular chargers.
DC charge speed refers to the rate at which a vehicle can be charged using a direct current (DC) fast charger, which is typically much faster than standard AC charging.
Ford Maverick
"America loves its pickups, and one of my picks is Ford Maverick. Small but mighty, it somewhat matches the larger Ranger in capability..."
The Ford Maverick is a small pickup truck that is known for being practical and fuel-efficient. It comes in different versions to suit different preferences and needs.
The Ford Maverick is a compact pickup truck that has gained popularity for its versatility and fuel efficiency. It offers a range of trims and options, making it suitable for various needs, from basic utility to more advanced features.
Ford Ranger
"... Small but mighty, it somewhat matches the larger Ranger in capability, and if we're being honest with ou..."
The Ford Ranger is a smaller pickup truck that can handle tough jobs and off-road adventures. It's popular because it's strong enough for work but also easy to drive around town. Many people like it for its mix of power and comfort.
The Ford Ranger is a midsize pickup truck known for its rugged capabilities and versatility. It offers a balance of power and efficiency, making it a popular choice for both work and recreational use. Its recent iterations have improved technology and safety features, contributing to its significance in the truck market.
Ford Lobo
"...oad Tremor, and even a smidge of sport with this Lobo. The fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain can now be..."
The Ford Lobo is a big pickup truck that's popular in Mexico and is similar to the Ford F-150. It's strong and can be used for work or fun activities. People like it because it has a lot of power and features that make it easy to drive.
The Ford Lobo is the Mexican version of the Ford F-150, known for its robust performance and versatility as a full-size pickup truck. It shares many features with the F-150, including various engine options and advanced technology. The Lobo is significant in the Latin American market, where it caters to both work and leisure needs.
EcoBoost engine
"the less expensive 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine, begins at $29,000, and top trims should get nicer cabin materials."
The EcoBoost engine is a type of engine made by Ford that uses a turbocharger to help it use less gas while still providing good power. It's designed to be efficient and strong.
The EcoBoost engine is a line of turbocharged engines developed by Ford that combines direct fuel injection and turbocharging to improve fuel efficiency and performance. The 2.0-liter variant is known for balancing power and economy.
Gmc Sierra
"...pickup, it might be the best pickup, period. The GMC Sierra EV. No other pickup has its combination of Swiss..."
The GMC Sierra EV is an electric truck that can do heavy work like towing and hauling, just like regular trucks. It runs on electricity, which is better for the planet. Many people are interested in it because it shows how trucks are changing to be more eco-friendly.
The GMC Sierra EV is an electric pickup truck that combines the ruggedness of traditional trucks with the benefits of electric power. It boasts impressive towing capacity and advanced technology features, making it a strong competitor in the electric truck market. The Sierra EV is significant for its innovative design and commitment to sustainability.
Chevrolet Silverado EV
"...en a trick tailgate. I've chosen this over Chevy Silverado EV for the upgraded interior alone, hey, if you're ..."
The Chevrolet Silverado EV is an electric truck that doesn't use gas, which is better for the environment. It can still do tough jobs like a regular truck and has a lot of space inside. People are excited about it because it's part of the move towards electric vehicles.
The Chevrolet Silverado EV is an all-electric version of the popular Silverado pickup truck, designed to offer the same rugged capability while being environmentally friendly. It features advanced technology and a spacious interior, making it a strong contender in the electric vehicle market. The Silverado EV is significant as it represents the shift towards electrification in the pickup segment.
Cadillac Escalade
"...luxury SUV, since it shares an architecture with Escalade IQ. With up to 400 miles of range and super fast..."
The Cadillac Escalade is a really fancy SUV that's big and comfortable, perfect for people who want luxury. It has a lot of high-tech features and a lot of space inside. Many people talk about it because it's a symbol of wealth and style.
The Cadillac Escalade is a luxury full-size SUV that stands out for its opulent features, spacious interior, and advanced technology. It shares its architecture with the Escalade IQ, emphasizing its significance in the luxury SUV segment. The Escalade is often discussed for its high-end materials, impressive performance, and status symbol appeal.
Kia Sportage
"Kia Sportage got a freshening in 2025. I vote for the hybrid powertrain, though it can be had as a plug-in hybrid and plain old internal combustion engine."
The Kia Sportage is a small SUV that got some new updates in 2025. It comes in different versions, including one that uses gas and another that is a hybrid, which means it uses both gas and electricity.
The Kia Sportage is a compact SUV that received updates in 2025, enhancing its design and features. It offers various powertrain options, including hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants, catering to different consumer preferences.
plug-in hybrid
"I vote for the hybrid powertrain, though it can be had as a plug-in hybrid and plain old internal combustion engine."
A plug-in hybrid is a car that can use both electricity and gas. You can charge it up like an electric car, but it also has a gas engine for when you need to drive further.
A plug-in hybrid is a type of vehicle that combines a traditional internal combustion engine with an electric motor and a rechargeable battery. This allows the vehicle to run on electricity for a certain distance before switching to gasoline, offering flexibility in fuel use.
Honda Crv
"On the road, despite its name, the driving dynamics are about comfort. It's less efficient than CR-V and RAV4 hybrids, but more soul-satisfying, at least to my emotions. You want choice?"
Toyota RAV4
"...about comfort. It's less efficient than CR-V and RAV4 hybrids, but more soul-satisfying, at least to my..."
The Toyota RAV4 is a small SUV that's great for families because it has a lot of space and is very reliable. It's also good on gas, especially the hybrid version, which means you can drive it longer without needing to fill up. Many people choose it for its comfort and practicality.
The Toyota RAV4 is a compact SUV that has gained popularity for its reliability, spacious interior, and fuel efficiency. It often competes with other SUVs like the Honda CR-V and is known for its versatility, making it a great choice for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike. The RAV4 hybrid variant further enhances its appeal with improved fuel economy.
Lucid Gravity
"...yundai Tucson is similar, but different. A Lucid Gravity SUV is more than just an air sedan with a new top..."
Lucid Air
"A Lucid Gravity SUV is more than just an air sedan with a new top."
The Lucid Gravity is a new electric SUV that is designed to be luxurious and high-performing, similar to Lucid's other electric cars.
The Lucid Gravity is an upcoming electric SUV from Lucid Motors, known for its luxury features and high performance. It aims to combine the spaciousness of an SUV with the advanced technology found in electric vehicles.
Honda Passport
"Honda Passport is a unibody SUV that nails the formula, starting with rugged design. There's room for the family with a spacious back seat."
The Honda Passport is a type of vehicle called an SUV, which is designed for both on-road and off-road driving, and it has a lot of space inside for passengers and cargo.
The Honda Passport is a midsize SUV known for its rugged design and spacious interior, making it suitable for families and outdoor activities.
V6 engine
"It's powered by a V6 engine. Instead of a turbocharged four-cylinder, that's becoming common in this segment."
A V6 engine is a kind of car engine that has six cylinders, which helps it produce more power than smaller engines while still being efficient.
A V6 engine is a type of internal combustion engine with six cylinders arranged in a 'V' configuration, providing a balance of power and efficiency.
Holden Utes
"...car-like driving dynamic than body-on-frame sport utes, so day-to-day it's a more docile driver."
The Holden Ute is a special kind of vehicle that looks like a car but has a truck bed in the back. It's popular in Australia because it's easy to drive and can carry things like a truck. Many people like it for its flexibility and fun driving experience.
The Holden Ute is a unique vehicle that combines features of a car and a pickup truck, known for its car-like handling and practicality. It has been popular in Australia for its versatility and performance, often used for both work and leisure. The Ute's significance lies in its distinct design and appeal to those who need a vehicle that can do it all.
body-on-frame
"It also has a more car-like driving dynamic than body-on-frame sport utes, so day-to-day it's a more docile driver."
Body-on-frame is a way to build vehicles where the main part of the car (the body) is attached to a strong frame underneath, making it good for tough driving conditions.
Body-on-frame is a construction method where the vehicle's body is mounted on a separate frame, often used in trucks and larger SUVs for durability and off-road capability.
Hyundai Palisade
"...hoice for three-year-old family SUV? The Hyundai Palisade, and specifically the hybrid powertrain that adds..."
The Hyundai Palisade is a big SUV that's perfect for families because it has lots of room and comfortable seats. It also comes with a hybrid option that helps save on gas. People like it for its nice features and good value for the price.
The Hyundai Palisade is a midsize SUV that offers a spacious interior, advanced technology, and a comfortable ride, making it an excellent choice for families. Its hybrid powertrain option provides better fuel efficiency without sacrificing performance. The Palisade has received praise for its upscale features and overall value in the SUV market.
mpg
"With gas mileage as high as 34mpg average, it's impressive for a large family truckster. Now, it does lack the efficiency of Toyota's Grand Highlander Hybrid."
MPG stands for miles per gallon, which tells you how far a car can go on one gallon of gas. The higher the number, the better the car is at saving fuel.
Miles per gallon (mpg) is a measure of fuel efficiency for vehicles, indicating how many miles a car can travel on one gallon of fuel. Higher mpg ratings generally mean better fuel efficiency and lower fuel costs.
Toyotas Grand
"With gas mileage as high as 34mpg average, it's impressive for a large family truckster. Now, it does lack the efficiency of Toyota's Grand Highlander Hybrid, but Palisade's driving dynamics and panache bump up against Lexus TX."
The Toyota Grand Highlander is a big SUV that's great for families because it has lots of room for people and their stuff. It also gets good gas mileage for a vehicle this size, which is helpful for long drives. People like it for its comfort and usefulness.
The Toyota Grand Highlander is a larger version of the popular Highlander SUV, designed to accommodate bigger families with its spacious seating and cargo capacity. It offers impressive fuel efficiency, especially for a vehicle of its size, making it a practical choice for long trips. The Grand Highlander is recognized for its balance of comfort, utility, and reliability.
Nissan Leaf
"...icle money can buy is the third generation Nissan Leaf, a base S Plus with 303 miles of range retails f..."
The Nissan Leaf is an electric car that doesn't use gas, making it better for the environment. It can drive up to 303 miles on a full charge, which is pretty good for an electric vehicle. Many people like it because it's affordable and helps save on fuel costs.
The Nissan Leaf is an all-electric hatchback that has been a pioneer in the electric vehicle market, known for its affordability and practicality. With a range of up to 303 miles on a single charge, it offers a sustainable alternative to traditional gasoline-powered cars. The Leaf's significance lies in its role in promoting electric mobility and reducing carbon emissions.
Dodge Charger
"...x, while those that already have a J1772 level 2 charger won't need to change things up at home. Also aff..."
The Dodge Charger is a big car that looks sporty and can go really fast. It's popular because it has a lot of power and also enough space for passengers. Many people enjoy it for its fun driving experience and comfortable interior.
The Dodge Charger is a full-size sedan known for its muscular design and powerful engine options, appealing to performance enthusiasts. It combines classic American muscle car styling with modern technology and comfort features. The Charger is often discussed for its unique blend of performance and practicality as a family vehicle.
iSight ADAS Safety Tech
"You know the drill, Subaru's are safe, with iSight ADAS Safety Tech standard..."
iSight is a safety system in Subaru cars that helps drivers by warning them about potential dangers and can even help stop the car if needed.
iSight is Subaru's advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) that includes features like adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, and lane departure warning. It enhances safety by helping drivers avoid accidents.
Volkswagen Tiguan
"... is alphabetical, the third generation Volkswagen Tiguan, and not just because there's Volk in the name, ..."
The Volkswagen Tiguan is a small SUV that's good for families because it has a lot of space inside. It's known for being comfortable to drive and has nice safety features. Many people like it for its quality and how it handles on the road.
The Volkswagen Tiguan is a compact SUV that offers a blend of practicality, comfort, and German engineering. Known for its spacious interior and advanced safety features, it competes well in the crowded SUV market. The Tiguan is often discussed for its driving dynamics and the quality of materials used in its construction.
driving fun
"It offers up a rare blend of style, practicality, value, and here's a concept, driving fun."
Driving fun means how enjoyable it is to drive a car. Some cars are more exciting to drive than others because of how they handle and perform.
Driving fun refers to the enjoyment and excitement a driver experiences while operating a vehicle. It encompasses factors like handling, responsiveness, and overall driving dynamics.
MSRP
"a nicely optioned all-wheel drive Tiguan SE MSRPs for $36,600."
MSRP is the price that the car company suggests you should pay for a car. It helps you know how much the car is worth when you're shopping.
MSRP stands for Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price, which is the price that the manufacturer recommends retailers sell the vehicle for. It's a starting point for negotiations.
horsepower
"Enthusiasts will want more grunt from the engine bay though, and VW bumps horsepower significantly from 201 to 268..."
Horsepower is a way to measure how powerful a car's engine is. More horsepower usually means the car can go faster.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement for engine power. It indicates how much work an engine can perform over time, affecting a vehicle's acceleration and overall performance.
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