Tom's Guide Awards 2025: Top Cars – From EVs to Hybrids

Taking the driver's seat of a newly purchased car is always thrilling, particularly when the vehicle comes loaded with cutting-edge features. From electric cars equipped with larger batteries designed to reduce concerns about limited travel distance to hybrid models offering the advantages of two different power sources, we've tested them all.

From elegant sedans offering outstanding mileage to spacious SUVs capable of accommodating many people, along with electric pick-up trucks that perform well both for daily commutes and professional use, the realm of electric and hybrid cars continues to improve.

Our group of specialists have evaluated and assessed every new electric vehicle, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid model for the Tom’s Guide Awards 2025. Here, we showcase our top picks among cars, vans, SUVs, and trucks from the past year, which offer both an enjoyable driving experience and innovative technology.

Best design

Volkswagen ID.Buzz

No, it isn’t a three-row SUV or a powerful vehicle that received our recognition for top design. Instead, it's an electric van that distinguished itself among all the other vehicles we have evaluated. The Volkswagen Buzz.ID employs a well-known, traditional style and updates it so that it appears completely different from all others on the highway.

Interestingly, it successfully blends elements — refer to it as vintage combined with contemporary. It's the sort of vehicle that evokes memories from the past yet stands out on the highway due to its vibrant color options. Upon spotting one, you're likely to be drawn to its distinctive style.

Best EV

Volvo EX30

Regarding the top EV we have evaluated, the Volvo EX30 includes almost all of what we desire in an electric vehicle. With its surprisingly strong handling capabilities and its extremely simple design approach, you genuinely get the sense of operating a car from the future.

Although it's a small SUV, it provides the capability to carry heavier loads than what would typically fit in a regular sedan. Combined with a powerful 422 horsepower engine, it drives more like a dynamic coupé. Additionally, it maintains impressive efficiency, achieving an average of 3.4 miles per kWh over the course of a week. Plus, it comes at a reasonable price.

Best Plug-In Hybrid

Kia Niro PHEV

One of the appealing aspects of a PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) is that it addresses the concern over limited driving range that some individuals have with fully electric cars. The Kia Niro PHEV Although it may be compact and petite, the 76.4 mpg overall fuel efficiency we achieved is something that even fully gasoline-powered vehicles can only wish for.

It can attain such impressive fuel efficiency thanks to an 11.1 kWh battery that enables operation solely on electric power. You essentially receive a range of 31 miles using only electricity, and with overnight charging, you may go for quite some time without needing to refuel with gasoline.

Best Value

Chevrolet Equinox EV

Even today, cost remains the primary obstacle for electric vehicles. That's why the Chevrolet Equinox EV It’s a welcome shift since it provides remarkable worth at an MSRP of $35,995, positioning it among the most affordable electric vehicles available, plus it delivers outstanding driving distance. This fully electric SUV also features a striking, dynamic appearance.

Nevertheless, there are certain trade-offs you'll have to acknowledge—such as having fundamental features like manually operated seats. While it may lack advanced amenities, you aren’t paying more than $50,000 for this car anyway.

Best SUV

Honda Prologue

Don't let its appearance deceive you at first sight because the Honda Prologue Meets every criterion we prioritize in an SUV. To begin with, this electric SUV offers enough space to comfortably accommodate five passengers—plus a generous cargo area.

Even though it isn't as strong as certain other electric vehicles we've evaluated, the Prologue offers an exceptionally smooth driving experience along with unexpectedly solid acceleration. Navigating sharp turns will be comfortable due to its broad turning circle. Additionally, it demonstrates notable energy efficiency, achieving 3.4 miles per kilowatt-hour during our tests.

Best Pickup Truck

Rivian R1T

Rivian may focus exclusively on SUVs and pickup trucks, but there's a solid justification for this approach—and the Rivian R1T is evidence of this. This is due to the fact that this fully electric pickup truck comes loaded with numerous features, such as the most advanced adaptive cruise control systems we have evaluated, which smartly aid in driving.

A pickup truck provides the standard functionality of a flatbed at the back for transporting heavy loads. It also features a central console running through the vehicle for additional storage space, and its spacious front trunk can hold larger objects too. All these elements are enclosed within an advanced aesthetic that autonomously descends when the car is stationary.

Most efficient

Lucid Air Pure

No range anxiety worries come with the Lucid Air Pure We have tested it extensively during driving and remain impressed with the 4 miles per kWh performance it achieved, which makes it among the rare vehicles to attain such a level. In addition to being highly efficient, this luxurious sedan comes equipped with an array of high-end amenities.

The Lucid showcases careful focus on every aspect of its design, which significantly contributes to its effectiveness during driving. Its short height and broad frame make the Lucid Air Pure seem as though it's smoothly moving across the pavement, supported by an impressive 620 horsepower engine. It isn’t just highly efficient; it also ranks among the quickest vehicles available.

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