This year's Car of the Year field by MotorTrend is compact. Only vehicles boasting new powertrains or significant updates made the list. Some, however, weren't quite ready for testing. The Dodge electric Challenger Daytona and Volkswagen's ID7 are notably delayed.
At Hyundai's California Proving Ground, we had 21 cars from 14 different nameplates to consider, making the challenge of selecting a winner no easier than expected despite the smaller pool.
- Toyota Camry: Advances the midsize category with an all-hybrid lineup.
- Honda Civic: Introduces fresh powertrains, including an impressive hybrid.
- BMW i5: Debuts as BMW’s first electric 5 Series.
- Kia Carnival: Features SUV-like styling with a new hybrid option.
- Volkswagen ID Buzz: An electric van that captures curiosity and offers unexpected appeal.
Within this limited roster, there is a notable diversity in powertrains (gas, electric, hybrids), dimensions, and prices ranging from $27,345 to $120,495. Each contender boasts unique attributes, emphasizing distinctive designs and performances.
- Camry’s Extra Seats: This unexpected feature offers bonus seating.
- ID Buzz Enjoyment: Exceeded expectations, delivering a standout performance.
- Fiat 500e’s Niche Appeal: A delightful surprise; a standout small city EV.
Choosing the finalists involved a stringent evaluation based on criteria like design, engineering, value, efficiency, and safety. Controversial debates influenced judges' decisions.
- The Kia K4's bold design sparked mixed reactions.
- Civic’s Powertrain: Criticism of the non-hybrid variant cast shadows on its hybrid counterpart.
- ID Buzz: Its quirks divided opinions, yet its charm was persuasive.
In a field where each finalist showcased great merit, the ultimate winner emerged not just by meeting the criteria but by excelling in overall excellence. Upholding the motto "the best or nothing," the 2025 winner stood out as a modern marvel amidst fierce competition.
Summary: In 2025, MotorTrend's Car of the Year event featured a selective array of notable vehicles driven by innovation and diversity. Despite the limited choices and spirited deliberations, the award-winning car exemplified unwavering excellence and performance, earning the prestigious accolade.
