OK, call it a writer’s prerogative to stretch the boundaries of selectivity in a year-end Top 10 roundup of Best of Awards.
This year, I’m sticking with a baker’s dozen for my annual Zoomies because, well, I can.
It’s never easy to narrow down the 10 best vehicles from the 50 or so I drive each year—automakers just keep raising the bar. If I based the selections solely on design, I could probably whittle the list down to five, but that’s a story for another time.
I’ve been selecting Zoomies since 1990, always with an eye toward style and value. That said, some luxury brands deserve recognition, too. This year’s list includes a mix of high-end and family-friendly models. The good news for those of us on a budget is that affordable options for families have shown a lot of promise this year.
So here we go, in no particular order—except for the finale, which highlights my top Zoomie Car and Crossover of the Year. Yes, I fudged a bit there, too, by picking one of each.
Let’s kick things off with the truck and SUV segment.
Pickups are the best-selling vehicles in the United States, often oversized and styled to exude macho functionality. That approach clearly works—it sells. However, Honda has taken a different route with its midsize Ridgeline, designing it to drive and ride more like a sedan. Considering most pickup owners primarily use their trucks to haul kids and occasional yard or household loads, this approach makes a lot of sense.
The Ridgeline boasts a quiet cabin, plenty of power with its 280-horsepower 3.5-liter V6, and a superb multi-function tailgate that makes loading easy. It’s also handsome and, fully loaded, costs around $46,000—about the average price of a new car today. The key difference? That’s about $10,000 less than the average pickup.
If practicality for your family takes precedence over ego, you’ll love the Ridgeline.
Toyota Grand Highlander hybrid
Bigger families often want—or need—a three-row SUV. While none of these come cheap, Toyota has upped the ante this year by adding about a foot to the Highlander, creating the Grand Highlander. Its Lexus counterpart, the TX, also offers three rows and is two inches longer than the Toyota. Both models come with luxury-level pricing but offer hybrid and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) options to improve fuel economy, a significant benefit for vehicles of this size.
Both the Grand Highlander and TX are roomy, comfortable, and capable of towing.
The Grand Highlander starts around $48,000 and can climb to about $60,000, depending on options. The hybrid model I tested delivered 23.5 mpg, with an EPA rating of up to 27 mpg. This is thanks to its 362-horsepower 2.4-liter turbocharged engine and near-luxury interior.
The TX is even more impressive, featuring a PHEV system paired with a 3.5-liter turbo V6. It offers 33 miles of plug-in range while delivering a robust 404 horsepower. During testing, I achieved 35.4 mpg, primarily by running on electric power around town. However, the TX comes with a heftier price tag: the hybrid starts at about $69,000, and the PHEV version at $78,000. A gas-only version is also available, starting at $56,000, but it offers just 275 horsepower.
To add another option to the mix, Lexus also offers the GX 550 PHEV, another three-row SUV that’s equally impressive.
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Volvo V60 T8 AWD Polestar Engineered PHEV
Traditionalists may appreciate a wagon like this sporty, sleek Volvo PHEV. It comfortably seats five, delivers excellent fuel economy, and packs a punch with up to 455 horsepower and massive torque. Its plug-in electric power, combined with a 312-horsepower gas engine, gives it serious speed—it’ll darn near fly. An overnight charge provides 41 miles of electric range, and during testing with some highway driving, I achieved 40.8 mpg.
With its combination of looks, power, and efficiency, the V60 nearly hits for the cycle—except for the price. It lists at $72,345.
Might as well stick with Volvo, which offers another sensuous, sophisticated, and sleek sedan. It would win on looks alone, but it’s also a PHEV with the same impressive 455 horsepower, now in a lighter car. This was my mileage champ for 2024, achieving (wait for it) 169.4 mpg. Yes, you read that correctly. With 50 miles of plug-in range available each night, I barely used any gas all week—less than $6 worth.
This remarkable efficiency comes from a battery paired with a turbocharged and supercharged 2.0-liter I4 engine. Entry price for the test model was $66,745, offering luxury, power, and the advantage of a PHEV—so no range anxiety. Wow!
Speaking of plug-ins, consider Nissan’s luxurious-looking Ariya, a full-on electric vehicle (EV) with a 267-mile range and a starting price of $55,500. Yes, EVs tend to cost more upfront, but if you drive them long enough, you’ll recoup much—though likely not all—of the cost through fuel savings.
That said, the Ariya takes Nissan to a whole new level of interior design and comfort. It’s a smooth-riding, fun-to-drive crossover with unique exterior styling. Power is another highlight, with 389 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. You might smile once you’re inside, but you’ll laugh out loud after pressing the accelerator.
It’s probably no surprise that I’m including a Genesis in another Zoomie. This crossover/SUV is as classy as anything from a German or Italian exotic carmaker, with a beautiful and timeless exterior paired with a sleek, contemporary interior. I haven’t found a more comfortable or easier-driving vehicle all year. With 375 horsepower and a 0-60 time of 5.7 seconds, it’s also quick enough to satisfy speed enthusiasts.
This stunner can tow up to 6,000 pounds, and if you can do without the top-end version, a GV80 starts at $59,000. The tester, however, was a high-end model priced at $81,300. Still, it’s a vehicle that commands attention—valets at the country club lot might just fight over your key fob.
Let’s circle back to the earth—without sacrificing power. Surprised to hear Subaru mentioned in the same breath as power? Don’t be. A turbocharged boxer four-cylinder gives this nimble wagon-like crossover a serious boost. The top-level Outback delivers 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. It’s quick, and its ride has been refined with enough sound deadening to make you question if there’s really a boxer engine under the hood.
Big gains have been made inside as well, with a more luxurious two-tone leather interior. Of course, Subaru’s sophisticated AWD system remains a staple. While lower trims are still available for around $35,000, this higher-end model comes in at about $44,000—the average price of a new car today.
Next up is a worthy competitor to the Subaru Outback, though a bit taller and boxier—yet still attractive—the new Chevy Equinox. This gas-powered model features a turbocharged 1.5-liter I4 engine producing 175 horsepower and 201 pound-feet of torque, all wrapped in sleek, updated styling. It handles well, rides comfortably, and boasts an interior design that earns it a spot near the top of my Zoomie list.
The interior features striking red trim on the seats and dash, along with red, rocket-engine-shaped air ducts. Chevy seems to be shedding its "fuddy-duddy" image for its family haulers. And here’s the kicker: the loaded tester, complete with optional AWD, came in at an impressively affordable $38,000. The base model starts at an almost unbelievable $31,000.
For those interested in going electric, there’s an EV version as well. It’s substantially different, so we’ll reserve judgment until we’ve had a chance to test it.
This is one of the most surprising drives of the year: the off-road-targeted Rock Creek edition of the Rogue. Nissan’s top seller has always been a quiet, comfortable, and capable compact crossover/SUV, but like other Nissan Rock Creek models, this version adds helpful off-road features and special trim. Most important is an off-road setting, dialed in on the console, that enhances the upgraded traction system. It even adjusts if one wheel is elevated off the ground.
Add Hill Descent Control, which helps the Rock Creek smoothly tackle steep downhill crawls, along with an Intelligent Around-View monitor that displays the terrain below and beside the Rogue’s nose for better trail maneuvering. Steering has also been upgraded for improved responsiveness.
Amazingly, the turbo three-cylinder engine produces 201 horsepower and a 225-torque rating while still delivering excellent gas mileage. Pricing for this special model ranges from $36,000 to $38,000, making it a high-value family crossover equally at home on the highway and off-road
I know I emphasize low cost, but Kia’s Seltos is also an awfully cute subcompact crossover with a ton of power for its size. That’s right—195 horsepower in a swept-back roofline-styled crossover, perfect for couples or young families with small children. The rear light bar looks fresh, and the chrome trim between the rear windows adds some extra flair. Add a contrasting color roof, and this two-tone crossover rivals the cute styling of a MINI.
Horsepower in the base model is still respectable at 146, with a starting price of just $25,000. This faster, more desirable SX trim is priced at $31,000, and I averaged 28.8 mpg. Efficient, fun, and inexpensive. Winner!
OK, I haven’t forgotten about performance cars—I’m not that old yet. The redesigned Mustang might just be the best-looking car made in America, and the GT model rocks as it always has. This long-hooded beast is a stunning machine, delivering 480 horsepower from its growling, throbbing 5.0-liter V8.
The Mustang is a street-legal racer (IMHO) and is still available with a six-speed manual transmission and perfectly sculpted, super-supportive Recaro seats. Muscle car power and looks like this will cost you, though—about $50,000 for the GT.
Zoomie Car and Crossover of the Year
Toyota’s Camry and Honda’s Accord may sell more, but Hyundai’s Sonata is easily the most stylish and eye-catching sedan in the heart of the car market. From its crisp, sleek, and sexy profile to the nose-encompassing light bar, its design suggests you’re driving something special. The Sonata excels in both exterior and interior style.
Like other Hyundai and Kia models, it features a combined dual screen that wraps smoothly across the dash, along with simple controls and buttons, making it easy to adjust the fancy Bose radio and climate settings while driving. The tested hybrid model achieved 41.1 mpg—though it’s rated up to 44 mpg—from its 192-horsepower I4 engine. In the Limited trim, the top-level model with leather-trimmed seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated and cooled front seats, the price still came in at only $38,500.
A base gas-only model starts just below $30,000. Don’t care about hybrid power but prefer more oomph? The N Line lists at $36,000 and packs a 290-horsepower turbocharged 2.5-liter I4. All versions are gorgeous and economical. What more could you want?
Well, you might want a crossover, and if you’re wanting the least expensive and best looking one on the market, shop for Chevrolet’s new Trax. The old Trax was dowdy looking, and I’m being kind. This one is borderline cute but reflects the overall handsome Chevy SUV styling that has developed over the past few years. Trax looks and drives classier than its price and includes a spiffy upgraded interior.
The Trax starts at $21,500 and tops out at a still modest $25,000, but it doesn’t include AWD. To get that, you’ll need to step up to the slightly smaller Trailblazer, a similar model starting at around $27,000. Still, it seems to me that young buyers and those on a tight budget will be impressed with any Trax model, especially the top-end 2RS trim. It includes heated seats, a heated steering wheel, a sunroof, and an 11-inch infotainment screen.
The 1.2-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder engine may be small, but it’s adequate for acceleration with 137 horsepower and a respectable 162 pound-feet of torque. The Trax is light, lively, and fun to drive, and Chevy has managed to smooth out its ride, avoiding the roughness typical of many small crossovers. It’s efficient, too—I averaged 29 mpg, and it’s rated at 32 mpg on the highway.
If you can spring for the $395 extra, go for the sparkling Cayenne Orange paint—it’s a showstopper, even for great-grandma Ethel.
So there you have it: the 2025 Zoomies. It’s been a strong year for low-budget, high-value, family-oriented options, with plenty of great choices to consider.
