New Renault 5

Porsche 718 Cayman

BMW M3

Tesla Model 3

BMW X7

MG HS

Kia Sportage

Lexus LBX

what-car-awards-2025-winners-the-best-cars-you-can-buy-today

The winners of the awards - the 48th - for 2025 were announced at a glitzy event at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel on Thursday evening.

They are the culmination of 12 months of testing, during which we’ve driven hundreds of new or updated models, both on UK roads and at our private test track. Each category features not only a winner but also some alternatives that you might want to consider. 

Let’s see all the category winners, culminating in the overall winner – the car we think is the best new model introduced in the past 12 months:

The What Car? Car of the Year Awards have been held every year since 1978.

The current model Clio remains the class-leader, and better than competitors like the Honda Jazz and Skoda Fabia.&nbsp; It’s impressively practical, economical, well-equipped and safe, with a very smart and well made interior.

Its improved dashboard looks right up to date with a 7.0in digital display instead of dials in front, while the portrait-shaped infotainment screen has crisp graphics and responds quickly to prodding.

List Price: £20,195 Target Price: £18,129 Target monthly: PCP £213

Runners-up: Honda Jazz, Dacia Sandero

Best Small Car: Renault Clio 1.0 TCe 90 Techno

The Corolla is a car that works for nearly everyone. The hybrid model impressed us with its competitive pricing and outstanding fuel efficiency that should easily deliver well over 50mpg in the real world. The model is also comfortable with a plusher ride than that of the Ford Focus and better body control than the Peugeot 308.

It has a user-friendly interior, with intuitive physical controls and knobs for the air-con functions. It all feels built to last, with quality materials throughout the cabin. And it should be very reliable – indeed the warranty could stretch to a cool 10 years/100,000 miles if you service it regularly though a main dealer. Now that’s peace of mind for you. Best of all, it’s sensibly priced. The Corolla is a perfect all-rounder.

List Price: £30,505 Target Price: £28,140 Target monthly: PCP £269

Runners-up: BMW 1 Series, Seat Leon

Best Family Car: Toyota Corolla 1.8 Hybrid Icon

The numbers speak for themselves: 0-62mph in 3.9sec was the stuff of exotic supercars until relatively recently, and 416bhp – squeezed out of a mere 2.0-litre engine – is a formidable figure. The engine is responsive too: the A45 remains the most scintillating hot hatch you can buy.

It’s very quick, then, but it doesn’t squander its power on a country road; four-wheel drive means you can deploy it easily. Plus, even when the standard-fit adaptive suspension is in Comfort mode (its softest), there’s very little body lean, and Sport mode reduces it still farther. This, combined with sharp steering delivers the thrills. The ride is firm, but far from punishing. Inside, the car is finished to a high standard, and is surprisingly practical, with boot space for six carry-on suitcases.

List Price: £63,445 Target Price: £57,445 Target monthly: PCP £517

Runners-up: Volkswagen Golf GTI, Hyundai Ioniq 5 N

Best hot-hatch: Mercedes-AMG A45 S Plus

We loved the LBX so much last year that it won the overall prize. And it remains a very strong contender, which combines high quality all-round with excellent fuel economy, with official mpg of 65.7 – which should see 50mpg in everyday use easily possible.

Inside, the model features upmarket materials, class-leading build quality and our recommended Premium Plus model gets generous equipment including synthetic leather seats (heated in front), a power tailgate and a heads-up display. Finally, you get the spaciousness of an SUV in a small, easy-to-park package.

List price £34,505 Target Price £33,753 Target PCP £357

Runners-up: Volkswagen T-Roc, Ford Puma, Dacia Duster

Best small SUV: Lexus LBX Premium Plus

This car’s striking design helps it stand out, and even with this entry level 148bhp engine it has plenty of go about it for most drivers. Plus it’s economical with it: official figures suggest 41.5mpg overall (and the automatic version give you 44.8mpg) but we’d stick with the manual. It has comfy ride and good body control in the twists, with accurate confident steering.

It has a smart-looking, spacious and user-friendly interior and regardless of trim level equipment levels are generous, but we’d stretch for the 3 trim which gives heated front and outer-rear seats. A 591-litre boot is larger than rivals, and the rear seats fold flat for greater practicality. Finally, you have the peace-of-mind that comes with a seven year warranty.

List Price: £33,390 Target Price: £31,368 Target monthly: PCP £353

Runners-up: MG HS, Volvo XC60, Jeep Wrangler

Best family SUV: Kia Sportage 1.6 T-GDi 48V 3

Renault is reviving its famous 5 nameplate with some style. Indeed, it has all the components you’d want from a small EV. It feels quality inside, and the recommended Techno trim level has all the kit you’d hope for.

Once fully charged, this 52 kWh officially has a range of 253 miles, which matches the far more expensive Mini Cooper SE. And it will top up to 80% in 30 minutes or so, on a par with rivals. It drives nicely and comfortably, but perhaps the best bit of the R5 is the cost, starting at below £27k.

List Price: £26,995 Target Price: £26,995 Target monthly: PCP £300

Runners-up: Hyundai Inster, Cupra Born

Small electric car: Renault 5 52 kWh Techno

Kia has been producing some great EVs ever since its E-Niro became the first electric car to win our overall award back in 2019. The EV3 is spacious and well built, and its high driving position gives a great view of the road. While not the tightest of drives on the road, it more than compensates by giving great ride comfort.

This Standard Range model promises 270 miles of official range, which should give a real world number nicely exceeding 200 miles. And it comes loaded with kit, including heated front seats and steering wheel, adaptive cruise control and keyless entry.

List Price: £32,995 Target Price: £32,995 Target monthly: PCP £432

Runners-up: Volvo EX30, Jeep Avenger

Best small electric SUV: Kia EV3 Standard Range Air

This MG may be eminently affordable but it’s by no means cheap-and-cheerful inside or to drive. And it gives a class-leading official electric-only range of 75 miles – you’d have to spend £10,000 more for a VW Tiguan e-Hybrid to equal that range.

In normal use it’s a lively performer, with 295bhp of power more than enough for most people. And its suspension has been rejigged (from the non-hybrid version) to cope with the extra weight of the battery, and is all the better for it, with a ride that’s controlled and composed. Add to that soft-touch plastics and real leather inside and you have a very strong and affordable package.

List price £31,495 Target Price £29,629 Target PCP £355

Runners-up: Range Rover Sport, BMW 3 Series

Best plug-in hybrid: MG HS 1.5T Plug-in Hybrid SE

Mini toppled Lexus from its position at the top of the tree for reliability this year, coming top of our annual reliability survey. A reliability rating of 96% was returned for the Mini hatchback, Mini Electric, Clubman, Convertible and Countryman.

2nd place: Lexus (97.9%) 3rd place: Suzuki (97.7%)

Best for Reliability: Mini – 98.3%

As an executive car, the Model 3 ticks all the right boxes for people who spend a lot of time driving. It’s sumptuous inside, as well as spacious. It can even carry nine carry-on suitcases, including one under the bonnet. It’s good to drive too, enjoyable on a winding road.

This entry-level RWD model promises a 255 mile real-world range – enough for most people - and of course you get access to Tesla’s excellent and reliable Supercharger network.

List Price: £39,990 Target Price: £39,990 Target monthly: PCP £470

Runners-up: BMW i5, Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Best executive car: Tesla Model 3 RWD

The latest Passat is only available as an estate, and it’s now grown to over 4.9 metres. And that means it’s more spacious then ever – indeed a family of six-footers will have no problems travelling en masse in this car. And they’ll enjoy practical touches like a rear centre armrest that contains drinks and smartphone holders.

With this PHEV version, you get a full 80 miles of official electric-only range (meaning low company car tax), more than nearly all its rivals. It’s very comfortable to ride in, but handles with confidence, and feels very well put together inside.

List Price: £47,430 Target Price: £39,986 Target monthly: PCP £472

Runners-up: Toyota Corolla Touring Sports, Volkswagen ID 7 Tourer

Best estate car: Volkswagen Passat 1.5 TSi eHybrid 204 Elegance

This car is not any old seven-seater: unlike most rivals, all seven seats here have decent leg-room, even for adults in the third row. And three people can sit comfortably in the centre row too. At 628 litres in five-seat mode its boot is enormous, and with the second and third row folded flat it dials up a van-like 1949 litres of cargo space.

You sit high up which gives great visibility, it’s quiet on the road, handles nicely, with accurate steering giving confidence in the bends. There’s no need to spend more for a posher version either - entry-level gives you plenty of kit.

List Price: £47,200 Target Price: £44,341 Target monthly: PCP £472

Runners-up: Dacia Jogger, Volkswagen ID Buzz LWB

Best Seven-seater: Hyundai Santa Fe 1.6T Hybrid Premium

The latest Passat is an exceptionally good all-rounder for safety. Its adult occupant protection score of 93% is the second highest of all the 41 cars tested in the past year, and it’s among the top performers for protecting vulnerable road users and for safety assistance systems that help drivers to avoid collisions in the first place.

2nd place: Mercedes-Benz E-Class, 3rd place: Mini Countryman

Best for safety: Volkswagen Passat

The X7 SUV combines limo-like interior space with a commanding driving position that you just don’t get in a BMW 7 Series or i7 saloon. Inside, the X7 majors on wow factor; its curved 14.9in infotainment touchscreen and adjoining 12.3in digital instrument panel set a high-tech theme, plus you get ambient lighting, glossy trim finishers and polished glass elements. It feels exceptionally well built.

Things are at their most decadent with the optional £16,450&nbsp;Ultimate Pack. Not only do the (massaging) front seats heat up, but they do so in conjunction with the steering wheel and the armrests on the centre console and doors, creating a sort of winter jacket. On the road it drives like any good BMW should: confident handling, excellent steering combined with a powerful engine. It’s a compelling overall package.

List price £108,340 Target Price £100,934 Target PCP £1121

Runners-up: BMW i7, Bentley Bentayga

Best luxury car: BMW X7 xDrive 40i M Sport (Ultimate Pack)

The Elroq may be smaller than the Enyaq, but that’s reflected in the pricing, which starts at just £31,500. Only the boot really gives away the fact that this is a smaller car than the Enyaq, although it’s still far from poky, at 470 litres. Inside there’s pleasing mix of soft-touch plastics and fabric trim. Meanwhile, the driving position is strong, and it handles with confidence on the road.

An official range of 360 miles shames some cars that cost half as much again and adds to the Elroq’s credentials as a great way to cover big distances. And if you have to stop to top up the battery, a respectable peak charging rate of 175kW means you could be under way again in as little as 28 minutes.

List Price: £38,650 Target Price: £36,150 Target monthly: PCP £369

Best family electric SUV: Skoda Elroq 85 Edition

Often, taking the roof off a car causes it to go all jelly-like, and many convertibles feel vague and ponderous from behind the wheel. Not so with the 4 Series, though. With the canvas roof raised, you’d struggle to tell the convertible from the coupé.

When fitted with optional adaptive suspension (£450), the 4 Series delivers a plush ride in its softest setting, helping to turn both versions into effortless long-distance cruisers (aided by refined engines and low noise levels at motorway speeds). And of course, Sport mode heightens the fun on a twisty road. It’s not as if either car is uncomfortable or boring on the standard suspension, but the extra outlay is worthwhile to experience the 4 Series at its very best.

List Price: £51,280 Target Price: £47,304 Target monthly: PCP £520

Runners-up: Bentley Continental GT Speed, Fiat 500E Convertible

Best Coupe/Convertible: BMW 420i M Sport (Pro Pack)

Somehow, the 2.2-tonne Cayenne can bend the laws of physics. With a lower centre of gravity than the boxier regular Cayenne SUV, the Coupé S is astonishingly agile, with massive grip from the tyres, impeccable traction and very little body lean – especially with the optional adaptive air suspension and active anti-roll bars fitted.

You sit up high for an imperious view of the road ahead, surrounded by first-class materials and with an excellent 12.3in infotainment screen at your disposal. That big V8 fades to a quiet background hum, and only a bit of tyre roar reminds you that you’re clipping along. Fold the rear seatbacks down and, while they don’t drop completely level with the boot floor, flatpack furniture will go in without a struggle. Or, with the rear seats in use, a family of four can travel together in comfort, even if those in the back are six feet tall, leaving a creditable 592 litres of boot space.

List price £99,700 Target Price £99,700 Target PCP n/a

Runners-up: Porsche Macan Electric Turbo, Aston Martin DBX 707

Best sports SUV: Porsche Cayenne Coupe S

This electric hot hatch doesn’t feature a traditional gearbox, but it fools you into thinking it does. &nbsp;By simulating the experience of an eight-speed paddle-shift gearbox, the e-Shift system aims to make an electric vehicle (EV) just as engaging to drive as a combustion-engined equivalent.

The effect is as wondrous as finding a rabbit inside your favourite hat. Press the accelerator pedal to the floor and the virtual ‘revs’ will flare as you’d expect, and if you pull one of the wheel-mounted paddles, there’s a momentary pause in the power delivery as the e-Shift changes ‘gear’, as you’d experience with a conventional ’box. Each gear responds as you’d expect, too, with performance being relatively muted in higher gears and gradually building as you gain speed. In the lower gears, the acceleration is enough to press you back into your seat.

Best for Technology: Hyundai Ioniq 5 N E-Shift

Every ingredient that goes into this incredible sports car is not only perfectly measured, but it’s also of the very best quality you can get. &nbsp;The 395bhp 4.0-litre engine is a particular highlight. With no turbochargers to potentially delay response, and with two more cylinders than more junior versions of the Cayman, it rewards with instant, explosive shove when you put your foot down, building enthusiastically all the way up to its near-7800rpm rev limiter and sounding divine on the way.

What’s more, every time you reach that limit, you get the joy of using an excellent six-speed manual gearbox, which makes swapping cogs an absolute pleasure. You could argue that the lighter A110 is more playful at normal road speeds, but the Cayman gives you more confidence and is ultimately way more capable.

List price £77,695 Target Price £77,695 Target PCP na

Runners-up: Mazda MX-5, Aston Martin Vanquish

Best sports car: Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0

The BMW M3 Touring is truly a multi-role car: It’s built to handle every scenario you can throw at it – and it does so with devastating effectiveness. Need a practical transporter for an Alpine sortie? A 500-litre boot makes light work of all your kit, and versatile 40/20/40 split-folding seats let you slide skis through the middle without sacrificing comfort for four adults.

Those long-range operations can be carried out in record time, too. With four-wheel drive and the &nbsp;same 523bhp twin-turbo 3.0-litre straight six engine as the M3 saloon, the M3 Touring can catapult from 0-62mph in 3.6sec. &nbsp;When the road gets twisty, the M3 Touring transforms into a precision weapon.

List price £87,945 Target Price £81,692 Target PCP £885

Runners-up: BMW M240i, Porsche Taycan RWD

Best performance car: BMW M3 Touring xDrive Competition

And the What Car? Car of the Year for 2025 is… The Renault 5 52 kWh Techno

The new Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia EV3 and MG HS have all raised the bar in their respective classes in the past 12 months, as have the Skoda Elroq and Volkswagen Passat. In a different year, any one of them would have made a deserving overall winner, but in 2025 they’ve had the misfortune of coming up against the new Renault 5 (R5). 

When you drive the R5 and see the attention it gets, you realise there’s so much affection for its design that Renault could have penny-pinched on the engineering and still sold as many as it could make. But instead, it has clearly thrown everything at the car, with this resulting in something that offers a competitive real-world range and strikes a superb balance between comfort and driving fun. &nbsp;It also has an infotainment system that shames those in some far more expensive machines, both in terms of functionality and usability.

Overall Winner:  

And even though we don’t award marks for style (after all, beauty is in the eye of the beholder), the huge demand for the R5 brings further tangible benefits in the form of rock-solid predicted resale values and highly tempting PCP finance rates.

This is a car that you can buy with your head and your heart, then – one that shows you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a great electric car. In short, the R5 moves the game on more than any other model launched in the past 12 months, so it has to be our Car of the Year for 2025.

Overall Winner:  Renault 5 52 kWh Techno

What Car? Awards 2025 winners: The Best cars you can buy today

Being named a What Car? Car of the Year is one of the highest honours a new model can receive. Take a look at all the winners in 2025

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What Car? Awards 2025 winners: The Best cars you can buy today

Being named a What Car? Car of the Year is one of the highest honours a new model can receive. Take a look at all the winners in 2025...

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