Talking Cars 466: 10 Top Picks of 2025

Main theme: In this episode of the "Talking Cars" video podcast, we discuss what it takes for a vehicle to reach the vaunted Top Picks podium. The panel notes the surprising number of electrified models on the list for 2025—that would be, hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and pure electric. And even the wide variety of vehicles brought out a lively discussion, as there’s something for everyone—and every budget. The panel also is asked to look at the list and imagine picking one with which they’d drive off into the sunset.

Top Picks is part of Consumer Reports’ perennial autos moment that casts a spotlight on our latest data for both new and used cars, including the latest scoring changes and reliability and owner satisfaction data from members. Think of it as CR’s Annual Greatest Hits.

Audience Questions
• With CR’s reliability surveys, how do you judge the severity of the issue or the ease of a work-around? How do you differentiate between an issue that took the vehicle out of service and an issue that needed repair but the vehicle remained usable? (See our car reliability FAQ.)
• When you test the brakes of hybrids, do you conduct the test when the car is in "B" and does it make any difference?
• I enjoyed your coverage of bicycle racks for cars, but I would like to be able to carry bikes inside the vehicle. Which vehicles have the inside roof clearance to hold a bike without taking off the front wheel? In your evaluations, do you have the floor-to-ceiling measurement for the cargo area? 

More on Cars by Brand
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• Who Makes the Most Reliable New Cars?
• Which Brands Make the Best Used Cars?
• Which Car Brands Have the Highest Road-Test Scores?
• Who Owns Which Car Brands?
• Car Brands Ranked by Maintenance and Repair