The list of contenders for Motor Authority Best Car To Buy 2025 began with nearly 30 vehicles, encompassing a wide range from pickup trucks and SUVs to luxury cars and EVs. It presented a vast field that demanded careful consideration.

Why Some Cars Didn't Make the Cut

2025 Aston Martin DBX707

For 2025, the Aston Martin DBX707 received upgrades such as more standard power (697 hp), a new infotainment system, and some mild styling tweaks. However, these changes were not sufficient to make it to the final round. It leaned more towards exuberance but fell short in terms of overall performance and desirability.The interior and exterior styling remained appealing, but it couldn't compete with the other contenders in terms of overall package. The power boost was a step in the right direction, but it wasn't enough to secure a spot among the finalists.

2025 Aston Martin Vantage

Similar to the DBX707, the Vantage underwent some changes this year. It had slightly tweaked design both inside and out, an updated infotainment system, and more power (656 hp). But despite its lovely sounds and improved features, it couldn't overcome the stiff competition and make it to the final round.The Vantage's performance was solid, but it lacked that extra something to stand out in a crowded field. Its design updates were nice, but they didn't give it the edge needed to be considered one of the best cars to buy.

2025 BMW M5

The timing of the M5's launch was a crucial factor. By the time Best Car To Buy testing took place, it hadn't been launched yet despite making its debut back in June. This left it out of the running for the 2025 competition.The M5 is known for its performance, but without proper testing and evaluation, it couldn't be included in the final list. It's a disappointment for BMW fans, but they'll have to wait until next year to see the M5 in action.

2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ

The electric Escalade made its debut in August 2023, but it still hasn't arrived in time for the 2025 competition. It's a highly anticipated vehicle, but its delayed arrival has put it on the sidelines for now.The Escalade IQ has the potential to be a strong contender, but without being present during the testing phase, it can't be evaluated properly. We hope to see it arrive in the competition in 2025 and showcase its capabilities.

2025 Cadillac Optiq

Automakers are seeing a trend of introducing cars but not delivering them in a timely fashion. The Cadillac Optiq follows suit, with its larger flagship electric sibling, the Escalade IQ, also being MIA.The Optiq shows promise with its design and features, but without being available for testing, it can't be considered a serious contender. It's a waiting game for Cadillac fans to see when this electric vehicle will finally hit the market.

2024 Dodge Charger Daytona

The electric rebirth of the Dodge Charger in the form of the Daytona EV is underway, with deliveries having begun. However, its launch took place after Best Car To Buy testing, so it couldn't be included in the 2025 competition.The Daytona EV has the potential to be a game-changer, but it missed the opportunity this time around. Dodge fans will have to look forward to seeing it in action in the future.

2024 Ford Ranger Raptor

The Ford Bronco Raptor made it to the final round of Best Car To Buy testing in 2023 but didn't win. The Ranger Raptor was highly anticipated and a first for the market. It performs well off-road and on, but it was overshadowed by the Bronco Raptor.The Ranger Raptor has its own unique features and capabilities, but it couldn't compete with the established winner. It's a great vehicle in its own right, but it didn't have what it took to be named the best car to buy.

2024 Ford F-150 Raptor R

The 2024 Ford F-150 Raptor benefited from upgrades to its lineup, including a new digital gauge cluster, touchscreen, and revised look. But these enhancements didn't improve its actual performance enough to make it to the finalist list.The Raptor R is a powerful truck, but it fell short in terms of overall value and performance compared to the other contenders. It's a solid option, but not the best choice for the Motor Authority Best Car To Buy 2025.

2025 Infiniti QX80 first drive, Napa Valley, June 2024

The Infiniti QX80 is new for the third time and focuses on the little details. But it's the big details that matter. Its body motions are less controlled than the competition, and the interior packaging is more compromised.The design is an acquired taste, and it couldn't make it past the contender round. Despite its efforts to update and improve, it still couldn't compete with the more refined and capable vehicles in its class.

2024 Lexus GX 550

The Lexus GX enters a new generation with a strong turbo-6 replacing the smooth V-8. The design has a brick-like look with some Defender vibes. But in real life, it falls short.The metal is thin, the interior is loud, and it doesn't feel as solid as the Defender. First impressions don't always translate to reality, and in this case, the GX 550 didn't live up to its initial appeal.

2024 Lincoln Nautilus hybrid

The Nautilus is a viable option for RX buyers, with its sharp yet conservative exterior design. A hybrid joins the lineup for those seeking efficiency. But some buyers may be put off by the pillar-to-pillar screen on the dashboard.The squircle steering wheel with unlabeled touch-sensitive buttons adds to the complexity. While it has its merits, it doesn't have enough to make it to the final round of the best car competition.

2025 Mercedes-Benz AMG E 53 Hybrid

The latest-generation E-Class brought more tech and LEDs, but the powertrains didn't make a significant impact until the E 53 Hybrid arrived with a plug. But by then, it was too late for the 2025 testing.It also seems expensive compared to other options like the EQE or Lucid Air, making us question its value. The E 53 Hybrid has potential, but it missed the opportunity to shine in this competition.

2024 McLaren 750S first drive, Las Vegas, February 2024

The McLaren 750S builds on the success of the 720S with more power and increased driver engagement. But its immense potential is more than what most people need.At these prices and speeds, it has to be exceptional. And it is, with its track capabilities and supercar performance. But for the average buyer, it may be overkill.

2025 McLaren Artura Spider

The McLaren Artura Spider is the topless variant of the lineup, offering fun in a roofless plug-in format. It's a compelling vehicle, but it's $24,700 more expensive than the coupe.Testing an Artura Spider at a cost of $374,158 shows that it's a significant investment. While it has race-car tech, it's hard to justify its price as the best car to buy.

2025 Polestar 3 Performance Pack, test drive, Madrid

The Polestar 3 was expected to be a strong contender, with its electric-SUV stride. But software delay issues prevented it from participating in final testing.This was a disappointment, as the vehicle showed promise. We hope to see it in the 2026 competition and see how it performs without the technical glitches.

2025 Porsche Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid

The Porsche Panamera is a great car, but the timing worked against it. The GTS is coming next year, so Porsche decided to save it for the 2026 competition.It's a missed opportunity this time around, but we look forward to seeing the Panamera in its updated form in the future.

2025 Ram 1500 RHO

The Ram 1500 RHO replaced the now-defunct Hellcat-powered TRX. It's lighter and more balanced, making it more capable off-road.Although it has less power than the TRX, it's now the automaker's flagship off-roader and makes room for a TRX sequel. It's on the sidelines for now, waiting for the next-gen TRX.

2024 Toyota Land Cruiser

The 200-Series Toyota Land Cruiser is gone, replaced by a new Land Cruiser known as the Land Cruiser Prado in other markets. The new Land Cruiser tries to embrace retro charm, but it falls short.It's tinny, cheap, and unrefined, with a modern price that doesn't justify its performance. It didn't make a big impact in the competition.

2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro, photo via Nathan Leach-Proffer

The new Toyota Tacoma arrived with two off-road models, the TRD Pro and the Trailhunter. The TRD Pro excels at speed, while the Trailhunter is designed for slow crawling.Both are compromised in different ways, with the competition having more advanced shocks, full-time four-wheel-drive, and Baja modes. Despite their unique features, neither truck made it past the starting line.

2025 Volkswagen ID.Buzz

The VW ID.Buzz is a modern electric VW Bus that brings back the nostalgia. It's fun, cool, and big, but it's too mainstream outside of its "cool, it's back" factor.Compared to other electric minivans, it may not have enough to stand out in the competition. But it's still a notable vehicle that made it past the initial stage.

2025 Volvo EX90

Volvo's electric people hauler finally arrived, but its launch was delayed. We drove one but couldn't get it to the Best Car To Buy testing.It has potential and beckons the future, but it missed the chance to showcase its capabilities in this competition. It will likely be a contender in 2026.