Looking for the automotive top buys 2025? You’ve come to the right place. Cars come in all shapes and sizes, and what we know is that most now achieve a very high standard across the board. But what are the absolute best ones out there?
To help you, we’ve gathered the latest winners in the 2025 Parkers New Car Awards and a number of our editor’s handpicked choices from across the site and distilled them here for you. We have SUVs, hatchbacks, saloons and a strong smattering of EVs and our expert reasoning as to why they’re worth your money.
If you’re looking for what the next best thing is, check out our page detailing the best new cars to look forward to.
Scroll down to discover our list of the best cars in the UK.
The best cars to buy for 2025
The best new car on sale
Medium Family Car of The Year 2025
Parkers Car of The Year 2025
A double whammy, winning Car of The Year and Best Medium Family Car in the 2025 Parkers Awards, the Renault Scenic E-Tech stands head-and-shoulders above the competition.
As a family car, the clever family-first features take some beating. The rear seats, with USB charging sockets and integrated phone holders, are ideal for children. The interior is well-trimmed, packed with intelligent storage options and comfortable for long journeys.
As an EV, the humongous 87kWh battery option means 300 miles of range is easily achievable. The final feather in its cap is the unbeatable value, whether you're leasing or financing on PCP. It substantially undercuts its rivals, making it even more tempting.
To find out more, read our full Renault Scenic E-Tech review
As a family car, the clever family-first features take some beating. The rear seats, with USB charging sockets and integrated phone holders, are ideal for children. The interior is well-trimmed, packed with intelligent storage options and comfortable for long journeys.
As an EV, the humongous 87kWh battery option means 300 miles of range is easily achievable. The final feather in its cap is the unbeatable value, whether you're leasing or financing on PCP. It substantially undercuts its rivals, making it even more tempting.
To find out more, read our full Renault Scenic E-Tech review
Pros
- Long range
- Good to drive
- Undercuts all rivals on price
Cons
- Touchscreen is fiddly
- Some cheap-feeling interior materials
A brilliantly thought-out family-size SUV
The Skoda Kamiq may be starting to age, but it still takes home our Best Small Family Car Award thanks to its ruthlessly efficient use of space and exceptional value for money. It's a big car for your money, offering class-leading head and legroom, as well as plenty of useable boot space.
The intelligent use of space doesn't end here either. There's an in-built bin, smartphone pockets in the front door pockets and a luggage net built into the parcel shelf. The £24,190 base price ensures that a Kamiq should be close to the top of any car shopping list.
To find out more, read our full Skoda Kamiq review
The intelligent use of space doesn't end here either. There's an in-built bin, smartphone pockets in the front door pockets and a luggage net built into the parcel shelf. The £24,190 base price ensures that a Kamiq should be close to the top of any car shopping list.
To find out more, read our full Skoda Kamiq review
Pros
- Super comfortable
- Rugged, no-nonsense interior
- Great visibility
Cons
- 1.0-litre engine sluggish on motorways
- No plug-in versions available
Awe-inspiring interior space and battery range
The latest in Volkswagen's electric push is also its best and a worthy winner of our Best Large Family Car award. With a premium-feeling interior and plenty of acreage, it excels in family duties, featuring a large boot and generous rear-seat space. The Tourer estate adds even more practicality to the mix.
Comfortable suspension and refined handling make it an excellent choice for long journeys, good news as the extraordinary 436-mile range is one of the longest available in any electric car. It may have taken Volkswagen a while to crack the code, but the ID.7 proves the brand is a mainstay in the EV race.
To find out more, read our full Volkswagen ID.7 review
Comfortable suspension and refined handling make it an excellent choice for long journeys, good news as the extraordinary 436-mile range is one of the longest available in any electric car. It may have taken Volkswagen a while to crack the code, but the ID.7 proves the brand is a mainstay in the EV race.
To find out more, read our full Volkswagen ID.7 review
Pros
- Huge official range
- Nicely judged interior
- Comfort and refinement
Cons
- Infotainment still a bit fiddly
- Heat pump is optional
Divisive looks maybe, but an awesome technical masterclass
The 7 Series is available with plug-in hybrid or full electric power in the i7, the latter gives the full waft while the former is astonishingly agile for something the size of an oil tanker. Yes, you could argue the 31.0-inch, 8k screen for rear seat passengers is a bit gimmicky, but it adds to the private jet experience best delivered with the Executive Lounge package.
Compared with the S-Class and Range Rover, it feels better screwed together inside with plusher materials than both. The 7 is also better to drive than both and capable of impressive efficiency in PHEV guise. Even with a flat battery, over 35mpg isn’t too hard to achieve.
To find out more, read our full BMW 7-Series review
To find out more, read our full BMW i7 review
Compared with the S-Class and Range Rover, it feels better screwed together inside with plusher materials than both. The 7 is also better to drive than both and capable of impressive efficiency in PHEV guise. Even with a flat battery, over 35mpg isn’t too hard to achieve.
To find out more, read our full BMW 7-Series review
To find out more, read our full BMW i7 review
Pros
- Impressive interior design and quality
- Innovative technology sets it apart
- PHEVs capable of 50 miles on battery power
Cons
- Design is very divisive
- No standard petrol or diesel engine choices
There's life left in the small car sector
The Best First Car for 2025, the Renault Clio once again proves that a small car can be accomplished and refined. Winning our small car group test, it was simply the best of the bunch, offering a solid driving experience, comfortable interior, and above-average build quality. A tasteful facelift only bolsters its appeal.
Like with the Scenic, whether you lease or finance the car, the Clio's value is unbeatable. For a small city runabout, it's the ultimate combination of compact dimensions, clever packaging and affordable running costs.
To find out more, read our full Renault Clio review
Like with the Scenic, whether you lease or finance the car, the Clio's value is unbeatable. For a small city runabout, it's the ultimate combination of compact dimensions, clever packaging and affordable running costs.
To find out more, read our full Renault Clio review
Pros
- Excellent in the corners
- Clever hybrid powertrain
- Comfortable interior
Cons
- Hybrid powertrain is pricey…
- … and its gear shifts take forever
6
Kia EV9
Bis space, big range, big value for money
A seven-seater that doesn't have the cool factor of slippers, the Kia EV9 is an electric SUV that punches well above its price tag for comfort, space, and features. The blocky, American fridge exterior gives way to a simply gigantic interior packed with clever storage features, making it an exceptional family car. It even includes three-pin sockets in the cabin.
It's built on Hyundai's excellent EV platform, which means 300 miles of range and quick recharge times. It also nails how a big car should drive. The battery is slung low in the car, anchoring it to the road and keeping it steady and secure, even on a twisty road.
To find out more, read our full Kia EV9 review
It's built on Hyundai's excellent EV platform, which means 300 miles of range and quick recharge times. It also nails how a big car should drive. The battery is slung low in the car, anchoring it to the road and keeping it steady and secure, even on a twisty road.
To find out more, read our full Kia EV9 review
Pros
- Comfortable ride
- Loads of technology
- Rapid 800V charging
Cons
- Cumbersome in town
- Poor climate controls
A big step in the move to electrification
Achieving price parity between electric and petrol cars is challenging with the higher cost of EV components. Vauxhall is the first brand to achieve this with its range of EVs, offering financing options that match petrol versions, and we've made the Corsa YES Edition our 2025 Best Value Car.
The YES Edition, introduced in 2024, reduced the Corsa Electric's starting price by £5,500. It's not the most revolutionary car on sale, but it's well-equipped and pleasant to drive. Vauxhall has gone all-in with EV incentives, offering substantial discounts, public charging credits, and cash for an EV home charger.
To find out more, read our full Vauxhall Corsa YES review
The YES Edition, introduced in 2024, reduced the Corsa Electric's starting price by £5,500. It's not the most revolutionary car on sale, but it's well-equipped and pleasant to drive. Vauxhall has gone all-in with EV incentives, offering substantial discounts, public charging credits, and cash for an EV home charger.
To find out more, read our full Vauxhall Corsa YES review
Pros
- New battery brings longer range
- Improved infotainment
- Entertaining to drive
Cons
- Limited boot space
- Cramped rear seats
Old school fun in a new world EV
The Ioniq 5 was already a very nice car before N got its hand on it and made the first electric hot hatch that made the Parkers team wrestle to have a blast in. You wouldn’t think it weighed in at 2.2 tonnes or was powered purely by electricity, which makes it all the more enjoyable.
It convincingly mimics a petrol engine, featuring a pretend double-clutch gearbox and fake engine sounds that replicate thrilling upshifts and downshifts. Designed by driving enthusiasts, it includes a mode for going sideways and a button that unlocks all 650hp for overtaking. It’s charming confirmation that petrolheads will still be catered to the age of electrification.
To find out more, read our full Hyundai Ioniq 5 N review
It convincingly mimics a petrol engine, featuring a pretend double-clutch gearbox and fake engine sounds that replicate thrilling upshifts and downshifts. Designed by driving enthusiasts, it includes a mode for going sideways and a button that unlocks all 650hp for overtaking. It’s charming confirmation that petrolheads will still be catered to the age of electrification.
To find out more, read our full Hyundai Ioniq 5 N review
Pros
- Staggering performance
- Entertaining to drive
- Clever technology
Cons
- It weighs 2.2 tonnes
- And it’s enormous for a hatch
9
BMW i4
Great on back roads, efficient on trips
The BMW i4 is a consummate all-rounder. It’s fantastic to drive, offers one of the longest electric ranges available in a vehicle this size and feels both futuristic yet reassuringly conventional where it counts.
For aspiring executives everywhere, the BMW i4 wins our Best Company Car award for 2025. It translates what makes a petrol BMW so good to electric seamlessly, with a car that’s rewarding to drive, well-equipped, and affordable thanks to solid leasing options.
The i4 was updated for 2025 with mild tweaks to the interior and exterior. Updates to the BMW iDrive system and a new steering wheel bring the i4 up to date. The mechanicals remain the same though, which means solid performance and range. Pick up an eDrive40 for its excellent 357-mile range, while an eDrive35 offers 293 miles and a lower price.
To find out more, read our full BMW i4 review
For aspiring executives everywhere, the BMW i4 wins our Best Company Car award for 2025. It translates what makes a petrol BMW so good to electric seamlessly, with a car that’s rewarding to drive, well-equipped, and affordable thanks to solid leasing options.
The i4 was updated for 2025 with mild tweaks to the interior and exterior. Updates to the BMW iDrive system and a new steering wheel bring the i4 up to date. The mechanicals remain the same though, which means solid performance and range. Pick up an eDrive40 for its excellent 357-mile range, while an eDrive35 offers 293 miles and a lower price.
To find out more, read our full BMW i4 review
Pros
- Long battery range
- Eye-opening acceleration
- Superb to drive
Cons
- Expensive compared with Tesla Model 3
- Cramped in the rear
Not award winners this year, but we still rate them highly
Superb to drive, efficient and surprisingly practical
It’s hard to think of a more complete package than the BMW 3 Series Touring. It’s a family estate car that ticks every box – it’s great to drive, looks good, feels upmarket and best of all, is immensely practical.
The 3 Series' boot is packed with clever touches, with a split tailgate and rubberised anti-slip rails. Even in its most practical Touring form, the 3 Series retains BMW’s reputation for producing vehicles that are great to drive. It’s comfortable on a cruise yet handles well, and all the engines are impressively fuel-efficient.
To find out more, read our full BMW 3 Series Touring review
The 3 Series' boot is packed with clever touches, with a split tailgate and rubberised anti-slip rails. Even in its most practical Touring form, the 3 Series retains BMW’s reputation for producing vehicles that are great to drive. It’s comfortable on a cruise yet handles well, and all the engines are impressively fuel-efficient.
To find out more, read our full BMW 3 Series Touring review
Pros
- Good to drive
- Rock-solid image
- Efficient engines
Cons
- Boot isn’t as big as some rivals
- Low-power diesel unexciting
Our favourite large electric car ticks all the boxes
The Kia EV6 is a great family car with generous space for four and a big boot, there’s loads of technology in the swooping dashboard and it’s very well made. Perhaps more pertinently, the core models are capable of delivering around 300 miles of WLTP range in the real world and you can trust the indicated range shown on the dashboard.
Kia calls the EV6 a crossover because it has quite a stance, though it’s actually about the same height as the average big estate. That contributes to the car’s great driving experience. All EV6s have a 77.4kWh battery, rear-wheel-drive models have 229hp, all-wheel-drive models have 325hp and the high-performance GT has a whopping 585hp.
To find out more, read our full Kia EV6 review
Kia calls the EV6 a crossover because it has quite a stance, though it’s actually about the same height as the average big estate. That contributes to the car’s great driving experience. All EV6s have a 77.4kWh battery, rear-wheel-drive models have 229hp, all-wheel-drive models have 325hp and the high-performance GT has a whopping 585hp.
To find out more, read our full Kia EV6 review
Pros
- Long real-world range
- Eye-opening performance
- Great to drive
Cons
- Firm suspension
- Some ergonomic issues
The premium SUV that truly does it all
The BMW X5 is one of the highest-rated cars of any description on Parkers and it’s easy to see why. Getting the price out of the way early on – yes, it’s expensive – there really isn’t any box that the X5 doesn’t tick.
First, the practical duties. The X5 has space for four big adults to sit in comfort, in sumptuously plush surroundings. With five seats, there’s a massive boot – but if you need more, there’s an optional third row of seats turning the X5 into an occasional seven-seater.
To find out more, read our full BMW X5 review
First, the practical duties. The X5 has space for four big adults to sit in comfort, in sumptuously plush surroundings. With five seats, there’s a massive boot – but if you need more, there’s an optional third row of seats turning the X5 into an occasional seven-seater.
To find out more, read our full BMW X5 review
Pros
- Great engine line-up
- Optional third-row seating
- Fantastic to drive
Cons
- Not a full-time seven-seater
- Expensive – cash or finance
Small, posh off-roaders come no better than this
Much like its original namesake, the latest Land Rover Defender comes in a variety of body lengths – and the shortest three-door model slots wonderfully into our best small off-roaders criteria. And again, as with the original Defender, this latest model is immensely capable when the going gets muddy.
Where it differs dramatically from Defenders of old is in the on-road driving experience and the luxury. The modern Defender drives almost as well as a Land Rover Discovery, while the beautifully executed exterior design is matched by a wonderfully chunky yet premium interior. The available tech is incredibly clever, too.
To find out more, read our full Land Rover Defender review
Where it differs dramatically from Defenders of old is in the on-road driving experience and the luxury. The modern Defender drives almost as well as a Land Rover Discovery, while the beautifully executed exterior design is matched by a wonderfully chunky yet premium interior. The available tech is incredibly clever, too.
To find out more, read our full Land Rover Defender review
Pros
- Amazing off-road
- Also good on it
- Stylish and trendy
Cons
- No longer a simple tool
- Usual Land Rover reliability worries
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