It’s one of Car Pro Show host Jerry Reynolds’ favorite award lists. U.S. News & World Report recently announced its 2025 Best Cars for the Money awards. The annual awards covers 13 automotive categories and highlights the cars, SUVs, trucks, and minivans that U.S. News editors say provide consumers with the best combination of quality and value.
“Annually, this is one of my favorite lists,” said Car Pro Show host Jerry Reynolds. “I almost always agree with them.”
This year’s awards are dominated by Honda and Hyundai – each taking home four honors each. Kia follows with three, and Ram and Toyota have one each.
“The Best Cars for the Money awards spotlight vehicles that blend a good ownership experience with good value, both at the time of purchase and down the road,” said John Vincent, senior editor of vehicle testing at U.S. News. “To determine the winners, we look at factors that contribute to quality, such as fuel efficiency, comfort and practicality, and performance, but also heavily weigh the purchase price and total cost of ownership.”
“The average price of a new vehicle is now approaching $50,000. Coupled with high interest rates on car loans, Americans are much more focused on the true value of what they’re buying,” Vincent added. “But we also know that the cheapest car to buy isn’t always the best one to own, so we’re focused on helping shoppers find the perfect combination of quality, value and affordability.”
Honda
Credit: Honda.
It’s the Honda Odyssey’s fifth consecutive win as Best Minivan for the Money. The Honda Civic, Honda Passport and Honda Accord are also previous winner in their respective categories for multiple years. U.S. News editors say they showcase Honda’s solid commitment to low ownership costs, top safety ratings and great fuel economy.
Hyundai
Hyundai Tucson. Photo: CarPro.
Hyundai’s four honors include the Hyundai Tucson holding its title as Best Compact SUV for the Money and the Hyundai Elantra Hybrid with its fourth win as the Best Hybrid Car for the Money. The Hyundai Kona Electric and the Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid celebrate their first-time wins as Best Electric SUV for the Money and Best Plug-In Hybrid SUV for the Money, respectively. U.S. News says it’s due in part to pleasant driving dynamics, cutting-edge features and an affordable price.
Kia
Kia earned three awards, all for SUVs, with the Kia Soul taking Best Subcompact SUV for the Money, the Kia Sportage Hybrid taking home Best Hybrid SUV for the Money and the Kia Telluride earning its second straight (and third ever) Best 3-Row SUV for the Money win.
Toyota & Ram
Two categories return to the award lineup for 2025: the Best Midsize Pickup Truck for the Money and Best Full-Size Pickup Truck for the Money. With strong off-road options, refined powertrains and ultra-low ownership costs, the 2025 Toyota Tacoma prevails as the Best Midsize Pickup Truck for the Money. The 2025 Ram 1500 claims the title for Best Full-Size Pickup Truck for the Money, partly due to its luxurious cabin, capable performance, and impressive fuel economy.
Best Cars for The Money Winners
Here’s the complete list of winners:
U.S. News says each award winner has the best combination of quality and value in its class. Quality is based on the vehicle’s overall score in the U.S. News Best Car Rankings, which are built on a combination of data points like safety and reliability ratings, as well as the collective opinion of the automotive press. Value is measured by evaluating transaction price data and five-year projected ownership costs.
Photo: 2025 Honda Civic Si HPT.