Consumer Reports’ latest top picks list suggests you don’t need to spend top dollar for a reliable vehicle.

The average new car price in the U.S. was $48,641 in January, up 1.3% from the previous year, according to Kelley Blue Book. Consumer Reports’ most recent top cars, trucks and SUVs list highlights several 2025 model-year vehicles that put less strain on the pocketbook, with the most affordable’s suggested retail price starting at $21,590.

“You don’t have to spend that much to get a car that’s going to be safe and reliable and enjoyable to own,” said Alex Knizek, associate director of auto test development for Consumer Reports, a research, testing, and advocacy organization.

Another ongoing trend from Consumer Reports’ top picks list for 2025: hybrid vehicles. This year’s list has hybrids in six of the 10 categories, including three plug-in hybrid models.

Knizek said their reliability, fuel economy, quiet cabins and acceleration speeds have helped hybrids perform well in testing. And while these models can be more expensive than their gas-engine counterparts, Knizek said the price gap has narrowed in recent years.

“It tends to be a no-compromise solution,” he said.

Consumer Reports’ list is determined by annual testing of about 50 new vehicles. Each vehicle is purchased anonymously at dealerships, and more than 50 tests are conducted after a 2,000-mile break-in period. Reliability and satisfaction surveys from members also factor into the analysis.