14 Highest‑Scoring Cars Tested by CAR Magazine in 2025
After a full season of road‑tests, CAR Magazine’s team has a shortlist of the best‑performing cars that shipped in 2025. Below is the ranking, from the latest round‑up out of the 14 vehicles that topped our scorecards.
Source: CAR Magazine – December 18, 2025
5. Hyundai Tucson 2.0D Executive – 84/100
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The fourth‑generation Tucson received a facelift that pulls it closer to rivals like the Kia Sportage and the Volkswagen Tiguan, which won the Top 12 Best Buys. In the September 2025 issue we found it a balanced family SUV that offers good value and a refined on‑road feel.
4. Audi RS Q8 Quattro Performance – 85/100
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Powerful again, the Audi RS Q8 delivers a 471 kW/850 Nm twin‑turbo V8, quattro all‑wheel drive and high‑quality finishes. It impressed with its sheer performance and luxurious touches, as highlighted in the September 2025 road‑test.
4. Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid 1.6T Elite AWD – 85/100
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The new Santa Fe blends spaciousness, refinement and a frugal 175 kW hybrid powertrain. The team praised its comfort and the strong “family‑car” appeal.
4. Mercedes‑AMG GLC 63 S E Performance – 85/100
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A plug‑in hybrid SUV that can launch 0‑100 km/h in 3.41 s. Despite its sprint speed, the vehicle also offers a well‑rounded drive and generous equipment.
4. Volvo EX30 Plus Single‑Motor – 85/100
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Among the many EX30 variants, the “Plus” trim struck a sweet spot. It was noted for a lively drive, good handling and an attractive price‑point.
3. Aston Martin Vantage Coupé – 87/100
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The updated Vantage fires on 489 kW/800 Nm and delivers a raucous, purposeful performance that we found surprising and exciting in the January 2025 issue.
3. BYD Sealion 6 Dynamic – 87/100
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The only Chinese car in the list, the BYD Sealion 6 offers a refined, strong and economical powerplant, solid handling and a great standard kit for its price, as showcased in the September 2025 road‑test.
3. Land Rover Defender Octa Edition One – 87/100
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A focused Defender that excelled after its off‑road enhancements. We tested it in November 2025 and found it a standout in adventure‑style SUVs.
3. Porsche Cayenne GTS Coupé – 87/100
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The GTS‑Coupé, tested in October 2025, balances visual flair, sound and power. It stands shoulder to shoulder with Porsche’s higher‑end models while still delivering fun everyday handling.
3. Suzuki Swift 1.2 GLX MT – 87/100
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The best‑selling budget hatchback delivers punch and practicality. In our March 2025 test, the GLX five‑speed manual model earned top honours in the Budget Car category of our 2025 Top 12 Best Buys awards.
2. BMW X3 20d xDrive M‑Sport – 88/100
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The April 2025 test found the M‑Sport trim of the X3 20d xDrive combines comfort, driver engagement and a striking look – the natural pick for the X3 lineup.
2. BMW X3 20 – 88/100
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Although the entry‑level model, the X3 20 proved a solid contender. Its balanced drive and refined features ensured it topped the Premium Midsize SUV category in our 2025 Top 12 Best Buys.
1. Porsche 911 Carrera Coupé PDK – 90/100
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The flagship 911 Carrera Coupé is a benchmark of class and power. While it isn’t as quick as the Carrera S, GTS, or GT3, it excels in on‑road composure and cornering, delivering a drive few rivals can match.
Whether you’re after raw performance, family practicality or a thrilling blend of both, CAR Magazine’s 2025 road‑tests give you a clear snapshot of the highest‑scoring vehicles on the market today.
