The best cars of 2025 in Europe and the USA have been named (10 photos)

January is the traditional time to sum up the results in the automotive world, including the announcement of the winners of the competitions for the title of the best car of the coming year. Six dozen auto journalists from 23 European countries gave points to the candidates, and after counting them, the organizers named the winner. This is the reincarnation of the Renault 5, which left the other contenders far behind with 353 points scored.





Thus, Renault models have been at the top of the European Car of the Year (COTY) podium for the second year in a row, since the Scenic was recognized as the best in 2024.

The second place with 291 points was taken by the Kia EV3, 215 points by the Citroen C3/eC3, 172 by the Hyundai Inster, 168 by the Dacia Duster, 165 by the Cupra Terramar and 136 by the Alfa Romeo Junior. That is, the best cars for Europeans, as before, were compact hatchbacks and crossovers in the affordable price segment, half of which have an electric drive.

At the same time, the winners of a similar competition, “Car of the Year in North America” (NACTOY), were revealed at the Detroit Auto Show. The best was the Honda Civic Hybrid, ahead of the Kia K4 and Toyota Camry, and among pickups, the laurels went to the Ford Ranger, which beat the Ram 1500 and Toyota Tacoma in terms of the total score.

The results of the Utility category were a surprise, where the Volkswagen ID.Buzz minivan outperformed the Chevrolet Equinox EV and Hyundai Santa Fe crossovers.

Renault 5



Kia EV3





Citroën C3



Hyundai Inster



Dacia Duster



Cupra Terramar



Alfa Romeo Junior



Honda Civic Hybrid



Volkswagen ID.Buzz