The sedan is actually a dying breed these days, with the crossover SUVs taking over kind of like the alien pods from Invasion of the Body Snatchers. There are, however, still enough people who want a dependable family car without conforming to the soccer mom sect, and the Honda Accord is the best option. It’s really one of those cars that seems too good to be true. It’s reliable, has decent power, will run forever, and carries a budget-friendly price tag.
Performance Specifications
| Engine | 1.5-liter turbo I-4 |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Continuous variable |
| Horsepower | 192 HP |
| Torque | 192 LB-FT |
| Driveline | FWD |
| 0-60 MPH | 7.3 seconds |
| Top Speed | 118 MPH |
The one knock on the Accord has been that it’s always been kind of boring looking, but as of the eleventh generation starting in 2023, it’s got some decent styling going. In 2025, the Accord has a standard 193-horsepower turbo I-4, which is peppy enough for daily driving, and a 204-horsepower hybrid option that gives it a bit more zip. Either way, this is a car that won’t bring tears at the pump and Honda‘s well-earned reputation for reliability means there’s no crying at the mechanic as well.
Pros
- Sharp styling
- Fun to drive
- Roomy cabin
Cons
- No AWD option
- Basic base-model
- No high-performance trim
The late 1990s and early 200s were an age of gargantuan SUVs with gas-gobbling V-8s and then suddenly pump prices escalated. Toyota hit the scene with their hybrid Prius at just the right time, offering a car that advertised 50 MPG (actually more like 41) and cost around $20k. It was so popular, that dealers were marking them up to exploit the demand. The only problems with the miracle of fuel efficiency were that it was really ugly, and most of the owners were environmental kooks with a sense of entitlement.
Performance Specifications
| Engine | 2.0-liter I-4 Hybrid |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Continuous variable |
| Horsepower | 196 HP |
| Torque | 139 LB-FT |
| Driveline | FWD |
| 0-60 MPH | 7.1 seconds |
| Top Speed | 115 MPH |
Times have changed and hybrids are all the rage, being driven by all sorts of normal people who aren’t vengeful eco-terrorists. Also, the Prius finally got some acceptable style with the fifth-gen in 2022, no longer looking like a nerd car. The 2025 model is the best possible car in two categories: hybrids and compacts. It’s no longer sluggish, still gets amazing gas mileage, and doesn’t elicit obscene gestures from other drivers anymore. In terms of basic, affordable transportation, there is no better option.
Literally every single recent crossover SUV has the same basic shape and styling, like something out of a bad sci-fi dystopian future movie. It’s as if you have to accept the approved vehicle of the supreme leader or be banished to the forbidden zone. It doesn’t matter if it’s a low-end Buick Encore or a luxury Lexus RX , they look the same. The Kia Telluride is an actual SUV with a distinctive, non-conformist style, and the best mid-size on the market.
Performance Specifications
| Engine | 3.8-liter V-6 |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Eight-speed automatic |
| Horsepower | 291 HP |
| Torque | 262 LB-FT |
| Driveline | FWD |
| 0-60 MPH | 6.9 seconds |
| Top Speed | 132 MPH |
| Towing Capacity | 5000 pounds |
| Payload Capacity | 1,393 pounds |
For a mid-size, the Telluride is surprisingly roomy, and, unlike a lot of competitors, has viable third-row seating, meaning normal-sized people can sit there. It’s got plenty of power, and offers the luxury and features of a vehicle that costs much more than its sub-$40k starting price. Kia and its sister company Hyundai have really stepped up their game and are building some of the best rides available, combining stunning designs and affordable luxury, with vehicles that ride as smooth as silk.
2025 Dodge Charger SixPack
MSRP: $40,000
2025 was looking pretty bleak for American muscle, with the discontinuation of the ICE Dodge Challenger and Charger, as well as the cancelation of the Chevrolet Camaro. The Ford Mustang was supposed to be the last gas-powered muscle car standing, but then Dodge unleashed a fossil fuel version of its Charger Daytona EV, known as the Charger SixPack. There’s definitely nothing wrong with a Mustang, but the 2025 Charger SixPack brings some serious old-school vibes back with styling reminiscent of the second-gen Charger.
2025 Ram 1500
MSRP: $42,270
The Hemi V-8 is dead in Ram trucks, and there is no Hellcat TRX for 2025, but the 1500 remains the best full-size pickup. It hauls a little bit less than its competitors, but blows them away in every other category. The Ram 1500 is the best-driving truck ever conceived that rides like a fine European automobile on the street, but can transition to the smoothest off-roader to ever kick up dust on an uncharted path. Not only is it versatile, it has gorgeous styling that Ford and Chevy have tried to copy, but never matched.
2025 Chevrolet Tahoe
MSRP: $60,495
Full-size SUVs with big V-8s are getting ever harder to find than sedans in today’s automotive landscape, but thankfully, Chevrolet still makes one, and it sits at the top of its class. The 2025 Tahoe is the only big Ute to consider for big families, weekend warriors, and off-roaders. It even manages to outshine the mechanically identical GMC Yukon because it’s cheaper and somehow drives better. Just in case the enormous Tahoe isn’t big enough, the longer-wheelbase Chevy Suburban is available.
