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24/7 Wall St. Insights
- New vehicle prices are near all-time highs, and Americans are keeping their cars longer than ever before
- For prospective buyers who want to get the most for their money, certain models stand out above the rest
- Also : Discover the next Nvidia
Trailing only a house or a college education, a car is the biggest investment most Americans will ever make. According to estimates from Kelley Blue Book , the average transaction price for a new vehicle was $48,401 in July 2024, only slightly lower than the all-time high of $49,929 reported in December 2022.
Of course, exactly how much car buyers spend depends largely on the type of vehicle they choose. The average transaction price for a new compact car, for example, is just under $27,000, while a full-size SUV is now selling for an average of about $76,500. Similarly, a small or midsize pickup has an average price of $42,690, while a full-size luxury pickup sells for an average of $111,018.
But no matter the vehicle, a new car is a major investment. For prospective buyers who want to get the most for their money, in every vehicle class, certain models stand out above the rest. (Here is a look at the most dependable automotive brands .)
Using data from Edmunds , an automotive information website, 24/7 Wall St. identified the highest-rated vehicle within each class for the 2024 or 2025 model year. Each vehicle on this list was identified by Edmunds as the best in its class based on a range of factors, including technology, value, comfort, and overall driving experience. A complete, detailed methodology is available here . Super luxury cars, exotic cars, and categories with only one vehicle model were excluded from analysis. Supplemental data on MSRP, fuel efficiency, and EV range are from Edmunds and Car and Driver , an auto industry publication.
The 47 vehicles on this list represent the highest rated model within their respective class. Vehicle classes fall into one of 10 broad categories, including coupes, electric vehicles, hybrids, sedans, SUVs, and trucks. (Here is a look at America's favorite pickup trucks .)
In some cases, a model may rank as the highest-rated vehicle in more than one category. The Honda Civic, for example, is the highest rated vehicle in both the small sedan and small hatchback category. Similarly, the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid outranks all other minivans and plug-in hybrids.
Why It Matters
With new car prices at historic highs, Americans are keeping their vehicles longer than ever before. The average age of vehicles on American roads hit an all-time high of 12.6 years in 2024, according to an S&P Global Mobility study. As personal vehicles are becoming an increasingly long-term investment, the choices buyers make at the dealership lot may matter more than ever before.
Top Rated Extra Small SUV 
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