Best Front-Wheel-Drive Cars for 2025 | New FWD Vehicles

Cars with FWD are the most commonly available, and for good reason. Cheaper to engineer, they make for ideal everyday cars for the average person – and for this reason, most budget-focused vehicles are FWD by default. Enthusiasts may prefer rear-wheel-drive thrills, and those wanting more traction could opt for all-wheel drive, but there’s a lot to be said for the humble FWD car. Since a large portion of consumers are more concerned with lower price tags and getting to and from with less fuss, we have rated the best front-wheel-drive cars of 2025 in the USA.

Vehicles are assigned a BuzzScore in relation to their direct segment competitors, and as such, vehicles in this list, while similarly scored, do not necessarily compete directly against one another. Find out more about how the BuzzScore ratings work here. These lists are continuously updated with the latest BuzzScores and vehicles as they become available.

1

Honda Civic Type R

Honda has consistently made some of the best front-wheel-drive cars for years. Right at the top is one of the most fun Hondas that money can buy: the Honda Civic Type R. Like most other Civic trims, the Type R got a price hike this model year, so it starts at $45,895. Powering this FWD Civic is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that makes 315 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. That makes the Type R capable of a sub-five-second 0-60 mph time in independent tests, and it can reach 170 miles per hour. As the most powerful Civic, it also comes with a variety of sporty upgrades, like Michelin Pilot Sport4S tires, and Brembo Brakes. It’s rather noisy on the highway, but it has the same spacious rear seat and trunk as any other Civic hatchback.

It’s entering and handling in the corner where the Type R impresses the most, though. Instead of understeer and push, the rear axle feels mobile, and lifting off the throttle brings the back around in a smooth arc. The chassis is too well-balanced to bring on snap oversteer without severe driver error.

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2

Honda Civic Si Sedan

The Honda Civic Si Sedan takes a step back from the more extreme Type R, but it’s still plenty of fun. It comes with a manual transmission, enough power to throw around corners with ease, and a far lower entry price. The Si Sedan starts at $30,250, which is reasonable for the experience you’re buying. Under the hood is a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that makes 200 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque. It can do 0-60 mph in just under seven seconds, and reach a 130-mph top speed. It also has some nice features, including available high-performance summer tires, ventilated front brake discs, and MacPherson strut front suspension.

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3

Kia K5

2025 Kia K5

Base MSRP: $26,990
Engine: 2.5L Four-Cylinder | 2.5L Turbo Four-Cylinder
Horsepower: 191 hp (2.5L) | 290 hp (2.5T)

Kia’s front-wheel-drive cars are also worthy of making the top ten. The Kia K5 is a competitor to the Honda Civic and Toyota Camry, both of which are also on our list today. The K5 is available in five trims, and the base model starts at $27,190. Almost every trim is powered by a 2.5-liter naturally-aspirated four-cylinder that makes 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, but the GT trim gets a turbocharger that increases its power to 290 hp and 311 lb-ft. The K5 got an interior update for the 2025 model year that elevates the sedan to include a new available single-pane, curved, 12-inch gauge cluster and a new standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

4

Kia Carnival

2025 Kia Carnival

Base MSRP: $36,500
Engine: 3.5L V6 Gas | 1.6L Turbo I4 Hybrid
Horsepower: 287 hp (V6) | 242 hp (hybrid)
Drivetrain: FWD

Shifting gears away from sedans, another great front-wheel-drive car from Kia is the Carnival. This larger family-hauler is relatively affordable, has an optional hybrid powertrain, and decent gas mileage. The Carnival starts at $36,800 for the LX base model, which means it beats the Toyota Sienna on pricing. Depending on which version you choose, you can have either a 3.5-liter V6 that makes 287 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, or a 1.6-liter four-cylinder hybrid that makes a combined 242 hp and 271 lb-ft. The gas versions of the Carnival get 16/26/21 mpg city/highway/combined, while the hybrids achieve 34/31/33 mpg.

5

Volkswagen Golf GTI

The Volkswagen Golf GTI has held a special place in many enthusiasts’ hearts for decades. The current generation is still kicking with a reasonably powerful engine and front-wheel drive. The GTI starts at $32,445 for the S trim, which isn’t bad when you consider how much fun this car is and that it’s up against competition like the Toyota GR Corolla that’s more expensive. We still don’t know the exact power figures for the new GTI just yet, but we know that under the hood of the outgoing model is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that makes 241 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. If that stays the same in the US, then the new GTI should still be able to do the 0-60 sprint in about 5.5 seconds.

6

Honda Civic Sedan

2025 Honda Civic Sedan

Base MSRP: $24,250
Engine: 2.0L I4 | 2.0L I4 hybrid
Horsepower: 150 hp (2.0L) | 200 hp combined (hybrid)
Base Trim Drivetrain: Front-Wheel Drive

Maybe you don’t need a sporty version of the Civic, like the two we mentioned above. If that’s the case, then the basic Honda Civic Sedan is still a responsible purchase. It might be free of frivolities and lack a manual transmission, but the fact of the matter is that it doesn’t need either of those to get you from point A to point B in a safe, efficient manner. The base model LX trim starts at $24,250, and comes with a 2.0L four-cylinder that makes 150 horsepower and 133 lb-ft. You can also choose one of the top two trims, which carry 2.0L four-cylinder hybrid powertrains for 200 hp combined. If you’re looking for more passenger space, then consider comparing this Honda to the Accord.

7

Toyota Camry

2025 Toyota Camry

Base MSRP: $28,400
Engine: 2.5L Inline-4 Hybrid
Horsepower: 225 hp (FWD) | 232 hp (AWD)

Whether you like it or not, the Toyota Camry went all-in on a hybrid powertrain this year. To give it to you straight—we like it. Some buyers will be disappointed that they don’t have a V6 option anymore, but this year’s Camry makes up for that loss with better fuel economy and a classier ride. The 2025 Camry starts at $28,700 for the FWD LE trim. Powering the new Camry is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid that has a total system output of 225 horsepower in front-wheel-drive models. The FWD LE trim also happens to be the most fuel efficient. It manages 53/50/51 mpg city/highway/combined. We enjoyed driving the 2025 Camry so much, in fact, that we named it the first-ever CarBuzz Car of the Year.

Mixed with the Camry’s good manners, it’s easy to claim the new Camry is the best yet – at least in XSE form. Where this writer feels Honda has dropped the ball with the Accord’s sporty flavor, Toyota appears to have picked that up and, rather than continuing to ease into going all hybrid, has committed to it and now gives buyers more choice in terms of hybrid trims.

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8

Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz makes a handful of great front-wheel-drive cars. One example that we rate highly is the CLA-Class. The most basic version you can buy is the CLA 250, which starts at $44,400. Powering the front wheels is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder mild hybrid that makes 221 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, so Mercedes-Benz says it can do 0-60 mph in 6.3 seconds. Some standard equipment included in the CLA 250 are heated side mirrors, 64-color ambient lighting, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You can also see the sky through a standard panoramic sunroof and feel the elegance of brushed aluminum trim throughout the cabin.

9

Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

For those of you who need an SUV to carry the family around, but still want Mercedes-Benz luxury, then the GLB-Class has you covered. The base model GLB 250 SUV starts at $45,800. This Merc is powered by the same 2.0-liter four-cylinder mild hybrid as the CLA, so it makes 221 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. However, it weighs a bit more, so it can do 0-60 mph in about 6.9 seconds. The GLB-Class is a practical family car with room for up to seven passengers. Those in the second and third rows get 38.1 inches and 29.1 inches of legroom, respectively. You can also fold the rear seats down for a maximum cargo capacity of 62 cubic feet.

10

Buick Envista

2025 Buick Envista

Base MSRP: $22,900
Base Trim Engine: 1.2L ECOTEC I3 ICE
Base Trim Horsepower: 137 HP @5000 RPM

You don’t always have to have a large budget to enjoy a more luxurious experience. While the Buick Envista is not exactly a “luxury vehicle,” it certainly looks and feels high-end for the price. The Envista is available in a few trim levels, with the “Preferred” base model starting at just $23,800. Under the hood of this crossover is a 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder that makes 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. Despite being fairly small with a small powertrain to match, the interior feels relatively spacious. It can fit up to five passengers, and those in the rear seats get 37.3 inches of headroom and 38.7 inches of legroom.

Best Of The Rest

2025 Chevrolet Trax

Base MSRP: $20,400
Engine: 1.2L Turbo 3 Cylinder Gas
Horsepower: 137 hp
Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive

2025 Hyundai Tucson

Base MSRP: $28,605
Engine: 2.5L Inline-4 Gas
Horsepower: 187 hp
Drivetrain: FWD | AWD

Characteristics Of Front-Wheel-Drive Cars

Since front-wheel-drive cars come in every shape and size imaginable, there aren’t a lot of similarities to be found. However, the drivetrain has some defining traits that transcend body style.

Price: Being quicker and easier to build, with less complex systems, even the top front-wheel-drive cars are quite affordable. Many entry-level commuters come in this configuration to keep costs low.
Traction: While FWD cars don’t have the four-corner traction of an all-wheel-drive car, the fact that the engine’s weight up front is directly over the drive wheels means it has good grip on slippery surfaces. FWD cars are better in the snow or on wet roads when compared to RWD vehicles.
Practicality: Because there are no large, heavy rotating parts driving the rear wheels, there is more space inside for seating and cargo.
Efficiency: Cars with FWD weigh less and, therefore, manage to achieve good gas mileage.

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What To Consider When Buying Cars With FWD

The list of FWD cars is long, and for every great option, there is a lemon or two you’ll want to avoid. It helps to check out the strengths and weaknesses of each before making a final decision, and we have some highlights when it comes to front-wheel-drive cars.

Pros

Generally the most affordable drivetrain
Better traction on slippery surfaces than RWD cars
FWD design means more space inside for people and stuff
Less weight improves fuel economy

Cons

Propensity for torque steer
Can’t handle as much towing capacity as AWD cars
Not as suitable for performance applications

Sources: Honda, Kia, Volkswagen, Toyota, Mercedes-Benz, Buick

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