Ford Trucks Win Big, Toyota Battles Honda in New MotorTrend Rankings Update

They say the only constant is change, and we're seeing plenty of it in our latest update to MotorTrend's Ultimate Car Rankings. From Ford's truck wins to an old favorite luxury SUV that regained its #1 status, our freshly updated rankings results at motortrend.com/cars/ showcase the very best in new cars right now. 

Peruse rankings to see how reality stacks up to old stereotypes about which models are good across 51 segments from SUVs and luxury cars to sedans and electric cars. As Ultimate Car Rankings celebrates its fourth birthday, we're constantly updating data from our test team, from safety organizations, and from our thorough reviews.  

Can you guess which brands have the most number-one ranked among luxury and non-luxury brands? Find the answer and other Ultimate Car Rankings highlights, below.

Ford Truck Wins 

We love the Maverick. Even before the 2025 Maverick's updates, the original small truck captured our hearts and we've made the most of the one we actually bought for ourselves. While the Maverick is our #1 small truck, the updated 2024 Ford F-150 is our #1 full-sizer. The Hurricane-equipped Ram 1500 has made up ground, however. Once our #1 truck, the Ram had fallen to fourth place early in 2024. But the more we test the pickup with powerful I-6 engines, the more we like it—and it's now in second. 

After a recent comparison of midsize trucks, the Ford Ranger beat our former Truck of the Year, the Chevrolet Colorado. In rankings, it's the same story. The Ford Ranger slipped into first place in the midsize truck segment, just ahead of the also-solid Colorado and GMC Canyon. 

So although Ram gets first in both of our heavy-duty truck segments, it's a clean sweep for Ford from small to full-size trucks. 

See truck rankings here.

How Did This Luxury SUV Regain First? 

When a European model that earned SUV of the Year honors back in 2016 regains first ahead of newer competition, we take notice. But the Volvo XC90 has always been a strong contender. Even today, despite a few faults such as aging tech, buyers who don't want Escalade-sized 3-row SUVs still have a good option in the Volvo.  

In this case, what put the Volvo ahead of the pack was a new safety award. Figures, with the brand known for safety, right? The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety tightened up its standards this year, and the XC90's 2024 Top Safety Pick+ is impressive. 

See luxury SUV rankings here. 

Toyota vs. Honda: Results So Far 

Toyota has momentum now. Do you feel it, too? Beyond the brand's long-time #1-ranked RAV4 Hybrid and RAV4 Prime models, the Prius was our 2024 Car of the Year and is first in its segment, too. After our first evaluations with the new 2025 Toyota Camry, things are getting very interesting in the midsize sedan segment.  

We have two major rankings updates a year and, for this update, the Camry squeaks ahead of the Honda Accord in the midsize sedan segment. In the midsize hybrid sedan segment, for those specifically seeking a hybrid, the Accord maintains its lead. Why? We generally prefer the top-end Accord over the feature-constrained lesser trims, some of which get a less powerful and less efficient non-hybrid engine. 

Stay tuned as this rivalry continues. We have a feeling this battle hasn't finished yet, and we haven't yet driven the updated 2025 Kia K4. 

See sedan rankings here, and find hybrid rankings here. 

Great Compact SUV Options 

While the newly updated Nissan Rogue holds onto first place in the hot compact SUV segment, what really strikes us is just how many great options are available. Beyond the Nissan, other high-ranking options include the spacious Kia Sportage, the newly improved Mazda CX-50—with a great safety rating and less-harsh suspension—and the well-rounded Honda CR-V.  

With the top four compact SUVs so close together, it’s anyone’s guess what will emerge on top in our next update around February. 

See SUV rankings here. 

Our New “#1 Ranked” Sections 

People shop in different ways, and the MotorTrend Buyer’s Guide is here to help. That’s why we want to introduce a new feature to rankings, our #1 Ranked sections. In every body style, like SUV, you’ll see them at the top of the page: a collection of the top-ranked vehicles in different segments.  

It’s a great place to start if you don’t know where else to turn. 

Brands With the Most #1 Ranked Vehicles 

Oh, we almost forgot. As promised, the mainstream brand with the most #1 Ranked vehicles is a tie between Hyundai and Toyota. Hyundai wins in a diverse group of segments, with the Elantra Hybrid, Ioniq 6, Kona, Palisade, and Ioniq 5 all solid choices. For Toyota, its hybrids shine brightly, from the Prius and Crown to the RAV4 Hybrid, RAV4 Prime, and Highlander Hybrid. 

BMW’s SUVs carry the brand to victory in the luxury space. The X1 easily beats all competitors in the entry-level luxury SUV space, while the X5, iX, and X4 all pick up wins. Although rankings are for everyone, we saved the best for last—the fantastic BMW 2 Series coupe is also a winner for buyers who want a sporty two-door. 

See rankings by selecting a body style at the Buyer’s Guide, or skip right here to our SUV, sedan, and electric car pages.