Earlier this week we named 5 Inexperienced Automotive Stories Greatest Automotive To Purchase 2025 finalists.
The Chevrolet Equinox EV, Hyundai Kona Electrical, Porsche Macan Electrical, Rivian R1S, and Volkswagen ID.Buzz all made it to the ultimate spherical.
One in every of these will earn the annual distinction, and over the following week we’ll take a deeper have a look at why every one made the shortlist. However earlier than then we’re taking a short look right here at what isn’t on that checklist, and why.
First off, Greatest Automotive To Purchase is an award given to automobiles which might be fully new or considerably redesigned within the calendar 12 months main as much as the occasion, and on account of be extensively obtainable within the calendar 12 months following the award.

2025 Volvo EX90
To earn a spot on our ultimate spherical, we wanted entry to the mannequin for testing by our complete editorial group in October—and that eradicated no less than two fashions we’d been anticipating to have as finalists: the Volvo EX90 and Polestar 3. Each of those South Carolina–made EVs are among the many 12 months’s most essential new automobiles.
That additionally meant the Tesla Mannequin 3 Highland didn’t make the lower, as a result of it proved too difficult for our prolonged editorial staff to check the identical automobile and specification. Deliveries of this considerably reengineered model of one of the in style EVs ever began in January, and it positively checks all of the packing containers, with a refined experience, extra hushed inside, and much better match and end than unique examples of the Mannequin 3. In a full assessment of the 2024 Tesla Mannequin 3 Highland, we discovered this mannequin to supply all of the effectivity and charging ease of its predecessor whereas being simpler to dwell with.

2024 Dodge Charger Daytona
For some fashions, it’s merely a matter of timing. The 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona EV and its V-8 sounds is likely to be delivered earlier than the top of the 12 months, however we’ve solely had very restricted entry to prototypes (and might’t absolutely inform you about that as of but). And the Jeep Wagoneer S electrical SUV and Ram 1500 REV electrical pickup merely received’t make it right here in time to be included. Neither will the Cadillac Escalade IQ and Cadillac Optiq.

2025 Lucid Gravity Grand Touring
The identical is basically the story with the Lucid Gravity, which is in manufacturing in Arizona and prone to be delivered in small numbers earlier than the top of the 12 months. However our time with this mannequin has been restricted to a brief preview drive of a Gravity prototype, so it’s happening subsequent 12 months’s checklist, sadly.

2025 Volvo EX30
One other worthy contender for subsequent 12 months will the Volvo EX30, which the Swedish automaker has stated that it’ll begin delivering within the U.S. earlier than the top of the 12 months, after a false begin after which a delay for this market of practically a 12 months.
Subsequent 12 months’s checklist may even seemingly embody some plug-in hybrids as soon as once more. Due principally to timing, and a scarcity of PHEVs we may agree certified as absolutely new or reengineered, that is one thing we merely did not have this 12 months.