A Car and Driver–Inspired Review: How to Judge a Modern Car in 2025

Car and Driver has built its reputation on clear, data‑driven testing and blunt assessments that cut through marketing fluff. This piece channels that same spirit: a practical, reader‑friendly guide to evaluating a new car in 2025. Whether you’re shopping for a family SUV, a performance sedan, or an entry‑level hatch, adopting Car and Driver’s approach can help you separate real value from hype.

What Car and Driver Tests and Why It Matters

At its core, a Car and Driver test is about more than straight line speed. The magazine emphasizes a balanced view that weighs driving dynamics, comfort, practicality, safety technology, and ownership costs. The goal is to answer two questions: How does the car perform on real roads and tracks, and is the package worth its price for everyday life?

In practice, this means combining bench data with subjective impressions. Car and Driver often starts with measurable metrics—0–60 mph times, braking distances, skidpad grip, and fuel economy—then pairs them with on‑road assessments of steering effort, throttle response, and suspension behavior. The result is a holistic verdict rather than a single number. This article mirrors that method to help readers build a well‑rounded opinion before signing on the dotted line.

Performance and Driving Dynamics

Performance is the most attention‑grabbing aspect of any review, but Car and Driver reminds readers that acceleration and top speed are only useful if the rest of the car makes it usable. When evaluating a new model, consider these pillars:

How quickly does the throttle translate into forward motion? Do turbocharged engines feel smooth or abrupt? Is there a natural mid‑range torque that makes passing comfortable on a highway ramp?
Transmission and gearing: Is the automatic quick and seamless, or does it hunt for gears? Manual offerings, if any, should provide a connected feel without sacrificing daily usability.
Ride and handling balance: Does the car feel poised on highways and stable through corners, or is there excessive body roll? How well does the suspension absorb potholes without jarring passengers?
Braking and stopping confidence: Are the brakes linear and predictable, with good pedal feel under diverse conditions?
Steering and feedback: Is the steering weight appropriate for the body size, and does it communicate road texture and grip clearly?

In a Car and Driver–style assessment, you’ll see notes like “quiet at cruising speeds,” “composure over rough pavement,” and “progressive brake feel,” all of which contribute to a car’s overall drivability rather than a single performance figure.

Interior Comfort and Practicality

Car and Driver balances excitement with everyday usability. A car may sprint to 60 mph in a flashy time, but if the interior feels cramped or the seats are uncomfortable after 30 minutes, that performance value quickly fades. When judging an interior, focus on:

Seating comfort: Are the cushions supportive for long drives? Do front and rear seats accommodate a range of body sizes?
Space and cargo: Is there sufficient legroom in the rear? How easy is it to load groceries, strollers, or sports gear?
Materials and build quality: Do soft‑touch surfaces feel premium, or is there noticeable cheapness in plastics? Are there rattles or creaks on rough roads?
Noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH): How quiet is the cabin at highway speeds? Is wind or tire noise intrusive, and does it affect conversation or music clarity?

A Car and Driver–style evaluation notes not just what exists in the cabin, but how the space supports the driver’s daily routine, from charging cables in the cargo area to boot space for weekend adventures.

Technology, Infotainment, and Safety

Technology should simplify life, not complicate it. A thoughtful Car and Driver review will examine the interface, responsiveness, and reliability of infotainment systems, as well as the breadth and effectiveness of safety features. Key considerations include:

Infotainment usability: Is the touchscreen responsive? Are physical controls intuitive? Is navigation reliable and easy to read in sunlight?
Connectivity and updates: Does the car support multiple device profiles, wireless updates, and smartphone integration that feels like a true extension of the driver’s routine?
Driver assistance and safety tech: How well do adaptive cruise, lane‑keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking perform in real‑world scenarios? Are there any intrusive warnings or false positives?
Quality of interior tech: Do digital gauges and head‑up displays add value without overwhelming the driver?

Car and Driver’s approach weighs not only what technology exists, but how it behaves in daily life: is it a help on long trips, or a distraction during city commuting? The best assessments highlight both the strengths and the caveats of the technology package.

Value, Ownership Costs, and Reliability

A compelling car isn’t just about what it does well; it’s about what it costs to own and operate over time. Car and Driver tends to benchmark initial purchase price against expected fuel costs, maintenance, depreciation, and warranty coverage. When you gauge value, consider:

Pricing relative to rivals: Does the car offer compelling standard equipment or a strong option package that elevates its value proposition?
Fuel economy or energy efficiency: Are real‑world fuel figures close to the EPA estimates? For hybrids or electrics, what is the range in mixed driving and real charging behavior?
Maintenance and warranty: What are the typical maintenance intervals, and what does the warranty cover? Are there included services that offset ownership costs?
Depreciation and resale value: How has the model historically held its value, and does brand reputation influence resale?

Car and Driver often concludes with a succinct verdict on value: does the car deliver more than the price tag suggests, or is it tempting to upgrade to a rival that offers better long‑term ownership metrics?

Design, Content, and How It Feels to Live with It

Beyond numbers and features, there’s a human element. A Car and Driver–style review describes the look and feel of the car from the moment you approach it to the moment you drive away. This qualitative layer includes:

Aesthetic impression: Does the design feel timeless or trendy? How does the car’s exterior styling align with its performance promises?
Ergonomics and accessibility: Are controls within easy reach? Is the driver’s position adjustable enough to find a comfortable setup?
Overall daily usability: Is the car easy to live with for a college student, a family returning from a weekend trip, or a commuter who logs long hours?

In the end, Car and Driver’s voice tends to favor cars that combine compelling performance with daily practicality, clear interfaces, and honest value. This blend matters more than any single standout feature.

A Practical Template for Your Next Test Drive

If you’re shopping and want to adopt a Car and Driver–style approach, use this practical template during your next test drive:

Drive on a familiar route to compare subjective impressions with your daily experience.
Ask for the suspension feel at highway speeds, on broken pavement, and through gentle turns.
Test the infotainment system with a smartphone and a passenger. Note how long it takes to pair and how easy it is to navigate without distraction.
Evaluate driver aids in real traffic. Do they help or annoy? Do they misread road markings?
Assess cargo and rear seat practicality for your typical needs.
Calculate ownership costs by estimating fuel or charging costs, maintenance, and insurance considerations.

Conclusion: Why Car and Driver–Inspired Reviews Help Real Buyers

Car and Driver’s editorial style aims to cut through marketing language and deliver a balanced, transparent assessment. By focusing on performance, comfort, technology, safety, and value—and by validating these against real‑world usage—you get a well‑rounded picture of what a car can deliver. This Car and Driver–inspired guide is designed to help you apply the same criteria when you read reviews, compare models, and make a final decision in 2025. The goal isn’t to chase the fastest stopwatch time alone but to find a car that performs well in daily life, supports your routines, and remains enjoyable for years to come. In the end, that blend—driving dynamics plus practical usability plus honest cost of ownership—is what Car and Driver consistently champions, and what any savvy buyer should seek in a modern car.