SAN DIEGO -- Strategic Vision's 2025 Most Loved Vehicle Awards (MLV) reveal a heartwarming twist in the automotive industry's rocky love story with electrification: EVs, including Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) and Plug-In Hybrids (PHEVs), are bridging political divides. Republicans and Democrats each chose an electric as their Most Loved Vehicle... and neither is a Tesla. Instead, the BMW X5e (a PHEV) became the first electrified vehicle Loved by Republicans, beating out the usual suspects of Luxury SUVs and Premium Convertibles, though the Corvette came in 2nd place. While Republicans are more likely to say they're not as interested in EVs because of concerns with range, capability and affordability; once behind the wheel, they tend to Love the experience. Among Democrats, the Mercedes-Benz EQB was most Loved, offering genuine performance luxury.
While Tesla remains beloved by many owners, its sales have dipped, influenced by Elon Musk’s polarizing presence and the brand’s evolving identity. "Many Tesla owners still have deep affection for their vehicles (and Mr. Musk)," notes Alexander Edwards, President of Strategic Vision, "but political sentiments have been beaten into the brand perception. Tesla must study carefully what it wants to be in the near future to continue its success."
In the past few decades, EVs, PHEVs and Hybrids have scored lower than their gas-powered versions. Today, across many measured groupings, electrified vehicles provided experiences that consumers Love, delivering what owners value most: superior performance and cutting-edge innovation founded in Quality and Trust. "The electrification of vehicles is enhancing the driving experience and inspiring unparalleled technology and performance," says Christopher Chaney, Senior Vice President of Strategic Vision. "Car makers have learned the hard way that slapping an electrified powertrain into a gas-powered designed vehicle, and calling it green, will not lead to success and sales. It is common sense that the 2007 announcement of the Apple iPhone wasn’t about a redesigned Blackberry with an Apple logo slapped on; it was about something new, innovative, and Loveworthy.”
However, it is not just APTs and luxury vehicles that are the Most Loved Vehicles in America. For example, the Jeep Wrangler is the Most Loved Utility Vehicle ($55K and under) because it delivers an authentic, capable vehicle that does all the things and goes to all the places that owners wish for and Love. The Toyota Camry leads with members of the Latin community because of foundational attributes connected with Security, Quality and a brand they Trust. Alexander Edwards adds, "The Most Loved Vehicles are not just about luxury features — they’re about how those features make owners feel. When a customer uses the word Love in their description of a product or service, it is the strongest predictor of loyalty."
Although Strategic Vision has the data to study just about every category of new vehicle buyer and people in general, its methods and data science operate from the premise that all people are more alike than they are different. However, it’s the unique subtleties that can sometimes drive powerful influence, innovation, and sales.
The 2025 Most Loved Vehicles in America include sixteen standout models, each winning over hearts with their unique blend of performance, comfort, and style:
| Category | Most Loved in Category | MLV |
|---|---|---|
| Cars $45,000 and under | Chevrolet Camaro Coupe | 580 |
| Cars Over $45,000 | Cadillac CT5 Sedan | 596 |
| SUVs/CUVs $55,000 and under | Jeep Wrangler | 525 |
| SUVs/CUVs Over $55,000 | BMW X6 | 609 |
| Pickups | Rivian R1T | 577 |
| Minivans | Kia Carnival | 467 |
| Mass Market by Women | Kia Forte Sedan | 606 |
| Luxury by Women | Genesis GV80 | 651 |
| Mass Market by African American | Honda Civic Hatchback | 559 |
| Luxury by African American | BMW X5 | 698 |
| Mass Market by Latin American | Toyota Camry | 568 |
| Luxury by Latin American | BMW 3-Series Sedan | 619 |
| Mass Market by Youth (24 and under) | Hyundai Elantra | 562 |
| by Democrats | Mercedes-Benz EQB | 604 |
| by Republican | BMW X5e | 587 |
| Alternative Powertrain | BMW i7 | 572 |
According to SV International Analyst Katie Edwards, the reasons why EVs are increasingly doing better can be found in lessons learned with the Chinese brands. “Brands such as BYD have surged in China by leveraging their ability to design vehicles from scratch with EV-first platforms. Consumers note that these EVs are dedicated to technological excellence, personal exploration and affordability – which also resonates with American buyers across product segments and political spectrums.”
Strategic Vision is an international consulting and advisory services organization that specializes in understanding and predicting advocacy, conquest, and loyalty based on personal values and decision-making structures. Its twelfth annual Most Loved Vehicle™ report is based on extensive data from over 32,000 new vehicle owners in the New Vehicle Experience Study (NVES). NVES is the largest syndicated study that also examines owners among all emerging markets. For further information or interview requests, please get in touch with Alexander Edwards or Christopher Chaney at (858) 576-7141 or email chris.chaney@strategicvision.com.