European cars are doing well in the US in 2025, and the winners are the models people actually buy for everyday life.
Most of them are SUVs and crossovers, because that is what families and commuters want now. German brands lead the pack.
Higher costs from shipping and trade rules did not scare buyers off much in 2025.
The following sections will provide more insights about the most popular European cars in the US.
1. Volkswagen Tiguan
A compact SUV from Europe keeps showing up in US driveways because it nails the daily routine without drama.
People want something easy to live with, easy to park, and steady on long highway runs, and that formula keeps working for Volkswagen dealers.
Demand stays strong even with a crowded compact-SUV field, so Tiguan remains the main volume play for the brand in America.
Popularity also comes from timing and pricing. Supply for US buyers comes mainly from the Puebla plant in Mexico, which helps keep inventory flowing.
Most shoppers land in mid trims, and many add AWD for snow states or road trips. Cost sits below most luxury European options, so Tiguan stays the “good Euro pick” for buyers who do not want a premium badge price.
| Starting MSRP | $29,500 | The entry point stays reachable for a European model. |
| Common Street Price | Low $30k to low $40k | Mid trims with convenience packs dominate sales. |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo four cylinder | One-engine lineup keeps shopping simple. |
| Power | From 201 hp | Enough for city use and highway merging. |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | Smooth, tuned for comfort. |
| Drivetrain | FWD standard, AWD optional | AWD is a frequent add-on in the US. |
| Fuel Economy | About 25 mpg combined | Competitive for compact SUVs. |
| Seating | 5 | Built for normal family use. |
| Cargo Space | About 37.6 cu ft behind row 2 | Practical for strollers, luggage, and groceries. |
| Main US Build Origin | Mexico | Supports volume and price stability. |
| Core Buyer Pull | value, solid ride, tidy size | The main reasons Tiguan keeps its US spot. |
Volkswagen has a long history in the US. One of the models I have to mention is the famous Beetle, which was very popular during the 60s and 70s in the US.
While it’s rare to see one today on the streets, some people are keeping them. You should browse classic car listings, as you might find one in “mint” condition. Those classics are always a good investment as their price will keep rising in the future.
2. BMW X5
A midsize luxury SUV that Americans treat like a safe pick in 2025, especially for families who want comfort plus strong power.
The driving feel stays sharp for the size, so it does not feel like a heavy boat on highways.
Another reason sales stay high: US assembly in South Carolina keeps supply steady during a messy trade year.
In 2025, X5 sits near the top of BMW US sales, swapping the lead with X3 depending on the quarter.
Many buyers skip the base trim and move into richer packages, so the average deal is well above sticker.
Plug-in hybrid versions keep growing because they cut fuel use in town while staying quick on the interstate.
| Starting MSRP | $67,500(Starting price of xDrive model) | Entry price is premium, still a common step into the lineup. |
| Common Street Price | $75k To $90k | Most sales land in higher trims and option packs. |
| Engine Lineup | Turbo Inline Six, Plug In Hybrid Inline Six, Twin Turbo V8 | Covers efficient daily use up to high performance. |
| Power Range | 375 Hp To 617 Hp Range | Big spread from standard trims to X5 M. |
| Drivetrain | AWD Standard On Most Trims | Matches US taste for all weather grip. |
| Fuel Economy | Low 20s Mpg Combined On Gas Trims | Hybrid trims help city miles. |
| Seating | Five Standard, Seven Optional | Third row adds family appeal. |
| Cargo Space | 33.9 Cu Ft Behind Row Two | Good for class, expands with seats folded. |
| Main US Build Origin | South Carolina, USA | Supports volume and buffers price swings. |
| Core Buyer Pull | Comfort, Power, Premium Cabin | Main reasons X5 stays a US favorite. |
3. BMW X3
For many US buyers in 2025, this is the BMW that makes the most sense. Size stays manageable in cities, the cabin feels premium, and the drive has that light, planted BMW character.
It also sits in a price band that looks “luxury” without jumping into full-size SUV money, so it keeps pulling first-time BMW shoppers.
Sales stay strong all year, and X3 often runs neck and neck with X5 in quarterly brand totals.
Most US units come from the South Africa plant, so supply depends on imports more than X5 does, yet demand keeps pace anyway.
Buyers lean toward xDrive trims, since AWD fits how Americans use compact luxury SUVs.
| Starting MSRP | $50k | Entry ticket into the BMW SUV lineup. |
| Common Street Price | $55k To $70k | Popular trims add tech and driver packs. |
| Engine Lineup | Turbo Four Cylinder, Turbo Inline Six On M40i | Two clear steps for power needs. |
| Power Range | 248 Hp To 382 Hp Range | Standard model is quick enough, M40i adds serious punch. |
| Drivetrain | AWD Standard On Most US Trims | Most buyers choose xDrive. |
| Fuel Economy | High 20s Mpg Combined On Four Cylinder | Efficient for luxury class. |
| Seating | Five Standard | Focus on comfort for five. |
| Cargo Space | 28.7 Cu Ft Behind Row Two | Strong for compact luxury SUV class. |
| Main US Build Origin | South Africa | Import exposure higher than X5. |
| Core Buyer Pull | Right Size, Premium Feel, BMW Drive | Key reasons it keeps selling in 2025. |
4. Mercedes-Benz GLC
GLC continues to rank near the top of Mercedes’ US lines in 2025, even though the company shares limited model breakouts during the year.
Most units are imported from Germany, so pricing reacts faster to trade costs than models built in Alabama.
Buyers like the balance between city size and highway comfort, which is why GLC holds a steady base.
| Starting MSRP | $50k | Competitive in compact luxury field. |
| Common Street Price | $55k To $70k | Option packs and AMG Line push deals upward. |
| Engine Lineup | Turbo Four Cylinder With Mild Hybrid Assist | Smooth power with better stop-and-go efficiency. |
| Power Range | 255 Hp Range | Tuned for comfort, still quick enough. |
| Drivetrain | AWD Standard | Simple choice, fits US weather use. |
| Fuel Economy | High 20s Mpg Combined | Strong for class with AWD standard. |
| Seating | Five Standard | Compact family layout. |
| Cargo Space | 21.9 Cu Ft Behind Row Two | Fine for class, best for daily errands. |
| Main US Build Origin | Germany | Import costs shape pricing in 2025. |
| Core Buyer Pull | Comfort Ride, Strong Tech, Mercedes Badge | Main reasons it stays a top seller. |
5. Mercedes-Benz GLE
A bigger Mercedes SUV that Americans treat as the family upgrade. Cabin space feels generous, ride leans plush, and the higher trims bring real power without losing comfort.
It also benefits from US production, which helps keep inventory steadier during a tariff-heavy year.
GLE keeps its place as one of Mercedes’ strongest US sellers in 2025, especially in suburban markets where size matters.
Many buyers go straight to higher trims or AMG variants, so transaction prices often sit far above the base figure.
Plug-in hybrid versions build share because they add usable electric range for commuting.
| Starting MSRP | $63k | Entry point for midsize Mercedes SUV. |
| Common Street Price | $70k To $95k | Higher trims and AMG packs dominate sales. |
| Engine Lineup | Turbo Six Cylinder, Plug In Hybrid Six, Twin Turbo V8 | Covers comfort buyers and performance buyers. |
| Power Range | 375 Hp To 603 Hp Range | Wide spread up to AMG models. |
| Drivetrain | AWD Standard | Fits US expectation in this class. |
| Fuel Economy | Low 20s Mpg Combined On Gas Trims | Hybrid trims help city miles. |
| Seating | Five Standard, Seven Optional | Third row helps family choice. |
| Cargo Space | 33.3 Cu Ft Behind Row Two | Strong for midsize luxury SUV class. |
| Main US Build Origin | Alabama, USA | Local build reduces import pressure. |
| Core Buyer Pull | Big Space, Smooth Ride, Premium Image | Key reasons GLE stays hot in 2025. |
6. Audi Q5
The Audi Q5 sits right in the middle of the US luxury SUV market in 2025. People want something smaller than the Q7, more polished than mainstream crossovers, and easy to drive every day.
Q5 fits that lane. Interior design feels clean, the ride stays comfortable, and the tech setup does not ask for a user manual.
Most US units come from the Mexico plant, so supply stays more stable than many fully imported luxury rivals.
Buyers usually land in Premium Plus trims, then add the comfort and driver help packages.
| Starting MSRP | $47k | Entry point stays competitive in compact luxury. |
| Common Street Price | $52k To $65k | Premium Plus with packages dominates deals. |
| Engine Lineup | Turbo Four Cylinder With Mild Hybrid Assist | One main setup keeps shopping simple. |
| Power Range | 261 Hp Range | Smooth, strong enough for highway passing. |
| Drivetrain | AWD Standard | Quattro is part of Q5 identity in the US. |
| Fuel Economy | Mid 20s Mpg Combined | Solid for class with AWD standard. |
| Seating | Five Standard | Compact luxury family layout. |
| Cargo Space | 25.8 Cu Ft Behind Row Two | Good for the class, useful for daily hauling. |
| Main US Build Origin | Mexico | Helps inventory flow and price stability. |
| Core Buyer Pull | Balanced Size, Clean Cabin, Quattro Grip | Main reasons Q5 stays Audi top seller. |
7. Volvo XC60
Volvo XC60 keeps pulling US buyers in 2025 who want calm comfort and a safety-first feel without going full-size.
The cabin looks simple and upscale, the seats are among the best in the segment, and the drive stays smooth even on rough pavement.
XC60 also lands in a price zone that feels premium yet not out of reach for many upper-middle buyers.
US sales for the XC60 lead Volvo volume in 2025, sitting slightly ahead of the XC90 year to date.
Most units are imported, so the model carries more trade-cost exposure than US-built rivals, yet demand stays strong.
Plug-in hybrid trims grow share because they offer real electric commuting range with no sacrifice on highway power.
| Starting MSRP | $48k | Premium pricing, still under many German rivals. |
| Common Street Price | $52k To $65k | Mild hybrid plus popular packages drives most sales. |
| Engine Lineup | Mild Hybrid Four Cylinder, Plug In Hybrid | Two clear choices for efficiency needs. |
| Power Range | 247 Hp To 455 Hp Range | Big jump in PHEV trims. |
| Drivetrain | AWD Standard On Most Trims | Fits Volvo US positioning. |
| Fuel Economy | Mid 20s Mpg Combined On Mild Hybrid | PHEV trims cut fuel use in town. |
| Seating | Five Standard | Family friendly without extra rows. |
| Cargo Space | 22.4 Cu Ft Behind Row Two | Practical, not huge, still fine for daily use. |
| Main US Build Origin | Europe And China | Import exposure higher in 2025. |
| Core Buyer Pull | Safety Image, Comfort Ride, Clean Design | Reasons XC60 leads Volvo US sales. |
8. Volkswagen Atlas (Atlas And Atlas Cross Sport)
Volkswagen Atlas holds a strong US following in 2025 because it gives big space without luxury pricing.
Families like the easy third row, wide cabin, and simple controls. Atlas Cross Sport adds a sportier shape, but both versions sell for the same reason: they feel made for American roads.
US production in Chattanooga keeps supply steady through 2025, and that local build helps pricing stay competitive even with trade noise.
Atlas stays one of Volkswagen’s main sellers in America, right alongside Tiguan. Buyers often go for SE or SEL trims, then add tech and towing options.
| Starting MSRP | $38k | One of the cheaper three-row Euro-branded SUVs. |
| Common Street Price | $42k To $55k | Most deals land in SE or SEL trims. |
| Engine Lineup | Turbo Four Cylinder | Single engine setup since refresh. |
| Power Range | 269 Hp Range | Strong enough for full loads and highway use. |
| Drivetrain | FWD Standard, AWD Optional | AWD popular for winter and towing. |
| Fuel Economy | Low 20s Mpg Combined | Normal for three-row class. |
| Seating | Seven Standard, Six Optional | Third row is a key selling point. |
| Cargo Space | About 20.6 Cu Ft Behind Row Three | Big jump with rows folded. |
| Main US Build Origin | Tennessee, USA | Local build supports volume and supply. |
| Core Buyer Pull | Big Space, Fair Price, Easy Family Use | Reasons Atlas stays a US hit. |
9. Volvo XC90
A big, calm family SUV that keeps a strong US crowd in 2025. People buy it for space, safety, reputation, and a cabin that feels clean and easy to live with.
XC90 also has a kind of low-key status that works for buyers who want premium without flash.
US sales stay close to the XC60 all year, making the XC90 the second main Volvo seller in America for 2025.
Most units come in from Europe, so pricing can move with trade costs, yet demand stays steady.
Plug-in Hybrid trims are a growing slice, mainly for suburban buyers who can do daily trips on electric power.
| Starting MSRP | Usd $58k Range | Entry price sits under many German three-row vehicles. |
| Common Street Price | Usd $63k To $80k Range | Popular trims add luxury and driver packs. |
| Engine Lineup | Mild Hybrid Four Cylinder, Plug-In Hybrid | Two choices cover normal use and efficiency focus. |
| Power Range | 247 Hp To 455 Hp Range | PHEV trim adds a big performance lift. |
| Drivetrain | AWD Standard On Most Trims | Fits snowy states and family road trips. |
| Fuel Economy | Low 20s Mpg Combined On Mild Hybrid | PHEV trims cut fuel use in city driving. |
| Seating | Seven Standard | Third row is part of the core appeal. |
| Cargo Space | 15.9 Cu Ft Behind Row Three | Strong jump with rows folded down. |
| Main US Build Origin | Europe | Import exposure higher during 2025. |
| Core Buyer Pull | Safety Image, Three-Row Space, Clean Cabin | Reasons XC90 stays a US favorite. |
10. Porsche Macan
A compact SUV with a sporty feel that people buy because it drives like a Porsche, not like a typical crossover.
Macan is also the easiest Porsche to use every day, so it pulls buyers who want performance without living with a low sports car.
Macan leads Porsche US volume in 2025, helped by growing interest in the Macan Electric next to the gas models.
Every unit for America comes from Germany, so prices sit high and can shift with import costs, yet demand stays strong.
Buyers usually land in the middle trims, then add performance and tech options.
| Starting MSRP | Usd $63k Range | Entry Porsche SUV price, still premium. |
| Common Street Price | Usd $70k To $95k Range | Options push deals well past base. |
| Engine Lineup | Turbo Four Cylinder, Turbo V6 | Two steps from quick to very fast. |
| Power Range | 261 Hp To 434 Hp Range | Strong spread up to GTS. |
| Drivetrain | AWD Standard | Matches the brand performance setup. |
| Fuel Economy | Low 20s Mpg Combined On Gas Trims | Normal for a performance-leaning SUV. |
| Seating | Five Standard | Compact layout, best for small families. |
| Cargo Space | 17.2 Cu Ft Behind Row Two | Fine for daily use, not a hauler. |
| Main US Build Origin | Germany | Fully imported, higher trade exposure. |
| Core Buyer Pull | Porsche Drive Feel, Compact Size, Strong Badge | Reasons Macan tops Porsche US sales. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Bottom Line
European brands remain popular in the United States during 2025 because they sell SUVs Americans actually want to live with.
Even with higher import costs, buyers keep choosing these models for the same core reasons: comfort, safety, technology, and a driving feel that stands out in daily traffic.
