Even in 2025, the Russian market still has options for those who don't want to choose from the many Chinese models that have taken over almost all segments. Auto.ru has compiled a rating of the five best non-Chinese cars of the year, based on full-format tests by its journalists. The selection includes cars of different classes - from a Korean mid-size crossover to a Japanese flagship that is still sold almost officially.
First on the list is the KGM Torres with a score of 3.6 out of 5. SsangYong, which returned to Russia under a new name, brought with it not only a four-year warranty, but also a full range of trim levels. The Torres turned out to be a model without obvious weaknesses: a spacious interior, clear handling, good off-road capabilities and a high level of equipment. The main complaint is the price. Initially, the crossover cost from 5.15 million rubles, which turned it into a "premium" product in terms of cost. Only after price adjustments and the appearance of discounts did the base version fall to 3.79 million. The Torres became noticeably more attractive, but the final score suffered precisely because of the high cost.
Second is the Subaru Crosstrek (3.62 points). The brand, albeit limited, continues to sell new cars in Russia, maintaining a warranty of 3 years or 100,000 kilometers. The Crosstrek is distinguished by the fact that everything in it is "old-fashioned": signature Subaru handling, tenacious all-wheel drive and a comfortable suspension that is not afraid of broken roads. However, its 150-horsepower engine is clearly weak, and the CVT does not add dynamics. Add to this a small trunk and a cramped rear of the cabin - and the crossover becomes a choice for fans of the brand, but not for those who need practicality.
Third place in the ranking is taken by the Lada Aura with 3.7 points - a model that stands in its own class. In fact, it is a stretched and seriously modified Vesta, but it is aimed not at a private buyer, but at officials and corporate fleets. The elongated body, improved trim, revised equipment and a more status silhouette allowed the model to be brought to a new level. But there are also enough compromises: the 122-horsepower engine doesn't pull, the equipment in the basic configurations is modest, and the chassis needs refinement. However, the Aura is actually the only "quasi-premium" sedan of domestic production available in Russia, so its high scores are logical.
Next on the list is the Solaris HC - a crossover that looks like the previous generation Creta, only under a new name. Its final score was 3.72. The model retained the strengths of the "Korean": a simple and reliable power unit, versions with all-wheel drive, a proven suspension and clear ergonomics. But the age is also felt: the basic configurations are too empty for 2025, and the interior looks modest compared to models from China. The cost has increased more than we would like, which makes the Solaris HC a car for those who are fundamentally not ready to switch to a Chinese brand, but want familiar technology. S
Closing the "top five" is the sixth-generation Honda CR-V, rated at 3.84 points - the highest score in the ranking. The new CR-V is officially present in Russia in a semi-legal format: cars can be bought with zero mileage, with a warranty and even with branded accessories. The crossover retains the main qualities of the model: a spacious interior, comfortable fit, balanced chassis and pleasant handling. This is one of the few cars on the market that still feels the old signature Honda character. But there are also disadvantages: not the newest multimedia, features of trim levels and increased fuel consumption of the 193-horsepower 1.5 turbo engine. The price remains the main factor reducing attractiveness - the CR-V's cost curve is rising rapidly.