AAA Car Guide Winners – Electric Vehicles and Hybrids Take the Crown

WALNUT CREEK, CA – If you’re looking to buy a top rated car this year, consider going electric, as electric and hybrid vehicles were top of the list in the AAA car guide rankings.

AAA has awarded the 2024 BMW iX xDrive50 as the overall winner and top vehicle in the midsize SUV category for the 2025 AAA Car Guide. Researchers noted that the iX has impressive range, a comfortable ride, responsive steering and handling, and abundant power and low-end torque. This year, all category winners are 2024 or 2025 models and are either electric (EV), plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) or hybrid vehicles.

“While EVs headlined our best of rankings, it’s important to acknowledge that going electric can feel a little intimidating.” says Jarrett Kerrigan, Director of AAA Car Buying “AAA encourages potential purchasers to do their research. There are answers out there to the questions you may have about buying an electric car or truck.”

Key Winners

The AAA Car Guide winners feature multiple advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) such as automatic emergency braking (AEB), reverse automatic emergency braking (RAEB), and lane-keeping assistance (LKA).

The luxurious 2024 Chrysler Pacifica PHEV Pinnacle won the top spot in the minivan category. This minivan is the only one of its kind with both gasoline-powered and plug-in hybrid options.

“This year’s AAA Car Guide includes a wide variety of categories to help car buyers in their purchasing decisions.” says Kerrigan “We’ve put these vehicles to the test to help give new car buyers an edge before they make a large investment.”

Scoring Ranked by Category

	Category	Vehicle
	Overall	BMW iX xDrive50 (EV)
	Small Car	Honda Civic Hybrid Sport Touring (Hybrid)
	Midsize Car	BMW i5 M60 (EV)
	Large Car	BMW i7 M70 (EV)
	Pickup	Ford F-150 Hybrid XLT (Hybrid)
	Minivan	Chrysler Pacifica PHEV Pinnacle (PHEV)
	Small SUV	Genesis GV60 Performance (EV)
	Midsize SUV	BMW iX xDrive50 (EV)
	Large SUV	Kia EV9 GT-Line (EV)

AAA EV Resources

AAA Car Guide Website: For those in the market for newer used EVs, which includes previous car guides (2023 and 2024) for EV research.

Your Driving Costs calculator: Consumers should consider estimates of the cost to own a vehicle based on financing it, owning and driving it for five years, and trading it in at the end of those five years.
2024 AAA Your Driving Cost found rising depreciation and finance charges are impacting interest in new car ownership, while hybrids had the second-lowest ownership costs behind sedans due to fuel economy and low maintenance.

#AdultingwithAAA: Car Care Electric Vehicles – Low Maintenance – No Problem: AAA series for young adults with helpful tips, advice and life hacks on all things “#Adulting”.

Mobile EV Charging Pilot & AAA EV Member Benefits:  AAA offers EV charging roadside assistance in select cities. One of many benefits and services for AAA EV Members.

EV Research: AAA in-house experts research EV consumer sentiment and functionality.

Overall winners, detailed evaluation criteria, vehicle reviews, and an in-depth analysis of the ADAS technology can be found at AAA.com/CarGuide.

Background

The AAA Car Guide includes comprehensive reviews of each vehicle based on 15 criteria, including advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), fuel efficiency, braking, performance handling, ride quality, and new for this year, infotainment usability. These vehicles are tested, scored, and placed in one of 8 vehicle categories by the Automotive Research Center (ARC) of the Automobile Club of Southern California.

About AAA Northern California

AAA has a proud history of serving Members for over 100 years. AAA is on a mission to create Members for life by unleashing the innovative spirit of 5,300 employees representing 6 million Members across Northern California, Arizona, Utah, Nevada, Montana, Wyoming, and Alaska. In addition to legendary roadside assistance, AAA offers home, auto, and life insurance, travel, and home security services. Learn more at AAA.com.

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