AAA recently released its 2022 Car Guide, an annual resource to help consumers understand the latest developments in new-vehicle technology and to offer assistance when looking to purchase a new vehicle that best fits their needs.
This year, 62 vehicles were tested and reviewed by the Automobile Club of Southern California’s Automotive Research Center in Fontana, Calif.
The overall winner with a score of 89.49 points was the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E Premium AWD.
"A dramatic new profile, is powerful, electric, quiet, roomy, and fun to drive," said researchers, according to AAA's press release.
Of the 62 vehicles reviewed, six were electric. In fact, all category winners for 2022 were either electric, plug-in electric hybrid, or hybrid vehicles, AAA noted.
All vehicles were evaluated based on 12 criteria:
- Advanced safety features (ADAS)
- Fuel efficiency
- EPA emissions score
- Acceleration
- Braking
- Handling
- Ride quality
- Interior size
- Ease of entry and exit
- Visibility
- Interior noise
- Cargo capacity
The winners
Best Overall: 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E Premium AWD (electric)
Best Small Car: 2021 BWM 330e (plug-in hybrid)
Best Midsize Car: 2021 BMW 530e (plug-in hybrid)
Best Large Car: 2021 Mercedes-Benz S580 4MATIC Sedan (hybrid)
Best Pickup: 2021 Ford F-150 XLT SuperCrew Hybrid 4x4
Best SUV/Minivan: 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E Premium AWD (electric)
Best Under $35K: 2021 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Limited
Best $35K - $50K: 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 1st Edition (electric)
Best Over $50K: 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E Premium AWD (electric)
