For the past 14 years, the Automobile Club of Southern California’s Automotive Research Center (ARC) has reviewed and tested vehicles in its annual car guide to help members understand the latest automotive technology and help them purchase vehicles that best suit their needs.
The 2024AAA Car Guide is the latest edition, testing and ranking cars and light trucks with the latest advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) technology. In addition to vehicle evaluation, itcovers several automotive topics in detail—for example, the latest advanced safety features, the importance of vehicle maintenance, and upcoming trends and new models you may see in the coming years.
Pick up the AAA Car Guide
AAA members can pick up a free copy of the 2024 Guideat aAAA branchwhile supplies last, or view the 2024AAA Car GuideeBook online.
Featured vehicles are ranked from highest to lowest based on:
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Each vehicle receives an overall score from 1-10 for each characteristic and is evaluated relative only to the other vehicles in theAAA Car Guide, not to all vehicles available on the market. Each vehicle’s review provides a summary of the car and lists its strengths, weaknesses, and available safety features.
This year's AAACar Guide winners
Overall Winner & Large SUV Winner: Mercedes-Benz EQS 580 4MATIC SUV
Simply put, the EQS 580, Mercedes’ top-trim large electric SUV, excels in virtually all categories: performance, luxury, comfort, and technology. It delivers nearly everything you could ask for in a big SUV, and our reviewers found very little about it to criticize.
Small Car Winner: Volvo S60 Recharge Ultimate Black Edition
The plug-in hybrid S60 Recharge is a muscle car disguised as a mild-mannered Scandinavian luxury sedan. Its turbocharged 4-cylinder engine combines with an electric motor to produce 455 hp, with a strong EV-only range of 41 miles.
Midsize Car Winner: Mercedes-Benz EQE 350 4MATIC Sedan
The EQE SUV, a premium midsize electric SUV that Mercedes introduced in 2023, is a standout in most categories, with high performance levels and copious comfort, convenience, and enhanced advanced safety features.
Large Car Winner: BMW i7 xDrive60
When BMW releasedthe latest generation of its 7 Series sedanin 2023, it added the i7, an EV variant. The i7 earned points from our reviewers for its powerful EV drivetrain, smooth ride, stylish and luxurious interior, and cutting-edge technology.
Pickup Winner: Ford F-150 Lightning Lariat
Ford introduced an electric version of its F-150 full-size pickup, the Lightning, in 2022. We were impressed by its strong acceleration, high fuel efficiency, excellent build quality, perfect EPA emissions score, long range, and high number of standard advanced safety features—unusual for a pickup.
Small SUV Winner: Hyundai Ioniq 5 Limited
Introduced in 2022, the Ioniq 5 compact crossover is Hyundai’s first EV from its Ioniq sub-brand. Especially strong points include its quick acceleration, the high number of standard advanced safety features, high fuel efficiency, and its EPA emissions score.
Midsize SUV Winner: Genesis Electrified GV70 Prestige
The Electrified GV70 is a great example of how relative newcomer Genesis has put traditional luxury carmakers on notice. Our reviewers noted its luxurious interior, powerful drivetrain, high fuel efficiency, excellent handling and drivability, and comfortable ride.
See how the cars rank
On theAAA Car Guidewebsite, you can see the ratings for specific vehicles that the ARC has evaluated. You can search by vehicle type (e.g. midsize), fuel type (e.g. hybrid), and price range.
Take a look inside the 2024 AAA Car Guide
Chapter 1: Your Next Car
An explanation of the body styles and powertrains of today’s cars and light trucks.
Read more about different vehicle types in Chapter 1 of the 2024AAA Car Guide
Chapter 2: How Much Does It Cost to Own a Car?
How to determine the complete cost of owning a car—plus important tips for keeping your vehicle in top shape.
Read more about vehicle maintenance in Chapter 2 of the 2024AAA Car Guide
Chapter 3: Safety First
What makes a car safe, plus a description of how the latest advanced safety features work—and their limitations.
Read more about vehicle safety in Chapter 3 of the 2024AAA Car Guide
Chapter 4: Future Cars
Exciting new cars we’re likely to see on the road in the next few years.
Read more about future vehicles in Chapter 4 of the 2024AAA Car Guide
Chapter 5: How AAA Tests and Ranks Vehicles
How the ARC tests and evaluates the vehicles in the Guide.
Read more about vehicle testing in Chapter 5 of the 2024AAA Car Guide
Other AAA Car Guide articles
- 10 questions to help choose the car that’s right for you
- Why good headlights are essential
- Why you should consider purchasing an EV
- Replacing an EV’s battery pack
- Slow down, move over for emergency vehicles
- Driving and cannabis: A bad combination
- What you need to know about AGM batteries
- Vehicle powertrains explained
- AAA tests automotive safety systems
Planning to buy a car?
AAA members can enjoy a great car buying experience with AAA Car Buying Service. Find the car you want from a certified dealer and feel confident in the price you’re paying.
AAA Car Buying Service is only available to AAA members. Outside of Southern California, AAA Car Buying Service is managed by TrueCar, Inc. Onlycar buying research toolsare available in Hawai‘i.
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