AAA's best cars of 2026: These EVs, hybrids topped new rankings

AAA’s 2026 Car Guide has named electric and hybrid vehicles as the top performers across all eight categories, reflecting growing consumer interest in EVs amid higher gas prices. The guide, now in its seventh year, evaluated 76 new vehicles—including passenger cars, SUVs, minivans, and light-duty pickups—using 14 criteria such as safety features, fuel efficiency, braking, performance, handling, ride quality, and driver-assistance technology. The Lucid Gravity Touring secured the top spot overall and in the midsize SUV category, building on its 2025 debut and industry recognition as the 2026 World Luxury Car of the Year. Other category winners included the Honda Civic Hybrid Sport Touring (small car), BMW i4 eDrive40 Gran Coupe (midsize car), and Lucid Air Pure (large car). The Chevrolet Silverado EV LT Extended Range led the pickup category, while the Volkswagen ID. Buzz Pro S Plus topped minivans. Hyundai’s Hyundai Ioniq 5 N and Ioniq 9 Performance Limited dominated the small and large SUV categories, respectively. AAA attributed the shift toward EVs to rising fuel costs, though the guide also provides ratings for gas-powered vehicles to accommodate consumers not yet ready to switch. Megan McKernan, manager of AAA’s Automotive Research Center, noted that the guide helps drivers compare vehicles with detailed, expert-tested information. SUVs remained the most popular vehicle type due to their versatility, comfort, and safety features. The full rankings are available on AAA’s official website, offering a resource for buyers navigating the evolving automotive market.