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Gas Prices Got You Down? Check Out the 2026 AAA Car Guide Winners – Electric Vehicles Dominate

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AAA has awarded the 2026 Lucid Gravity Touring as the overall winner and top vehicle in the midsize SUV category for the 2026 AAA Car Guide. This year, all category winners are either electric (EV) or hybrid vehicles.

“High gas prices may drive additional consumer interest this year in switching to EVs,” said Megan McKernan, manager at the Automobile Club of Southern California’s Automotive Research Center. “This year’s AAA Car Guide will help provide drivers with comprehensive information about vehicles in eight different vehicle categories.”

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 2026 Lucid Gravity Touring was selected as the top vehicle in the midsize SUV category and was crowned the overall 2026 AAA Car Guide winner. This vehicle debuted last year and made its first entry into the AAA Car Guide. SUVs are often popular amongst consumers because of their versatility, safety, and comfort.

The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz Pro S Plus won the top spot in the minivan category. This minivan is the reimagined version of the beloved VW Bus and seats up to six or seven depending on the configuration.

The only hybrid winner this year was in the small car category: the 2025 Honda Civic Hybrid Sport Touring.

 

Category Winners

Category Vehicle Name Powertrain
Small Cars Honda Civic Hybrid Sport Touring Hybrid
Midsize Cars BMW i4 eDrive40 Gran Coupe Electric
Large Cars Lucid Air Pure Electric
Pickups Chevrolet Silverado EV LT Extended Range Electric
Minivans Volkswagen ID. Buzz Pro S Plus Electric
Small SUVs Hyundai Ioniq 5 N Electric
Midsize SUVs Lucid Gravity Touring Electric
Large SUVs Hyundai Ioniq 9 Performance Limited Electric

 

2026 Lucid Gravity Touring
2026 Lucid Gravity – Midsize SUV AAA Car Guide winner

“Our goal with the AAA Car Guide is to help consumers navigate the evolving automotive marketplace by evaluating the latest vehicles providing unbiased evaluations as well as including additional automotive-related information,” said McKernan.

Background

The AAA Car Guide includes comprehensive reviews of each vehicle based on 14 criteria, including advanced safety features, fuel efficiency, braking, performance handling, ride quality, and infotainment usability. These vehicles are tested, scored, and placed in one of 8 vehicle categories by the Automobile Club of Southern California’s Automotive Research Center (ARC) .

AAA EV Resources

  • AAA Car Guide Website: For those in the market for newer used EVs, the online resources also contain links to prior editions of the guide.
  • Your Driving Costs calculator: Consumers should consider estimates of the cost of owning a vehicle based on financing it, owning and driving it for five years, and trading it in at the end of those five years.
  • AAA Your Driving Costs revealed that as of September 2025, the annual cost to own and operate a new vehicle was $11,577, or $965 per month, which was a drop of $719 from 2024. That figure may be higher this year for gas-powered vehicles given the higher pump prices, if they last.
  • Mobile EV Charging Pilot & AAA EV Member Benefits: Available in select cities, this service is now part of our roadside assistance and will get EV owners back on the go if they run out of charge. That’s just one of the many benefits and services we offer our EV members.

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

About AAA

Started in 1902 by automotive enthusiasts who wanted to chart a path for better roads in America and advocate for safe mobility, AAA has transformed into one of North America’s largest membership organizations. Today, AAA delivers exceptional roadside assistance, helps travelers plan their dream vacations and adventures, offers exclusive member discounts and benefits, and provides trusted financial and insurance services—all to enhance the life journey of our 65+ million members across North America, including over 58 million in the United States. To learn more about all AAA offers or become a member, visit AAA.com.
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