BOISE – As more electric vehicles (EV) hit the market, many Americans are looking for a fuel-efficient car that doesn’t sacrifice comfort and quality.
To help with the purchase decision, the AAA Car Guide ranks electric, plug-in electric, hybrid, and alternative fuel vehicles by category, based on testing conducted by AAA’s Automotive Research Center in Southern California.
This year’s overall winner was the 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS 580 4MATIC SUV, with the following category winners:
| Category | Vehicle |
| Overall | 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS 580 4MATIC SUV (electric) |
| Small Car | 2023 Volvo S60 Recharge Ultimate Black Edition (plug-in hybrid) |
| Midsize Car | 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE 350 4MATIC Sedan (electric) |
| Large Car | 2023 BMW i7 xDrive60 (electric) |
| Pickup Truck | 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning Lariat (electric) |
| Small SUV | 2023 Hyundai IONIQ 5 Limited (electric) |
| Midsize SUV | 2023 Genesis Electrified GV70 Prestige (electric) |
| Large SUV | 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS 580 4MATIC SUV (electric) |
| Best Under $40K | 2023 Honda CR-V Sport Touring (hybrid) |
| Best Between $40K – $60K | 2023 Hyundai IONIQ 5 Limited (electric) |
| Over $60K | 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS 580 4MATIC SUV (electric) |
To be eligible for this year’s Car Guide, vehicles had to be all-new or completely redesigned for 2023 or 2024 and be an electric, hybrid, low-emission diesel, or a vehicle that runs on hydrogen fuel. Using a combination of real-world and test track conditions, vehicles were evaluated across 13 criteria such as acceleration, handling, fuel efficiency, braking, and ride quality.
“In the early days of electric vehicles, one of the major concerns was that the few available options didn’t match the needs and lifestyles of some drivers. But fast forward to today – selection has dramatically improved, and range anxiety is also starting to dissipate,” says AAA Idaho public affairs director Matthew Conde. “Regardless of vehicle type, we’ll always be there to lend a helping hand, including for those people who are excited about EV technology.”
Due to their popularity among car buyers, the SUV category was divided into small, midsize, and large classifications this year.
When purchasing an electric vehicle, AAA recommends researching the location of charging stations near work, home, and along commonly traveled routes, as well as investigating the cost of installing a fast charger at home. Familiarize yourself with one-pedal driving, regenerative braking, increased torque, and other elements of EV operations through an in-depth test drive.
AAA’s EV resources
- EV 101: Online resource for anyone interested in going electric, for new OR used.
- #AdultingwithAAA: Car Care Electric Vehicles – Low Maintenance – No Problem: AAA series for young adults providing helpful tips, advice, and life hacks on all things “#Adulting”.
- Mobile EV Charging Pilot & AAA EV Member Benefits: Available in select cities, this roadside service gets EV owners back on the go if they run out of charge.
- EV Research: AAA in-house experts conduct research about consumer sentiment around EVs and their functionality.
- AAA Car Guide Website: For those in the market for newer used EVs, the online resources also contain links to the two prior editions in 2022 and 2023.
- AAA TourBooks and the AAA Mobile App note the locations of area charging stations.
