BOISE – As prospective vehicle owners weigh their options, AAA’s recently published Car Guide recognizes the best electric vehicles and hybrids rolling off the assembly line.
For consistency, 76 vehicles were evaluated on 14 criteria including advanced safety features, handling, braking, fuel efficiency, ride quality, and infotainment usability. Vehicles were tested, scored, and categorized by AAA’s Automotive Research Center in California.
This year’s overall winner is the 2026 Lucid Gravity Touring, a midsize SUV.
“Vehicle purchases are very personal decisions, and owners should select the cars that are right for them. But for those who are looking to avoid high gas prices, hybrids and EVs could be the solution,” says AAA Idaho public affairs director Matthew Conde. “With so many to choose from, now is a great time to do a little homework and learn about the latest technology.”
The top pickup is the Chevy Silverado EV LT Extended Range Electric. The top vehicle in the large SUV category is the Hyundai Ioniq 9 Performance Limited Electric.
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.
- AAA 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.
“It’s always a good idea for drivers to research depreciation, maintenance costs, insurance requirements, and other factors as part of the purchase decision,” Conde said. “And nothing beats firsthand experience. Either ride with someone you know who has an EV, or consider renting one to get a better understanding of the potential benefits.”