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.
“AAA’s annual Car Guide helps consumers navigate the ever-changing automotive marketplace by breaking vehicles into eight different categories that include comprehensive information,” said Jim Garrity, director of public affairs, AAA East Central. ”EV’s and hybrids are prevalent throughout this year’s Car Guide and with the recent spike in gasoline prices, consumer interest in these types of vehicles may increase.”
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 |
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 total drop of $719 from 2024. That figure may be higher this year for gas-powered vehicles given higher pump prices and how long they may last.
- #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 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.
AAA East Central is a not-for-profit association with 69 local offices in Kentucky, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia serving 2.7 million members. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. AAA East Central provides services to its members including Automotive, Insurance, Discounts & Rewards, Financial, and Travel. Find out more about AAA Membership and current savings here.
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