2024 AAA Car Guide sneak peek: Top 10 finalist vehicles

The AAA Car Guide has been published annually since 2010 by the Automobile Club of Southern California’s Automotive Research Center (ARC). Its mission is to keep members up to date on the newest cars and light trucks, and the latest automotive technology.

For the 2024 AAA Car Guide, the ARC put 60 cars and light trucks through their paces on Southern California roads and at the Irwindale Speedway. Here are capsule summaries of the top 10 vehicles, listed in alphabetical order.

To find out this year’s overall winner and other category rankings, check out the 2024 AAA Car Guide, available April 4 in hard copy at AAA branches and online at AAA.com/CarGuide.

Audi Q8 e-tron quattro

For 2024, Audi’s midsize electric SUV has been refreshed and given a new name—the Q8 e-tron. The ARC staff was impressed by its balanced performance: high ratings in ride quality, handling and drivability, and advanced safety features, plus low emissions and interior noise levels and solid build quality. Reviewers also praised its attractive styling, abundant headroom and legroom, and strong, smooth power delivery.

BMW i7 xDrive60

When BMW released the latest generation of its 7 Series sedan in 2023, it added the i7, an EV variant. The i7 earned points from our reviewers for its powerful EV drivetrain, smooth ride, stylish and luxurious interior, and cutting-edge technology. As an example, its Highway Assistant feature, which allows hands-free driving up to 85 mph, is especially refined and responds very much like a human driver when accelerating and braking. 

BMW X7 xDrive40i

The X7 is BMW’s flagship 3-row SUV. New in 2019, it got a significant refresh for 2023. The X7 impressed our reviewers with its balance of performance, tech, and luxury. Its powerful drivetrain, agile handling, comfortable ride quality, and strong braking all received high marks, as did its high build quality, quiet cabin, and complete suite of advanced safety features.

Ford F-150 Lightning Lariat      

Ford introduced an electric version of its F-150 full-size pickup, the Lightning, in 2022. We were impressed by its strong acceleration, high fuel efficiency, excellent build quality, perfect EPA emissions score, long range, and high number of standard advanced safety features—unusual for a pickup. It’s also an easy vehicle to get in and out of, provides good visibility, and—also surprising for a pickup—low interior noise levels.

Genesis Electrified GV70 Prestige

The Electrified GV70 is a great example of how relative newcomer Genesis has put traditional luxury carmakers on notice. A handsome, classy-looking vehicle, the GV70 excels in almost every area. Our reviewers noted its luxurious interior, powerful drivetrain, high fuel efficiency, excellent handling and drivability, and comfortable ride. There’s no shortage of impressive tech, either: a complete set of advanced safety features are standard, as is fast charging via its 800-volt architecture. 

Genesis GV60 Performance  

The good-looking GV60 compact electric crossover, which comes equipped with dual motors and all-wheel drive, is Genesis’ first dedicated EV.

Our reviewers gave the GV60 a perfect 10 in the advanced safety features and EPA emissions categories, with high scores for acceleration, ride quality, fuel efficiency, and build quality. Additionally, the GV60 is loaded with the latest tech. For example, its 800-volt EV architecture enables charging from 10% to 80% in under 20 minutes.

Hyundai Ioniq 5 Limited   

Introduced in 2022, the Ioniq 5 compact crossover is Hyundai’s first EV from its Ioniq sub-brand. Especially strong points include its quick acceleration, the high number of standard advanced safety features, high fuel efficiency, and its EPA emissions score. The ARC staff also commented favorably on its comfortable ride, responsive handling, high-quality fit and finish, and abundant headroom and legroom. 

Kia EV6 GT                       

Kia’s sporty-looking EV6 GT delivers a great combo of style and performance, with plenty of power (dual motors, 576 hp) and lots of advanced tech (for example, a fast, 800-volt charging system). The ARC reviewers gave it high marks in almost every category: quick acceleration, the number of standard advanced safety features, high fuel efficiency, EPA emissions score, and low interior noise levels. Ride quality and handling and drivability are noteworthy, as well.

Mercedes-Benz EQE 350+ SUV

The EQE SUV, a premium midsize electric SUV that Mercedes introduced in 2023, is a standout in most categories, with high performance levels and copious comfort, convenience, and enhanced advanced safety features. We were impressed by the EQE’s strong, smooth power, its responsive handling, and its comfortable, quiet ride. The exterior is stylish, and fit and finish both inside and out are exceptional. 

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