2025 AAA Car Guide Winners

AAA has awarded the 2024 BMW iX xDrive50 as the overall winner and top vehicle in the midsize SUV category for the 2025 AAA Car Guide. This year, all category winners are 2024 or 2025 models, electric (EV), plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV), or hybrid vehicles. Furthermore, the researchers added new scoring criteria and brought back the minivan category, awarding the top spot to the 2024 Chrysler Pacifica PHEV Pinnacle.  

“Minivans are a favored choice for families and offer space for storage,” said Megan McKernan, the Automotive Research Center manager at AAA Automobile Club of Southern California.  “This year's AAA Car Guide includes various categories to help car buyers in their purchasing decisions.” 

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 2024 BMW iX xDrive50 was selected as the top vehicle in the midsize SUV category and was crowned the overall 2025 AAA Car Guide winner. Noted in this year’s guide, the iX repeats its win from the 2023 edition of the AAA Car Guide. SUVs are often popular amongst consumers because of their versatility, safety, and comfort. Researchers noted that the iX has impressive range, a comfortable ride, responsive steering and handling, and abundant power and low-end torque.  

The luxurious 2024 Chrysler Pacifica PHEV Pinnacle won the top spot in the minivan category. This minivan is the only one of its kind with both gasoline-powered and plug-in hybrid options. It’s perfect for families looking for style, comfort, and storage capacity. Researchers noted that the Pacifica has a fuel-efficient PHEV drivetrain, a useful all-electric range of 32 miles, a spacious cabin with lots of storage, and an attractive interior finish.  

Scoring Ranked by Category 

“Our goal with the AAA Car Guide is to help consumers navigate the evolving automotive marketplace by evaluating the latest vehicles with detailed evaluation from AAA researchers," said McKernan. 

Background 

The AAA Car Guide includes comprehensive reviews of each vehicle based on 15 criteria, including advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), fuel efficiency, braking, performance handling, ride quality, and new for this year, infotainment usability. These vehicles are tested, scored, and placed in one of 8 vehicle categories by the Automotive Research Center (ARC) of the Automobile Club of Southern California.  

AAA EV Resources 

• AAA Car Guide Website: For those in the market for newer used EVs, the online resources also contain links to the two prior editions from 2023 and 2024.  
• Your Driving Costs calculator: Consumers should consider estimates of the cost to own a vehicle based on financing it, owning and driving it for five years, and trading it in at the end of those five years.  
• 2024 AAA Your Driving Cost revealed that rising depreciation and finance charges are impacting consumers’ interest in buying brand-new vehicles. Last year, hybrid vehicles had the second lowest total ownership costs behind small sedans. They benefit from excellent fuel economy and low maintenance costs and rank near the middle in depreciation, financing, and insurance costs.  
• #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.  
• EV Research: AAA in-house experts research consumer sentiment around EVs and their functionality.  

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