When AAA released its list of the best cars of 2026, one detail stood out immediately.

Most of them aren't gas-powered.

In fact, nearly every top pick runs either fully or partially on electricity. It's a surprising result, especially considering gasoline vehicles still make up about 90% of the cars on U.S. roads—and most American drivers say they still prefer them.

So what’s going on?

Gas-powered cars weren’t left out of the running. AAA researchers tested and ranked 76 cars and light trucks, including hybrids, electric vehicles, gas-powered cars, and certain diesel models. Each car is scored across 14 categories, including fuel efficiency, ride quality, acceleration, interior noise, and advanced safety features. And those are all areas where electric vehicles tend to stand out.

Electric motors are significantly more efficient than traditional engines, which helps keep energy costs down. In many cases, annual “fuel” costs for EVs come in well below gas-powered vehicles. They also deliver quick acceleration and a smoother, quieter ride, thanks to fewer moving parts.

Hybrids, which combine a gas engine with an electric motor, show up on the list for many of the same reasons. They improve fuel economy, reduce emissions, and still operate like a familiar gas-powered vehicle. For drivers with shorter commutes, some plug-in hybrids can even stretch a tank of gas for months at a time.

That doesn't mean gas cars are going away anytime soon. They're still easy to refuel, widely available, and supported by a massive infrastructure. Readers interested in new gas-powered vehicles can find reviews in the 2026 AAA Car Guide. But as automakers invest more in electric models, many of the newest innovations are showing up there first.

When you look at it all together, the pattern becomes clearer. The qualities AAA uses to define a “best car” today—efficiency, comfort, performance, and advanced technology—are increasingly the same qualities electric and hybrid vehicles are built around. Plus, with higher gas prices, consumer interest in EVs may increase.

For drivers, it raises a simple question: if today's best cars are trending electric, is it worth taking a closer look?

Standout picks from AAA's 2026 Car Guide

A few vehicles stood out across key categories:

🏆 Best Overall: 2026 Lucid Gravity Touring
Overall score: 112 out of 140

An all-electric luxury SUV with up to 450 miles of range, the Lucid Gravity stood out for its smooth and powerful performance, spacious interior, and refined ride quality.
 

🚙 Best Small SUV: 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
Overall score: 107 out of 140

A high-performance version of Hyundai’s popular electric SUV, the Ioniq 5 N was noted for its sharp handling, quick acceleration, and surprisingly fun driving experience.

⛽ Highest Rated Gas-Powered Car: 2026 BMW X7 M60i xDrive
Overall score: 100 out of 140

It may not be surprising that BMW's largest SUV scored highly. Reviewers loved the combination of comfort and power, as well as the suite of advanced safety features. 



🛻 Best Pickup: 2025 Chevrolet Silverado EV LT Extended Range
Overall score: 98 out of 140

An all-electric pickup with strong power and up to 390 miles of range, the Chevrolet Silverado EV impressed with its quick acceleration, smooth ride, and spacious, flexible interior.



💰 Best Vehicle Under $40K: 2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV LT1
Overall score: 95 out of 140

The Chevrolet Equinox EV delivers value for an electric SUV, combining solid range, everyday comfort, and a well-equipped, spacious interior.

Explore all of AAA's top-rated vehicles across every category in the 2026 AAA Car Guide.

EXPLORE THE GUIDE