2021 AAA Car Guide Offers Inside Track for the Latest in Vehicle Tech

Tesla Model Y Takes Top Honors – Majority of Winners are Eco-Friendly

Editor Note: click here for b-roll and here for photos of the winning vehicles

BELLEVUE, Wash. — According to AAA, driver interest in advanced safety technology is high. When asked which of these systems they want in their next vehicle, two-thirds (67%) of drivers say Automatic Emergency Braking, followed by Reverse Automatic Emergency Braking (63%) and Lane Keeping Assistance (61%). A majority of new vehicle models come equipped with at least one of these systems. To help consumers navigate the marketplace, AAA created its annual AAA Car Guide, which ranks and rates the latest in vehicle technology, including alternative fuel vehicles.  

For the 2021 edition of the Car Guide, the 2020 Tesla Model Y Long Range EV SUV has earned the overall top score. The Car Guide provides consumers with reviews highlighting how many advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) are included in the vehicle as well as other criteria and information. The majority of the category winners for 2021 are either electric, plug-in electric hybrids or hybrids since manufacturers tend to load up these with the newest in safety technology.

The guide includes comprehensive, easy-to-read reviews of each vehicle, which are based on 13 criteria, including the number of ADAS safety features, emissions, braking, fuel economy, handling, ride comfort and acceleration. These vehicles are tested, scored and placed in one of five vehicle categories by the Automotive Research Center (ARC) of the Automobile Club of Southern California, a member of the AAA federation of motor clubs. 

“We know that consumers are very interested in new vehicle technology for the safety features,” said Megan McKernan, manager of the Automotive Research Center.  “However, AAA research also shows that drivers don’t always understand the technical limits of these features and the AAA Car Guide is an easy-to-understand resource that can help improve their understanding.”

Industry analysts forecast that 2021 will be a more robust car-buying year than last year because of new models and pent-up demand by the growing number of vaccinated Americans.  After about a year of learning to sell vehicles during a pandemic, dealers are experienced in keeping employees and customers safe, cleaning and disinfecting dealership facilities and vehicles and safely handling sales operations.

“Compared to even five years ago, today’s vehicles have many more features and systems that a driver must learn, including new vehicle technology and how the vehicle is powered – either gasoline, an alternative fuel, hybrid, plug-in hybrid or electric,” added McKernan. “The learning curve and decisions to be made can be daunting, and our evaluations in the AAA Car Guide are designed to help drivers select a safe and comfortable vehicle that meets their needs.”

Each of the 2021 AAA Car Guide winners have numerous ADAS safety features which generates a higher score. Highest ranked by category are:

CategoryVehicle
Overall2020 Tesla Model Y Long Range (electric)
Small2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV Premier (electric)
Midsize2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
Large2020 Volvo S90 T8 (plug-in hybrid)
Pickup2020 GMC Sierra 1500 2WD Crew Cat SLT (diesel)
SUV/Minivan2020 Tesla Model Y Long Range (electric)
Best Under $35,0002020 Subaru Outback premium (gasoline)
Best $35,000 – $50,0002020 Chevrolet Bolt EV Premier (electric)
Best Over $50,0002020 Tesla Model Y Long Range (electric)

The AAA Car Guide also contains an overview of AAA’s recent research of current automotive technologies and topics, such as ADAS, gasoline quality, headlight effectiveness and safely transporting pets in a vehicle.

Winners, detailed evaluation criteria, vehicle reviews and an in-depth analysis of the ADAS technology can be found at aaa.com/carguide.

About AAA Washington:

AAA Washington was established in 1904 by 10 prominent Seattleites determined to champion the betterment of motoring conditions and laws, the preservation of Washington state’s natural beauty and the promotion of Washington as an unrivaled tourist destination. Nearly 120 years later, the club continues to pursue these on behalf of its 1.2 million members. 

Members of AAA Washington receive exclusive benefits, including roadside assistance, discounts on hotels and rental cars, comprehensive insurance options, and personalized trip planning. AAA Washington was named a Best Place to Work by Puget Sound Business Journal and voted the best Travel/Tourism Company by 425 Business readers in 2023, and AAA was named one of the most trusted travel and automotive brands in the U.S. Additional information is available through the company’s Washington and northern Idaho stores and at www.AAA.com. 

About AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety:

Established in 1947 by AAA, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety is a nonprofit, publicly funded, 501(c)(3) charitable research and educational organization. The AAA Foundation’s mission is to prevent traffic deaths and injuries by conducting research into their causes and by educating the public about strategies to prevent crashes and reduce injuries when they do occur. This research is used to develop educational materials for drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists and other road users. Visit www.AAAFoundation.org.

Media Contact

Fearey o/b/o AAA Washington 
AAA@feareygroup.com 
206-838-9209 

Twitter: @AAA_Washington
Facebook: AAA Washington
Instagram: aaawashington

Interested in planning your next road trip with AAA Washington? Call your travel agent directly or your nearest AAA store to get pro tips, TripTik maps, and more. Find more Pacific Northwest scenic drives and road trips.

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