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2022 AAA Car Guide Gives Ford Mustang Mach-E Top Honors

Buying High-Tech Often Means Going Electric

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E Premium AWD earned the overall top score in the 2022 AAA Car Guide. Researchers noted this Mustang has a dramatic new profile, is powerful, electric, quiet, quick, roomy and fun to fun drive.

The AAA Car Guide provides consumers with reviews highlighting how many advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) are included in the vehicle along with other criteria and information. All category winners for 2022 are electric, plug-in electric hybrid or hybrid vehicles. In addition to being highly fuel-efficient, the winners are also loaded with the latest in ADAS features.

New vehicle shoppers primarily want two things in their next ride. According to AAA, nearly 80% of drivers want automakers to focus on improving fuel economy. And 76% want ADAS safety features, like automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assistance, and adaptive cruise control. Addressing these twin desires can be accomplished with the newest batch of electric vehicle (EVs), which are often the most technologically cutting-edge and the most fuel-efficient.

“EV sales, while small, are growing, and the signs are everywhere that the future is electric,” said Megan McKernan, manager of the Automotive Research Center. “And that future may arrive faster with consumer preferences changing because of factors such as high gas prices and the gradual phasing-out of gasoline-powered vehicles in some areas.”

The AAA Car Guide helps consumers navigate the changing automotive marketplace by ranking and rating the newest vehicles available for sale, including alternative fuel vehicles.  It includes comprehensive reviews of each vehicle based on 12 criteria, including the number of ADAS safety features, fuel efficiency, emissions, braking, handling, ride quality, 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. The highest scoring ranked by category are:

CategoryVehicle 
Overall2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E Premium AWD (electric)
Small2021 BMW 330e (plug-in hybrid)
Midsize2021 BMW 530e (plug-in hybrid)
Large2021 Mercedes-Benz S580 4MATIC Sedan (hybrid)
Pickup2021 Ford F-150 XLT SuperCrew Hybrid 4×4
SUV/Minivan2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E Premium AWD (electric)
Best Under $335K2021 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Limited
Best $35K – $50K2021 Volkswagen ID.4 1st Edition (electric)
Best Over $50K2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E Premium AWD (electric)

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

Industry analysts forecast that the COVID-19 pandemic, the semi-conductor chip shortage, and the proliferation of EVs will affect the availability, types, and prices of new and used cars in 2022. For those in the market for a used EV, AAA Washington recommends visiting RecurrentAuto.com for detailed used EV battery health reports before purchasing.

The AAA Car Guide also contains detailed information about AAA’s recent research on current automotive technologies and topics, such as advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), gasoline quality, headlight effectiveness, and safely transporting a pet in the vehicle.

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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