Driver interest in advanced safety technology is high and the majority of the category winners for 2021 are either electric, plug-in electric hybrids or hybrids
Orlando, Fla.—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 percent) of drivers say Automatic Emergency Braking, followed by Reverse Automatic Emergency Braking (63 percent) and Lane Keeping Assistance (61 percent).
A majority of new vehicle models come equipped with at least one of those systems. AAA’s annual Car Guide 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 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.
The AAA Car Guide 2021 Winners
Each of the 2021 AAA Car Guide winners have numerous ADAS safety features which generates a higher score. Highest ranked by category are:
| Category | Vehicle |
| Overall | 2020 Tesla Model Y Long Range (electric) |
| Small | 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV Premier (electric) |
| Midsize | 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid |
| Large | 2020 Volvo S90 T8 (plug-in hybrid) |
| Pickup | 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 2WD Crew Cab SLT (diesel) |
| SUV/Minivan | 2020 Tesla Model Y Long Range (electric) |
| Best Under $35,000 | 2020 Subaru Outback premium (gasoline) |
| Best $35,000-$50,000 | 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV Premier (electric) |
| Best Over $50,000 | 2020 Tesla Model Y Long Range (electric) |
The AAA Car Guide also contains a compendium of AAA’s recent research of current automotive technologies and topics, such as advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), gasoline quality, headlight effectiveness and safely transporting a pet in the vehicle.
Winners, detailed evaluation criteria, vehicle reviews and an in-depth analysis of the ADAS technology can be found at aaa.com/carguide.
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