2024 BMW iX xDrive50 Crowned Overall Winner in 2025 AAA Car Guide
AAA has announced the winners of its 2025 AAA Car Guide, with the 2024 BMW iX xDrive50 taking the top honor as the overall winner and the best vehicle in the midsize SUV category. Notably, all category-leading vehicles in this year’s guide are either electric (EV), plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV), or hybrid models from the 2024 or 2025 model years.
This year’s guide also saw the return of the minivan category, with the luxurious 2024 Chrysler Pacifica PHEV Pinnacle earning the top spot.
Megan McKernan, the Automotive Research Center manager at AAA Automobile Club of Southern California, commented on the minivan category, stating, “Minivans are a favored choice for families and offer space for storage. This year’s AAA Car Guide includes a wide variety of categories to help car buyers in their purchasing decisions.”
Key winners in the 2025 AAA Car Guide are equipped with multiple advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), including automatic emergency braking (AEB), reverse automatic emergency braking (RAEB), and lane-keeping assistance (LKA).
The 2024 BMW iX xDrive50, which also won its midsize SUV category, repeats its win from the 2023 AAA Car Guide. AAA researchers highlighted the iX’s impressive range, comfortable ride, responsive steering and handling, and abundant power and low-end torque, noting the popularity of SUVs for their versatility, safety, and comfort.
The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica PHEV Pinnacle stood out in the minivan category as the only minivan offering both gasoline and plug-in hybrid options. AAA researchers praised its fuel-efficient PHEV drivetrain, a useful all-electric range of 32 miles, a spacious cabin with ample storage, and an attractive interior finish, making it ideal for families seeking style, comfort, and practicality.
“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,” concluded 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.
Overall winners, detailed evaluation criteria, vehicle reviews, and an in-depth analysis of the ADAS technology can be found at AAA.com/CarGuide.
