You just can’t ‘muzzle’ a Mustang! The 2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E Premium AWD, an all-electric luxury SUV, has earned the top overall score in this year’s AAA Car Guide that helps consumers easily ride through the car-buying marketplace.
This year’s Guide reviewed 62 vehicles, rating them based on 12 criteria, including advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) safety features, fuel efficiency, emissions, braking, handling, ride quality and acceleration. The Automobile Club of Southern California’s Automotive Research Center tested the cars.
The Mustang also ranked highest in the SUV/Minivan category and the Best Vehicle in Over $50,000.
Each of this year’s winners are either electric, plug-in electric hybrid, or hybrid vehicles, appropriate given that 80% of consumers want automakers to focus on improved fuel economy. Highest ranked vehicles by category are:
| Category | Vehicle |
| Overall | 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E Premium AWD (electric) |
| Small | 2021 BMW 330e (plug-in hybrid) |
| Midsize | 2021 BMW 530e (plug-in hybrid) |
| Large | 2021 Mercedes-Benz S580 4MATIC Sedan (hybrid) |
| Pickup | 2021 Ford F-150 XLT SuperCrew Hybrid 4×4 |
| SUV/Minivan | 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E Premium AWD (electric) |
| Best Under $35K | 2021 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Limited |
| Best $35K – $50K | 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 1st Edition (electric) |
| Best Over $50K | 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E Premium AWD (electric) |
“The signs are everywhere that the future is electric,” said Megan McKernan, Automotive Research Center manager. “And that future may arrive faster with consumer preferences changing because of high gas prices and the gradual phasing out of gas-powered vehicles.”
Last year, electric vehicle sales totaled 477,000, representing 3.3% of total vehicles sales in this country. The number reflects an 82% increase over 2020. In Connecticut, 9,746 electric vehicles were registered in 2021, more than those registered in 2019 and 2020 combined.
Detailed evaluations and reviews are available at aaa.com/carguide. For those in the market for newer used vehicles, the online AAA Car Guide also contains links to the two prior editions in 2021 and 2020.