Edmunds has released its top-rated vehicle picks for 2024, recognizing the models that have continued to set the standard for excellence in their segment.
Electric vehicles and hybrids earned much of the spotlight in Edmund’s list this year. Although electrification ambitions appear to be cooling in 2024, the widespread disillusionment with the battery-powered car market has done little to prevent manufacturers from releasing some of the best-designed, most technologically advanced models in automotive history for the EV segment.
On the other hand, where EVs have struggled to garner popularity due to their cost and the nation’s lack of charging infrastructure, hybrids continue to offer consistent affordability, reliability, and accessibility, driving sales up across all buyer demographics.
Edmunds named the Toyota Prius as the top-rated car, beating out last year’s winner, the Honda Civic. The title of best SUV was also given to a hybrid, Kia’s Sportage, marking the vehicle’s second consecutive year on the list. In fact, the only traditional gas-powered model to appear in this year’s awards was the Chevrolet Colorado, a surprise victory that ended the Ford F-150’s long-defended position at the top of its class.
Regarding fully electric vehicles, Edmunds divided the segment into three categories: cars, SUVs, and trucks. The BMW i5 took home the trophy for best electric car, while the Kia EV9 and Ford F-150 Lightning placed first in the electric SUV and pickup categories. Last year’s winners were the Chevrolet Bolt and Hyundai’s Ioniq 5. Although the Lightning was also rated as last year’s top battery-powered pickup, 2023 was also the first year Edmunds included the category. In 2022, the Rivian R1T, then the only electric truck on the market, was given the “Editors’ Choice” award.
Edmunds’ top overall pick for 2024 was the Kia EV9, underlining how quickly zero-emission vehicles have transformed the public’s perspective of the automotive market. Although EV sales appear to be stagnating, if automakers continue to release high-quality models for the segment, then it is not inconceivable that next year’s list will be exclusively comprised of EVs and hybrids.
