Ever since their introduction, automobiles have revolutionized transportation as we know it, rapidly evolving into the advanced vehicles of all shapes and sizes we see today. Whether you view these machines as simple modes of transport from point A to point B, work partners to haul what you need, or even escapes into remote landscapes, they add freedom to our lives. That’s why the Popular Mechanics automotive test team has been hard at work putting cars, trucks, electric vehicles, and automotive accessories through their paces to point you to the best.
We’ve driven hundreds of miles around some of the country’s best roads, trails, and race tracks. Whether that’s howling through the off-road short course at Rausch Creek Off-Road Park here in Pennsylvania or clambering into some of the technical corners at Utah Motorsports Campus, we’ve given each vehicle a proper workout. And the ones that remain below have proven worthy of being called automotive excellence.
The best automobiles for growing families, off-road enthusiasts, and even track-day warriors.
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Best Hot Hatchback
Toyota GR Corolla
Credit: Matthew Crisara
Best All-Wheel-Drive Sedan
Subaru WRX
Credit: Trevor Raab
Best All-Wheel-Drive Off-Roader
Honda Passport Trailsport
Credit: Matthew Crisara
Best Off-Road SUV
Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro
Credit: Matthew Crisara
Best Rear-Wheel-Drive Sports Car
Nissan Z
Credit: Matthew Crisara
Best Off-Roader
Ford Bronco
Credit: Matthew Crisara
Best Family SUV
Kia Telluride
Credit: Courtesy Kia
Best Performance Sedan
Hyundai Elantra N
Credit: David Dewhurst Photography
Best Luxury Sedan
Bentley Flying Spur Hybrid
Credit: Trevor Raab
Best All-Wheel-Drive Sports Car
BMW M240i xDrive
Credit: Trevor Raab
Trucks for everything from accompanying your weekend project all the way to blasting through sand whoops at Baja.
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Best Electric Super Truck
GMC Hummer EV
Credit: Trevor Raab
Best Value
Ford Maverick
Credit: Courtesy Ford
Best On-Road Manners
Honda Ridgeline
Credit: Courtesy Honda
Best Compact
Hyundai Santa Cruz
Credit: Courtesy Hyundai
Best Rock Crawler
Chevrolet Silverado ZR2
Credit: Courtesy Chevrolet
Best High-Speed Off-Roader
Ram 1500 TRX
Credit: Matthew Crisara
Best Budget Off-Road Performance
Toyota Tacoma SR5 Trail
Credit: Matthew Crisara
Best All-Around Truck
Toyota Tundra TRD Pro
Credit: Matthew Crisara
Bringing the noise on electric avenue.
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Best Affordable All-Wheel-Drive EV
Hyundai Ioniq 5
Credit: Trevor Raab
Best Handling
Kia EV6 (GT-Line)
Credit: Courtesy Kia
Best EV Grand Tourer
BMW iX M60
Credit: Trevor Raab
Best EV Interior
Mercedes-Benz EQS
Credit: Trevor Raab
Best Electric Truck
Ford F-150 Lightning
Credit: Matthew Crisara
Best Electric Off-Roader
Rivian R1S
Credit: Courtesy Rivian
Best Approachable EV
Volvo XC40 Recharge
Credit: Courtesy Volvo
Best Luxury EV
Jaguar I-Pace
Credit: Trevor Raab
Tools, awnings, and other goodies to simplify your next journey.
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Best Jack Tool
AGM-Products Jack Rod Stand
Credit: Trevor Raab
Best License Plate Delete
BumperPlugs
Credit: Trevor Raab
Best Combo Torque Wrench
MichaelPro Click Through Torque Wrench
Credit: Trevor Raab
Best EV Charging Adapter
Lectron Tesla-to-J1772 Adapter
Credit: Trevor Raab
Best Portable Water System
Dometic Go Hydration Water Faucet
Credit: Matthew Crisara
Best Portable Air Mattress
Luno Air Mattress 2.0
Credit: Matthew Crisara
Best Aftermarket Wheel
Nomad Wheels
Credit: Matthew Crisara
Best Rooftop Awning
iKamper ExoShell 270 Awning
Credit: Matthew Crisara
Matt Crisara is a native Austinite who has an unbridled passion for cars and motorsports, both foreign and domestic, and as the Autos Editor for Popular Mechanics, he writes the majority of automotive coverage across digital and print. He was previously a contributing writer for Motor1 following internships at Circuit Of The Americas F1 Track and Speed City, an Austin radio broadcaster focused on the world of motor racing. He earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Arizona School of Journalism, where he raced mountain bikes with the University Club Team. When he isn’t working, he enjoys sim-racing, FPV drones, and the great outdoors.
Will is the deputy editor for gear, leading product coverage for Popular Mechanics.
