2022's Best Cars: Edmunds Top Rated Award Winners

Ultimate Car Guide: Expert-Tested Winners

Choosing your next vehicle feels overwhelming with countless options. After analyzing Edmunds' exhaustive 75+ vehicle testing process – including track performance, real-world road evaluations, and specialized EV range assessments – we've identified the absolute best models across categories. These winners represent peak performance, innovation, and value in 2022.

Edmunds' Testing Methodology: Why Trust These Results?

Every awarded vehicle endured Edmunds' standardized evaluation: instrumented track testing, 500+ mile real-world driving loops, daily livability assessments, and (for EVs) proprietary range verification. As Head of Testing Jonathan Elfalan explains: "We measure both how far an EV will go on a single charge and its efficiency on real roads." This multi-phase approach eliminates marketing hype – evidenced when a prominent luxury EV brand declined participation, acknowledging their vehicle wasn't ready for this scrutiny.

Category Champions: Detailed Breakdown

Top Truck: Ford F-150

Retaining its crown, the F-150 dominates through unmatched versatility. Six engine choices (including a hybrid achieving 24 mpg combined), multiple cab configurations, and class-leading 14,000 lb towing capacity make it the ultimate workhorse. Key innovations like the fold-flat shifter creating a desktop workspace and available 7.2kW onboard generator set it apart. As Edmunds' Ryan ZumMallen notes: "It leads in payload, towing, and tech while delivering expected capability."

Best SUV: Kia Telluride (3-Time Winner)

The Telluride continues its reign by balancing luxury, space, and value. Its standard 291HP V6 provides confident power, while the cabin comfortably seats eight adults – a rarity in midsize SUVs. For 2022, it added a larger standard touchscreen, improved adaptive cruise, and sleeker branding. The 10-year/100,000-mile warranty demonstrates Kia's confidence. Testers praised its "surprisingly luxurious accommodations" without premium pricing.

Luxury SUV Standout: Genesis GV70

This newcomer dethroned established brands by offering bold design and exceptional value. Standard all-wheel drive, quilted leather seats, and a stunning metal oval dashboard interface create a $60,000 experience at $45,000 pricing. It outperformed rivals like the Mercedes GLC in cargo space (28.9 cu ft) and safety tech calibration. Editor Mark Takahashi confirms: "Interior quality rivals established luxury marques at thousands less."

Electric Vehicle Leader: Tesla Model 3

Despite newer competitors, the Model 3 remains the EV benchmark. Its Long Range version achieved 353 miles in Edmunds' real-world testing – topping most rivals. The Supercharger network advantage and recent upgrades (wireless charging, blacked-out trim) maintain its edge. Editors noted significant build quality improvements and praised its blend of daily comfort and exhilarating acceleration.

Luxury EV Excellence: Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo

This electric wagon combines sports car dynamics with SUV practicality. Its 750HP turbo variant accelerates to 60mph in 2.7 seconds, while the raised air suspension and 425L front trunk enable active lifestyles. Crucially, it exceeded its EPA estimate with 246 miles in Edmunds' testing. Performance Editor Jonathan Elfalan states: "It handles unlike any EV – a proper Porsche first, electric second."

Best Sedan: Honda Civic

The redesigned Civic reclaimed its title through refined comfort and practicality. Its 1.5L turbo engine (180HP) achieves 36 mpg highway while offering spirited acceleration. The cabin features premium soft-touch materials, and rear legroom (37.4 inches) rivals midsize sedans. Testers highlighted its "adult-friendly back seat and massive 15.1 cu ft trunk" – rare in compacts.

Beyond the Winners: Key Trends & Insights

The Rivian Effect: Why an Editors' Choice Award?

Edmunds created a new award specifically for the Rivian R1T, recognizing its groundbreaking impact. This electric truck delivered unprecedented performance: 835HP, 11,000 lb towing, and a 317-mile tested range. Clever features like the waterproof Gear Tunnel and removable Bluetooth speaker showcase innovative thinking. While expensive ($73,000), it proves EVs can outperform gas trucks in every metric – including off-road capability via tank-turn functionality.

Market Shifts to Watch

• Hybrid Dominance: Winners like the F-150 Hybrid and Tucson Hybrid prove electrification isn't just for EVs.
• Value Redefined: Brands like Kia and Genesis now outscore luxury stalwarts in interior quality and features per dollar.
• Testing Transparency: Edmunds' public range test methodology (showing real-world vs. EPA results) sets new industry standards.

Your Next Steps: Expert Recommendations

Immediate Action Checklist

1. Identify Your Must-Haves: Towing? Third row? 300+ mile range? Cross-reference with category winners.
2. Test Drive Like a Pro: Focus on:
   • Seat comfort after 30 minutes
   • Infotainment intuitiveness while driving
   • Rear visibility with passengers
3. Compare Ownership Costs: Use Edmunds' True Cost to Own® tool factoring each winner's warranty.

Recommended Resources

• Edmunds' EV Range Test Database: Compare real-world results (essential before buying electric).
• CR Reliability Surveys: Supplement Edmunds' testing with long-term durability data.
• Turo: Rent winners like the Telluride or Taycan for 24+ hour real-world testing.

"Which winner surprised you most? Share your test drive experiences below!" – Your feedback helps future buyers.

Final Verdict

The 2022 winners prove excellence isn't defined by price tags: From the $28,000 Subaru BRZ sports car to the $111,000 Porsche Taycan, each excels through rigorous testing. As Alistair Weaver summarizes: "These nine represent the best combination of innovation, capability, and value in their segments." For detailed test data on all winners, visit Edmunds.com/toprated.