To help members understand the latest automotive technology so they can purchase vehicles that best suit their needs, the Automobile Club of Southern California's Automotive Research Center (ARC) began testing and reviewing vehicles over a decade ago
For the 2025 edition, we include testing and ranking cars and light trucks with the latest technology, including having at least one advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) feature. In addition to vehicle evaluation, the guide covers a number of pertinent automotive topics in detail—for example, the latest advanced safety features, how to properly maintain your vehicle, and new vehicles coming to market in the next few years.
The vehicles tested by the ARC are evaluated based on 15 categories: ADAS features, fuel efficiency, EPA emission score, acceleration, braking, performance handling, ride quality, interior size, ease of entry and exit, visibility, interior noise, cargo capacity, everday drivability, and infotainment usability. The scores for the categories are totaled, and the vehicles are ranked based on their overall score.
