The new year brings more than just a fresh start. Cars that were released a year or two ago will hit the used car market as leases end. That can be a win for you as a buyer because you can get a relatively new vehicle for a fraction of the cost (even with continued high prices for used models). Here are the best used cars to look for in 2024, based on rankings from the AAA Car Guide.
1. Small EV: 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV 2LT
The 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV 2LT boasts a 259-mile range and 120 miles per gallon of gasoline-equivalent (MPGe) combined. The vehicle took the top spot in the small vehicle category in the AAA Car Guide thanks to its smooth transmission, fast acceleration, comfort, and features.
The vehicle has LED headlights, automatic emergency braking, forward-collision alert, and IntelliBeam®, which automatically turns high beams on and off. Other features include Rear Park Assist, HD Surround Vision, and Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert.
For your comfort, there are heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and more than enough legroom. On top of that, the Chevrolet Bolt is an economical, affordable option for consumers who want an electrical vehicle.
2. Small: 2022 Honda Civic 2.0L 4D Sport
The 2022 Honda Civic 2.0L 4D Sport comes in two options: a 4-door hatchback or a sedan style. The sporty exterior is sleek, while the interior offers great space and comfort. Plus, the car has a high-fuel economy rating at 33 mpg combined.
The car has LED headlights and advanced safety features such as an anti-lock braking system (ABS), forward-collision warning, multi-angle rearview camera, and more. The 2022 Civic was also the Small Car/4-door sedan 2022 Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
3. Midsize EV: 2022 BMW i4 M50
First place in the midsize category on the AAA Car Guide, this electric sedan has a range of 240 miles on full charge, though it’s estimated it could go up to 300 miles.
The car’s most attractive features are its speed and charging abilities. The 2022 BMW i4 M50 can go from 0 to 60 in 5.5 seconds and can charge up to 80% in 40 minutes using a Level 2 charger.
This all-wheel drive, luxury 5-seater has both form and function. The car has safety features such as emergency braking assist, a pre-collision safety system, blind-spot warnings, tire pressure monitoring, and more.
4. Midsize: 2023 Toyota Camry Hybrid SE Nightshade
The Camry has been a top-selling vehicle for years, and for good reason. The 2023 Toyota Camry Hybrid SE Nightshade is the AAA Car Guide’s winner for both midsize and cars under $35,000.
The vehicle has LED headlights and safety features such as collision sensors, tire pressure monitoring, and Toyota Safety Sense™, which includes pedestrian detection, lane-departure alert, and more.
All of these features led the 2023 Toyota Camry to be ranked a 2023 Top Safety Pick by IIHS for a mid-size car/4-door sedan. When looking for a used model, make sure to get one that was made after January 2023, which is when the rating applies.
5. SUV EV: 2022 BMW iX xDrive50
If you’re looking for a sophisticated, comfortable, and spacious SUV that happens to be electric, take the 2022 BMW iX xDrive50 for a spin. The EPA-estimated range is 324 miles with a fuel efficiency of 86 MPGe. When using a DC fast charger, the SUV can go from 10% to 80% in 40 minutes.
The exterior is bold and refined, while the interior is spacious and includes plenty of options for storage. The 2022 BMW iX xDrive50 includes advanced safety features like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, blind-spot warning, advanced headlights, and a range of other optional features.
The power, design, and features of the 2022 BMW iX xDrive50 earned it top spot for SUVs and also cars over 50k in the AAA Car Guide.
6. SUV: 2022 Volvo XC60 Recharge T8 Inscription
The 2022 Volvo XC60 Recharge T8 Inscription is a luxury SUV hybrid with a powerful acceleration, a spacious interior, and excellent suspension. The all-electric range is 35 miles and the EPA Combined MPGe is 63.
Safety features include advanced headlights, blind-spot warning, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. The XC60 Recharge was an IIHS 2022 Top Safety Pick.
7. Minivan Hybrid: 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Limited
If you’re looking for a family vehicle with good fuel efficiency, consider the 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Limited. Launched in 2017, the Chrysler Pacifica broke the mold as the only plug-in hybrid minivan on the market. The minivan gets up to 32 miles of electric range and has an EPA-estimated 30mpg combined as a hybrid.
The interior is spacious with lots of legroom and holds up to seven passengers. Entertainment features keep kids entertained with the available Uconnect Theater Family Group, which offers movies and games on the rear-seat screens. You can also get a bird's eye view of what’s going on in the back while in the driver's seat thanks to the FamCam.
The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Limited was an IIHS 2022 Top Safety Pick thanks to advanced safety features like blind-spot warning, lane-departure warning, and forward-collision warning, among other standard features.
8. Minivan: 2022 Kia Carnival SX
The 2022 Kia Carnival SX took first place in the minivan category as well as cars from 35k to 50k in the AAA Car Guide. In addition to comfortably carrying eight passengers, the Carnival’s appearance looks like a mix of an SUV and a minivan, making it a unique and attractive option.
The car ranked high on advanced safety features, including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and advanced headlights. The 2022 Kia Carnival SX built after March 2021 was a 2022 Top Safety Pick by IIHS.
9. Pickup EV: 2022 Rivian R1T Adventure
The 2022 Rivian R1T Adventure was the AAA Car Guide’s pickup winner. This electric truck gives you a range of 300 miles while offering the spaciousness and utility of a regular pickup.
The car stays true to its “adventure” name with features like Camp Mode, Soft Sand Mode, and Pet Comfort Mode so you can navigate a variety of situations smoothly. Other perks include a large front trunk, space for gear, a security camera system, and a power-retractable tonneau cover.
Safety features include advanced headlights, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, forward-collision warning, and lane-departure warning, making the 2022 Rivian R1T Adventure a 2022 Top Safety Pick by IIHS.
10. Pickup: 2022 Toyota Tundra 4x4 Limited Crewmax 5.5
Looking for a large pickup that can handle off-road driving and has smooth shifting? The 2022 Toyota Tundra 4x4 Limited Crewmax 5.5, with four-wheel drive and a 10-speed transmission, may be your match.
This pickup can tow up to 12,000 lbs and has a roomy cabin, though getting in and out takes a little more work without side steps. The EPA combined mpg is 19, and the gas tank holds a whopping 32.2 gallons.
Advanced safety features include automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, advanced headlights, and more, making the 2022 Toyota Tundra 4x4 Limited Crewmax 5.5 a 2022 Top Safety Pick by IIHS.