What are the 10 best cars we've driven in 2022?

Expand Aurich Lawson | Getty Images

Ah, the annual year-end roundup, when it's time to sit down and reflect on all the vehicles we've tested in 2022. Comparing this year to years past , it's remarkable how many electric vehicles make the list. That's partly because the industry has launched some pretty compelling new electric vehicles this year, but it also reflects our coverage priorities - in the past you've told us loud and clear that you're not very interested in reading new gasoline or diesel models. . Read on to find out what impressed us most in 2022.

1.Kia EV6

Enlarge / Fun to drive and extremely efficient, the EV6 is an exceptional electric vehicle. Jonathan Gitlin

Our winner is actually one of the first cars we tested this year, and it's the Kia EV6. It uses a new 800V EV architecture called E-GMP, shared with last year's winner, the Hyundai Ioniq 5, which delivers impressive levels of efficiency for larger and heavier EVs while offering the one of the best fast charging in the industry. 18 minutes from 10 to 80% on a 350 kW charger. Despite the common roots, the Kia drives very differently compared to the angular Ioniq 5, with a sportier nature. And unlike the Hyundai, the EV6 is sold in all 50 states.

Unfortunately, Kia dropped the cheapest configuration on the list this year: the $40,900 EV6 Light used a smaller battery and motor, but accounted for only about 3% of customer orders, according to the company. Earlier this month, we had the opportunity to test the other end of the spectrum: the $61,400 EV6 GT, which is plenty fast but perhaps overkill.

2. Ford F-150 Lightning

Enlarge / The F-150 Lightning has a very useful locking frunk with built-in power. Jonathan Gitlin

It was a tight thing between the EV6 and Ford's new electric version of the best-selling F-150 pickup, the F-150 Lightning, and if people want to mentally swap those two there, I won't don't go crazy. For years, the F-150 was America's most popular pickup, and aside from a few subtle details, you'd be hard pressed to tell the EV version apart from hybrid and internal combustion F-150s.

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But the Lightning just might be the pick of the bunch. Its electric powertrain is far more efficient than any fossil-fuelled F-150, and with no engine to pack under the hood, Ford was able to fit the trunk with a large lockable storage space up front. The light was designed like a work truck and can use its battery to power a job site or even your home.

However, it may not be so easy to find one. According to Ford's website, "due to high demand, the current model year is no longer available for retail order", and the OEM has raised prices on lower-priced models several times since. ..