Top 2024 SUVs? Carly Gregg’s Expert Picks
The 2024 SUV market explodes with innovation, performance, and technology that rivals what we saw just five years ago. As someone who’s spent countless hours behind the wheel evaluating these vehicles, I’ve compiled my definitive list of the standout SUVs that deserve your attention this year. Whether you’re prioritizing luxury, off-road capability, fuel efficiency, or family practicality, the 2024 model year delivers exceptional options across every segment.
The SUV category has matured dramatically, with manufacturers investing heavily in electrification, autonomous driving features, and premium cabin materials. From compact crossovers to three-row flagships, the variety ensures that almost every buyer finds their perfect match. My selections reflect real-world performance data, owner satisfaction ratings, and hands-on evaluation across diverse driving conditions.
Luxury Performance Leaders
The BMW X5 M50i stands as my top luxury pick for 2024, combining devastating acceleration with refined handling that feels almost unnatural for a three-row SUV. Its twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 produces 523 horsepower, launching this 4,600-pound vehicle from zero to sixty in 3.8 seconds. The adaptive suspension geometry allows precise body control through corners while maintaining commute-day comfort on highway stretches.
Interior craftsmanship reaches obsessive levels with hand-stitched leather, ambient lighting across forty-one zones, and a panoramic glass roof that transforms the cabin into a luxurious greenhouse. The iDrive 8 infotainment system responds instantaneously to voice commands, and gesture controls let you adjust volume with a swipe. Build quality exceeds competitors, with panel gaps measured in millimeters and materials that whisper premium quality.
The Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 offers an alternative philosophy: turbocharged efficiency married to performance. Its 3.0-liter inline-six with integrated electric motor produces 429 combined horsepower while achieving respectable fuel economy for the segment. The AMG Ride Control suspension uses air springs that adjust stiffness fifty times per second, essentially eliminating body roll during aggressive cornering while maintaining a cloud-like ride quality during relaxed cruising.
Audi’s Q7 TFSI e represents the luxury segment’s embrace of hybrid technology. This plug-in hybrid pairs a turbocharged V6 with a battery pack, delivering up to forty-five miles of all-electric range for daily commutes while maintaining full SUV capability when needed. The virtual cockpit displays crisp digital readouts, and the Bang & Olufsen audio system produces concert-hall acoustics that transform commutes into entertainment experiences.
Best Family Haulers
For families prioritizing space and practicality, the Honda Pilot remains unbeaten in the three-row crossover category. Its 3.5-liter V6 produces 280 horsepower while delivering an EPA-estimated twenty-two miles per gallon combined. The cabin stretches to accommodate eight passengers with genuine legroom in all rows, and the third row folds flat to create 87.8 cubic feet of cargo space—enough for serious road trip gear.
Honda’s engineering philosophy prioritizes reliability, and the Pilot’s track record confirms this commitment. Transmission longevity exceeds industry averages, and owners report minimal maintenance surprises. The ride quality balances sportiness with comfort, making it equally competent on mountain passes and shopping mall parking lots. Advanced Honda Sensing safety features include adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and collision mitigation that actually prevent accidents rather than simply alerting drivers.
The Mazda CX-9 appeals to families who refuse to sacrifice driving dynamics for practicality. Its turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder delivers 250 horsepower with a responsive character that makes school runs feel engaging rather than obligatory. The interior design philosophy emphasizes human-machine interaction, with controls positioned intuitively and materials selected for both durability and aesthetic appeal.
Seating comfort extends across all three rows, though the third row suits younger passengers better than adults on extended journeys. Cargo flexibility impresses, with numerous tie-down points and underfloor storage compartments that organize gear logically. The fuel economy reaches twenty-eight miles per gallon highway, remarkable for a turbocharged vehicle this size.
Kia’s Sorento offers compelling value without compromising on features or reliability. Its 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder produces 280 horsepower, and the eight-speed automatic transmission shifts seamlessly through powerband transitions. Three rows of seating accommodate families, with the third row offering genuine space for passengers up to around six feet tall.
Kia’s warranty—ten years or one hundred thousand miles on the powertrain—provides peace of mind that extends beyond the initial purchase. The interior quality surprises at this price point, with soft-touch materials throughout and an intuitive twelve-point-three-inch touchscreen that responds instantly to inputs. Insurance costs run lower than competitors, making total cost of ownership particularly attractive.
Electric SUV Champions
The Tesla Model Y Long Range represents the electric SUV mainstream, combining five-passenger capacity with impressive range and performance. Its dual-motor all-wheel drive system produces 384 horsepower and covers zero to sixty in five point one seconds. The 353-mile EPA range handles most daily driving plus weekend adventures without range anxiety complications.
Tesla’s Supercharger network provides unmatched charging infrastructure across North America, with stations strategically positioned along major travel corridors. Home charging via a Wall Connector adds fifty miles of range per hour, making daily commute charging effortless. The interior minimalism appeals to tech-forward buyers, with a seventeen-inch central display controlling all vehicle functions and over-the-air software updates continuously improving functionality.
BMW’s iX xDrive50 offers luxury-focused electrification with stunning design language. Dual electric motors produce 516 horsepower, accelerating this premium SUV from zero to sixty in 4.6 seconds while delivering 380 miles of EPA-estimated range. The panoramic glass roof extends forward to the windshield, creating an airy cabin atmosphere that feels nothing like traditional SUVs.
The iX’s interior prioritizes sustainability, with recycled materials throughout and leather-free upholstery options available. Gesture controls, voice commands, and the iDrive 8 interface create an intuitive user experience. Fast charging capabilities allow eighty percent capacity restoration in approximately thirty-five minutes using DC fast charging infrastructure.
Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 proves that electric vehicles need not sacrifice style for substance. Its platform-agnostic design accommodates various powertrains, and the 2024 model offers up to 320 miles of range in the Long Range configuration. The 800-volt architecture enables incredibly fast charging—reaching eighty percent in eighteen minutes with optimal conditions.
The Ioniq 5’s boxy proportions maximize interior space, creating a cabin that feels significantly larger than exterior dimensions suggest. Seating comfort impresses across all positions, and the minimalist interior design aesthetic appeals to buyers seeking departure from traditional SUV conventions. Hyundai’s warranty rivals Kia’s, providing extensive coverage across major components.
Outstanding Value Picks
The Toyota RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid delivers remarkable efficiency without the premium pricing of luxury alternatives. Its 2.5-liter four-cylinder paired with electric motors produces 302 horsepower while achieving fifty-four miles per gallon equivalent combined. The battery pack provides forty-two miles of all-electric range, sufficient for most commuters to operate as a pure electric vehicle on workdays.
Toyota’s legendary reliability translates to minimal depreciation and strong resale value. The RAV4 Prime qualifies for federal tax credits in many configurations, effectively reducing the purchase price by up to seven thousand five hundred dollars. Regular maintenance remains straightforward, with traditional service intervals and parts availability that exceed most competitors.
The Subaru Outback appeals to buyers seeking versatility without sacrificing on-road manners. Its standard all-wheel drive system excels in diverse weather conditions, while the 2.5-liter boxer engine produces 182 horsepower with a distinctive character that Subaru enthusiasts cherish. The raised ride height accommodates light off-road exploration, yet the suspension tuning prioritizes highway refinement.
Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist safety technology ranks among the most advanced in the industry, consistently earning top safety ratings from the IIHS. The all-wheel drive system distributes power intelligently across wheels, providing confidence in snow, rain, and light off-road scenarios. Interior space impresses for a vehicle this size, with fold-flat rear seats creating cavernous cargo areas.
The Chevrolet Equinox offers American value with modern technology. Its 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder produces 170 horsepower while achieving twenty-eight miles per gallon combined—respectable for a vehicle this spacious. The GM Infotainment system integrates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto seamlessly, and the available Super Cruise semi-autonomous driving feature handles highway driving with impressive capability.
General Motors’ commitment to electrification means multiple powertrain options, including a turbocharged variant that delivers stronger performance. The Equinox’s warranty provides basic coverage that extends favorably compared to Asian competitors, and depreciation curves follow predictable patterns that make ownership economics favorable.
Off-Road Specialists
The Jeep Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid bridges the gap between extreme off-road capability and daily usability. Its 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder paired with electric motors produces 375 horsepower and delivers twenty-one miles of all-electric range. The hybrid system’s instant torque delivery benefits low-speed trail driving, while the gasoline engine handles highway cruising efficiently.
Jeep’s legendary approach angles and departure angles exceed most competitors, with thirty-seven degrees approach angle and thirty-four degrees departure angle enabling serious rock crawling. The electronic locking differentials provide trail-proven traction control, and the disconnecting sway bar optimizes suspension articulation. The removable doors and fold-down windshield transform the Wrangler into a genuine open-air vehicle when weather permits.
The Ford Bronco returns to challenge Jeep’s off-road dominance with modern engineering and impressive capability. Its 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 produces 312 horsepower, and the electronic locking front and rear differentials distribute power intelligently across wheels. The four-wheel drive system offers multiple modes, including terrain response settings that optimize performance for rocks, sand, mud, and snow.
Bronco’s design balances retro appeal with contemporary technology, featuring a modern infotainment system and advanced safety features alongside traditional off-road equipment. The removable hardtop and doors provide genuine open-air capability, while the modular interior design allows reconfiguration for various adventures. The two-door variant offers superior breakover angles compared to the four-door model, though the four-door provides practical daily usability.
The Toyota 4Runner represents traditional off-road SUV philosophy with body-on-frame construction and genuine low-range transfer case. Its 5.0-liter V8 produces 389 horsepower, providing adequate power for highway driving while delivering the mechanical advantage needed for serious trail work. The ladder-frame chassis flexes with terrain, absorbing impacts that would overwhelm unibody designs.
The 4Runner’s approach angle reaches thirty-three degrees, and the departure angle reaches twenty-eight degrees, enabling legitimate off-road exploration. Multi-terrain select adjusts traction control parameters for different surfaces, optimizing performance whether traversing rocky mountains or sandy beaches. Brake maintenance requires attention on extended off-road adventures, where repeated downhill braking generates significant heat.
FAQ
What makes the 2024 SUV market different from previous years?
The 2024 model year emphasizes electrification and autonomous driving features more heavily than ever before. Manufacturers have refined battery technology, extending range capabilities while reducing charging times. Interior quality across price segments has increased substantially, with materials and craftsmanship that previously appeared only in luxury vehicles now filtering into mainstream offerings. Safety technology has become standard rather than optional, with collision avoidance and driver assistance systems appearing across virtually all new models.
Which 2024 SUV offers the best fuel economy?
The EPA fuel economy leader depends on drivetrain preference. Among gasoline vehicles, the Mazda CX-9 achieves twenty-eight miles per gallon highway. Plug-in hybrids like the Toyota RAV4 Prime deliver exceptional efficiency, achieving fifty-four miles per gallon equivalent combined with substantial all-electric range. Full electric vehicles like the Tesla Model Y and BMW iX eliminate gasoline consumption entirely, though efficiency measurements shift to miles per kilowatt-hour.
Are 2024 SUVs reliable based on available data?
Reliability varies by manufacturer, with Toyota, Lexus, and Honda demonstrating consistently strong track records. BMW and Mercedes-Benz typically show higher maintenance costs despite comprehensive warranties. Subaru’s reliability ratings rank favorably for all-wheel drive vehicles. MotorTrend and Car and Driver provide detailed long-term reliability assessments based on extensive testing. New model years typically demonstrate strong reliability, as manufacturers address previous generation issues with engineering refinements.
Which 2024 SUV best suits families with young children?
The Honda Pilot excels for families, offering three genuine rows of seating, excellent safety ratings, and reliable engineering. The Mazda CX-9 provides similar space with more engaging driving dynamics. The Toyota Highlander serves families prioritizing reliability and resale value. All three offer comprehensive safety features, including collision mitigation and blind-spot monitoring that protect young passengers.
Can I use a 2024 SUV for serious off-roading?
Genuine off-road capability requires specific engineering. The Jeep Wrangler 4xe, Ford Bronco, and Toyota 4Runner offer legitimate trail capability with electronic locking differentials, low-range transfer cases, and adequate ground clearance. Most crossovers prioritize on-road dynamics over off-road performance, though all-wheel drive systems provide confidence in adverse weather and light unpaved roads. Visit manufacturer websites for detailed specification comparisons and capability assessments.
What warranty coverage do 2024 SUVs typically include?
Warranties vary significantly. Toyota and Lexus typically offer three years or thirty-six thousand miles basic coverage with five years or sixty thousand miles powertrain coverage. Kia and Hyundai provide ten years or one hundred thousand miles powertrain coverage, among the most comprehensive available. BMW and Mercedes-Benz offer four years or fifty thousand miles basic coverage with extended options available. Review the Drive Pulse Daily Blog for detailed warranty comparisons across specific models.
