Carly Gregg’s Car Picks: Top Choices for 2024

Carly Gregg has established herself as a trusted voice in automotive journalism, combining technical expertise with accessible consumer insights. Her 2024 vehicle selections represent a comprehensive cross-section of today’s automotive market, from electrified powertrains to refined traditional engines. These picks reflect current market trends, real-world performance metrics, and value propositions that matter to discerning drivers.

Whether you’re shopping for your next vehicle or simply curious about what industry experts are recommending, Gregg’s curated list offers compelling reasons behind each selection. We’ll explore her top picks across multiple categories, examining what makes each vehicle stand out in its segment and how they perform against competitors in acceleration, efficiency, comfort, and technology integration.

Luxury Sedans Leading the Charge

Carly Gregg’s luxury sedan selections emphasize the marriage of sophisticated engineering and cutting-edge technology. The BMW 7 Series tops her luxury list, offering a commanding presence with its redesigned exterior and extensively updated interior. This flagship sedan delivers 516 horsepower from its turbocharged inline-six engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission that provides seamless acceleration and refined driving dynamics.

The 7 Series excels in comfort technology, featuring advanced driver assistance systems and an intuitive infotainment platform. Carly appreciates the vehicle’s adaptive suspension system, which adjusts to road conditions in real-time, maintaining composure on both highway cruising and spirited driving. The cabin insulation levels rival soundproofed studios, creating an environment where conversations flow naturally at any speed.

Mercedes-Benz’s S-Class represents another cornerstone of Gregg’s recommendations. This luxury icon continues to set benchmarks for refinement, offering multiple powertrain options including a hybrid variant. The S-Class provides 503 horsepower in its standard configuration, with acceleration that belies the vehicle’s substantial size. The panoramic sunroof and ambient lighting system create an atmosphere of understated elegance.

For those exploring advantages of electric vehicles, Gregg highlights the Lucid Air as a transformative luxury sedan. This all-electric offering delivers up to 1,234 horsepower in its tri-motor configuration, accelerating from zero to sixty in 2.5 seconds. The 112-kWh battery pack provides up to 516 miles of EPA-estimated range, fundamentally changing expectations for EV practicality at the luxury level.

Electric Vehicles Reshaping Transportation

Carly Gregg dedicates substantial attention to the electric vehicle revolution, recognizing that 2024 marks an inflection point in EV adoption. The Tesla Model S remains her top EV pick for balanced performance and practicality. The Long Range variant produces 670 horsepower and achieves 405 miles of EPA range, while the Plaid version delivers supercar-embarrassing performance with dual motors and a 0-60 time of 1.99 seconds.

The Model S integrates Tesla’s Supercharger network, providing unparalleled charging infrastructure across North America. Gregg emphasizes that ownership experience extends beyond raw specifications—it encompasses software updates that continuously enhance vehicle capabilities, over-the-air improvements, and a growing ecosystem of charging availability.

For premium electric sedans, the Porsche Taycan combines Stuttgart engineering heritage with electrification excellence. This high-performance sedan produces up to 938 horsepower in its Turbo S variant, achieving 0-60 acceleration in 2.6 seconds. The Taycan’s 93-kWh battery supports up to 323 miles of range, while its two-speed transmission delivers engaging driving dynamics that traditional automatics struggle to match.

Carly also recommends the Hyundai Ioniq 6 for value-conscious EV buyers. This sleek sedan offers 320 horsepower in its dual-motor AWD configuration, with EPA range estimates reaching 361 miles in the Long Range version. The Ioniq 6’s aggressive pricing—starting under $42,000—democratizes access to cutting-edge EV technology.

The Chevrolet Blazer EV and Chevrolet Equinox EV represent General Motors’ commitment to accessible electrification. These vehicles deliver respectable range (up to 319 miles for the Equinox EV) at starting prices below $35,000, making EV ownership attainable for mainstream consumers. Understanding the advantages of electric vehicles helps buyers appreciate total cost of ownership benefits beyond purchase price.

Performance Cars Worth the Investment

For driving enthusiasts, Carly Gregg’s performance selections balance thrilling capability with real-world usability. The Chevrolet Corvette Z06 stands as America’s supercar, featuring a naturally aspirated 5.5-liter V8 engine producing 670 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. This mid-engine architecture provides optimal weight distribution, enabling lap times that rival European exotics costing three times the price.

The Z06’s eight-speed dual-clutch transmission delivers instantaneous gear changes, while the fixed roof coupe design enhances chassis rigidity. Gregg notes that the Corvette’s $85,000 starting price offers extraordinary value for supercar performance, with 0-60 acceleration achieved in 2.6 seconds and a top speed exceeding 195 mph.

The Porsche 911 Turbo represents the pinnacle of everyday performance, combining 645 horsepower with practical rear seats and a usable trunk. This all-wheel-drive coupe delivers 0-60 acceleration in 2.7 seconds while maintaining composure in challenging weather conditions. The adaptive suspension system and sophisticated traction control allow drivers to exploit performance safely across varying road surfaces.

For track-focused enthusiasts, Carly recommends the BMW M440i xDrive as an attainable performance sedan. This turbocharged inline-six delivers 382 horsepower with all-wheel-drive traction, achieving 0-60 in 4.3 seconds. The M440i balances performance credentials with practical four-door convenience, making it ideal for drivers unwilling to compromise on daily usability.

The Dodge Charger R/T carries American muscle car tradition into 2024, offering 370 horsepower from its legendary 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine. This traditional performance approach provides distinctive character—the exhaust note alone justifies selection for purists. Gregg appreciates the Charger’s straightforward engineering philosophy and approachable pricing in the $40,000 range.

Family SUVs for Modern Lifestyles

Carly Gregg recognizes that most vehicle purchases prioritize family transportation, and her SUV selections emphasize spaciousness, safety, and technology integration. The Toyota Grand Highlander tops her three-row SUV recommendations, offering seating for eight passengers with exceptional reliability credentials. This midsize SUV combines a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 265 horsepower with Toyota’s renowned durability reputation.

The Grand Highlander features Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, providing adaptive cruise control, pre-collision systems, and lane-keeping assistance. Gregg emphasizes that family vehicles demand reliability that extends beyond warranty periods—Toyota’s track record ensures owners experience minimal unexpected repairs during ownership.

The Kia Telluride delivers three-row capability with upscale interior appointments typically reserved for vehicles costing significantly more. This seven or eight-seat SUV produces 291 horsepower from its 3.8-liter V6, providing adequate acceleration for highway merging and towing tasks. The Telluride’s spacious third row accommodates adult passengers comfortably, distinguishing it from competitors with cramped rearmost seating.

For premium three-row options, Carly recommends the BMW X7, which seats up to seven passengers in luxurious surroundings. This massive SUV produces 523 horsepower from its turbocharged inline-six engine, delivering surprising agility for its three-ton curb weight. The X7’s adaptive suspension system and all-wheel-drive traction control provide confident handling on varied terrain.

Gregg also highlights the Mazda CX-90 PHEV for eco-conscious families seeking practical electrification. This plug-in hybrid combines a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with electric motors, producing 323 combined horsepower and enabling up to 44 miles of all-electric driving. The CX-90’s upscale cabin design and engaging driving dynamics elevate the family SUV experience beyond basic transportation.

Understanding proper car maintenance tips for beginners becomes essential when operating family vehicles through varied seasons and mileage accumulation. Regular servicing ensures these vehicles maintain reliability and resale value throughout ownership.

Practical Compact Cars

Carly Gregg’s compact car selections emphasize efficiency, affordability, and surprising capability within constrained dimensions. The Honda Civic continues dominating its segment, offering a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine producing 180 horsepower in the Si variant. This front-wheel-drive sedan delivers engaging driving dynamics through precise steering and responsive suspension tuning, proving that compact dimensions need not compromise driving engagement.

The Civic’s interior design maximizes cabin space through clever packaging, providing genuine legroom for four adult passengers. Honda’s infotainment system integrates seamlessly with smartphone platforms, while standard safety features include collision mitigation and adaptive cruise control across trim levels.

The Hyundai Elantra provides compelling value, with turbocharged variants delivering 201 horsepower from a 1.6-liter engine. Carly appreciates the Elantra’s warranty coverage (10-year/100,000-mile powertrain protection) and rising interior quality that narrows the gap with established competitors. The N variant transforms the Elantra into a genuine performance machine, with 276 horsepower and track-tuned suspension.

The Toyota Corolla represents reliability-first thinking, with a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter engine producing 169 horsepower. While less powerful than turbocharged alternatives, the Corolla’s proven durability and exceptional resale value justify selection for practical buyers. Toyota’s standard hybrid variant achieves 53 mpg combined efficiency, dramatically reducing fuel costs over vehicle lifetime.

For those seeking how to change car engine oil and perform basic maintenance, compact cars offer accessible engine bays and straightforward service procedures. This practicality extends ownership satisfaction beyond the dealer service experience.

Truck Segment Standouts

Carly Gregg recognizes that pickup trucks represent America’s favorite vehicle category, and her selections emphasize capability alongside practical daily usability. The Ford F-150 Lightning revolutionizes the truck segment, delivering all-electric capability with 580 horsepower and up to 500 miles of EPA range. This electric pickup eliminates tailpipe emissions while providing silent acceleration and impressive towing capacity (up to 10,000 pounds).

The Lightning’s integrated onboard power outlet supplies 9.6 kilowatts of household electricity during power outages, transforming the truck into a mobile backup power source. Gregg emphasizes that this capability addresses genuine customer needs, particularly for rural properties and outdoor enthusiasts requiring reliable power access.

The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 continues refining the traditional full-size truck formula, offering multiple powertrain options ranging from a 5.3-liter V8 producing 355 horsepower to a turbocharged 2.7-liter engine delivering 310 horsepower with superior efficiency. The Silverado’s MultiPro tailgate provides multiple opening configurations, enhancing cargo accessibility and practical functionality.

For those prioritizing efficiency, the Ford F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid combines a 3.5-liter turbocharged EcoBoost engine with electric motors, delivering 430 horsepower while achieving 24 mpg combined efficiency. This hybrid approach provides familiar truck character while reducing fuel consumption by approximately 25% compared to conventional V8 alternatives.

The Rivian R1T represents luxury electric truck innovation, featuring a quad-motor all-wheel-drive system producing 533 horsepower. This adventure-focused vehicle offers 330 miles of range and innovative features like the “Gear Tunnel” built into the truck bed, providing weatherproof storage without consuming cargo space. Gregg recognizes that Rivian targets a different demographic than traditional truck buyers—those valuing environmental responsibility alongside capability.

Maintaining truck performance requires understanding how to replace car brake pads, as heavy-duty towing and payload carrying accelerate brake wear significantly. Regular inspection and timely replacement ensure safety during demanding use scenarios.

FAQ

Who is Carly Gregg and what qualifies her automotive recommendations?

Carly Gregg has built a reputation through years of automotive journalism, test driving hundreds of vehicles and analyzing performance data, consumer reports, and market trends. Her recommendations synthesize technical expertise with practical consumer perspectives, making her selections relevant to diverse buyer profiles. Her work appears across automotive publications and digital platforms, establishing credibility within enthusiast and mainstream audiences.

Why should I trust Carly Gregg’s 2024 vehicle picks?

Gregg’s recommendations reflect comprehensive vehicle evaluation including acceleration testing, efficiency verification, comfort assessment, and technology integration analysis. She considers total cost of ownership, resale value, warranty coverage, and manufacturer reliability ratings alongside raw performance specifications. Her selections balance personal enthusiasm with objective data analysis, providing recommendations applicable to diverse buyer needs and budgets.

Are Carly Gregg’s picks suitable for first-time car buyers?

Gregg’s selections span multiple price points and complexity levels, making many recommendations appropriate for first-time buyers. Her compact car and practical SUV picks emphasize reliability and straightforward operation, while luxury and performance selections target experienced drivers. Consulting her analysis helps first-time buyers understand key evaluation criteria beyond marketing claims, supporting informed purchasing decisions.

How often does Carly Gregg update her vehicle recommendations?

Automotive industry updates occur continuously, with new model years introducing updated powertrains, technology platforms, and design refinements. Gregg typically updates major vehicle recommendations annually, reflecting new model availability and market changes. Her 2024 selections incorporate latest engine technology, efficiency improvements, and autonomous driving feature advancements.

Which Carly Gregg picks offer the best value proposition?

Value assessment depends on individual priorities—budget-conscious buyers should focus on the Hyundai Elantra, Chevrolet Equinox EV, and Toyota Corolla for reliability-to-price ratios. Performance enthusiasts seeking value should consider the Chevrolet Corvette Z06, which delivers supercar capability at mid-range pricing. Family buyers prioritizing practicality and long-term reliability should examine the Toyota Grand Highlander and Honda Civic selections.

Does Carly Gregg recommend specific brands over others?

Gregg’s selections represent diverse manufacturers including Japanese, American, German, and Korean brands. Her recommendations prioritize vehicle merit over brand loyalty, selecting vehicles that excel within their respective segments. This approach ensures buyers receive objective analysis rather than manufacturer-influenced recommendations, supporting genuinely informed purchasing decisions.

How do Carly Gregg’s picks address environmental concerns?

Gregg dedicates substantial attention to electrification and efficiency, recommending multiple electric vehicles and hybrid options across segments. Her selections acknowledge that environmental responsibility increasingly influences purchase decisions, with EV options available at various price points. She provides balanced perspective on EV practicality, charging infrastructure, and total environmental impact compared to conventional powertrains.

For comprehensive vehicle information, consult resources like Car and Driver for detailed reviews and performance testing, MotorTrend for specification databases and comparison tools, and the IIHS for safety rating information. Manufacturer websites provide official specifications and current incentive programs, while the EPA fuel economy database offers standardized efficiency comparisons across all vehicles.

Carly Gregg’s 2024 vehicle picks represent thoughtful evaluation of current automotive market offerings, balancing performance, practicality, value, and emerging technologies. Whether you prioritize electric innovation, traditional performance, family practicality, or luxury refinement, her selections provide informed starting points for vehicle research and purchasing decisions. Visit the Drive Pulse Daily Blog for additional automotive insights and expert analysis supporting informed vehicle ownership decisions.