Carly Gregg’s Top Picks: 2024 SUVs Guide
The 2024 SUV market represents an unprecedented convergence of performance, technology, and versatility. Whether you’re navigating urban landscapes or tackling weekend adventures, this year’s lineup delivers compelling options across every segment. Carly Gregg, a seasoned automotive reviewer, has curated selections that balance real-world practicality with driving engagement and value proposition.
This comprehensive guide explores the standout 2024 SUVs that combine innovative features, robust powertrains, and refined interiors. From compact crossovers to three-row family haulers, we’ll examine what makes each vehicle worthy of consideration and how they stack against competitors in their respective categories.
Compact SUVs: Efficiency Meets Agility
The compact SUV segment dominates market share, and for good reason. These vehicles offer exceptional maneuverability in tight urban environments while providing elevated seating positions and cargo versatility that sedans cannot match. The 2024 Honda CR-V continues its reign as a benchmark, featuring a redesigned platform that delivers improved handling dynamics without sacrificing the spacious interior that buyers expect.
Toyota’s RAV4 lineup presents compelling alternatives with proven reliability and resale value. The 2024 model year introduces enhanced infotainment systems and available all-wheel drive configurations that inspire confidence in variable weather conditions. Mazda’s CX-50 appeals to enthusiasts seeking more engaging steering feel and upscale interior appointments, positioning itself as a lifestyle choice rather than merely practical transportation.
Hyundai’s Tucson and Kia’s Sportage represent exceptional value propositions, undercutting traditional competitors while offering competitive warranty coverage and modern design language. These vehicles demonstrate how Korean manufacturers have narrowed the gap in perceived quality and long-term durability. For those considering advantages of electric vehicles, both manufacturers offer electrified variants worth evaluating.
Key compact SUV considerations:
- Fuel economy typically ranges from 26-32 mpg combined
- Cargo capacity between 37-43 cubic feet behind rear seats
- Starting prices from $28,000 to $35,000
- Three to five-year warranty coverage varies significantly
- All-wheel drive adds $1,500-$2,500 to base pricing
Midsize SUVs: Versatility and Performance
Midsize SUVs occupy the sweet spot between efficiency and capability. The 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee offers authentic off-road pedigree combined with refined on-road manners. Its available Trailhawk trim provides specialized suspension tuning and terrain management systems that justify premium pricing for serious adventurers. The interior quality has improved substantially, rivaling luxury brands in switchgear feel and material selection.
Chevrolet’s Blazer and Traverse deliver three-row flexibility with distinctive styling that stands apart from the crossover crowd. The Blazer targets younger demographics with sportier proportions, while the Traverse appeals to families prioritizing interior volume and towing capacity. Both vehicles benefit from General Motors’ modular platform architecture, enabling efficient manufacturing and reliable component sourcing.
Volkswagen’s Atlas represents a European perspective on American midsize expectations. Its boxy proportions maximize interior space, and the available 3.6-liter V6 engine delivers smooth acceleration across the RPM range. Build quality reflects Volkswagen’s manufacturing standards, though some owners report higher-than-average maintenance costs during the warranty period.
For those interested in proper car maintenance tips for beginners, midsize SUVs typically demand more attention to fluid levels and filter changes due to larger engine displacement and complex all-wheel drive systems.
Midsize SUV specifications:
- Wheelbase typically ranges from 112-120 inches
- Cargo capacity reaches 45-80 cubic feet depending on row configuration
- Towing capacity between 3,500-6,000 pounds
- Engine options include 2.0T four-cylinders through 3.6L V6s
- Prices span $35,000-$52,000 for non-premium brands
Three-Row Family SUVs: Space and Capability
Three-row SUVs serve as mobile command centers for active families. The 2024 Toyota Highlander maintains its position as the segment leader through exceptional reliability, spacious third-row seating, and available hybrid powertrain options. Its hybrid system delivers impressive real-world fuel economy while maintaining adequate performance for highway merging and passing maneuvers.
Honda’s Pilot shares platform DNA with the Accord sedan, resulting in composed handling that distinguishes it from truck-based competitors. The available Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system provides dynamic torque vectoring that enhances cornering confidence. Cargo configurations allow second and third-row seats to fold completely flat, creating up to 84 cubic feet of storage space.
Ford’s Expedition and Chevrolet’s Tahoe leverage body-on-frame construction for authentic truck-like capability. These vehicles excel in towing heavy trailers and navigating rough terrain, though they sacrifice fuel economy and interior refinement compared to unibody competitors. Their commanding driving positions and straightforward mechanical systems appeal to owners who prioritize durability and field repairability.
The 2024 Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe round out the value-oriented segment, offering competitive pricing, comprehensive warranties, and feature-rich base models. These vehicles challenge premium brands by delivering comparable interior quality and technology integration at fraction of the cost.
Performance SUVs: Power and Precision
Performance-oriented SUVs blur lines between traditional sport sedans and family transportation. The 2024 BMW X5 M combines twin-turbocharged V8 power with adaptive suspension tuning that enables track-capable performance. Its interior showcases premium leather, ambient lighting, and a commanding infotainment system that controls vehicle dynamics and comfort settings.
Porsche’s Cayenne represents the ultimate performance SUV experience, delivering supercar-like acceleration and handling precision despite weighing over 4,000 pounds. Its optional hybrid powertrain combines electric motors with turbocharged engines, achieving efficiency figures that contradict its high-performance positioning. The Cayenne commands respect on winding roads while maintaining practical cargo accessibility.
Mercedes-AMG’s GLE 63 offers V8 turbocharged aggression combined with luxury appointment levels that justify six-figure pricing. Its optional hybrid system provides instantaneous torque response and regenerative braking efficiency. The air suspension adjusts in real-time based on road surface conditions, delivering either pillow-soft ride quality or rally-car stiffness depending on driver preference.
For American enthusiasts, the 2024 Dodge Durango R/T delivers naturally aspirated V8 performance at accessible pricing. Its 5.7-liter engine produces 360 horsepower, enabling genuine acceleration that excites without requiring premium fuel. The available all-wheel drive system maintains rear-biased power distribution, preserving traditional muscle car character.
Performance SUV characteristics:
- 0-60 mph acceleration ranges from 4.8-5.8 seconds
- Available adaptive air suspension systems
- Performance-tuned steering with variable ratio geometry
- High-performance brake systems with regenerative assist
- Track-capable dynamics without sacrificing daily usability
Electric and Hybrid Options
The 2024 model year represents an inflection point for electrified SUVs. Tesla’s Model Y dominates the electric segment through Supercharger network availability and established battery technology. Its minimalist interior design divides opinion, but performance credentials remain undisputed. The Model Y Long Range achieves 330-mile range estimates, addressing range anxiety concerns that plagued earlier electric vehicles.
Rivian’s R1S targets adventure-oriented buyers with dedicated off-road capability and innovative storage solutions. Its tri-motor all-wheel drive system provides individual wheel torque control, enabling precise traction management on technical terrain. The innovative gear tunnel storage and removable cooler represent thoughtful engineering that justifies premium pricing for buyers valuing functionality.
Traditional manufacturers increasingly prioritize electrified SUV development. The 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E combines Ford’s heritage branding with modern electric performance. Its available extended-range battery delivers 300-plus miles of EPA-estimated range, while available performance variants achieve sub-six-second 0-60 times.
Hybrid technology continues gaining traction among buyers seeking efficiency without charging infrastructure concerns. Toyota’s RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid delivers 40 miles of all-electric range for daily commutes while maintaining gasoline engine backup for extended trips. The system’s seamless power delivery transitions between electric and gasoline operation without driver awareness.
Understanding the advantages of electric vehicles helps inform purchasing decisions, particularly regarding total cost of ownership when accounting for fuel savings and maintenance reductions.
Technology and Safety Features
Modern SUVs integrate sophisticated technology that enhances safety, convenience, and entertainment. The 2024 model year introduces advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) as standard equipment across most segments. Adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping assistance reduces driver fatigue on extended highway driving, while automatic emergency braking systems intervene to prevent or mitigate collision severity.
Infotainment systems have evolved substantially, with most vehicles now offering wireless smartphone integration through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Voice command functionality allows hands-free climate control, navigation, and music selection. Premium systems feature over-the-air update capability, delivering new features and performance refinements throughout vehicle ownership.
Surround-view camera systems provide 360-degree visibility during parking maneuvers, while blind-spot monitoring alerts drivers to vehicles occupying difficult-to-see areas. Some manufacturers offer augmented reality navigation displays that overlay directional arrows onto windshield-mounted projections.
Regarding vehicle protection and liability considerations, consulting resources about understanding car insurance coverage options helps optimize protection while managing premium costs.
Essential 2024 SUV technology features:
- Adaptive headlights that adjust beam pattern based on steering angle
- Heated and ventilated seat functionality
- Panoramic sunroof options in most segments
- Premium audio systems from established manufacturers
- Digital gauge clusters with customizable display configurations
- Smartphone-based keyless entry and remote start capability
Maintenance Considerations
Proper maintenance extends vehicle lifespan and preserves resale value. The 2024 SUV lineup benefits from extended service intervals, with many manufacturers recommending oil changes only once annually or every 10,000 miles. Synthetic motor oil dominates modern engine designs, reducing viscosity breakdown and extending fluid service life.
Understanding how to change car engine oil empowers owners to perform basic maintenance independently, reducing service department costs. However, complex all-wheel drive systems and electronic transmissions often require professional diagnostics when issues arise.
Tire maintenance becomes increasingly critical for SUVs, which typically weigh more than sedans and distribute loads across larger contact patches. Rotation every 5,000-7,000 miles ensures even wear patterns, while alignment checks prevent premature degradation. Winter tires provide superior traction in snow and ice compared to all-season compounds, justifying the investment for drivers in variable climates.
Battery maintenance assumes heightened importance for hybrid and electric vehicles. Lithium-ion battery packs degrade gradually over time, though modern thermal management systems and sophisticated charging algorithms extend practical lifespan to ten years or more. Most manufacturers warranty battery capacity retention, typically guaranteeing 70-80 percent capacity after eight years.
Brake fluid and transmission fluid require periodic inspection, though sealed transmission designs have reduced maintenance demands compared to earlier generations. Coolant systems benefit from scheduled flushes every 30,000-50,000 miles, preventing corrosion and maintaining thermal efficiency.
For those interested in expanding mechanical knowledge, learning how to drive a manual car provides insight into mechanical systems, though most 2024 SUVs feature automatic or continuously variable transmissions. Exploring the Drive Pulse Daily Blog offers additional insights into vehicle ownership and maintenance best practices.
Recommended 2024 SUV maintenance schedule:
- Oil and filter change every 10,000 miles or annually
- Tire rotation every 5,000-7,000 miles
- Brake fluid inspection annually
- Coolant system flush every 30,000-50,000 miles
- Transmission fluid evaluation every 20,000-40,000 miles
- Air filter replacement every 15,000-30,000 miles
- Cabin air filter replacement every 12,000-15,000 miles
FAQ
What is the most reliable 2024 SUV according to Carly Gregg?
Toyota’s RAV4 and Highlander consistently demonstrate exceptional reliability through proven powertrains, robust construction, and comprehensive warranty coverage. Honda’s CR-V and Pilot offer comparable dependability with engaging driving dynamics. Long-term ownership data from independent sources like IIHS confirms these manufacturers’ superior reliability ratings.
Which 2024 SUV offers the best fuel economy?
Toyota’s RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid achieves exceptional efficiency through its hybrid system, delivering 50+ mpg equivalent in combined operation. For traditional gasoline engines, the Honda CR-V hybrid and Toyota RAV4 hybrid achieve 35-40 mpg combined. Electric SUVs like the Tesla Model Y Long Range achieve 25+ miles per gallon equivalent efficiency.
Should I choose a hybrid or electric SUV for 2024?
The decision depends on driving patterns and infrastructure availability. Hybrid SUVs suit buyers with variable trip lengths who value flexibility without charging concerns. Electric SUVs benefit owners with reliable home charging access and predictable daily mileage under 300 miles. Consult EPA fuel economy data for specific efficiency comparisons.
What warranty coverage do 2024 SUVs typically include?
Most manufacturers offer three-year/36,000-mile basic coverage and five-year/60,000-mile powertrain protection. Premium brands often extend coverage to five-year/50,000-mile basic and ten-year/100,000-mile powertrain. Hyundai and Kia notably offer ten-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranties, providing exceptional long-term peace of mind.
How do I choose between compact, midsize, and three-row SUVs?
Assess your household size, typical cargo requirements, and towing needs. Compact SUVs suit individuals and couples prioritizing efficiency and agility. Midsize SUVs serve small families with occasional third-row usage. Three-row SUVs accommodate larger families and those requiring maximum cargo flexibility. Consider future lifestyle changes when making this significant purchase decision.
Which 2024 SUV offers the best technology integration?
Luxury brands like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Porsche feature cutting-edge infotainment systems with augmented reality navigation and advanced driver assistance features. Mainstream manufacturers including Tesla, Chevrolet, and Ford have narrowed the technology gap considerably, offering competitive features at substantially lower price points.
What are the key safety features to prioritize in a 2024 SUV?
Prioritize automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and blind-spot monitoring. Surround-view camera systems enhance parking safety, while dedicated off-road stability systems benefit adventure-oriented buyers. Consult IIHS safety ratings for comprehensive collision test results and real-world crash data comparisons.
How do body-on-frame SUVs compare to unibody designs?
Body-on-frame construction provides superior towing capacity and genuine off-road capability through solid axles and higher ground clearance. Unibody designs deliver superior fuel economy, refined on-road handling, and interior space efficiency. Choose body-on-frame for serious towing or off-roading; select unibody for daily driving comfort and efficiency.
