Carly Gregg’s Top Car Picks for 2024
Carly Gregg, a respected automotive journalist and enthusiast, has curated an exceptional lineup of vehicles that define 2024’s automotive landscape. Her selections span multiple segments, from high-performance sports cars to practical family sedans, reflecting the diverse needs of today’s drivers. These picks showcase the latest innovations in powertrain technology, safety features, and design excellence that are reshaping how we think about automobiles.
Whether you’re shopping for your next vehicle or simply curious about what industry experts recommend, Carly Gregg’s 2024 selections offer valuable insights into which cars deliver the best combination of performance, reliability, and value. This comprehensive guide explores her top picks, examining what makes each vehicle stand out in an increasingly competitive market.
The 2024 Toyota GR Corolla: Affordable Performance
Carly Gregg places the 2024 Toyota GR Corolla at the top of her affordable performance vehicles list, and for compelling reasons. This turbocharged hot hatch delivers 300 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque from its 1.6-liter three-cylinder engine, making it one of the most accessible performance cars available today. The GR Corolla’s sub-$40,000 starting price makes genuine driver engagement accessible to enthusiasts who previously had limited options in this segment.
The vehicle features an intelligent all-wheel-drive system with multi-mode driver selectable settings, allowing drivers to adjust power distribution between the front and rear axles. This technology, typically reserved for premium performance vehicles, fundamentally changes how the GR Corolla handles in various driving conditions. The eight-speed manual transmission offers direct driver engagement, though a continuously variable transmission option provides practicality for daily commuting.
What distinguishes the GR Corolla in Carly’s assessment is its chassis tuning. The suspension geometry, anti-roll bars, and damper settings were specifically calibrated for spirited driving without sacrificing comfort on public roads. The vehicle achieves a 0-60 mph time of approximately 5.5 seconds, competitive with vehicles costing twice as much. Additionally, Gregg highlights the vehicle’s practical maintenance requirements and Toyota’s legendary reliability reputation.
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Luxury Redefined: BMW M440i xDrive
The BMW M440i xDrive represents Carly Gregg’s pick for luxury performance seekers who demand both sophistication and driving dynamics. This four-door grand coupe combines a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine producing 382 horsepower with BMW’s xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system. The result is a vehicle capable of 0-60 mph acceleration in approximately 4.5 seconds while maintaining the refinement expected from a luxury marque.
The M440i’s interior showcases BMW’s latest technology integration, featuring a curved digital cockpit that combines the instrument cluster and infotainment display into one seamless unit. The vehicle includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, making smartphone integration effortless. Carly appreciates the vehicle’s adaptive suspension, which automatically adjusts stiffness based on driving conditions and selected driving modes.
Safety technology on the M440i includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and automated emergency braking systems developed by BMW’s engineering team. The vehicle also offers an available M Sport exhaust system that enhances engine sound without sacrificing refinement. For drivers interested in luxury features, Gregg recommends reviewing insurance coverage options before purchasing, as luxury vehicles may require specialized coverage.
Electric Excellence: Tesla Model Y
Carly Gregg includes the Tesla Model Y in her 2024 selections as the leading choice for drivers transitioning to electric vehicles. The Model Y combines practical five-seat capacity with impressive range, offering up to 330 miles of EPA-estimated range depending on configuration. The vehicle’s minimalist interior design and responsive touchscreen interface represent a departure from traditional automotive design, appealing to technology-forward consumers.
The Model Y’s performance capabilities are remarkable for an electric vehicle. The dual-motor all-wheel-drive configuration delivers instant torque, enabling 0-60 mph acceleration in approximately 4.8 seconds for the Long Range variant. The vehicle’s low center of gravity, achieved through floor-mounted battery placement, provides handling characteristics that rival traditional sports cars despite the vehicle’s family-oriented positioning.
Charging infrastructure has become crucial for electric vehicle adoption, and Gregg emphasizes Tesla’s extensive Supercharger network as a significant advantage. With over 50,000 Superchargers globally, Tesla owners benefit from convenient long-distance travel capabilities. The vehicle qualifies for federal tax credits in many regions, potentially reducing ownership costs. For drivers considering electric vehicles, our guide on advantages of electric vehicles provides comprehensive insight into ownership benefits and considerations.
Family-Focused: Honda Odyssey
The 2024 Honda Odyssey earns Carly Gregg’s recommendation as the premier family minivan, combining practical versatility with unexpected driving refinement. The Odyssey’s three-row seating accommodates up to eight passengers, while the middle and rear rows feature individually removable seats that enable flexible cargo configurations. This adaptability makes the Odyssey ideal for families whose needs vary between passenger transportation and cargo hauling.
Under the hood, the Odyssey features a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain delivers adequate acceleration for highway merging while maintaining reasonable fuel economy. The vehicle achieves approximately 19 mpg city and 28 mpg highway, respectable numbers for a vehicle of this size and capability.
Carly highlights the Odyssey’s advanced safety features, including Honda Sensing, a suite of driver assistance technologies encompassing adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and collision mitigation braking. The vehicle’s spacious interior, convenient storage solutions, and user-friendly infotainment system make family road trips more enjoyable. Parents will appreciate the available rear-seat entertainment system with dual screens, keeping passengers entertained on long journeys.
Off-Road Capability: Jeep Wrangler 4xe
The Jeep Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid represents Carly Gregg’s selection for off-road enthusiasts seeking modern efficiency without sacrificing legendary Wrangler capability. The 4xe combines a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with dual electric motors, producing a combined 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. This hybrid configuration provides impressive towing capacity up to 3,500 pounds while enabling an electric-only driving range of approximately 21 miles.
The Wrangler 4xe maintains the iconic design elements that define the Wrangler brand while incorporating modern technology. The removable roof and doors remain standard, allowing drivers to customize their driving experience. The vehicle’s solid axles, locking differentials, and electronic disconnecting sway bar provide genuine off-road capability rarely found in hybridized vehicles.
Gregg appreciates the 4xe’s Trail Rated badge, which certifies the vehicle’s ability to handle traction, articulation, maneuverability, and ground clearance challenges. The hybrid powertrain’s battery can be charged at home using a standard outlet or dedicated charging station, reducing fuel consumption for daily commutes while maintaining off-road versatility. For drivers interested in understanding transmission mechanics, our article on how to drive a manual car provides foundational knowledge, though the 4xe features an automatic transmission.
Sedan Sophistication: Lexus IS 500
The Lexus IS 500 captures Carly Gregg’s attention as the ultimate luxury sport sedan for drivers who refuse to compromise between performance and refinement. This exclusively rear-wheel-drive vehicle features a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 engine producing 472 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque, a rarity in an era dominated by turbocharged engines. The engine’s linear power delivery and distinctive exhaust note appeal to driving purists who value mechanical authenticity.
The IS 500 achieves 0-60 mph in approximately 4.6 seconds while maintaining the whisper-quiet cabin expected from Lexus. The eight-speed automatic transmission features manual shift capability through steering wheel-mounted paddles, enabling engaged driving when desired while defaulting to automatic operation during daily driving. The vehicle’s double-wishbone independent suspension provides responsive handling while maintaining the ride quality Lexus customers expect.
Carly emphasizes the IS 500’s interior quality, featuring premium leather upholstery, available wood trim accents, and an 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The vehicle includes a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system that delivers concert-hall sound quality. Advanced safety features include Lexus Safety System 2.5+, encompassing pre-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure alert systems. The IS 500 represents the pinnacle of luxury sedan engineering for discerning drivers seeking automotive expertise and recommendations.
Maintenance considerations for the IS 500 align with Lexus’s reputation for durability, though interested owners should review brake pad replacement procedures and other routine maintenance tasks to understand ownership responsibilities. The vehicle’s eight-year/100,000-mile warranty provides peace of mind during the critical initial ownership period.
FAQ
What makes Carly Gregg’s recommendations trustworthy?
Carly Gregg brings years of automotive journalism experience and hands-on testing expertise to her vehicle recommendations. Her selections balance subjective driving experience with objective performance metrics, safety ratings, and reliability data. She considers real-world ownership costs, including insurance, fuel, and maintenance, ensuring her picks offer genuine value.
How often does Carly update her top car picks?
Automotive recommendations typically evolve annually as manufacturers introduce new models and refresh existing offerings. Carly regularly evaluates emerging vehicles, considering technological advancements, market shifts, and changing consumer preferences. Following industry publications like Car and Driver and MotorTrend helps drivers stay informed about the latest expert assessments.
Are electric vehicles reliable choices based on Carly’s recommendations?
Carly’s inclusion of the Tesla Model Y reflects growing confidence in electric vehicle reliability and infrastructure maturity. Modern EVs undergo rigorous testing and real-world validation before reaching consumers. However, prospective buyers should consider charging accessibility, warranty coverage, and long-term battery degradation when evaluating electric vehicles for their specific situations.
What safety standards do vehicles in Carly’s picks meet?
All vehicles recommended by Carly Gregg meet current NHTSA safety standards and typically achieve high marks from independent testing organizations like the IIHS. Most feature advanced driver assistance systems that exceed minimum regulatory requirements, providing additional collision avoidance and mitigation capabilities.
How do Carly’s picks compare to EPA fuel economy ratings?
EPA fuel economy estimates provide baseline efficiency expectations, though real-world performance varies based on driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and environmental conditions. Carly considers both EPA ratings and actual owner experiences when evaluating efficiency, recognizing that highway driving typically exceeds city estimates while aggressive driving reduces efficiency across all vehicles.
Where can I find more automotive recommendations and reviews?
Beyond Carly Gregg’s selections, comprehensive automotive resources include manufacturer websites, independent testing publications, and owner forums. The EPA fuel economy database provides standardized efficiency comparisons, while automotive enthusiast communities offer real-world ownership insights that complement professional reviews.
