Carly Gregg’s Top 2024 Car Picks: Expert Insight
Carly Gregg, a respected automotive journalist and reviewer, has established herself as a trusted voice in the car enthusiast community through years of hands-on testing and detailed analysis. Her 2024 vehicle selections reflect a deep understanding of current market trends, technological innovation, and what today’s drivers truly need. Whether you’re shopping for your next vehicle or simply curious about the year’s standout performers, Gregg’s curated list offers valuable perspective backed by real-world experience.
In 2024, the automotive landscape continues to shift dramatically with electrification gaining momentum, performance standards rising across segments, and consumer preferences evolving toward sustainability without sacrificing driving enjoyment. Carly Gregg’s picks highlight vehicles that excel in these areas, combining practical considerations with the kind of driving dynamics that matter to enthusiasts. From luxury sedans to electric crossovers, her selections demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of what makes a car truly exceptional.
Carly Gregg’s Selection Criteria
Understanding how Carly Gregg evaluates vehicles provides insight into why her recommendations carry weight in the automotive community. Her methodology encompasses multiple dimensions that go far beyond basic performance metrics. She considers reliability, real-world usability, value proposition, and how each vehicle contributes to the broader automotive ecosystem.
Gregg prioritizes vehicles that demonstrate exceptional engineering and attention to detail in both mechanical systems and user interfaces. She evaluates how cars handle daily driving scenarios, assess long-term durability potential, and examine whether manufacturers have invested in meaningful improvements rather than cosmetic updates. Her testing includes highway performance, urban maneuverability, technology integration, and interior comfort during extended drives.
Safety ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration factor prominently into her assessments. Gregg also considers environmental impact, fuel efficiency metrics, and how well vehicles maintain their value over time. This comprehensive approach ensures her recommendations serve different driver needs and priorities.
Top Performance Sedans
Performance sedans represent a sweet spot for drivers seeking engaging dynamics without sacrificing practicality. Carly Gregg’s top picks in this category demonstrate that everyday usability and thrilling performance need not be mutually exclusive. These vehicles deliver responsive handling, powerful engines, and sophisticated interiors that reward both spirited driving and daily commuting.
The BMW M440i stands out in Gregg’s selection for its turbocharged inline-six engine, all-wheel-drive system, and athletic suspension tuning. With approximately 382 horsepower, this sedan achieves 0-60 mph in under 4.5 seconds while maintaining excellent fuel economy for its class. The BMW’s adaptive suspension allows drivers to adjust handling characteristics, making it equally comfortable on highways and engaging on twisting roads.
Gregg also highlights the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing as an exceptional American alternative. This hand-assembled performance sedan features a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 producing 668 horsepower, offering visceral driving engagement that appeals to enthusiasts. The Blackwing’s magnetic ride control system provides superior handling precision, while its spacious interior accommodates passengers comfortably on long journeys. For drivers seeking automotive excellence, this represents remarkable value in the performance sedan segment.
The Acura TLX Type S combines Japanese engineering refinement with turbocharged performance. Its 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 generates 355 horsepower, paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission that delivers quick gear changes. Gregg appreciates the TLX Type S’s balanced approach to performance, offering enough excitement for weekend drives while maintaining the reliability and efficiency Acura owners expect.
Electric Vehicle Champions
Electric vehicles have matured significantly by 2024, and Carly Gregg’s picks reflect this evolution toward practical, capable machines rather than experimental technology. She recognizes that advantages of electric vehicles extend beyond environmental benefits to include performance, efficiency, and driving experience improvements that appeal to mainstream consumers.
The Tesla Model 3 Performance maintains its position as a benchmark electric sedan through continuous refinement and over-the-air updates. With 450 horsepower and the ability to accelerate from 0-60 mph in approximately 3.1 seconds, the Model 3 Performance combines supercar-level acceleration with practical four-seat comfort. Gregg notes that Tesla’s Supercharger network remains unmatched for long-distance travel, with thousands of charging locations across North America facilitating convenient road trips.
Gregg also champions the Chevrolet Blazer EV for those seeking an electric crossover with genuine driving dynamics. Its dual-motor all-wheel-drive system delivers 288 horsepower with impressive torque response, creating engaging acceleration and confident handling. The Blazer EV’s competitive pricing, combined with Chevrolet’s extensive dealer network, makes it accessible to buyers transitioning from traditional combustion engines.
The Porsche Taycan represents the pinnacle of electric performance vehicles in Gregg’s assessment. With available 751 horsepower from dual motors, the Taycan achieves 0-60 mph in approximately 2.6 seconds while maintaining composure through demanding corners. Its 800-volt architecture enables rapid charging, recovering 200 miles of range in roughly 22 minutes. For drivers seeking electric performance without compromise, the Taycan delivers legendary Porsche handling characteristics in an electrified package.
Practical Family Vehicles
Family vehicles require balancing multiple considerations: passenger comfort, cargo capacity, safety features, and driving dynamics that don’t punish parents during daily duties. Carly Gregg’s family vehicle picks emphasize reliability, intuitive technology, and spaces that accommodate modern life’s demands.
The Honda Odyssey continues to define the minivan segment through practical excellence. Its spacious three-row interior accommodates eight passengers comfortably, while the power sliding doors and power liftgate simplify loading children and groceries. Gregg appreciates the Odyssey’s 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower, delivering adequate performance for highway merging and passing. The advanced safety suite, including adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, provides peace of mind during family road trips.
For families preferring three-row crossovers, Gregg recommends the Toyota Grand Highlander. This spacious SUV seats up to eight passengers while maintaining Toyota’s legendary reliability reputation. Its hybrid powertrain delivers strong fuel economy, particularly valuable for families taking frequent road trips. The Grand Highlander’s standard all-wheel drive provides confident traction in various weather conditions, while its smooth-shifting eight-speed transmission enhances highway cruising comfort.
Gregg also highlights the Kia Sorento as an excellent mid-size three-row option combining practicality with contemporary styling. Its available turbocharged engine provides spirited acceleration, while the smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission enhances efficiency. The Sorento’s spacious cargo area, intuitive infotainment system, and comprehensive warranty appeal to families seeking value without sacrificing quality.
Luxury and Refinement
Luxury vehicles represent the pinnacle of automotive craftsmanship, offering meticulous attention to materials, engineering, and the overall ownership experience. Carly Gregg’s luxury selections showcase brands that deliver genuine substance beyond badge prestige, combining cutting-edge technology with timeless design principles.
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class continues its reign as the ultimate expression of automotive luxury and technological innovation. Its hand-stitched leather interiors, ambient lighting systems, and panoramic sunroofs create an environment of uncompromising comfort. The S-Class’s advanced driver assistance features, including semi-autonomous highway driving capabilities, represent the future of automotive technology. Gregg notes that Mercedes-Benz’s attention to detail extends to every touchpoint, from the satisfying click of door handles to the responsiveness of climate controls.
The BMW 7 Series delivers German engineering excellence with a focus on dynamic handling despite its executive-class dimensions. Its available turbocharged inline-six and V8 engines provide strong performance, while the adaptive suspension maintains composure during spirited driving. The 7 Series’s advanced infotainment system, featuring voice control and gesture recognition, simplifies interaction while maintaining safety focus during operation.
Gregg also appreciates the Lexus LS for its commitment to reliability, quiet operation, and meticulous assembly quality. The LS’s hybrid powertrain delivers strong efficiency without sacrificing the smooth, powerful acceleration expected in the luxury segment. Its serene cabin environment, created through extensive sound-dampening materials and carefully engineered suspension tuning, provides a sanctuary from urban chaos.
Value-Focused Standouts
Exceptional vehicles need not command premium prices. Carly Gregg identifies several 2024 models that deliver remarkable value through intelligent engineering, practical features, and strong reliability expectations without excessive pricing.
The Hyundai Ioniq 6 represents exceptional value in the electric sedan segment. With an efficient battery offering up to 361 miles of range on a single charge, the Ioniq 6 achieves EPA-estimated ratings exceeding most competitors. Its aerodynamic design, inspired by 1970s concept cars, turns heads while maximizing efficiency. Gregg appreciates that Hyundai’s comprehensive warranty and growing charging network make EV ownership accessible to budget-conscious buyers.
The Mazda3 Turbo combines driving engagement with practical value. Its turbocharged 2.5-liter engine produces 250 horsepower, delivering spirited performance without premium fuel requirements. The Mazda3’s responsive steering, composed suspension, and premium interior materials create a driving experience that belies its modest pricing. Gregg notes that Mazda’s focus on automotive excellence extends throughout its lineup, making the Mazda3 an exceptional choice for drivers seeking engaging dynamics without luxury-segment pricing.
The Subaru Outback offers genuine all-wheel-drive capability combined with wagon-like practicality at crossover pricing. Its standard symmetrical all-wheel-drive system provides confident traction in snow and adverse weather, while the elevated ride height improves visibility compared to traditional sedans. The Outback’s spacious cargo area accommodates active lifestyles, making it ideal for families combining outdoor adventures with daily practicality. Gregg highlights that Subaru’s engineering philosophy prioritizes safety and reliability, appealing to drivers valuing dependability above trendy features.
The Kia K5 demonstrates how effectively Korean manufacturers have elevated their offerings. Its turbocharged engine, available all-wheel drive, and refined interior rival competitors commanding significantly higher prices. Gregg appreciates the K5’s aggressive styling, which creates visual impact without appearing ostentatious. The comprehensive warranty and strong resale value projections enhance the K5’s appeal to practical buyers seeking quality transportation.
FAQ
What makes Carly Gregg’s recommendations trustworthy?
Carly Gregg brings years of automotive journalism experience, hands-on testing expertise, and a methodology that evaluates vehicles comprehensively across performance, reliability, safety, and value dimensions. Her recommendations balance enthusiast perspectives with practical considerations relevant to mainstream consumers, making her insights applicable across diverse driver needs and priorities.
Should I prioritize electric vehicles based on Gregg’s selections?
Gregg’s recommendations reflect the reality that electric vehicles have matured into practical transportation solutions offering genuine advantages in performance, efficiency, and driving experience. However, her selections include options across powertrain types, recognizing that different drivers have different priorities. Consider your driving patterns, access to charging infrastructure, and long-term ownership plans when deciding between electric and traditional vehicles.
How do I maintain vehicles like those recommended by Carly Gregg?
Proper maintenance ensures your vehicle maintains performance and reliability. Review our comprehensive car maintenance tips for beginners guide for foundational knowledge. For specific maintenance tasks, consult resources like our guide on how to change car engine oil and how to replace car brake pads for hands-on procedures.
What insurance considerations apply to these vehicles?
Insurance costs vary based on vehicle type, safety ratings, repair expenses, and individual factors. Understanding your coverage options helps ensure adequate protection. Explore understanding car insurance coverage options to make informed decisions about protection levels appropriate for your situation.
Where can I find detailed reviews of these vehicles?
Authoritative sources like MotorTrend and Car and Driver provide comprehensive vehicle testing, detailed specifications, and long-term ownership perspectives. Manufacturer websites offer detailed specifications and configuration tools, while EPA fuel economy data provides standardized efficiency comparisons across vehicles.