Carly Gregg’s Top 5 SUVs for 2024: Expert Picks for Every Driver
The SUV market in 2024 continues to dominate the automotive landscape, offering buyers an unparalleled combination of space, capability, and comfort. Whether you’re a weekend adventurer or a daily commuter seeking versatility, the right SUV can transform your driving experience. As automotive enthusiasts explore their options, understanding what separates the best performers from the rest becomes essential. This comprehensive guide highlights five standout SUVs that deliver exceptional value, performance, and reliability throughout 2024.
Carly Gregg, a respected voice in automotive journalism, has curated selections that balance practical considerations with driving dynamics. These vehicles represent the pinnacle of current SUV engineering, combining advanced safety features, efficient powertrains, and thoughtful interior design. From compact crossovers to three-row family haulers, each model addresses specific buyer needs while maintaining the quality standards that define today’s premium and mainstream segments.
2024 Toyota Grand Highlander: Three-Row Excellence
The Toyota Grand Highlander represents a significant addition to Toyota’s SUV lineup, offering a stretched wheelbase and extended third-row legality that addresses a critical market gap. This three-row powerhouse delivers impressive towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, making it suitable for boat owners and recreational enthusiasts. The standard 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces 275 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque, providing spirited acceleration without sacrificing fuel economy.
Interior versatility stands as a defining characteristic, with configurable seating arrangements that accommodate up to eight passengers. The Grand Highlander’s spacious cargo hold expands dramatically with the third row folded, reaching 84.9 cubic feet of storage capacity. Advanced safety technologies, including Toyota’s Safety Sense 2.5+, come standard across all trim levels. Buyers seeking a reliable three-row family vehicle will appreciate the Grand Highlander’s proven Toyota reliability heritage.
The hybrid option deserves special attention, delivering an estimated 28 miles per gallon combined with all-wheel drive standard. This powertrain excels in real-world driving scenarios, offering responsive performance during acceleration while maintaining impressive efficiency during highway cruising. Interior materials reflect Toyota’s commitment to quality, with soft-touch plastics and available leather upholstery creating an upscale environment. Climate control zones ensure passenger comfort regardless of seating position, while the available panoramic sunroof floods the cabin with natural light.
Hyundai Santa Fe: Value Meets Performance
Hyundai’s Santa Fe continues its evolution as a three-row competitor that undercuts premium rivals while delivering comparable feature sets and driving dynamics. The 2024 model year introduces a refreshed exterior design with bold grille treatment and enhanced lighting signatures that improve visibility during nighttime driving. The base 2.5-liter turbocharged engine generates 277 horsepower, while the optional 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with advanced direct injection produces 290 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque.
What distinguishes the Santa Fe is Hyundai’s generous warranty coverage and competitive pricing structure. The manufacturer’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty provides exceptional peace of mind, significantly outlasting most competitors in this segment. Insurance coverage considerations become more favorable when accounting for the Santa Fe’s affordable replacement parts and accessible maintenance procedures. The IIHS recognizes the Santa Fe’s safety architecture with multiple awards in crashworthiness categories.
The Santa Fe’s interior accommodates three rows of seating with genuine effort toward comfort, though third-row legroom remains somewhat constrained compared to dedicated three-row vehicles. Eight-way power-adjustable front seats with lumbar support ensure long-distance driving comfort for primary occupants. The available panoramic sunroof and ambient lighting system create an inviting atmosphere, while the 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto wireless connectivity. Cargo versatility remains excellent, with up to 72.1 cubic feet of storage space available with rear seats folded.
Safety technologies include forward collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and driver attention warning systems across all trim levels. The Santa Fe’s turbo engines deliver responsive throttle response, making merging and acceleration feel natural and confident. All-wheel drive availability ensures winter weather capability, while the suspension geometry provides balanced handling characteristics suitable for both urban environments and highway driving.
BMW X5: Luxury and Capability Combined
The BMW X5 remains the benchmark for luxury three-row SUVs, combining Germanic engineering precision with commanding road presence. The 2024 model year features the xDrive50 powerplant, a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine that produces 523 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. This exceptional power delivery enables zero-to-60 acceleration in approximately 4.4 seconds, demonstrating that luxury SUVs need not sacrifice performance. The M440i variant offers a more efficient turbocharged inline-six alternative, delivering 382 horsepower with improved fuel economy characteristics.
Interior appointments reflect BMW’s obsession with driver-centric design, featuring the latest iDrive 8 infotainment system with gesture control and voice recognition capabilities. The curved digital display spans 14.9 inches, presenting navigation, vehicle settings, and entertainment controls in an intuitive layout. Premium leather upholstery, available ambient lighting with 64 color options, and heated and ventilated front seats create an executive-class environment. The optional Sky Lounge panoramic sunroof transforms the cabin into a light-filled sanctuary, while active noise cancellation technology ensures serene cruising experiences.
The X5’s dynamic handling characteristics distinguish it from competitors, with adaptive suspension systems that adjust damping in real-time based on road conditions. All-wheel drive with intelligent distribution ensures traction in challenging weather scenarios. Towing capacity reaches 5,940 pounds, accommodating most recreational trailers and boat launches. Maintenance considerations for luxury vehicles like the X5 require specialized attention, though BMW’s extended service intervals minimize ownership costs.
Safety technology includes the latest driver assistance systems, with options for adaptive cruise control, automated parking assistance, and 360-degree camera systems. The X5’s robust frame structure and multiple airbag systems provide comprehensive occupant protection. Owners appreciate the X5’s commanding driving position, excellent visibility, and confidence-inspiring braking performance. The vehicle’s three-row configuration offers genuine adult seating in the third row, unlike many competitors that relegate rear-most passengers to cramped quarters.
Mazda CX-90: Refined Compact Crossover
Mazda’s CX-90 introduces the brand’s first plug-in hybrid option to the compact crossover segment, delivering a sophisticated alternative to traditional gasoline-only designs. The 2.5-liter turbocharged engine combined with electric motor assistance produces 323 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, enabling impressive acceleration while reducing overall fuel consumption. The plug-in hybrid system allows up to 44 miles of all-electric driving on a full charge, ideal for daily commutes and urban errands. Standard gasoline engine versions offer 228 horsepower with exceptional efficiency ratings.
Mazda’s commitment to electrified vehicle technology positions the CX-90 as a practical bridge between traditional internal combustion and fully electric powertrains. The charging system accepts both Level 1 household outlets and Level 2 dedicated chargers, providing flexibility for various installation scenarios. Real-world testing demonstrates combined fuel economy exceeding 40 miles per gallon in hybrid mode, remarkable efficiency for a vehicle with genuine performance credentials.
The CX-90’s interior emphasizes craftsmanship and material quality, with available Nappa leather, open-pore wood trim, and premium audio systems from Bose. The driver-focused cockpit features an 8.8-inch infotainment display with intuitive rotary controller and support for wireless smartphone integration. Seating comfort accommodates five passengers with supportive bolstering that encourages engaged driving postures. The panoramic sunroof option floods the cabin with daylight, creating an airy atmosphere despite the vehicle’s compact exterior dimensions.
Handling characteristics reflect Mazda’s engineering philosophy, prioritizing responsive steering feel and balanced weight distribution. The adaptive suspension system adjusts stiffness characteristics based on driving conditions, maintaining composure during spirited driving while absorbing road imperfections during cruising. All-wheel drive availability ensures winter weather capability, while the vehicle’s modest ground clearance provides confidence on paved roads. Cargo space reaches 31.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expandable to 63.3 cubic feet with seats folded, adequate for most lifestyle needs.
Kia EV9: Electric Family Innovation
Kia’s EV9 represents a bold statement in the electric SUV segment, offering three-row seating capacity with impressive electric range and rapid charging capabilities. The dual-motor all-wheel-drive configuration delivers 376 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, enabling zero-to-60 acceleration in approximately 4.7 seconds. The long-range battery option provides an EPA-estimated 304 miles of driving range, addressing range anxiety that previously limited electric vehicle adoption. Fast-charging capability enables 10-80% battery replenishment in approximately 18 minutes using optimal DC fast-charging infrastructure.
The EV9’s interior architecture maximizes passenger space through the absence of a center transmission tunnel, creating a flat floor and improved third-row accessibility. The vehicle accommodates six or seven passengers depending on configuration, with genuine comfort for all occupants including rear-most passengers. The dashboard features a dual-screen setup with a 12.3-inch driver display and 14.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, presenting navigation, climate control, and vehicle settings in an organized layout. Available ambient lighting with multiple color selections and heated seats throughout all rows enhance comfort during extended journeys.
Sustainability considerations align with EPA fuel economy standards and environmental objectives, producing zero direct emissions while operating. The vehicle’s spacious cargo configuration offers 54 cubic feet of storage with rear seats folded, accommodating luggage for multi-week vacations or sports equipment. Kia’s 10-year/100,000-mile battery warranty provides exceptional coverage, demonstrating manufacturer confidence in battery longevity. Brake maintenance becomes less frequent with regenerative braking systems that recover energy during deceleration, extending component lifespan compared to traditional vehicles.
Safety systems include forward collision avoidance, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot monitoring, and 360-degree camera systems. The EV9’s low center of gravity, resulting from floor-mounted battery placement, improves stability during cornering and emergency maneuvers. Advanced driver assistance features support semi-autonomous driving capabilities on compatible roadways, reducing driver fatigue during highway travel. Kia’s commitment to electric vehicle development positions the EV9 as a forward-thinking choice for environmentally conscious buyers seeking family-sized transportation.
FAQ
What makes these SUVs stand out from competitors in 2024?
These five vehicles represent the pinnacle of current automotive engineering, combining advanced safety technologies, efficient powertrains, and thoughtful interior design. Each model addresses specific buyer preferences while maintaining exceptional quality standards. The Toyota Grand Highlander excels in reliability and three-row practicality, the Hyundai Santa Fe offers outstanding value with comprehensive warranty coverage, the BMW X5 delivers luxury and performance, the Mazda CX-90 provides refined efficiency with plug-in hybrid technology, and the Kia EV9 leads electric vehicle innovation for family transportation.
Which SUV offers the best fuel efficiency?
The Mazda CX-90 plug-in hybrid achieves approximately 40 miles per gallon combined in hybrid mode, while the Kia EV9 offers exceptional efficiency with 3.0 miles per kilowatt-hour equivalent rating. The Toyota Grand Highlander hybrid variant delivers approximately 28 miles per gallon combined with all-wheel drive. Traditional gasoline models like the Hyundai Santa Fe achieve 25-28 miles per gallon depending on configuration and driving conditions.
Are these vehicles suitable for towing and hauling?
Yes, all five vehicles accommodate towing applications within appropriate capacity limits. The Toyota Grand Highlander handles 5,000 pounds, the Hyundai Santa Fe manages 3,500 pounds, and the BMW X5 accommodates 5,940 pounds. The Mazda CX-90 supports 2,000 pounds, while the Kia EV9 offers 2,800 pounds capacity, adequate for most recreational trailers and boat launches.
What safety features do these SUVs include?
All five vehicles feature comprehensive safety technology packages including forward collision avoidance, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot monitoring, and 360-degree camera systems. The BMW X5 and Kia EV9 offer advanced driver assistance systems supporting semi-autonomous driving capabilities. The Toyota Grand Highlander includes Safety Sense 2.5+, while the Hyundai Santa Fe and Mazda CX-90 feature comparable manufacturer-specific safety suites.
How do warranty coverage options compare across these models?
Hyundai provides industry-leading 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty coverage for the Santa Fe. Kia matches this coverage for the EV9, including 10-year/100,000-mile battery warranty protection. Toyota offers 3-year/36,000-mile basic coverage for the Grand Highlander with optional extended plans. BMW and Mazda provide standard 4-year/50,000-mile coverage with available extended protection options.
