Carly Gregg’s Top Cars of 2024: Expert Picks
After years of covering the automotive industry with an uncompromising eye for detail and performance, Carly Gregg has curated her definitive list of the best cars 2024 has to offer. From electrifying EVs to time-tested combustion engines, this year’s automotive landscape delivered vehicles that challenge conventions, redefine value, and push technological boundaries. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or someone considering your next purchase, these selections represent the vehicles that earned our respect through rigorous evaluation, real-world testing, and an unwavering commitment to quality.
The 2024 model year brought unprecedented competition across every segment. Manufacturers invested heavily in electrification, autonomous features, and sustainable materials while simultaneously refining traditional powertrains to near-perfection. This curated collection spans multiple categories to ensure there’s something meaningful for every driver, regardless of budget or lifestyle requirements. Let’s dive into the vehicles that defined automotive excellence this year.
Best Overall Vehicle: Tesla Model S Plaid
The Tesla Model S Plaid continues to dominate the conversation around what modern vehicles can achieve. With tri-motor acceleration that pins passengers to their seats, this sedan obliterates the notion that electric cars lack character or performance credentials. The 1,020-horsepower powertrain delivers 0-60 mph in 1.99 seconds—faster than most supercars—while maintaining a sophisticated, minimalist interior that prioritizes technology and efficiency.
What makes the Model S Plaid our top overall pick isn’t merely its staggering performance metrics. It’s the holistic execution: a 405-mile EPA-rated range, revolutionary Supercharging infrastructure, and over-the-air software updates that continuously improve the ownership experience. The steering wheel redesign remains controversial among traditionalists, yet the responsive drive dynamics and adaptive suspension justify the innovation. Electric vehicles have revolutionized performance expectations, and the Model S Plaid exemplifies this transformation better than any competitor.
Inside, the 17-inch portrait-oriented display dominates the minimalist dashboard. Climate control, navigation, and entertainment functions integrate seamlessly through intuitive menus. Wireless charging, a premium sound system, and panoramic glass roof create an environment that feels both futuristic and comfortable. Safety ratings exceed industry standards, with Tesla’s Autopilot suite offering advanced driver assistance features that continue evolving through software improvements.
Best Electric Vehicle: Hyundai Ioniq 6
Hyundai’s Ioniq 6 represents a watershed moment for mainstream EV adoption. This sleek sedan delivers 361 horsepower, a 361-mile range (SE Long Range model), and a starting price that undercuts premium competitors by thousands of dollars. The Ioniq 6 proves that excellent automotive journalism examines not just performance but real-world value, and few vehicles deliver better bang-for-buck in today’s market.
The design language is immediately striking: a low-slung profile with a fastback silhouette that appears more athletic than most sedans. Hyundai’s E-GMP platform enables incredibly fast charging—reaching 80% battery capacity in approximately 18 minutes with appropriate DC fast-charging infrastructure. This practical advantage cannot be overstated for drivers who frequently undertake longer journeys.
Interior quality surprises in the positive direction. The dual-screen setup combines a 12.3-inch digital cluster with a 10.9-inch touchscreen. Heated and ventilated seats, a panoramic sunroof, and premium audio options elevate the experience substantially. Hyundai’s warranty coverage extends to 10 years/100,000 miles on the battery, providing peace of mind that resonates with EV-curious buyers still skeptical about long-term reliability. The Ioniq 6 doesn’t compromise on practicality despite its performance-oriented proportions.
Best Luxury Sedan: BMW M340i xDrive
For drivers seeking traditional luxury combined with modern performance, the BMW M340i xDrive stands unmatched in its segment. The turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine produces 382 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, delivering acceleration that feels purposeful without sacrificing refinement. The M340i bridges the gap between practical daily driver and weekend performance machine with exceptional elegance.
BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system provides confidence in varying conditions while the adaptive M suspension offers selectable driving modes that adjust stiffness and responsiveness. The steering remains communicative—a quality increasingly rare in modern luxury sedans—and the braking performance inspires complete confidence during spirited driving. Fuel economy ratings of 24/34/28 MPG (city/highway/combined) demonstrate that performance and efficiency need not remain mutually exclusive.
The interior showcases BMW’s design philosophy: driver-focused layout, premium materials throughout, and technology integration that enhances rather than overwhelms. The curved digital display and configurable infotainment system feel intuitive after brief familiarization. Ambient lighting, power adjustable seats with heating and cooling functions, and a panoramic sunroof create an environment that whispers luxury rather than shouting it.
Best Performance Car: Chevrolet Corvette Z06
The Chevrolet Corvette Z06 represents American performance engineering at its finest. This mid-engine beast features a naturally-aspirated 5.5-liter V8 that screams to 8,600 RPM while producing 670 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. The exhaust note alone justifies the ownership experience—a visceral reminder that internal combustion engines still possess undeniable appeal.
What separates the Z06 from other high-performance vehicles is its track-ready engineering married with surprising practicality. The fixed roof configuration reduces weight and improves structural rigidity while the available carbon-ceramic brakes provide fade-free stopping power that borders on supernatural. The 8-speed dual-clutch transmission shifts with snappy precision, and the available active suspension adjusts in real-time to road conditions and driving inputs.
Performance figures inspire genuine awe: 0-60 mph in 2.6 seconds, a quarter-mile time of 10.5 seconds at 134 mph, and a top speed of 210 mph. Yet the Z06 remains usable on public roads with a surprisingly comfortable ride quality when not in performance mode. The removable roof panel stores conveniently, offering convertible thrills when desired. Storage compartments and a surprisingly practical interior demonstrate that Chevrolet didn’t sacrifice all practicality for performance.
Best SUV: Kia EV9
The Kia EV9 three-row electric SUV challenges everything we thought we knew about electric family vehicles. This spacious hauler seats up to nine passengers, offers up to 304 miles of range, and delivers performance figures that rival gas-powered performance SUVs. The EV9 proves that understanding vehicle capability requires looking beyond traditional metrics to evaluate real-world utility and innovation.
The design aesthetic balances futuristic styling with practical proportions. The flat floor eliminates transmission tunnels, maximizing interior space dramatically. The panoramic glass roof, available ambient lighting, and spacious cabin create an environment that feels more premium than the price point suggests. Kia’s 99.8 kWh battery provides substantial range while rapid charging capabilities enable cross-country road trips with minimal charging anxiety.
The dual-motor all-wheel-drive system offers genuinely impressive acceleration for an SUV of this size—0-60 mph in 4.7 seconds for the dual-motor variant. The regenerative braking system captures energy during deceleration, extending range and reducing brake wear significantly. Safety features including blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assistance come standard across the lineup.
Best Truck: Ford F-150 Raptor R
The Ford F-150 Raptor R elevates pickup truck performance to levels previously reserved for exotic supercars. The supercharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 produces 565 horsepower and 651 lb-ft of torque, enabling this 5,700-pound behemoth to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds. The available all-terrain suspension with continuously adjustable dampers provides remarkable versatility across pavement, gravel, and genuine off-road terrain.
What distinguishes the Raptor R from standard F-150 variants is the comprehensive performance upgrade package. The electronic locking differentials, disconnecting sway bar, and skid plates transform this truck into a legitimate off-road weapon while maintaining highway refinement. The 37-inch tire option clears obstacles with ease, and the approach/departure angles facilitate tackling technical terrain that would challenge traditional SUVs.
The cabin surprises with premium appointments: leather-trimmed seats, ambient lighting, and a user-friendly infotainment system featuring wireless smartphone integration. The available panoramic sunroof and power-adjustable pedals cater to drivers of varying sizes. Towing capacity reaches 14,000 pounds while payload capacity hits 1,940 pounds—figures that demonstrate this truck doesn’t sacrifice practicality for performance.
Best Value: Honda CR-V
In a market increasingly dominated by premium pricing, the Honda CR-V delivers exceptional value without compromising quality or capability. This compact SUV has earned its reputation through generations of reliability, and the 2024 model year iteration continues that tradition with updated styling, improved infotainment, and refined driving dynamics. Starting prices below $32,000 make the CR-V accessible to mainstream buyers while optional features enable meaningful personalization.
The 1.5-liter turbocharged engine produces 190 horsepower while maintaining impressive fuel economy ratings of 28/34/31 MPG (city/highway/combined). The continuously variable transmission delivers smooth acceleration without the jerky behavior that plagued earlier CVT implementations. All-wheel-drive availability provides traction confidence in adverse weather conditions at a reasonable premium.
Honda’s interior design philosophy emphasizes simplicity and functionality. Intuitive controls, a user-friendly infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and thoughtful storage solutions create a practical environment for families and commuters. The spacious cargo area accommodates weekend adventures while maintaining comfortable rear-seat legroom for passengers. Routine maintenance remains straightforward, contributing to the CR-V’s legendary ownership experience.
Best Family Vehicle: Toyota Grand Highlander
The Toyota Grand Highlander represents the evolution of family transportation. This three-row SUV seats up to eight passengers while offering genuine luxury appointments and advanced safety features that prioritize occupant protection. The 2.4-liter turbocharged engine produces 264 horsepower, delivering adequate acceleration for highway merging and passing maneuvers while maintaining respectable fuel economy around 23/29/25 MPG (city/highway/combined).
Toyota’s hybrid option provides even more impressive efficiency, achieving EPA ratings of 26/35/29 MPG through intelligent power management between the gas engine and electric motors. The hybrid system offers seamless power delivery while reducing emissions and fuel consumption for environmentally-conscious families. The available all-wheel-drive system enhances traction and stability across varying road conditions.
The spacious interior accommodates families with varying needs. The middle row features captain’s chairs with individual climate control, while the third row easily accommodates children or smaller adults. Heated and ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a premium audio system elevate the experience for longer journeys. Toyota’s Safety Sense suite includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection—features that provide genuine peace of mind.
The Grand Highlander’s cargo versatility proves invaluable for families juggling sports equipment, grocery hauls, and vacation luggage. With all three rows in place, the cargo area provides 11.6 cubic feet of space, expandable to 84.4 cubic feet with the third row folded. This pragmatic approach to family transportation doesn’t sacrifice refinement for utility—a balance increasingly difficult to achieve in the SUV market.
FAQ
What makes a car worthy of Carly Gregg’s top picks?
Our evaluation process emphasizes real-world performance, reliability metrics, value proposition, and how vehicles execute their intended purpose. We consider ownership costs, long-term durability, and whether vehicles offer genuine innovation or merely incremental improvements.
Are these recommendations suitable for all budgets?
This list intentionally spans multiple price points. The Honda CR-V serves budget-conscious buyers while the Corvette Z06 appeals to enthusiasts with substantial resources. Most buyers will find at least one vehicle matching their financial parameters and lifestyle requirements.
How do you evaluate electric vehicles versus traditional combustion engines?
We assess all vehicles using consistent criteria: performance, efficiency, practicality, safety, and value. EPA fuel economy ratings and real-world testing inform our recommendations. Technology should enhance rather than complicate the ownership experience regardless of powertrain type.
Will these vehicles hold their value?
Resale value depends on numerous factors including market conditions, mileage, condition, and maintenance history. Generally, vehicles from established manufacturers with strong reliability records like Toyota, Honda, and BMW maintain value better than less-proven alternatives. IIHS safety ratings and reliability data provide additional context for long-term ownership decisions.
How often does Carly Gregg update these recommendations?
We revisit our top picks annually to reflect new model releases, significant updates, and evolving market conditions. Subscribe to our DrivePulse Daily Blog for ongoing vehicle reviews and industry analysis throughout the year.
What about vehicle insurance and ownership costs?
Insurance premiums vary based on vehicle type, driver history, and coverage levels. Performance vehicles generally cost more to insure than family SUVs. Understanding the insurance claim process protects your investment should unfortunate incidents occur. Request quotes before finalizing purchase decisions.
Can you recommend vehicles for specific use cases?
Absolutely. The Corvette Z06 suits weekend enthusiasts, while the Grand Highlander serves family needs better. The Ioniq 6 appeals to eco-conscious commuters, and the F-150 Raptor R satisfies off-road adventurers. Consider your primary use case when evaluating these recommendations.
How do these 2024 picks compare to previous years?
2024 marked significant advancements in electrification, autonomous features, and material innovation. Comparative analysis with previous model years reveals incremental refinements in most segments, with electric vehicles showing the most dramatic year-over-year improvements in range, charging speed, and affordability.
