Carly Gregg’s Car Picks: Top 2024 Models

Carly Gregg has established herself as a trusted voice in automotive journalism, delivering honest assessments of the latest vehicles hitting the market. Her 2024 car picks reflect a careful balance of performance, reliability, innovation, and value—criteria that matter most to today’s discerning drivers. Whether you’re shopping for a daily commuter, a family hauler, or a weekend thrill-seeker, Gregg’s curated selections offer something for every automotive enthusiast.

The 2024 model year brought significant advancements across multiple segments, from electrification breakthroughs to refined traditional powertrains. Carly’s recommendations span sedans, SUVs, trucks, and electric vehicles, each chosen for its standout qualities and real-world practicality. This comprehensive guide explores her top picks and explains what makes each model worthy of consideration.

Sedan Excellence: The 2024 Toyota Camry

The 2024 Toyota Camry represents the pinnacle of midsize sedan refinement, earning a top spot on Carly Gregg’s list for its combination of reliability, comfort, and modern technology. Toyota’s flagship sedan has undergone substantial improvements, featuring a completely redesigned interior with premium materials and an intuitive infotainment system that rivals luxury competitors.

What sets the Camry apart is its engineering philosophy: every component serves a purpose. The 2024 model offers multiple powertrain options, including a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine producing 241 horsepower and a hybrid variant achieving exceptional fuel economy. Both options deliver smooth, responsive acceleration suitable for highway merging and city driving alike. The suspension tuning strikes an impressive balance between comfort and handling, absorbing road imperfections while maintaining driver engagement through corners.

Interior space exceeds most competitors in the segment, with generous legroom for rear passengers and a trunk capacity of 15.1 cubic feet. The dashboard layout follows Toyota’s user-friendly design philosophy, with physical controls for frequently accessed functions alongside an 8-inch touchscreen. Standard safety features include pre-collision warning, lane departure alert, and adaptive cruise control—technology that reflects modern automotive innovation standards.

Fuel economy figures are particularly impressive: the standard turbocharged model achieves 28 mpg city and 39 mpg highway, while the hybrid variant reaches 56 mpg combined. For drivers prioritizing long-term ownership costs and fuel efficiency, these numbers translate to significant savings. The Camry’s reputation for longevity means owners can expect 200,000+ miles with proper car maintenance.

Luxury Performance: The 2024 BMW 340i

For drivers seeking the thrill of performance engineering wrapped in luxury appointments, Carly Gregg highlights the 2024 BMW 340i as an exceptional choice. This compact luxury sedan delivers the celebrated BMW driving dynamics that enthusiasts have cherished for decades, now enhanced with updated technology and refined aesthetics.

The heart of the 340i is its turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine, generating 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. This powerplant accelerates the sedan from zero to 60 mph in approximately 4.4 seconds—performance figures that rival some sports cars while maintaining everyday usability. The eight-speed automatic transmission shifts seamlessly, offering both automatic and manual control through steering wheel-mounted paddles for engaged drivers.

BMW’s chassis engineering creates an engaging driving experience that justifies the premium price. Adaptive suspension adjusts damping characteristics in real-time, optimizing comfort during highway cruising while tightening up for spirited driving. The 340i corners with minimal body roll, communicating road surface conditions through the steering wheel with impressive precision. All-wheel drive is standard, providing confident traction in varied weather conditions.

The interior reflects luxury segment expectations with premium leather upholstery, ambient lighting with multiple color options, and a digital instrument cluster that displays customizable information. BMW’s iDrive infotainment system has evolved significantly, now featuring gesture control, voice recognition, and seamless smartphone integration. Standard features include heated front seats, panoramic sunroof, and a premium audio system.

Fuel economy considerations are important for performance luxury vehicles: the 340i achieves approximately 24 mpg city and 33 mpg highway. While not exceptional, these figures are respectable for a turbocharged sport sedan. Maintenance costs run higher than mainstream brands, but BMW’s warranty coverage and reliability improvements in recent model years offset some ownership concerns.

Electric Innovation: The 2024 Tesla Model 3

Carly Gregg recognizes the 2024 Tesla Model 3 as the leading electric sedan for drivers ready to embrace electric vehicle advantages. Tesla’s mass-market sedan continues refining the EV formula, offering impressive range, rapid acceleration, and an expanding Supercharger network that addresses previous charging infrastructure concerns.

The Model 3 offers multiple battery options: the Standard Range Plus variant provides 272 miles of EPA-estimated range, while the Long Range variant extends to 358 miles. These figures represent real-world capability, with most owners reporting actual range within 5-10% of EPA estimates. The Performance variant sacrifices some range for extraordinary acceleration, reaching 60 mph in 3.1 seconds—quicker than most gasoline sports cars.

Tesla’s charging ecosystem is a significant advantage. The proprietary Supercharger network now exceeds 50,000 locations globally, enabling cross-country travel with strategic charging stops. Home charging via a Wall Connector adds approximately 30 miles of range per hour, making overnight charging practical for most daily commutes. The Model 3’s efficiency rating of 132 MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent) translates to minimal electricity costs compared to gasoline expenses.

The minimalist interior design represents a departure from traditional automotive layouts. A single central touchscreen controls most vehicle functions, with steering wheel controls handling critical operations. This design philosophy maximizes interior space and simplifies manufacturing, though some drivers prefer traditional control layouts. The spacious cabin and 28-cubic-foot trunk provide practical cargo capacity.

Safety ratings are exceptional: the Model 3 achieved a 5-star overall NHTSA rating with the highest scores in multiple categories. Standard Autopilot capability provides lane-keeping assistance and adaptive cruise control, with optional Full Self-Driving capability adding more advanced autonomous features. Battery degradation remains minimal, with Tesla batteries typically retaining 90% capacity after eight years.

Family SUV: The 2024 Honda CR-V

The 2024 Honda CR-V represents the gold standard for compact family SUVs, combining practicality, reliability, and value—exactly what Carly Gregg values in family vehicles. This perennially popular model has been completely redesigned for 2024, offering a larger footprint with improved interior space and modern technology features.

Honda’s 1.5-liter turbocharged engine produces 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque, delivering smooth acceleration and respectable fuel economy figures of 28 mpg city and 34 mpg highway. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) provides seamless acceleration without traditional gear shifts. All-wheel drive is available, offering enhanced traction for varied weather and terrain conditions.

Interior space represents a major strength: the CR-V offers 39.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 76.5 cubic feet with seats folded. This capacity accommodates family road trips, home improvement projects, and outdoor gear. The rear seat provides 38.4 inches of legroom, ensuring comfortable accommodation for growing children and adult passengers. The second-row Magic Seat feature allows flexible configurations for cargo and passenger combinations.

Technology integration meets modern expectations with a 7-inch or 10.2-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and wireless smartphone charging. Honda Sensing safety suite is standard across all trims, including collision mitigation braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The surround-view camera system simplifies parking in tight spaces.

Reliability credentials are impeccable: Honda consistently ranks among the most dependable brands, and the CR-V’s track record spans multiple generations of satisfied owners. Used CR-V models maintain strong resale value, benefiting buyers who eventually trade or sell their vehicles. IIHS safety ratings place the CR-V among the segment leaders.

Truck Capability: The 2024 Ford F-150 Lightning

Carly Gregg recognizes the 2024 Ford F-150 Lightning as a revolutionary entry in the electric truck segment, proving that zero-emission powertrains can deliver the capability and practicality that truck buyers demand. The Lightning represents a significant technological achievement, combining Ford’s truck heritage with electric propulsion innovation.

The F-150 Lightning offers two battery options: the Standard Range battery provides 240 miles of EPA-estimated range, while the Extended Range variant extends to 320 miles. These figures translate to practical daily use for most truck owners, with the extended range option suitable for occasional longer trips. Charging at home via a 240-volt outlet adds approximately 44 miles of range per hour, enabling overnight charging for typical commutes.

Towing capacity reaches 14,000 pounds with proper equipment, exceeding many gasoline F-150 variants. The electric motors deliver 452 horsepower and 775 pound-feet of instant torque, providing impressive acceleration for a vehicle weighing over 4,600 pounds. The frunk (front trunk) adds 14.1 cubic feet of additional storage, unique to electric trucks and perfect for tools or cargo requiring weather protection.

Interior technology is cutting-edge: an available 15.5-inch touchscreen dominates the dashboard, integrating Ford’s Sync 4A operating system with over-the-air update capability. Wireless charging, ambient lighting, and premium audio systems create a modern driving environment. The spacious cabin accommodates five adults comfortably, with excellent visibility for maneuvering in tight spaces.

The Lightning’s efficiency advantage over gasoline trucks is substantial: EPA ratings of 108 MPGe for the Standard Range variant translate to approximately $0.04 per mile in electricity costs versus $0.08-$0.10 per mile for comparable gasoline trucks. Over a truck’s typical lifespan, this efficiency translates to thousands in fuel savings. Federal tax credits up to $7,500 reduce purchase prices, improving the already attractive value proposition.

Compact Excellence: The 2024 Mazda3

The 2024 Mazda3 earns Carly Gregg’s recommendation as the best compact car for drivers prioritizing driving engagement and design sophistication. Mazda’s philosophy of creating emotionally engaging vehicles shines through in this segment leader, which combines attractive styling, responsive handling, and premium interior quality.

Power comes from a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 191 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. The standard six-speed manual transmission appeals to purists, while a six-speed automatic serves drivers preferring convenience. Acceleration from zero to 60 mph takes approximately 7.3 seconds—respectable for the segment—with smooth, linear power delivery. Front-wheel drive provides adequate traction, and the suspension tuning emphasizes responsive handling over isolation.

The Mazda3’s driving experience reflects the brand’s Jinba Ittai philosophy, which translates to the feeling of oneness between car and driver. The steering provides excellent feedback, communicating road surface details with precision. The chassis resists body roll through corners, and the braking system offers confident stopping power. For a compact car at this price point, the driving engagement is exceptional.

Interior design prioritizes quality materials and intuitive layouts. Soft-touch surfaces, genuine leather accents, and modern design create an environment that feels more premium than the price suggests. The 8.8-inch touchscreen integrates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with available navigation and premium audio systems. Cargo space of 12.7 cubic feet accommodates typical daily needs, though larger items require creative packing.

Fuel economy ratings of 28 mpg city and 36 mpg highway provide respectable efficiency, while the manual transmission variant achieves slightly better highway figures. Standard safety features include forward collision warning, lane departure alert, and automatic emergency braking. The Mazda3’s combination of affordability, driving pleasure, and modern technology makes it an excellent choice for buyers seeking more engaging compact transportation.

Luxury SUV: The 2024 Lexus RX 350

The 2024 Lexus RX 350 represents Carly Gregg’s choice for luxury SUV buyers seeking refinement, reliability, and understated elegance. Lexus’s midsize luxury SUV has been redesigned with a larger footprint, modern technology, and the brand’s legendary build quality that appeals to discerning owners.

The RX 350 utilizes a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 275 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is standard, providing confident traction in varied conditions. The power delivery is smooth and linear, prioritizing refinement over raw performance—characteristic of Lexus’s engineering approach. Fuel economy figures of 20 mpg city and 27 mpg highway are respectable for a midsize luxury SUV.

The interior represents a showcase of luxury craftsmanship. Premium leather upholstery, wood trim, and ambient lighting create an sophisticated atmosphere. The 12.3-inch touchscreen integrates Lexus’s Multimedia system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Heated and ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, and available panoramic sunroof enhance comfort and convenience. The climate control system maintains precise temperature zones for driver and passenger preferences.

Cargo capacity of 18.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats expands to 54.8 cubic feet with seats folded, accommodating family road trips and shopping excursions. The power liftgate with programmable height simplifies loading, particularly valuable for drivers of varying heights. The spacious three-row configuration is available on the extended RX L variant, accommodating seven passengers comfortably.

Safety technology is comprehensive: the Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 includes pre-collision warning, lane departure alert, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. The panoramic backup camera provides a bird’s-eye view perspective, simplifying parking in tight spaces. Lexus’s reputation for reliability and longevity means owners can expect excellent durability with proper engine oil changes and routine maintenance.

The RX 350’s strong resale value reflects its desirability in the used luxury market. Owners can expect to retain 50-55% of their purchase price after five years, compared to lower percentages for some competitors. This value retention, combined with Lexus’s warranty coverage and reliability reputation, makes the RX 350 an excellent luxury SUV investment.

FAQ

What makes Carly Gregg’s car picks reliable recommendations?

Carly Gregg evaluates vehicles based on extensive real-world testing, manufacturer specifications, reliability data, and owner feedback. Her picks balance performance, value, and practical ownership considerations rather than focusing solely on cutting-edge features or price tags.

Are electric vehicles included in Carly Gregg’s recommendations?

Yes, Carly recognizes the growing importance of electric vehicles and includes them in her recommendations when they offer compelling advantages. The 2024 Tesla Model 3 and Ford F-150 Lightning represent her picks for EV buyers seeking different vehicle types and use cases.

How often does Carly Gregg update her car picks?

As new model years arrive and vehicles receive updates, Carly’s recommendations evolve to reflect current market offerings. Annual updates typically occur when major redesigns or significant improvements justify reevaluation.

Should I follow Carly Gregg’s recommendations exactly, or use them as a starting point?

Carly’s picks serve as an excellent starting point for research, but individual needs vary significantly. Consider your budget, climate, driving style, and specific requirements when making final decisions. Test-driving multiple vehicles helps determine which aligns best with your preferences.

Where can I find more detailed reviews of these vehicles?

Publications like Car and Driver and MotorTrend provide comprehensive reviews with performance data and long-term testing results. Manufacturer websites contain official specifications, while the EPA fuel economy database offers standardized efficiency comparisons.

What maintenance considerations apply to Carly’s 2024 picks?

Each vehicle has unique maintenance requirements. Consult owner manuals for specific intervals, but generally plan for oil changes every 5,000-10,000 miles, tire rotations, and fluid checks. Understanding brake pad replacement procedures helps with long-term ownership costs.