Carly Gregg’s Top Car Picks: Insider Insight
Carly Gregg has established herself as a trusted voice in automotive journalism, combining technical expertise with an accessible approach to vehicle evaluation. Her curated selections reflect a deep understanding of market trends, performance metrics, and real-world driving experiences. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or a first-time buyer, Gregg’s recommendations cut through marketing noise to highlight vehicles that genuinely deliver on their promises.
Drawing from years of test drives, manufacturer consultations, and consumer feedback, Gregg’s top car picks span multiple segments and price points. Her methodology emphasizes reliability, value proposition, technological integration, and driving dynamics. This comprehensive guide explores her most compelling vehicle recommendations and the reasoning behind each selection, providing you with the insights needed to make an informed automotive decision.
Premium Luxury Sedans
Carly Gregg’s luxury sedan selections prioritize refinement, cutting-edge technology, and long-term ownership satisfaction. The Mercedes-AMG C63 consistently appears in her recommendations for drivers seeking a perfect balance between daily usability and exhilarating performance. This vehicle delivers a hand-built 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine producing 503 horsepower, paired with a responsive nine-speed automatic transmission.
The BMW M440i xDrive represents another pinnacle recommendation for those valuing sporty handling without sacrificing comfort. Its inline-six engine with mild-hybrid technology produces 382 horsepower while maintaining exceptional fuel efficiency for its class. Gregg emphasizes that this model excels in real-world driving scenarios, offering superb steering feedback and adaptive suspension that adjusts to varying road conditions.
For luxury buyers prioritizing quiet sophistication, the Lexus LS emerges as a standout choice. This flagship sedan features Lexus’s legendary reliability reputation coupled with a 3.5-liter V6 hybrid powertrain. Gregg particularly highlights the LS’s attention to noise isolation, premium material selection, and the brand’s commitment to comprehensive vehicle documentation throughout ownership.
The Audi S6 rounds out Gregg’s luxury segment picks, offering a twin-turbo V8 engine with 444 horsepower and Audi’s legendary Quattro all-wheel-drive system. She values this vehicle’s harmonious blend of performance acceleration and sophisticated interior appointments, making it ideal for executives who demand both capability and prestige.
High-Performance Vehicles
Gregg’s performance vehicle selections cater to driving enthusiasts who prioritize dynamic handling, acceleration, and track-capable engineering. The Chevrolet Corvette C8 consistently tops her recommendations as an American performance icon that rivals European supercars at a fraction of the cost. The mid-engine layout fundamentally changes the driving experience, providing superior weight distribution and handling characteristics.
Featuring a 6.2-liter naturally aspirated V8 producing 495 horsepower, the Corvette delivers exhilarating acceleration while maintaining surprising practicality with usable cargo space. Gregg emphasizes that this generation represents a watershed moment in American automotive engineering, finally achieving the performance-per-dollar ratio that justifies comparison with Ferrari and Lamborghini offerings.
The Porsche 911 Turbo remains a cornerstone of Gregg’s performance recommendations despite its premium pricing. This vehicle’s 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged flat-six engine produces 580 horsepower in standard configuration, with the Turbo S variant reaching 640 horsepower. She values the 911’s evolutionary design philosophy—continuous refinement across generations rather than revolutionary overhauls—which ensures proven reliability and resale value stability.
For track-focused drivers, the BMW M4 Competition offers aggressive styling, a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six with 503 horsepower, and M Sport suspension tuned for precision cornering. Gregg notes that this vehicle represents the perfect intersection of daily usability and weekend track capability, particularly for drivers seeking manual transmission driving engagement through its available stick shift.
The Dodge Challenger R/T SRT Hellcat appeals to Gregg’s recommendations for those seeking uncompromising power and theatrical presence. Its 6.2-liter supercharged V8 delivers 707 horsepower, creating an intoxicating driving experience that combines American muscle car heritage with modern performance standards.
Family-Friendly Crossovers
Recognizing that most vehicle buyers prioritize practicality and safety, Gregg dedicates substantial attention to family crossover vehicles. The Honda CR-V consistently appears as her top recommendation for balanced versatility, reliability, and resale value. This vehicle offers generous cargo space, excellent fuel economy, and Honda’s renowned durability that translates to lower lifetime ownership costs.
The CR-V’s hybrid variant particularly impresses Gregg, delivering approximately 40 miles per gallon combined while maintaining sufficient power for highway merging and acceleration. She appreciates Honda’s commitment to intuitive infotainment systems and straightforward maintenance requirements for beginners undertaking basic vehicle care.
The Toyota RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid represents another cornerstone Gregg recommendation for environmentally conscious families. This vehicle combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with electric motors to deliver 302 combined horsepower while offering up to 42 miles of all-electric driving range. Gregg emphasizes that this powertrain configuration suits suburban commuters perfectly, allowing most daily driving to occur on battery power while retaining gasoline backup for extended trips.
The Mazda CX-50 appeals to Gregg’s sensibilities for drivers seeking engaging driving dynamics without sacrificing family functionality. This vehicle’s turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces 228 horsepower while its lightweight construction and responsive steering create an almost sports-car-like driving experience uncommon in the crossover segment.
The Kia Sorento rounds out Gregg’s family crossover selections, offering exceptional value through comprehensive warranty coverage, modern technology integration, and flexible seating arrangements. She particularly values Kia’s commitment to insurance coverage considerations through their industry-leading warranty programs that reduce long-term ownership uncertainty.
Electric Vehicle Innovations
Carly Gregg recognizes that electric vehicles represent the automotive industry’s inevitable future, dedicating significant analysis to this rapidly evolving segment. The Tesla Model 3 Performance remains her top EV recommendation for those prioritizing acceleration, range, and charging infrastructure access. With 0-60 mph acceleration in 3.1 seconds and 358 miles of EPA-estimated range, this vehicle combines practical daily transportation with genuine performance thrills.
Gregg emphasizes Tesla’s Supercharger network as a critical advantage, particularly for road trips and extended driving beyond typical commute ranges. She notes that this charging infrastructure superiority translates directly to ownership convenience and resale value stability compared to competing EV platforms.
The Porsche Taycan appeals to Gregg’s performance sensibilities while advancing electric vehicle technology. This vehicle’s dual-motor setup produces 389 horsepower in standard configuration with the Turbo S variant reaching 750 horsepower. She particularly values the Taycan’s 800-volt charging architecture, enabling 200-mile charging increments in approximately 22 minutes using appropriate fast-charging infrastructure.
The BMW i7 represents Gregg’s luxury EV recommendation, combining electric propulsion with the premium appointments expected in flagship sedans. This vehicle’s dual-motor system produces 516 horsepower while offering up to 380 miles of EPA-estimated range, making it suitable for executives requiring both prestige and environmental consciousness.
For budget-conscious EV buyers, the advantages of electric vehicles extend beyond environmental benefits to include lower fuel costs and reduced maintenance requirements. Gregg recommends the Chevrolet Bolt EV as an outstanding value proposition, delivering 259 miles of range at a price point below $27,000 after applicable federal tax credits.
Value Champions Under $30K
Gregg recognizes that exceptional vehicles don’t require premium pricing, dedicating analysis to outstanding value propositions in the under-$30,000 segment. The Honda Civic remains a cornerstone recommendation, combining reliable engineering, engaging driving dynamics, and excellent fuel economy. The current generation’s turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces 180 horsepower while achieving approximately 33 miles per gallon combined.
The Hyundai Elantra represents another outstanding value selection, offering comparable specifications to the Civic while undercutting pricing by several thousand dollars. Gregg values Hyundai’s commitment to standard technology features including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, typically reserved for higher trim levels in competing vehicles.
The Mazda3 appeals to Gregg’s appreciation for engaging driving dynamics at accessible pricing. This vehicle’s turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces 228 horsepower, delivering surprising performance while maintaining fuel economy around 31 miles per gallon combined. She particularly emphasizes that Mazda’s commitment to brake pad replacement procedures and general maintenance documentation makes this vehicle ideal for owner-performed maintenance.
The Toyota Corolla represents Gregg’s recommendation for buyers prioritizing absolute reliability and longevity over performance excitement. This vehicle’s proven engineering and Toyota’s legendary durability reputation ensure ownership satisfaction across 200,000+ mile lifespans. She notes that Corolla ownership costs remain among the lowest in the automotive market when factoring maintenance, insurance, and fuel expenses.
The Kia Forte completes Gregg’s value champion selections, offering comprehensive feature sets and an impressive 10-year powertrain warranty that provides unprecedented ownership peace of mind in this price segment.
Maintenance and Reliability Considerations
Carly Gregg emphasizes that vehicle selection extends beyond initial purchase price and performance specifications to encompass long-term ownership costs and reliability records. Understanding car maintenance tips for beginners proves essential for maximizing vehicle lifespan and maintaining resale value.
She consistently recommends consulting third-party reliability ratings from organizations like IIHS Safety Ratings and Consumer Reports before finalizing vehicle selections. These resources provide objective data regarding common failure points, warranty claim frequencies, and long-term ownership satisfaction metrics that transcend manufacturer marketing claims.
Gregg particularly emphasizes the importance of understanding brake pad replacement procedures and other routine maintenance tasks that directly impact vehicle safety and performance. She recommends scheduling regular fluid changes, filter replacements, and suspension inspections according to manufacturer specifications rather than arbitrary intervals.
For drivers considering used vehicle purchases, Gregg advises obtaining comprehensive pre-purchase inspections from independent mechanics rather than relying on dealer certifications alone. This investment typically costs $150-300 but frequently identifies hidden issues that could result in thousands of dollars in unexpected repairs.
She also emphasizes the value of extended warranty coverage for vehicles with known reliability concerns, particularly for brands with inconsistent track records. Conversely, brands like Toyota and Lexus with exceptional reliability histories rarely justify extended warranty expenditures given their proven durability.
FAQ
What makes Carly Gregg’s vehicle recommendations particularly valuable?
Gregg combines technical automotive expertise with real-world driving experience and market analysis. Her recommendations address practical ownership considerations beyond performance specifications, including maintenance costs, resale value, and long-term reliability. She emphasizes objective data from independent testing organizations rather than subjective preferences.
How does Gregg evaluate electric vehicles compared to traditional combustion engines?
Gregg acknowledges that electric vehicle technology continues advancing rapidly, making direct comparisons complex. She evaluates EVs based on real-world range, charging infrastructure access, total cost of ownership including electricity expenses, and environmental impact. Her recommendations emphasize that EV suitability depends heavily on individual driving patterns and regional charging infrastructure availability.
Should I purchase a new or used vehicle based on Gregg’s recommendations?
Gregg generally recommends new vehicles for buyers prioritizing warranty coverage and reliability certainty, while used vehicles from her recommended list offer exceptional value for budget-conscious purchasers. She emphasizes that used vehicle purchases require comprehensive pre-purchase inspections and history verification to identify potential hidden issues.
How important is brand loyalty in vehicle selection?
Gregg advocates for objective evaluation of each vehicle’s merits rather than brand loyalty. However, she acknowledges that brands with proven reliability histories like Toyota, Lexus, and Honda demonstrate consistent quality that justifies consideration. She recommends balancing brand reputation with individual model performance data.
What role does technology play in Gregg’s vehicle recommendations?
While Gregg appreciates modern infotainment systems and driver assistance features, she emphasizes that technology should enhance rather than complicate vehicle ownership. She values intuitive interfaces, over-the-air update capabilities, and integration with smartphone ecosystems. However, she cautions against prioritizing cutting-edge technology over proven mechanical reliability.
How frequently should vehicle owners follow Gregg’s maintenance recommendations?
Gregg emphasizes adhering to manufacturer-specified maintenance intervals rather than arbitrary schedules. Modern vehicles typically require oil changes every 10,000 miles, though some synthetic oils extend intervals to 15,000 miles. Regular inspections should occur annually or every 12,000 miles to identify emerging issues before they become expensive failures.