Carly Gregg’s Top Car Picks for 2024

As an automotive enthusiast and seasoned car reviewer, Carly Gregg has spent countless hours behind the wheel evaluating the latest vehicles hitting the market. Her 2024 selections represent a carefully curated mix of performance, reliability, innovation, and value—vehicles that genuinely deliver on their promises. Whether you’re shopping for your next daily driver, a weekend warrior, or an eco-conscious commuter, Carly’s picks offer something for every type of driver and budget.

The automotive landscape in 2024 continues to evolve with electrification, advanced safety technologies, and refined powertrains taking center stage. Carly’s selections prioritize real-world performance metrics, owner satisfaction ratings, and long-term reliability data. These aren’t just flashy headlines—they’re vehicles backed by thorough testing and comparative analysis that matter to discerning buyers.

Luxury Sedans That Redefine Sophistication

Carly’s luxury sedan selections showcase the pinnacle of automotive engineering and comfort. The BMW 7 Series continues to dominate the full-size luxury segment with its perfect balance of performance and opulence. Featuring a turbocharged inline-six engine producing 335 horsepower, the 7 Series delivers effortless acceleration paired with responsive handling that belies its substantial curb weight. The cabin isolation rivals private aircraft, with multi-layer soundproofing and suspension technology that adapts in real-time to road conditions.

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class remains Carly’s top recommendation for those prioritizing cutting-edge technology and heritage craftsmanship. Its AIRMATIC suspension system continuously scans the road ahead, adjusting damping 1,000 times per second. The interior features sustainably sourced materials, including vegan leather alternatives that don’t compromise on luxury feel. With up to 503 horsepower in the AMG variant, the S-Class offers serious performance credentials alongside serene highway manners.

For those seeking understated elegance, the Lexus LS presents a compelling alternative. Known for legendary reliability—many LS owners report 200,000+ mile lifespans with minimal major repairs—this flagship sedan delivers whisper-quiet operation and butter-smooth powertrains. The 3.5-liter V6 hybrid system produces 354 combined horsepower while achieving impressive fuel economy for its class. Carly particularly appreciates the LS’s straightforward controls and Japanese attention to detail.

Don’t overlook the Genesis G90, which Carly identifies as the value champion in this category. Hyundai’s luxury division offers comparable features to competitors costing $15,000-$20,000 more, including a longer warranty and more standard amenities. The G90’s tech-forward approach appeals to buyers wanting the latest infotainment systems without premium pricing.

Check out our guide on car maintenance tips for beginners to keep your luxury sedan in pristine condition.

Performance Vehicles for Adrenaline Seekers

Performance enthusiasts will appreciate Carly’s selections in this category, which prioritize not just raw power but chassis dynamics and driving engagement. The Porsche 911 Carrera remains undefeated in her testing, combining 379 horsepower with a chassis that communicates every nuance of the road. The 911’s mid-range torque delivery and lightning-quick PDK transmission make it equally capable in daily driving and track situations. Porsche’s continuous refinement over seven decades has created a formula that simply works.

The Chevrolet Corvette C8 earns Carly’s praise as America’s supercar. With its mid-mounted 6.2-liter V8 producing 495 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque, the Corvette achieves 0-60 mph in under 3 seconds while maintaining a sub-$70,000 starting price. The structural rigidity of the carbon-fiber chassis rivals hypercars costing five times as much. Its approachable driving dynamics make it genuinely usable on real roads, not just at race tracks.

For turbocharged thrills, the BMW M440i xDrive offers four-door practicality with serious performance credentials. Its 382-horsepower turbocharged inline-six accelerates the sedan to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds while maintaining everyday usability. The xDrive all-wheel-drive system provides confidence in varied weather conditions, and the rear seats actually fit adults comfortably.

Carly also recommends the Mercedes-AMG C63 Cabriolet for those wanting performance with convertible versatility. The biturbo V8 generates 402 horsepower, while the retractable hardtop operates seamlessly at speeds up to 31 mph. Advanced driving dynamics systems allow customization of throttle response, transmission behavior, and suspension stiffness for different driving modes.

The Subaru WRX rounds out this section as the enthusiast’s bargain. Priced around $30,000, this turbocharged all-wheel-drive sedan delivers legitimate performance and handling that punches far above its price point. Carly appreciates its practical daily-driver focus without pretension.

Practical SUVs and Crossovers

SUVs dominate modern automotive sales, and Carly’s selections in this category balance practicality with driving dynamics. The Mazda CX-90 PHEV emerges as her top recommendation for buyers wanting electrification without full EV range anxiety. The plug-in hybrid system combines a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine with electric motors for 323 combined horsepower. With up to 44 miles of all-electric range, daily commuting can occur emission-free, while longer trips leverage the gas engine.

For three-row versatility, the Kia Sorento offers impressive value and technology. Carly notes that Kia’s design language has matured significantly, with the Sorento featuring sculpted bodywork and a sophisticated interior that rivals premium competitors. The available turbocharged engine delivers adequate performance while maintaining reasonable fuel economy around 24 mpg combined.

The Toyota 4Runner captures Carly’s heart for serious off-road capability. Its body-on-frame construction, available multi-mode all-wheel-drive system, and legendary reliability make it ideal for adventurers. The 3.5-liter turbocharged V6 produces 437 horsepower, providing genuine towing capacity around 5,000 pounds despite its SUV classification. Visit our article on advantages of electric vehicles for alternative eco-friendly options.

The Range Rover Sport delivers luxury and capability in equal measure. Its aluminum construction reduces weight while maintaining structural rigidity, and the air suspension adapts to terrain automatically. Carly appreciates the intuitive Pivi Pro infotainment system and the commanding driving position that justifies the premium pricing.

Don’t sleep on the Hyundai Santa Fe, which Carly identifies as the practical family hauler. Its spacious interior, intuitive controls, and competitive pricing make it perfect for buyers prioritizing function over flash. The hybrid powertrain achieves impressive fuel economy for a three-row vehicle.

Electric Vehicles Leading the Charge

Electric vehicle technology has matured dramatically, and Carly’s selections reflect this evolution. The Tesla Model S continues setting benchmarks with its 405-mile EPA range and Supercharger network advantage. The tri-motor Plaid variant achieves 0-60 mph in 2.1 seconds, making it faster than most supercars while seating five comfortably. Carly notes that Tesla’s over-the-air update system continuously improves vehicles post-purchase.

The BMW i7 represents traditional luxury manufacturers’ EV ambitions. With 516 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, the i7 accelerates with surprising urgency while maintaining the refinement expected in a full-size luxury sedan. The 124-kWh battery provides 324 miles of range, sufficient for most driving patterns. BMW’s iDrive 8 infotainment system represents a quantum leap in usability.

For practical buyers, the Chevrolet Equinox EV offers exceptional value at under $35,000. Carly appreciates its 319-mile range, spacious interior, and General Motors’ expanding Ultium charging network. The Equinox EV proves that affordable electrification needn’t sacrifice practicality or range.

The Hyundai Ioniq 6 earns Carly’s recommendation for efficiency enthusiasts. Its streamlined sedan design achieves EPA ratings up to 140 MPGe, meaning electricity costs rival conventional hybrid fuel economy. The 361-mile range on the long-range variant addresses range anxiety comprehensively.

Carly also highlights the Porsche Taycan for performance-oriented EV buyers. Its 93-kWh battery enables 340-mile range, while dual motors produce 938 horsepower in overboost mode. Porsche’s Weissach suspension technology delivers handling dynamics matching gas-powered 911s, proving electric powertrains needn’t compromise driving engagement. Learn more about Carly Gregg’s automotive expertise for additional vehicle insights.

Family-Friendly Minivans and Wagons

Minivans have evolved from soccer-mom stereotypes into genuinely sophisticated family vehicles, and Carly champions their practicality. The Honda Odyssey leads this segment with its spacious interior, innovative seating configurations, and Honda’s legendary reliability. The 3.5-liter V6 produces 280 horsepower, providing adequate acceleration for highway merging while maintaining reasonable fuel economy around 22 mpg combined. Carly appreciates the power sliding doors that operate even when the vehicle is parked, simplifying child seat installation.

The Chrysler Pacifica offers premium positioning within the minivan market. Its available hybrid powertrain combines a 3.6-liter V6 with electric motors for impressive efficiency—Carly notes that plug-in variants can travel 33 miles on battery alone. The Pacifica’s interior design emphasizes luxury, with available leather seating and ambient lighting that rivals premium SUVs.

For those preferring wagon styling, the Volvo V90 combines Scandinavian minimalism with practical cargo space. Its 316-horsepower turbocharged engine provides spirited acceleration, while the air suspension delivers a smooth ride regardless of road conditions. Carly particularly appreciates Volvo’s commitment to safety, with the V90 earning top marks from IIHS testing.

The BMW 3 Series Touring appeals to performance-minded families. Its turbocharged engines deliver responsive acceleration, while the sport-tuned suspension provides engaging handling. The extended cargo area accommodates luggage for road trips while maintaining the premium driving dynamics expected from BMW.

Truck Powerhouses for Work and Play

Trucks remain America’s favorite vehicle type, and Carly’s selections balance capability with daily drivability. The Ford F-150 Lightning represents the future of truck electrification. Its dual motors produce 580 horsepower and 775 lb-ft of torque, enabling 0-60 mph acceleration in under 4.5 seconds despite weighing over 5,000 pounds. The 312-mile range suits most work applications, while the integrated power outlet system can run job-site equipment. Carly notes that the Lightning’s lower center of gravity improves handling compared to conventional F-150s.

The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 continues dominating the full-size truck segment with its refined powertrain options. The new 5.0-liter V8 produces 420 horsepower while achieving 22 mpg highway—an impressive efficiency figure for a half-ton truck. Carly appreciates the available eCOG (electronic Continuous On-Demand) all-wheel-drive system that provides traction without fuel economy penalty.

For those requiring maximum towing capacity, the Ford F-250 Super Duty delivers with its 7.3-liter turbodiesel producing 475 horsepower and 1,050 lb-ft of torque. Carly notes that the Super Duty’s frame is 50% stronger than previous generations, enabling confident handling of 20,000+ pound loads. The available air suspension reduces body roll during cornering despite the truck’s substantial size.

The RAM 1500 Revolution earns Carly’s praise for its innovative design and technology integration. Its turbocharged V6 produces 420 horsepower while achieving impressive fuel economy. The available air suspension automatically lowers the truck for easier loading and unloading, then raises it for highway driving. Carly particularly appreciates the available 360-degree camera system, which simplifies maneuvering in tight spaces.

Don’t overlook the Toyota Tundra, which Carly identifies as the reliability standard-bearer. Its twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 produces 437 horsepower while achieving remarkable durability. Toyota’s reputation for longevity means Tundras routinely surpass 200,000 miles with proper maintenance. Visit our how to change car engine oil guide to maintain your truck’s performance.

Carly’s truck selections prove that modern pickups can balance genuine capability with refinement and efficiency. Whether you need a truck for work, weekend adventures, or simply prefer the commanding driving position, her recommendations offer proven reliability and real-world performance.

FAQ

What criteria does Carly Gregg use to evaluate vehicles?

Carly prioritizes real-world performance metrics, owner satisfaction ratings, long-term reliability data, and practical usability. She tests vehicles in varied conditions—city driving, highway cruising, and track time—to ensure comprehensive evaluation. Her selections balance objective specs with subjective driving dynamics that matter to enthusiasts.

Are Carly Gregg’s picks aligned with EPA fuel economy ratings?

Yes. Carly references EPA fuel economy data and official EPA fuel economy estimates for all vehicles. However, she also notes that real-world driving typically achieves 10-15% lower figures than EPA highway estimates. Her selections emphasize vehicles that deliver respectable efficiency without sacrificing performance.

How often does Carly update her vehicle recommendations?

Carly reviews her selections annually, typically in Q4 to capture the latest model year introductions and mid-cycle refreshes. Significant technology advancements or reliability data shifts may prompt updates between annual reviews. Visit the Drive Pulse Daily Blog for the latest automotive insights.

Which vehicle category offers the best value according to Carly?

Carly consistently identifies practical SUVs and crossovers as offering exceptional value. Models like the Hyundai Santa Fe and Mazda CX-90 PHEV deliver premium features and reliability at competitive pricing. For budget-conscious buyers, the Chevrolet Equinox EV represents revolutionary value in the EV segment.

How does Carly approach electric vehicle recommendations?

Carly evaluates EVs on EPA range, charging infrastructure availability, real-world efficiency, and total cost of ownership. She acknowledges that EV suitability depends heavily on individual driving patterns and charging access. Her selections prioritize vehicles with proven battery longevity and manufacturer support.

What role does vehicle safety play in Carly’s selections?

Safety represents a primary consideration in all Carly’s recommendations. She references NHTSA crash test ratings and IIHS awards, ensuring her picks achieve top marks in modern safety evaluation. Advanced driver assistance systems and structural protection receive particular attention.

Can you access more of Carly Gregg’s automotive analysis?

Absolutely! Visit Carly Gregg’s archive for comprehensive vehicle reviews, comparisons, and automotive insights. Her detailed analysis covers everything from performance metrics to long-term ownership considerations. For specific maintenance questions, explore our car insurance claim process guide and other automotive resources.

Carly Gregg’s 2024 selections represent vehicles that genuinely deliver value, performance, and reliability. Whether you’re shopping for your next vehicle or simply exploring automotive trends, her recommendations provide informed guidance backed by extensive testing and real-world experience. Follow her recommendations at Drive Pulse Daily for continuing automotive excellence.