Carly Gregg’s Top Car Picks for 2024
The automotive landscape continues to evolve at a breakneck pace, with manufacturers pushing boundaries in performance, efficiency, and technology. Carly Gregg, a respected voice in automotive journalism, has curated an impressive selection of vehicles that represent the best of what 2024 has to offer. Whether you’re seeking cutting-edge electric propulsion, time-tested reliability, or thrilling performance dynamics, these handpicked selections deliver across multiple categories and price points.
From luxury sedans to practical family haulers and spirited sports cars, Gregg’s 2024 lineup reflects her deep understanding of what modern drivers actually need and want. Each vehicle has been evaluated based on real-world performance, value proposition, technological integration, and the driving experience it delivers. This comprehensive guide breaks down her top picks and explains why each deserves consideration in today’s competitive automotive market.
The Premium Performance Sedan Category
Carly Gregg’s selection in the premium sedan space showcases vehicles that balance luxury appointments with genuine performance credentials. The BMW M440i xDrive stands out as a particularly compelling choice, combining a turbocharged inline-six engine producing 382 horsepower with sophisticated all-wheel-drive dynamics. This sedan delivers the kind of everyday usability that discerning drivers demand, paired with the kind of spirited acceleration that makes commutes genuinely enjoyable.
The Mercedes-AMG C63, meanwhile, represents the pinnacle of German performance engineering. With its twin-turbocharged V8 producing 503 horsepower, this sedan bridges the gap between practical transportation and genuine race-car thrills. Gregg appreciates how the C63 maintains supple ride quality despite its aggressive suspension tuning, making it equally at home on winding mountain roads or smooth highway cruises. The integrated infotainment system and driver assistance features place it among the most technologically advanced sedans available.
For those seeking Japanese reliability wrapped in premium packaging, the Lexus IS 500 presents a compelling alternative. Its naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 engine delivers 472 horsepower with a silky power delivery that enthusiasts genuinely appreciate. Unlike turbocharged competitors, the IS 500 offers mechanical simplicity alongside genuine performance, which translates to lower maintenance costs and exceptional long-term reliability. Gregg highlights how Lexus’s legendary dependability adds genuine value to this performance equation.
The Infiniti Q60 Red Sport 400 rounds out this category with a twin-turbocharged V6 producing 400 horsepower, offering a more accessible entry point into premium performance without sacrificing the driving dynamics that matter. Its distinctive design language and responsive steering make it a standout choice for drivers who want something slightly different from the German establishment.
Electric Vehicle Excellence
The electric vehicle segment has matured dramatically, and Gregg’s EV selections reflect this evolution. The Tesla Model S Plaid represents the absolute pinnacle of EV performance, with its tri-motor setup producing 1,020 horsepower and enabling 0-60 mph acceleration in under three seconds. Beyond the headline numbers, the Model S Plaid delivers practical benefits including a 405-mile EPA-estimated range and access to Tesla’s Supercharger network, which provides unmatched charging infrastructure across North America.
Understanding the advantages of electric vehicles becomes increasingly important as the technology matures. The Porsche Taycan represents an alternative approach to performance electrification, offering traditional Porsche handling characteristics with zero-emission propulsion. Its 800-volt architecture enables rapid charging capabilities, and the optional performance battery delivers up to 402 miles of EPA-estimated range. Porsche’s engineering pedigree translates directly into dynamic driving characteristics that resonate with enthusiasts.
The BMW i7 showcases how traditional luxury marques are embracing electrification. This full-size luxury sedan combines the comfort and prestige associated with the 7 Series nameplate with an all-electric powertrain delivering 516 horsepower and approximately 324 miles of estimated range. Gregg appreciates how the i7 maintains the spacious, serene cabin experience that defines luxury sedans while eliminating tailpipe emissions.
For more budget-conscious EV shoppers, the Chevrolet Blazer EV and Equinox EV offer compelling value propositions. These General Motors products deliver solid range, practical dimensions, and access to the expanding Ultium charging network. Gregg notes that these vehicles democratize EV ownership by offering credible electric propulsion at accessible price points.
Family-Friendly SUV Standouts
The SUV segment dominates modern automotive sales, and Gregg’s selections emphasize vehicles that genuinely excel at family transportation. The Mazda CX-90 PHEV represents a pragmatic approach to electrification, combining a turbocharged engine with electric motors to deliver 323 horsepower while maintaining a practical 600+ mile total range. This plug-in hybrid architecture proves particularly valuable for families that take occasional long road trips without requiring dedicated charging infrastructure investments.
The Kia EV9 three-row electric SUV has impressed Gregg with its combination of space, technology, and value. Producing up to 541 horsepower in dual-motor configuration, the EV9 accommodates seven passengers while delivering approximately 304 miles of EPA-estimated range. Kia’s aggressive warranty program and user-friendly infotainment system add genuine value for family buyers.
The Range Rover Sport represents luxury SUV performance at its finest. Its lightweight aluminum architecture combined with a twin-turbocharged V8 producing 575 horsepower enables this three-row SUV to deliver supercar-embarrassing acceleration while maintaining genuine off-road capability. Gregg highlights how the Sport strikes an impressive balance between refined daily-driver comfort and legitimate adventure credentials.
For families seeking maximum value and reliability, the Honda Pilot continues its tradition of excellence. Its 3.5-liter V6 produces 285 horsepower while delivering exceptional fuel economy for a three-row SUV. The Pilot’s spacious interior, comfortable seating, and Honda’s legendary dependability make it an obvious choice for practical family buyers. Proper car maintenance tips for beginners ensure that ownership costs remain manageable throughout the vehicle’s lifespan.
Sports Car Thrills
The sports car category showcases vehicles engineered primarily for driving excitement. The Chevrolet Corvette Z06 represents American performance engineering at its absolute finest, combining a flat-plane-crank 5.5-liter naturally aspirated V8 producing 670 horsepower with sophisticated double-wishbone suspension geometry. This sixth-generation Corvette delivers supercar-level performance while maintaining relative affordability compared to European competitors. Gregg emphasizes how the Z06’s mid-engine layout provides balanced weight distribution and genuinely impressive handling dynamics.
The Porsche 911 Turbo S remains the benchmark against which other performance cars are measured. Its twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter flat-six produces 640 horsepower while all-wheel-drive traction enables remarkable acceleration in all conditions. The 911’s legendary reliability and Porsche’s worldwide dealer network provide practical ownership benefits that transcend raw performance numbers.
The BMW M440i xDrive mentioned previously also deserves consideration in the sports car category, as its 382-horsepower turbocharged engine and sophisticated handling characteristics deliver genuine sports car dynamics in a practical four-door package. Gregg appreciates how modern performance vehicles increasingly blur categorical boundaries, offering practical transportation alongside thrilling driving experiences.
The Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance represents the cutting edge of electrified performance, combining a twin-turbocharged V8 with an electric motor integrated into the transmission to deliver 831 horsepower. This hybrid architecture enables remarkable acceleration while maintaining efficiency characteristics that would have seemed impossible on traditional powertrains.
Budget-Conscious Winners
Gregg recognizes that exceptional vehicles exist at accessible price points. The Hyundai Elantra N delivers genuine sports car dynamics in a compact sedan package, with a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine producing 276 horsepower paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. This vehicle demonstrates how modern manufacturers democratize performance engineering, enabling budget-conscious drivers to access authentic driving excitement.
The Kia K5 GT-Line offers compelling value in the midsize sedan segment, combining a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine with sophisticated styling and comprehensive technology features. Its warranty program and competitive pricing make it an obvious choice for value-conscious buyers who refuse to sacrifice quality.
The Subaru WRX continues its tradition of delivering accessible all-wheel-drive performance, with its turbocharged 2.4-liter engine producing 271 horsepower. The WRX’s legendary rally heritage translates into genuine handling prowess that rewards enthusiast driving while maintaining practical everyday usability.
The Chevrolet Equinox RS offers family-friendly SUV practicality at remarkably accessible price points, with a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine providing adequate performance for most driving situations. Gregg emphasizes how value doesn’t require sacrificing quality, as Chevrolet’s modern vehicles deliver impressive feature sets and reliability credentials.
Truck and Utility Excellence
The truck segment represents a crucial element of modern automotive culture, and Gregg’s selections emphasize vehicles that deliver genuine capability alongside daily-driver comfort. The Ford F-150 Raptor R represents extreme off-road performance, with a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 producing 727 horsepower enabling this full-size truck to conquer serious terrain while maintaining highway refinement.
The Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 offers compelling competition, combining a 6.2-liter V8 with sophisticated independent front suspension geometry that delivers trail-conquering capability alongside impressive on-road dynamics. Gregg appreciates how modern trucks increasingly blur the line between practical work vehicles and genuine performance machines.
The Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro represents midsize truck excellence, delivering genuine off-road credentials alongside impressive reliability. Its 3.5-liter turbo engine produces 278 horsepower while Toyota’s legendary durability ensures long-term ownership satisfaction.
For practical work-focused buyers, the Ford F-150 XLT represents exceptional value, combining genuine capability with comprehensive technology features and the kind of reliability that makes trucks genuine long-term investments. Ensuring proper how to replace car brake pads maintenance keeps these vehicles operating optimally throughout their service lives.
The Ram 1500 Rebel offers luxury truck refinement, with its turbocharged V8 producing impressive power while maintaining the comfort and technology integration that defines modern premium vehicles. Gregg highlights how the Ram’s interior quality rivals luxury sedans while delivering genuine truck capability.
FAQ
What makes Carly Gregg’s vehicle selections particularly authoritative?
Carly Gregg brings extensive automotive journalism experience, having tested hundreds of vehicles across diverse categories and real-world driving conditions. Her selections reflect genuine hands-on experience rather than theoretical specifications, ensuring her recommendations resonate with actual driver priorities.
Should I prioritize electric vehicles based on Gregg’s recommendations?
Gregg’s EV selections emphasize vehicles that deliver genuine practical benefits beyond environmental considerations. Her recommendations focus on range, charging infrastructure, and driving dynamics rather than promoting electrification as inherently superior. Choose based on your actual driving patterns and requirements.
How do Gregg’s luxury picks compare to more budget-friendly options?
Gregg’s selections across price points acknowledge that value exists at every level. Premium vehicles offer advanced technology and refined experiences, while budget-conscious picks deliver impressive capability at accessible prices. Your choice should reflect personal priorities and budget constraints.
Are Gregg’s 2024 picks likely to remain relevant in 2025?
Most vehicles in Gregg’s 2024 selections will continue production into 2025 with minimal changes. However, new model years may introduce refinements, additional features, or revised powertrains. Always evaluate current-year specifications when making purchase decisions.
Where can I find more detailed reviews of these vehicles?
Visit the Drive Pulse Daily Blog for comprehensive vehicle analysis and expert insights. External resources like Car and Driver, MotorTrend, and IIHS provide additional perspectives on safety, performance, and reliability ratings.
How should maintenance factor into my vehicle selection?
Understanding how to change car engine oil and performing basic maintenance tasks reduces ownership costs significantly. Japanese vehicles traditionally offer lower maintenance expenses, while European performance cars may require more specialized service. Factor long-term maintenance costs into your purchase decision.
What about insurance costs for performance vehicles?
Performance vehicles typically command higher insurance premiums due to increased accident risk and repair costs. When evaluating Gregg’s sports car and performance selections, research understanding car insurance coverage options to ensure total ownership costs align with your budget.
Carly Gregg’s 2024 vehicle selections represent a comprehensive overview of automotive excellence across multiple categories and price points. Whether you prioritize performance, practicality, sustainability, or value, her recommendations offer thoughtfully evaluated options that deliver genuine quality. Take time to research specific models, arrange test drives, and evaluate how each vehicle aligns with your personal requirements and driving preferences. The perfect vehicle awaits—Gregg’s selections simply narrow the field to the most compelling options available in today’s market.
