Carly Gregg’s Top Car Picks for 2024
Carly Gregg has established herself as a trusted voice in automotive journalism, combining technical expertise with accessible guidance for everyday drivers. Her 2024 vehicle selections reflect a careful analysis of performance, reliability, value, and innovation across multiple segments. Whether you’re shopping for your first car, upgrading your daily commuter, or seeking the latest technology features, Gregg’s curated list provides evidence-based recommendations that cater to diverse driving needs and budgets.
The automotive landscape in 2024 continues to shift dramatically, with electrification accelerating across all major manufacturers while traditional internal combustion engines remain competitive through advanced efficiency improvements. Gregg’s picks balance these emerging trends with proven reliability, ensuring buyers can make informed decisions regardless of their powertrain preferences. This comprehensive guide explores her top selections and explains why each vehicle earned its place on the list.
Luxury Sedans and Performance Cars
Carly Gregg’s luxury sedan selections emphasize the balance between opulence and driving engagement. The BMW M440i xDrive stands out as her top pick in this category, delivering 382 horsepower through a turbocharged inline-six engine paired with intelligent all-wheel-drive technology. Gregg appreciates its refined interior, featuring premium leather appointments and a cutting-edge iDrive 8 infotainment system that responds intuitively to voice commands and smartphone integration.
The Mercedes-AMG C63 represents another cornerstone recommendation, boasting a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine supplemented by an electric motor for a combined 402 horsepower. This hybrid approach demonstrates how luxury manufacturers are embracing electrification without sacrificing the visceral driving experience enthusiasts demand. Gregg notes that the C63’s AMG Dynamic Plus Package unlocks a top speed of 180 miles per hour, while the optional Airmatic suspension provides exceptional ride comfort during daily commutes.
For those prioritizing understated elegance, the Lexus LS 500 earns Gregg’s recommendation as a Japanese alternative combining legendary reliability with Japanese craftsmanship. Its 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 produces 416 horsepower, while the 12-speed automatic transmission ensures seamless acceleration and responsive downshifting. The LS 500’s panoramic roof, triple-zone climate control, and Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 provide comprehensive comfort and protection features that justify its premium positioning.
The Porsche 911 Carrera remains Gregg’s ultimate performance sedan choice, with its iconic flat-six engine delivering 379 horsepower in naturally aspirated form. She emphasizes that the 911’s mid-engine architecture provides superior handling dynamics compared to traditional front-engine competitors, while its practical rear seats and spacious trunk accommodate weekend getaways without sacrificing sports car credentials.
Electric Vehicles Leading the Charge
Gregg’s electric vehicle selections reflect the category’s rapid maturation, with emphasis on real-world range, charging infrastructure compatibility, and total cost of ownership advantages. The Tesla Model 3 Long Range remains her top EV recommendation, offering 358 miles of EPA-estimated range with dual motor all-wheel-drive capability. She highlights the Supercharger network’s unmatched coverage across North America, enabling confidence for long-distance travel that previously plagued early EV adoption.
Understanding advantages of electric vehicles has become essential for modern car buyers. Gregg extensively covers how EVs eliminate oil changes, reduce brake wear through regenerative braking, and provide dramatically lower fuel costs—averaging $0.03 per mile compared to $0.10 for gasoline vehicles. She recommends reviewing your local EPA fuel economy resources to calculate personalized savings based on regional electricity rates.
The Hyundai Ioniq 6 earns Gregg’s recognition as the most efficient sedan available, achieving an EPA-estimated 140 MPGe combined rating. Its aerodynamic design, optimized for minimal drag, translates to 361-mile range on a full charge. Gregg appreciates Hyundai’s 10-year, 100,000-mile battery warranty—industry-leading coverage that reflects manufacturer confidence in battery longevity.
For luxury EV shoppers, the Lucid Air emerges as Gregg’s choice for technological innovation and performance credentials. Its 1,234-horsepower tri-motor configuration accelerates from zero to 60 miles per hour in 2.5 seconds, while the 500-mile range EPA estimate surpasses most competitors. The Air’s minimalist interior, featuring a 55-inch curved display spanning the dashboard, represents the cutting edge of automotive interface design.
Crossovers and SUVs for Every Lifestyle
Gregg recognizes that crossovers and SUVs dominate modern vehicle sales, reflecting consumer preferences for elevated seating positions and versatile cargo capacity. The Toyota RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid earns her top compact crossover recommendation, combining a 2.5-liter gasoline engine with dual electric motors for 302 combined horsepower. Its 42-mile electric-only range covers most commutes, while the gasoline engine provides extended range for longer trips—eliminating range anxiety while minimizing fuel consumption.
The BMW X5 M50i represents Gregg’s luxury three-row SUV selection, delivering 523 horsepower through a turbocharged inline-six paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. She emphasizes its adaptive air suspension, which automatically adjusts ride height and damping characteristics based on driving conditions and road surface irregularities. The X5’s panoramic sunroof, 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, and five-zone climate control create a premium environment for extended family road trips.
Jeep’s Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid appeals to Gregg’s off-road enthusiast audience, combining legendary Wrangler capability with 375 combined horsepower and 25-mile electric range. Its removable doors, fold-flat windshield, and solid axle suspension enable authentic trail experiences while modern conveniences like Apple CarPlay integration and adaptive cruise control enhance daily usability.
The Kia EV9 represents Gregg’s three-row electric SUV recommendation, offering seating for up to seven passengers with up to 304 miles of range in the Long Range model. Its innovative “Lounge” interior design provides exceptionally spacious rear legroom, while the dual motor all-wheel-drive configuration delivers 389 horsepower and impressive acceleration despite the vehicle’s three-row configuration.
Practical Pickup Trucks
Pickup truck selections require balancing towing capacity, payload capability, fuel efficiency, and daily livability—all factors Gregg carefully evaluates. The Ford F-150 Lightning emerges as her electric truck recommendation, delivering 563 horsepower from dual motors with an impressive 14,000-pound maximum towing capacity. The Intelligent Backup Power feature enables using the truck’s battery to power your home during outages, adding practical value beyond traditional truck capabilities.
For traditional fuel preferences, the Toyota Tundra i-FORCE MAX earns Gregg’s recognition, featuring a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 producing 437 horsepower. Its standard all-wheel-drive system, integrated power tailgate, and Toyota’s legendary reliability combine to create a practical workhorse suitable for both job sites and weekend adventures. Gregg notes that the Tundra’s bed storage system and available power tonneau cover simplify organizing tools and equipment.
The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ZR2 appeals to off-road enthusiasts, featuring factory-installed Multimatic DSSV dampers, electronic locking differentials, and skid plates protecting underbody components. Its 6.2-liter V8 produces 420 horsepower, while the available all-terrain package includes 33-inch tires and aggressive styling that announces serious capability.
Ram’s 1500 Revolution emerges as Gregg’s efficiency-focused truck recommendation, combining a 3.0-liter turbodiesel engine producing 260 horsepower with an eTorque mild-hybrid system improving fuel economy to 23 miles per gallon on the highway. Its innovative power recline rear seats, available massage functions, and panoramic sunroof transform the cab into a luxury lounge suitable for extended trips.
Value Champions Under $35,000
Gregg emphasizes that exceptional vehicles exist at accessible price points, with manufacturers competing fiercely in the value segment. The Honda Civic Si earns her top pick for performance enthusiasts on budgets, delivering 200 horsepower from a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine with a six-speed manual transmission. Its sport-tuned suspension, Brembo brakes, and limited-slip differential create a genuinely engaging driving experience without premium pricing.
The Hyundai Elantra N provides an alternative hot hatch with 276 horsepower from a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. Gregg appreciates its aggressive styling, available drift mode for track days, and comprehensive warranty coverage extending to 10 years or 100,000 miles on the powertrain.
For sedan shoppers, the Mazda3 2.5 Turbo earns Gregg’s recommendation, offering 250 horsepower with an intuitive six-speed automatic transmission. Its premium interior design, responsive steering, and refined driving dynamics exceed expectations at its $30,000-$35,000 price point. Gregg highlights that Mazda’s commitment to driving engagement results in a vehicle that remains enjoyable after years of ownership.
The Kia Sportage EV represents Gregg’s entry-level electric option, providing 320 miles of EPA-estimated range at a starting price under $35,000 before tax credits. Its spacious interior, user-friendly infotainment system, and Kia’s 10-year battery warranty make EV ownership accessible to budget-conscious shoppers.
Reliability Factors Gregg Prioritizes
When evaluating vehicles for her 2024 recommendations, Gregg emphasizes several reliability metrics that predict long-term ownership satisfaction. She consults IIHS safety ratings and reliability data to ensure her selections have demonstrated crash test performance and structural integrity. She also reviews Consumer Reports reliability surveys, which aggregate owner feedback across millions of vehicles to identify patterns indicating potential issues.
Powertrain reliability receives particular attention, as engine, transmission, and drivetrain failures represent the most expensive repairs. Gregg favors manufacturers with established track records of durability, including Toyota, Lexus, Honda, and Mazda. She notes that turbocharged engines, while improving efficiency, occasionally develop carbon buildup issues requiring professional cleaning—a factor she accounts for when comparing total cost of ownership.
Transmission technology matters significantly for long-term reliability. Gregg prefers traditional eight-speed and ten-speed automatics from established suppliers like ZF and GM, which have accumulated millions of miles of real-world operation. She remains cautious about continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) in some applications, though acknowledging that modern CVTs from reputable manufacturers have improved substantially.
Electronics and infotainment system reliability also influences Gregg’s recommendations. She examines warranty coverage for these components and reviews owner reports regarding software stability, over-the-air update reliability, and long-term functionality. Vehicles from manufacturers with mature software platforms generally demonstrate fewer issues than those from companies rushing new technology to market.
Maintenance and Long-Term Ownership
Gregg extends her analysis beyond initial purchase, emphasizing that maintenance costs and parts availability significantly impact lifetime ownership expenses. She recommends consulting car maintenance tips for beginners and understanding your specific vehicle’s service requirements before purchasing.
Following manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedules proves essential for maintaining warranty coverage and preserving resale value. Gregg highlights that knowing how to change car engine oil enables owners to perform basic service tasks, reducing annual maintenance costs. She emphasizes that using manufacturer-approved fluids and genuine parts ensures optimal performance and prevents warranty complications.
Brake maintenance represents another significant ownership expense. Gregg recommends understanding how to replace car brake pads and scheduling inspections at manufacturer-recommended intervals. Electric vehicles benefit from regenerative braking systems that reduce mechanical brake wear, potentially extending pad life to 150,000 miles or beyond.
Tire replacement cycles, battery conditioning requirements for EVs, and cabin air filter changes represent recurring maintenance expenses. Gregg encourages owners to budget approximately $1,000 annually for maintenance and repairs, adjusting upward for luxury vehicles with specialized service requirements. She also recommends obtaining comprehensive understanding of car insurance coverage options that protect against unexpected repair expenses.
For additional technical guidance, Gregg directs readers to the Drive Pulse Daily Blog, which provides detailed maintenance articles and ownership tips for specific vehicle models.
FAQ
What makes Carly Gregg’s vehicle recommendations trustworthy?
Gregg combines extensive automotive journalism experience with rigorous analytical methodology, consulting manufacturer specifications, safety ratings, reliability data, and real-world owner feedback. She drives test vehicles extensively before making recommendations and maintains transparent disclosure of her evaluation criteria.
Should I prioritize electric vehicles or traditional gasoline cars in 2024?
Gregg emphasizes that the optimal choice depends on individual circumstances. Electric vehicles offer lower operating costs and environmental benefits for drivers with reliable home charging and predictable driving patterns. Gasoline vehicles remain practical for those requiring maximum range, frequent long-distance travel, or living in areas with limited charging infrastructure.
How do warranty periods affect vehicle value?
Extended warranties, particularly Hyundai and Kia’s 10-year coverage, provide peace of mind and reduce ownership costs during critical early years. However, Gregg notes that reliability track records matter more than warranty length—a vehicle unlikely to need repairs provides greater value than one with extensive warranty coverage.
What safety features does Gregg prioritize?
Gregg emphasizes advanced driver assistance systems including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assistance. She also reviews IIHS crash test ratings and structural design, ensuring vehicles provide comprehensive occupant protection.
How should budget-conscious buyers approach Gregg’s recommendations?
Gregg highlights that exceptional vehicles exist at accessible price points, with value champions like the Honda Civic Si and Mazda3 delivering engaging driving experiences without premium pricing. She recommends prioritizing reliability and long-term ownership costs over initial purchase price.
When should owners consider purchasing versus leasing?
Gregg recommends purchasing for drivers who keep vehicles beyond warranty periods and enjoy customizing their cars. Leasing appeals to those preferring new vehicles every few years with minimal maintenance responsibilities. Her analysis shows purchasing generally provides superior long-term value for drivers covering 12,000+ miles annually.
