Each year at this time, I put out a list of the vehicles I reviewed that were the most enjoyable to me or left a major impression on me. I take into consideration all the things I talk about on the radio show: Value, driving impressions, overall appeal of the vehicle and either the WOW factor, or maybe just an outstanding value.
All said and done, it was a very successful review year for both me and Amy Plemons, we had a huge variety of vehicles and many vehicles that were affordable for most. Of course, we had our share of electrics, too.
So, without further ado, as I look back on 2024, these were my favorite reviews:
Great Values: I was super impressed with a couple of General Motor’s SUVs, the Chevy Trax and Buick Envista. Both of those were very enjoyable to drive and excellent vehicles for the money. 2-Row SUVs: The Mazda CX-70 blew me away because it made so much sense. My test vehicle was a plug-in hybrid, and despite being the same size as the majority of three-row SUVs, the entire cargo area was opened up instead of having a seat in the back. Amy had a different configuration of the CX-70 as well. Runner Up: The Kia Niro hybrid, it is sharp-looking, affordable, and gets great fuel economy.
SUVs with three rows: The new Chevy Traverse’s value and updates blew me away. It looks great and is a great deal. The Hyundai Santa Fe, which had been completely redesigned and featured a number of remarkable features, came in very close second. All-New SUVs: The Toyota Land Cruiser and Lexus GX550 are two straightforward options that come from Toyota and are both outstanding. Both are game changers that you’ll have to get on a waiting list if you want one.
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It is easy to see why
Electrics: Wow, this is the most difficult category because everyone was great. Top spot goes to the stunning Cadillac Lyriq. This was one I did not want to go back, one week was not enough. Others I loved included: Chevy Blazer and Equinox, Kia EV9 3-row SUVs, and I had two of those. The F-150 Lightning with a terrific price point was great, and I can’t forget the week I spent in the massive electric Sprinter van.
Pickups: I have to hand the award to the very versatile Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter It was a super-capable off-road truck, yet a very enjoyable daily driver that would fit the bill nicely for those who think the Tundra is too large. I had two GMC Denali Ultimates that I really liked: the gas-powered 1500 and the diesel-powered 2500.
There is good reason they are called the Ultimate
The new Infiniti QX80 Autograph was the most impressive large luxury SUV. There was NOTHING not to love. Yes, it is north of a hundred grand, but all of them are now, and some not nearly as luxurious as this one is. Runner up: The Land Rover Defender I had recently, it was extremely enjoyable.
Most Fun SUVs: It was a draw between either the Ford Bronco Raptor or the Jeep Wrangler 392 Final Edition, and I had them back-to-back which made it a lot of fun. I fully reviewed both AND did a head-up comparison of the two hot rod SUVs. You choose-you can’t go wrong with either. I also thoroughly enjoyed a week in the new-to-America Ineos Grenadier. It was missing some key must-have features for me, but I just loved the cockpit and the price.
Overall Winner: 2025 Audi RS 6 Avant Performance
Drum roll please! Which vehicle blew me away the most? Many of you expected it to be the Mustang Dark Horse which was amazing. or maybe the stunning Mercedes-Benz SL43. Nope, it’s a station wagon! Yes, I fell in love with the 2025 Audi RS 6 Avant Performance wagon, which costs $148,000 and has 621 horsepower under the hood. However, 2024 reviews place the focus on the interior, drive, and handling. I hope you enjoyed my look back at 2024 review vehicles. Many vehicles were close to making the cut because, as I say on the air, there are now only great vehicles and a few that are even better.