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 exceptional vehicles for the money and super enjoyable to drive.
- 2-Row SUVs: The Mazda CX-70 blew me away because it made so much sense. It is the size of most 3-row SUVs, but instead of a seat in rear, all the cargo area was opened up, plus my review vehicle was a plug-in hybrid. 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.
- 3-Row SUVs: I was super-impressed with the new Chevy Traverse’s updates, changes, and value. It is a great buy and looks super. A very close runner up was the complete redo of the Hyundai Santa Fe, it was spectacular and had some amazing features.
- All-New SUVs: Easy choices here, both coming out of Toyota, and both spectacular: The Toyota Land Cruiser and Lexus GX550. Both are game changers that you’ll have to get on a waiting list if you want one. It is easy to see why.
- Electrics: Wow, this is the toughest category because all of them were terrific. 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 a pair of GMC Denali Ultimates I liked a lot: The 1500 gas version, and the 2500 Duramax diesel. There is good reason they are called the Ultimate.
- Large, Luxury SUV: The new Infiniti QX80 Autograph absolutely stole the show. 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 perhaps the beautiful Mercedes-Benz SL43. Nope, it’s a station wagon! Yes, I fell in love with the 2025 Audi RS 6 Avant Performance wagon. $148,000 on the sticker and 621-horses under the hood, but the drive, handling, and interior takes the crown for 2024 reviews.
I hope you enjoyed my look back at 2024 review vehicles. There were many that almost made the list because like I say on the air: There are no bad vehicles anymore, just great ones and then some that are even better.
You can see all my reviews, as well as reviews from Amy Plemons here.
Photo Credit: Armor Production/Shutterstock.com.
