Creating a list of the year’s best cars means looking backward and forward simultaneously – which any driving coach will tell you can be dangerous. We can’t help but reflect on the vehicles we included that we later wished we hadn’t and the ones we excluded that were big misses. We’re excited about this year’s list and welcome your input in the comments section. We have made a swing for the fences, and only time will tell — did we hit a home run, or did we strike out?
The Autotrader editorial team scrutinized the new cars available for sale as 2024 models and picked the 11 best for your consideration. This year’s list includes two electric vehicles (EVs), three hybrid gasoline-electric vehicles (HEVs), and six traditional gasoline internal combustion engine (ICE) models.
We focused on 2024 model-year vehicles available for purchase within the next nine months. The cars on our list offer significant value or are groundbreaking in some other way.
To qualify for our list, the base model of a vehicle had to start below $110,000, with factory-to-dealer destination charges included. Most cars on this list are thousands of dollars below that.
Here are Autotrader’s Best New Cars of 2024 (presented in alphabetical order by manufacturer):
1. 2024 Audi Q8 e-tron
The first vehicle on our list is a full-size luxury SUV and a pure EV, the 2024 Audi Q8 e-tron. With prices starting at $75,595, the 5-passenger Audi is a monument to luxury and technology. With a projected range of up to 285 miles on a full charge, the Q8 e-tron combats range anxiety. Despite its considerable curb weight (5,798 pounds), the e-tron can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds. The rush of acceleration and momentum is enormous in a straight line. Plus, the low center of gravity helps the SUV negotiate corners and curves without body roll or lean. Even more than the gasoline-powered Q8 SUV, the Q8 e-tron feels like a locomotive on rails – smooth rails.
“The Audi Q8 e-tron doesn’t scream that it’s an EV, and for some, that might be its biggest benefit,” Senior Editor Matt Degen says.
“But it is, and a good one. I love the Q8 e-tron’s taut yet compliant ride, a bevy of physical buttons and controls, and its subdued yet strong take on what an electric luxury SUV should be.” “Audi’s electric car is not a Tesla competitor, it’s a Tesla beater,” says Executive Editor Brian Moody.
See 2024 Audi Q8 e-tron models for sale near you
2. 2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray Coupe
The 2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray Coupe sneaks in under our $110,000 limit with a starting price of $106,595 for the 1LZ eAWD base model. The E-Ray Convertible lands just outside the limit at $113,595. That’s a bummer for those of us with long, wavy hair. I’ll get over it. The E-Ray is the first electrified version of the Corvette. It uses a hybrid gasoline-electric powertrain combining a 6.2-liter small-block LT2 V8 with an electric drive unit for a combined 655 horsepower. The E-Ray is the quickest-ever production Corvette, capable of zipping from 0 to 60 mph in 2.3 seconds. It probably took you that long to read that sentence, and the E-Ray is already merging onto the highway. All-wheel drive (AWD) is standard on this mid-engine monster, as is style, comfort, and high-tech.
While it’s hard to call a car with a 6-figure price tag a bargain, the E-Ray is a true exotic with world-class performance and extends the legacy of the C8 Corvette into a new generation. “The E-Ray is America’s sports car trying something new and excelling at it on the first try,” says Senior Editor Eric Brandt. “As a genuine hybrid supercar, it’s one of few cars with a 6-digit price tag that we can call a good value.”
See 2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray models for sale near you
3. 2024 Ford Mustang
With the demise of the Chevrolet Camaro, Dodge Charger, and Dodge Challenger, it looked like the muscle car era was over. However, Ford gave the original pony car a makeover for 2024, and the new Mustang carries on the charge. Prices start at $32,515 with a 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine, but let’s be honest – this coupe was born to run with a 5.0-liter V8 like you can get in the GT Fastback (starting at $43,555). The top-of-the-line Dark Horse Premium starts at $63,775, which is a lot of dough for a pony car but may be the best Mustang ever. Let’s hope it’s not the last one.
“Some of my all-time favorite cars include the Volkswagen GTI, Mazda MX-5 Miata, and Porsche Cayman, all renowned for their driving feel, handling, and general playfulness,” says Jason Allan, Principal Editor. “Those are the same reasons the Ford Mustang has long been the only muscle car for me.”
Moody concurs. “The latest version of the Mustang provides something to get excited about at every price level – especially with the Dark Horse version,” he says. “The everyday usefulness of the car, combined with its good looks, affordable price, and excellent performance, make it a top choice for anyone who loves driving.”
See 2024 Ford Mustang models for sale near you
4. 2024 Hyundai Kona
Did you know the Hyundai Kona is called the “Hyundai Encino” in China? Here in the U.S., the Kona comes in two flavors: gasoline (starting at $25,625) and electric (starting at $34,050). The Kona is a compact crossover SUV with a cutting-edge design. Despite its modest price and entry-level position in the Hyundai lineup, the Kona has an impressive level of technology onboard, including a digital instrument panel, wireless smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), a proximity key with push-button start, and more. The Kona is small, maneuverable, and even fun to drive. The electric model is available in 48 states (sorry, South Dakota and Wyoming), while you can buy the gas version everywhere. Did you know they call it the “Kauai” in Portugal and Iceland?
“The first time I saw the all-new Kona, I wondered if it was almost too futuristic. Just look at that front end,” says Degen. “But once inside and driving, it felt familiar, approachable, and even fun. The Kona represents not just a totally fresh take on the subcompact SUV segment but an absolute value, too.”
See 2024 Hyundai Kona models for sale near you
5. 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe
Hyundai has used the name “Santa Fe” on various SUVs over the years. It has been a lucky charm for the brand, bringing success to each vehicle that wore the badge. We’re betting the latest Hyundai Santa Fe will be another hit, as it takes the brand’s design in an edgier direction (literally, with boxy corners) while upgrading many of the mechanical and technological aspects of the midsize crossover and expanding its interior volume to accommodate a third row of seating. Pricing will start at $35,345. Gasoline versions use a 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-4 with front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), depending on trim, and an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT). A hybrid version of the Santa Fe will arrive in spring 2024.
“Boxy styling is nothing new in the midsize SUV class, but the Santa Fe manages to take a common trend and make it totally unique,” says Brandt. “Also, as a guy with a big family, I find the extra row of seats is a nice touch.”
“Boxy is in, and the beefed-up Santa Fe is positively swoon-worthy,” says Senior Editor Rob Nestora.
See 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe models for sale near you
6. 2024 Kia EV9
Last year, we included the latest Kia Telluride on our Best Cars list. This year, Kia revealed the Telluride’s EV sibling, the EV9, and here we are praising this new 3-row full-size crossover SUV. The EV9 (starting at $56,395) shows that Kia learned a lot from developing and evolving the Telluride and incorporated those lessons into the brand’s largest EV yet. The EV9 has a roomy, luxuriously modern interior, a striking exterior, and impressive capability. Not only that, it’s really fast: 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds for the GT-Line AWD trim level with an EPA estimate of up to 304 miles for the base rear-wheel-drive “Light” model.
“The EV9’s Telluride-like interior space and latest-and-greatest technology make it a must-test-drive for anyone who wants a high-tech EV and needs 3-row seating,” says Brandt.
See 2024 Kia EV9 models for sale near you
7. 2024 Lexus GX
I have often called the Lexus GX “the best Toyota 4Runner you can buy.” As the owner of three 4Runner generations (so far), that’s high praise. Well, the all-new 2024 Lexus GX blows that description out of the water with a new exterior, new interior, new powertrain, and an entirely new attitude. No longer hiding its off-road capability under a veneer of luxury, the new GX adopts a boxy body (are you noticing a trend?), standard off-road technology, burly 20-inch wheels and 33-inch tires, and a lusty twin-turbocharged V6 engine. Prices start at $64,250. This new version is the GX I’ve been waiting for.
“Lexus’ body-on-frame go-anywhere SUV isn’t just capable, it’s stylish and luxurious,” says Nestora. “Few vehicles can feel at home at both a gala or a campsite. The GX does so with poise and prowess.”
See 2024 Lexus GX models for sale near you
8. 2024 Lincoln Nautilus
You can’t talk about the new 2024 Lincoln Nautilus without explaining the Lincoln Digital Experience, which may be the most stunning dashboard in any new production vehicle. At the top of the dashboard below the windshield lurks a 48-inch panoramic screen, a ribbon of configurable video display about four inches tall that runs the width of the dash. You can place segments of media and instrumentation to show where and how you like them – perhaps the audio information at the far right, weather at right-center, navigation at left-center, speedometer, and tachometer directly in front of you as you drive. A “traditional” center stack display anchors more information. Welcome to the future of driving. None of which would matter if the Nautilus (starting at $52,010) wasn’t an elegant, luxurious, and sophisticated 2-row SUV.
“The new Nautilus is drop-dead gorgeous. From the striking front fascia to the opulent interior, this is the best-looking luxury SUV on the market, bar none. Mercedes, who?” asks Nestora.
“After spending years as an also-ran in the competitive midsize luxury SUV class, the 2024 Lincoln Nautilus demands consideration with its striking styling, 48-inch panoramic screen, and hands-free driving tech,” says Brandt. “Watch out, Lexus RX; the new Nautilus is also available as a hybrid.”
See 2024 Lincoln Nautilus models for sale near you
9. 2024 Subaru Crosstrek
The smallest Subaru SUV got a makeover for 2024, an evolutionary move rather than revolutionary. Subaru is smartly in the “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” school, and the Crosstrek (starting at $26,540) follows suit. It’s a little brawnier, a little more powerful, and a little better-equipped than its predecessor, but it’s still a Crosstrek and still one of the best options for owners who want to use their subcompact SUVs to commute on the weekdays and have adventures on the weekend.
“The Crosstrek continues to pack all the things we love about Subaru – AWD, adventurous spirit, quirky yet functional appeal, and high degrees of safety — in an efficient and value-packed package,” says Degen.
“Subaru continues to make the small but mighty Crosstrek incrementally better,” says Nestora. “And just in case you need more off-road capability, there’s the Wilderness trim for the more adventurous.”
Jeff Glucker, Senior Editor, says the Crosstrek is “one of the most Subaru Subarus you can buy. Also, it will shock you at just how good it is off-road.”
See 2024 Subaru Crosstrek models for sale near you
10. 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid
The Toyota Highlander has always been a winner in the first two rows, but its third row has always been tight. The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid (starting at $46,415) gains 5.5 inches of legroom in the third row, transforming the space from cramped to comfy. We like the Hybrid version of the Grand Highlander because it starts at a modest premium of $1,700 over the gasoline-only version but delivers impressive fuel economy at 37 mpg city/34 mpg highway/36 mpg combined for the Hybrid XLE model, better than the gas-only XLE at 21/28/24, and even better than the Highlander Hybrid LE at 35/35/35. For drivers who crave some giddy-up, the Hybrid MAX powertrain sacrifices some fuel economy for 362 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque with a 26/27/27 mpg rating. Add a refined interior, excellent tech package, and elegant exterior design, and you’ve got a recipe for success.
“Minivan deniers have a compelling new option in midsize SUVs,” says Brandt. “The Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid has a third row you can actually use with generous cargo space to boot, plus hybrid efficiency similar to the Sienna.”
Moody agrees. “The Toyota Grand Highlander is exactly what people want. A Highlander with more space,” he says. “It’s just that simple.”
See 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid models for sale near you
11. 2024 Toyota Tacoma
The Toyota Tacoma has been on top of the midsize pickup truck heap for decades. Revived competition from the Ford Ranger, Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, Honda Ridgeline, Jeep Gladiator, and Nissan Frontier has Toyota quickening its pace, so the Tacoma got a makeover for its fourth generation of production sooner than the usual decade it took before. The 2024 Toyota Tacoma starts at $35,195. An i-Force 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine is standard, and an optional i-Force Max 2.4-liter hybrid replaces the V6 option. Toyota is leaning into the “Tacoma is fun” message and is making a 6-speed manual transmission available on some models. With improvements in seating comfort and cabin layout, the midsize competitors will have to sit up and take notice of the new Tacoma.
“I wondered if I’d miss the old V6 that has powered Tacoma trucks for eons, but after one drive of the new Tacoma with a turbo-4, I missed nothing at all,” says Degen. “It is such a willing powertrain, and that’s just the start. The Tacoma feels tough, has all of the latest safety and tech features, and offers vast – vast! – options.”
“The new Tacoma enters an ultra-competitive segment better than ever and ready to fight,” says Nestora. “More capability, payload capacity, and features make this one hard Taco.”
Glucker finds himself convinced by the new Tacoma. “I’m a Tacoma hater, or I was until I drove the new one. The seating position? Fixed! The interior and powertrain? Finally up to the modern era! The styling? It looks like a baby Tundra, but in a good way,” he says. “I think the new Tacoma is a great truck.”
See 2024 Toyota Tacoma models for sale near you
Autotrader’s Best Cars of 2024
- 2024 Audi Q8 e-tron
- 2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray Coupe
- 2024 Ford Mustang
- 2024 Hyundai Kona
- 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe
- 2024 Kia EV9
- 2024 Lexus GX
- 2024 Lincoln Nautilus
- 2024 Subaru Crosstrek
- 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid
- 2024 Toyota Tacoma
No Tesla, no surprise there. The bias is obvious from this company. I own both etron and Tesla, not even close how they drive and function. Will take the Tesla any day over all the vehicles listed.
Thanks for reading, PKM. The editorial team considered every Tesla model that met our criteria, and none made the top ten. Glad you like yours — drive safely and enjoy it.
How does a Hyundai make it to this list? All the reviews of “Top 10 Cars to stay away from” have several Hyundai’s on them?
Thanks for your commment. Actually, two Hyundai SUVs made this list — the Kona and the Santa Fe. I’m not sure where you’re getting your information about the brand, but I encourage you to get some hands-on experience with the current lineup. Our editors consistently praise Hyundai’s design, build quality, and performance, and we always talk about their great warranty. The Kona and Santa Fe earned their spots on our list this year, and we stand behind those decisions.
Loved my Hyandais!
Exactly! Other than the Mustang, UGLY!
lol keep pushing that EV narrative.
A buncha nonsense