Automakers proceed to churn out new automobiles which might be prepared for journey straight off the showroom flooring. Whereas 2024 was a yr of many refreshes and never many actually new automobiles, there are a couple of standouts worthy of a 2024 GearJunkie Journey Car of the Yr Award.
Our editors and contributors acquired behind the wheel of many new automobiles that hit the market in 2024 and reviewed a lot of them. So, as 2024 involves an finish, let’s dive into our picks for one of the best on- and off-road journey automobiles to hit the market this yr.
GearJunkie Finest Journey Automobiles of 2024
Finest 4×4: 2024 Lexus GX 550 Overtrail+
The subsequent-generation Lexus GX hit the market in early 2024. And, it debuted with new off-road oriented variations, the Overtrail and Overtrail+ trims. There are so only a few automobiles which might be this luxury, nice for every day driving, and very off-road succesful. The 2024 Lexus GX 550 Overtrail+ is our choose for the Finest 4×4 of 2024.
Whereas gas economic system and inexpensive pricing aren’t the 2024 GX’s strengths, it’s laborious to fault the automobile for a lot else. The Overtrail+ mannequin gives issues like adaptive suspension, eKDSS, massaging seats, multi-terrain choose modes, a rear eLocker, and built-in rear-window shades. If you happen to want a 3rd row, you’ll have to have a look at the Premium or Luxurious trims of the GX, because the Overtrail variations don’t provide one.
Execs
- Highly effective and clean powertrain
- Actual off-road functionality
- Quiet cabin
- Luxurious match and end
- Nice visibility
- Tremendous-comfortable seats
- Spectacular chassis dynamics
- Huge cargo and towing capacities
Cons
- Poor gas economic system
- A giant price ticket
- 5-seater solely
- Hideous hitch cowl
Learn the complete evaluation right here: 2024 Lexus GX Overtrail First Drive Evaluation: What You Gained’t Discover on the Spec Sheet.
Finest Mid-Measurement Truck: 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor
Whereas we didn’t publish a devoted evaluation of the 2024 Ranger Raptor, numerous our contributors and I all drove Ford’s latest off-road truck. When discussing our journey automobile of the yr awards, the brand new Ranger Raptor rose to the highest of the record by providing a buttoned-down experience and spectacular off-road functionality for an unimaginable worth worth.
The 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor began transport early within the yr. It prices hundreds of {dollars} much less — when comparably outfitted — and gives practically 100 horsepower greater than any shut rivals.
Its exhaust word can be far superior to any of its rivals, to not point out controllable by way of buttons on the steering wheel. Loads of different tech and connectivity options come commonplace, however the inside feels considerably cramped and a few essential engineering choices aren’t one of the best.
Execs
Cons
- Poorly designed wheels (hard-to-fit air nozzle on valve stem)
- 33″ tires are the biggest accessible
- Small again seat
- Small truck mattress
Finest Full-Measurement Truck: 2025 Ram RHO
Whereas not a direct substitute for the Ram TRX, the brand new RHO fills the highest spot in Ram’s sport truck lineup for 2025. The Ram RHO simply began transport to shoppers up to now month and is general a greater truck than the TRX — though which may not be a well-liked opinion.
If you’re in search of a enjoyable, succesful, imposing, comfy, and feature-rich full-size pickup at a worth worth, the 2025 Ram RHO is for you. It does lose its V8 rumble and some hundred ponies underneath the hood, however in change, it’s a bit lighter and barely much less thirsty.
Apart from its width and the very fact you could climb up into it, the 2025 Ram RHO is a really usable on a regular basis pickup whereas nonetheless being an absolute blast to tackle adventures off the overwhelmed path.
Execs
- So very succesful off highway at velocity
- Magic shocks
- Spectacular worth
- Luxurious inside (with Degree 1 Package deal)
- All the massive screens
- Console shifter
- Heated, ventilated, and therapeutic massage seats
Cons
- Broad!
- Exhaust word/engine sounds may very well be higher
- Too many buttons
- Not cheap when optioned accurately
Learn the complete evaluation right here: Jumped, Drifted, Highway Examined: 2025 Ram RHO First Drive Evaluation.
Finest SUV: 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT
The most recent era of the Hyundai Santa Fe hit the market in 2024, as did the off-road/adventure-ready XRT mannequin of the SUV — in March. Its spectacular record of options, worth worth, and distinctive styling make it laborious to disregard.
I don’t suppose I can sum it up any higher than I did in my first drive evaluation: “If you happen to’re in search of a automobile that may haul your outside gear, household, and buddies safely, comfortably, and for a worth beneath the common new automobile as we speak, then the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT is a superb possibility. You’ll have to sacrifice some efficiency and effectivity to get that spectacular mixture of constructive attributes, nonetheless.”
Execs
- Distinctive styling
- Quiet inside
- Large cargo house with easy accessibility
- A great deal of helpful security and comfort tech
- Roof entry seize deal with and roof rails commonplace
- Worth priced
Cons
- Poor gas economic system
- No PHEV possibility (or any Hybrid on XRT)
- Cumbersome odd-shaped drive selector stalk
- Entrance seats may very well be simpler to get into and out of
Learn the complete evaluation right here: Household Automobile Tenting Companion: 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT Evaluation.
Finest Metropolis Automobile: 2025 Volvo EX30
Just a few Volvo EX30 Twin-Motor reservation holders ought to have simply obtained their automobiles, simply because the yr involves a detailed. Single-motor variations and extra widespread availability ought to open up in 2025, as manufacturing in Europe expands — versus the present Chinese language-only manufacturing. This all-new mannequin is feature-rich, enjoyable, and inexpensive.
Whereas the do-everything central touchscreen takes some getting used to, all of the options and tech you really need are on this small EV. Quiet, fast, and cozy are what this value-priced small hatchback has to supply, though it has little or no cargo room to supply. Over 250 miles of real-world vary additionally means this little EV may be very usable for a variety of individuals.
Execs
- Class-larger inside passenger house
- Delivers fast acceleration
- Fast charging
- Engaging design
- Impressively quiet
- Comfy seats
Cons
- Tiny cargo space
- Conventional gauge cluster or HUD can be good
- Even in “Agency” setting, steering is sort of gentle
- Buttons and stalks on the steering wheel really feel very low-cost
- No laborious button for central sprint glove field
- Aggressive adaptive cruise consideration warning
Learn the complete evaluation right here: Quickest Volvo Ever Is an Electrical Discount: 2024 EX30 First Drive Evaluation and right here: All the time Secure, however a Sprint of Sideways Enjoyable: Electrical Volvo EX30 Winter Testing.
Finest Dream Automobile: 2025 Aston Martin Vantage
When discussing what new vehicles had hit the market that had been aspirational to personal, the brand new Vantage shortly turned the apparent alternative. Contributor Michael Van Runkle summed it up like this: “Someway priced beneath a Porsche 911 Turbo, and a lot extra unique, whereas providing a spectacular engine, sketchy traction management in the easiest way, and Aston’s new interiors are one of the best within the biz.”
The 2025 Aston Martin Vantage hit the market just some months in the past and has shortly gained an enthusiastic following. The automobile is equally participating to drive as it’s chic to have a look at. Whereas it lacks a V12 soundtrack, its twin-turbo V8 supplies spectacular efficiency.
You possibly can, in concept, purchase a $191,000 2025 Vantage, however our take a look at automobile rang in at $287,400, with a mix of choices that had been appreciated. Whereas it’s laborious to name a few-$100K automobile inexpensive, the 2025 Vantage does appear to be a screaming deal towards its dream automobile rivals.
Execs
- Spectacular redesign amps up unique aesthetic
- Newly massaged engine delivers loads of low-end grunt and screams to redline
- Inside ergonomics and tech step into the trendy period completely
Cons
- Choices add up shockingly shortly
- No guide transmission possibility, and never even a dual-clutch
- Bigger exterior footprint than anticipated
Learn the complete evaluation right here: 2025 Aston Martin Vantage Evaluation: Nice Expectations, Even Higher within the Flesh.
