2024 GearJunkie Journey Automobile of the 12 months Awards

Automakers proceed to churn out new automobiles which are 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 number of standouts worthy of a 2024 GearJunkie Journey Automobile of the 12 months 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+

(Picture/Bryon Dorr)

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 are this luxury, nice for day by day driving, and intensely off-road succesful. The 2024 Lexus GX 550 Overtrail+ is our choose for the Finest 4×4 of 2024.

Whereas gas financial system and inexpensive pricing aren’t the 2024 GX’s strengths, it’s onerous to fault the car 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. In case you want a 3rd row, you’ll have to take a look at the Premium or Luxurious trims of the GX, because the Overtrail variations don’t supply one.

(Picture/Bryon Dorr)

Execs

Highly effective and easy powertrain

Actual off-road functionality

Quiet cabin

Luxurious match and end

Nice visibility

Tremendous-comfortable seats

Spectacular chassis dynamics

Massive cargo and towing capacities

Cons

Poor gas financial system

An enormous price ticket

5-seater solely

Hideous hitch cowl

Learn the total overview right here: 2024 Lexus GX Overtrail First Drive Overview: What You Received’t Discover on the Spec Sheet.

Finest Mid-Dimension Truck: 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor

(Picture/Doug Berger)

Whereas we didn’t publish a devoted overview of the 2024 Ranger Raptor, numerous our contributors and I all drove Ford’s latest off-road truck. When discussing our journey car of the yr awards, the brand new Ranger Raptor rose to the highest of the checklist by providing a buttoned-down trip and spectacular off-road functionality for an unbelievable worth worth.

The 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor began delivery 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 be aware can also 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 normal, however the inside feels considerably cramped and a few essential engineering choices aren’t one of the best.

2024 Ford Ranger Raptor gauge cluster; (picture/Ford)

Execs

Cons

Poorly designed wheels (hard-to-fit air nozzle on valve stem)

33″ tires are the biggest out there

Small again seat

Small truck mattress

Finest Full-Dimension Truck: 2025 Ram RHO

(Picture/Bryon Dorr)

Whereas not a direct alternative 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 delivery to customers previously month and is general a greater truck than the TRX — though that may not be a well-liked opinion.

If you’re in search of a enjoyable, succesful, imposing, snug, 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 below the hood, however in trade, it’s a bit lighter and barely much less thirsty.

Apart from its width and the very fact you will need to 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 crushed path.

(Picture/Ram)

Execs

So very succesful off highway at pace

Magic shocks

Spectacular worth

Luxurious inside (with Degree 1 Bundle)

All the massive screens

Console shifter

Heated, ventilated, and therapeutic massage seats

Cons

Huge!

Exhaust be aware/engine sounds might be higher

Too many buttons

Not cheap when optioned accurately

(Picture/Bryon Dorr)

Learn the total overview right here: Jumped, Drifted, Street Examined: 2025 Ram RHO First Drive Overview.

Finest SUV: 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT

(Picture/Bryon Dorr)

The newest technology 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 checklist of options, worth worth, and distinctive styling make it onerous to disregard.

I don’t suppose I can sum it up any higher than I did in my first drive overview: “If you’re looking for a vehicle that can haul your outdoor gear, family, and friends safely, comfortably, and for a price below the average new vehicle today, then the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT is a great option. You will have to sacrifice some performance and efficiency to get that impressive combination of positive attributes, however.”

(Picture/Bryon Dorr)

Execs

Distinctive styling

Quiet inside

Huge cargo area with quick access

A great deal of helpful security and comfort tech

Roof entry seize deal with and roof rails normal

Worth priced

Cons

Poor gas financial system

No PHEV choice (or any Hybrid on XRT)

Cumbersome odd-shaped drive selector stalk

Entrance seats might be simpler to get into and out of

(Picture/Bryon Dorr)

Learn the total overview right here: Household Automobile Tenting Companion: 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT Overview.

Finest Metropolis Automobile: 2025 Volvo EX30

(Picture/Bryon Dorr)

A couple of 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 could be very usable for a variety of individuals.

(Picture/Paul Eisenstein)

Execs

Class-larger inside passenger area

Delivers fast acceleration

Fast charging

Enticing design

Impressively quiet

Snug seats

Cons

Tiny cargo space

Conventional gauge cluster or HUD could be good

Even in “Firm” setting, steering is sort of gentle

Buttons and stalks on the steering wheel really feel very low-cost

No onerous button for central sprint glove field

Aggressive adaptive cruise consideration warning

Learn the total overview right here: Quickest Volvo Ever Is an Electrical Cut price: 2024 EX30 First Drive Overview and right here: At all times Secure, however a Sprint of Sideways Enjoyable: Electrical Volvo EX30 Winter Testing.

Finest Dream Automobile: 2025 Aston Martin Vantage

(Picture/Michael Van Runkle)

When discussing what new vehicles had hit the market that had been aspirational to personal, the brand new Vantage shortly turned the plain alternative. Contributor Michael Van Runkle summed it up like this: “Somehow priced below a Porsche 911 Turbo, and so much more exotic, while offering a spectacular engine, sketchy traction control in the best way, and Aston’s new interiors are the best in the biz.”

The 2025 Aston Martin Vantage hit the market just some months in the past and has shortly gained an enthusiastic following. The automotive is equally participating to drive as it’s elegant to take a look at. Whereas it lacks a V12 soundtrack, its twin-turbo V8 gives spectacular efficiency.

You’ll be able to, in principle, purchase a $191,000 2025 Vantage, however our check car rang in at $287,400, with a mixture of choices that had been appreciated. Whereas it’s onerous to name a few-$100K automotive inexpensive, the 2025 Vantage does look like a screaming deal towards its dream automotive rivals.

(Picture/Aston Martin)