Modern shopping is full of conveniences that were unthinkable just a few years ago. But there are still no shortcuts to buying a car. That requires research. Dealers are easier to browse than ever before, but shoppers still need to spend time finding the right car. This snapshot of the best vehicles of 2024 is a great starting point.
Top Rated Vehicles of 2024
No other list reflects current automotive market trends more than the Edmunds Top Rated Awards list. For 2024, the company studied his 500 vehicles to identify those that offer the best performance and value. Winners by category are:
- Best of the Best: 2024 Kia EV9
- Top Car: 2024 Toyota Prius
- Top electric car: 2024 BMI i5
- Top SUV: 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid
- Top Electric SUV: 2024 Kia EV
- Top Truck: 2024 Chevrolet Colorado
- Top Electric Trucks: 2024 Ford F-150 Lightning
This list represents the top choices in cars, trucks, and SUVs that customers can purchase today. However, a casual observer may notice that there is a considerable distance between these vehicles. Starting with the most important features and working backwards is a good way to narrow down the winners in your own personal category.
What are the most important features?
Additional features can certainly create an impressive driving experience. However, safety remains the most important feature for most car buyers today. Consumers are increasingly demanding high-tech features that help improve road visibility and awareness. For example, a new automatic emergency braking system that prevents collisions when it senses another vehicle can help prevent or reduce road impacts. Similar systems can also detect pedestrians. A blind spot warning alert system is also on the list of must-haves for many shoppers. Rear-facing cameras have been around for some time, but car buyers are increasingly looking for 360-degree surround-view camera systems that give drivers a bird's-eye view of the vehicle. This feature provides unprecedented visibility and helps drivers avoid hitting objects or people when reversing or parking.
Some of the must-have features for 2024 will be carried over from previous years. For example, drivers still rely on the safety and convenience provided by built-in navigation systems. Keyless entry and a zonal climate system also hold up as highly desirable features.
How to get the best deal when buying a new car
The best way to avoid overspending on a new car is to go to the dealership knowing exactly what you want. After carefully researching the vehicle you want, narrow down the trim levels and features that are right for you. You can use this information to determine the price you're willing to pay for your new car. The ability for buyers to negotiate the purchase price varies from dealer to dealer, but all dealers base their asking price on a vehicle on the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). Knowing the MSRP of the model you want to test drive can save the dealer the time and effort of “upselling” a more expensive model.
The most control a buyer has over a vehicle's price is the interest rate. If you're looking to get a car loan, check your credit score beforehand to determine the types of interest rates available to you. Just like home buyers, car buyers are free to shop around and shop around for interest rates from various lenders when purchasing a car.
Finally, trading in your current car can be a way to reduce the price of your new car. It is important to understand the current value of your car before purchasing. Be sure to base your evaluation on actual market data, rather than making assumptions based on your personal attachment to the car. Many shoppers come to the store with inflated expectations about how much they can get for their trade-in car because they don't have an objective, market-based perspective.
Electric or gas-powered: Which type of vehicle is best for you?
The question of whether to go electric or gas is becoming increasingly important for new car buyers. A driver's lifestyle is often the biggest factor in determining the best choice. When making decisions, it's important to weigh your long-term financial and sustainability goals against what's achievable from both a budget and mileage standpoint.
Electric and hybrid cars offer environmentally friendly driving and help drivers save on high gas costs. But shoppers say the short range, long charging time, and high initial cost make these high-tech vehicles affordable for those who need a daily commuter vehicle without breaking the bank. We cannot ignore the fact that it may be beyond our reach. With traditional gasoline cars, drivers can easily refuel without worrying about traveling long distances. Of course, this familiar choice comes at the cost of high fuel costs. Some drivers are eager to move away from dependence on oil for environmental reasons.
