For 2024, there are so many cars, but so little time. We’ve filtered the list down to five new vehicles that span an eclectic cross-section of interests: luxury to economy and minivan to sporty import. Take a look, hit the dealers and enjoy driving through 2024.
Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid
Celebrating 40 years of minivans (popularized by Chrysler), the new Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid is the only plug-in hybrid in this segment and qualifies for the $7,500 Inflation Reduction Act tax incentive. A plug-in hybrid has both an electric motor (with batteries) and a gasoline motor. The car can run on just electricity and, when the batteries are low, switches automatically to the gas engine for a range of 520 miles. The 2024 Pacifica includes Stow ’n Go Seating and Storage, providing extra cargo room and three rows of seating. Dual hands-free sliding doors make groceries a cinch, and the Uconnect 5 TV/stereo system and available Amazon Fire TV keep passengers entertained.
Dodge Hornet R/T
Put some zip in your commute from the Dodge Brotherhood of Muscle with the quickest CUV (crossover-utility vehicle) in its class. Featuring 18-inch wheels, Brembo front disc brakes, Koni shocks, dual exhaust and steering-mounted paddle shifter, the R/T both shows and goes. The Hurricane4 Turbo engine punches out 268 horsepower and solid torque to fire the R/T from 0 to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds. Driver control includes selectable suspension from the wheel, allowing tuning to the road conditions. If you’re a gearhead, you’ll like the MacPherson front and 3-link Chapman rear suspension.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
If you prefer your outdoor experiences with a touch of luxury, the 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee is your chariot. With aerodynamic efficiency that doesn’t compromise cargo space, the enlarged windows allow more light into the cabin than ever before. Whether you need to tow a boat or trailer, the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 can effortlessly pull 6,200 pounds, and a choice of 4×4 drives cater to all-terrain use. Each features active transfer, directing power to the wheel with the most grip. Even better, the Grand Cherokee automatically switches to two-wheel drive when the vehicle senses road conditions that don’t require 4×4 drive, reducing drag on the drive system and improving fuel economy.
You have the option to choose between three-row and two-row seating. According to Joey Falcone, partner at Jerry Ulm Dodge/Jeep, “Everything has been done to improve comfort, from 16-way adjustable seats with power lumbar and even front seat back massage. And the Grand Cherokee has a reduced price point to make it even more appealing.”
Dodge Ram 1500 TRX
This is the last year of production for the extremely popular TRX series that set benchmarks for half-ton pickups with its 6.2-liter supercharged Hemi V8 engine rated at 702 horsepower. This propels the TRX from 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds, runs the quarter-mile in 12.9 seconds and tops out at 118 mph (if you know a lot of judges!). But this half-tonner isn’t just about speed, since it can also tow up to 8,100 pounds. The interior is the “un-truck,” with luxuriously stitched upholstery, a full NAV system, a backup camera and a dual-pane panoramic sunroof.
Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio
Named after the twisty Stelvio Pass in the Italian Alps and carrying the name (and logo) Quadrifoglio, which means four-leaf clover and was first used 100 years ago by racing Alfas. This Italian stallion manages to blend four-door luxury with speed and handling to delight car connoisseurs. With its Twin-Turbocharged V6 engine, it has a 176 mph top speed, a blow-their-doors-off 3.6-second 0-60 time and 505 horsepower. Normally rear-wheel drive, it has an active transfer to all-wheel drive (in 0.15 seconds), which comes in handy on rainy Tampa days, automatically sensing the road conditions.
Feel like a stoplight Grand Prix? Just punch the “Race” button on the drive system and sit back: this maximizes the power and enhances the steering to turn this four-door luxury family car into a seriously sporty challenger. But your passengers won’t notice while sitting in the cushy Alcantara-trimmed front bucket seats or rear passenger seats with armrests. Learn to say “Ciao!” and wear your jacket draped across your shoulders.
Chris Caswell is an award-winning writer and the former editor of several yachting magazines. He has appeared on Oprah as a boating lifestyle expert and hosted the Marine Voyager series on the Speed Channel.
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