
The Drive Awards 2024: Lexus GX Crowned Best SUV | Image Source: www.thedrive.com
DETROIT, Dec. 14, 2024 — The Drive has unveiled its highly anticipated list of the Best SUVs of 2024, spotlighting a diverse lineup of vehicles that exemplify the dominance of sport utility vehicles in the modern automotive landscape. SUVs remain the cornerstone of the industry, offering options ranging from affordable practicality to luxurious status symbols. As stated by The Drive, this year’s selection reflects the extraordinary variety and capability of SUVs, from off-road champions to electric trailblazers.
Why SUVs Dominate the Market
SUVs have become indispensable to automakers, driving sales and providing the financial backbone for innovation in other segments. According to The Drive, the popularity of SUVs, whether compact, luxury, or performance-oriented, funds the development of niche products like sports cars and high-performance vehicles. For instance, Toyota’s bestselling RAV4 supports the production of the GR86 and Supra, while Porsche’s Cayenne and Macan underwrite its flagship sports cars. This dynamic underscores the versatility and profitability of SUVs, making them a pivotal segment in the automotive world.
Runner-Up: Range Rover Sport SV – The Luxury SUV
Luxury and performance converge in the 2024 Range Rover Sport SV, which takes a runner-up spot in this year’s awards. Boasting a BMW M5-derived 4.4-liter V8 engine and an advanced air suspension system, the SV is a powerhouse on both racetracks and rugged trails. Jerry Perez, Deputy Editor of The Drive, described the SV as “a top-notch luxury SUV that can blaze race tracks and climb dirt hills with two wheels off the ground and a third buried in mud.” This model redefines luxury performance, appealing to enthusiasts who demand both refinement and capability.
Runner-Up: Chevrolet Equinox – The Affordable SUV
The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox earns its place as the quintessential value-oriented SUV. Starting at $29,995, the Equinox offers a compelling mix of practicality, safety features, and a youthful design. Adam Ismail, News Editor at The Drive, emphasized the Equinox’s significance, noting, “Finally, Chevy’s bread-and-butter compact SUV is showing signs of life.” The Equinox is a standout in the crowded compact SUV market, offering an appealing option for buyers seeking affordability without sacrificing quality.
Runner-Up: Kia EV9 – The Electric SUV
Kia’s EV9 GT-Line has set a new standard for electric family SUVs. With its striking design, exceptional handling, and three-row seating, the EV9 impressed Nico DeMattia, Staff Writer at The Drive, who praised its ability to combine practicality with performance. “The Kia EV9 GT-Line is everything you could ask for from a family hauler and then some,” DeMattia remarked. The EV9’s success highlights the growing viability of electric SUVs as fun, capable alternatives to traditional gas-powered models.
Runner-Up: Porsche Cayenne GTS – The Performance SUV
Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the Porsche Cayenne continues to defy expectations. The 2025 Cayenne GTS balances luxury and track-ready performance, offering 493 horsepower and a dynamic driving experience. Abigail Bassett, a contributor to The Drive, described it as “perfect for the well-heeled who want an SUV that has a side job as a track workhorse.” The Cayenne GTS remains a favorite for those seeking a vehicle that marries family-friendly utility with sports car DNA.
Winner: Lexus GX – The Off-Road SUV
The Lexus GX has emerged as The Drive’s Best SUV of 2024, capturing attention for its balance of luxury, capability, and practicality. The 2024 Lexus GX 550 excels both on and off the road, offering a refined yet rugged experience. As stated by Senior Editor Caleb Jacobs, “The GX Overtrail combines raw wheeling ability with luxury in a way that’s better balanced than anything else I’ve driven.” The GX’s versatility makes it a standout choice, appealing to off-road enthusiasts and suburban drivers alike.
Adding to its accolades, the Lexus GX also secured the People’s Choice award through a series of Instagram polls conducted by The Drive. This recognition underscores its broad appeal, cementing its status as a fan favorite in the competitive SUV market.
The Drive’s 2024 Best SUV awards reflect the immense diversity and innovation within the SUV segment. From the affordable practicality of the Chevrolet Equinox to the off-road prowess of the Lexus GX, this year’s winners showcase the evolving demands of consumers and the industry’s ability to meet them with excellence.