Driving the Future: 2024 Best of the Bay Awards Showcase Automotive Excellence

The 2024 Best of the Bay awards, organized by the Western Automotive Journalists (WAJ), a non-profit association of automotive writers and content creators based in the San Francisco Bay Area, is an annual event that recognizes the most exceptional vehicles in the market. This year, I had the unique opportunity to personally test drive each of the featured vehicles, navigating a diverse range of landscapes to put them through their paces and uncover their true capabilities.

Unlocking the Potential of the Automotive Landscape

Hyundai Elantra N: Blending Performance and Practicality

The 2024 Hyundai Elantra N is a testament to the brand's commitment to delivering high-performance vehicles without sacrificing everyday usability. Equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine that produces 276 horsepower and 289 lb-ft of torque, this compact sedan offers a thrilling driving experience. Paired with either a 6-speed manual or an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, the Elantra N showcases sharp handling and a dynamic personality, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a practical yet engaging daily driver. With a starting price of ,820, the Elantra N strikes a balance between performance and affordability.

Genesis GV80 Coupe 3.5T: Luxury and Style Redefined

The 2025 Genesis GV80 Coupe 3.5T brings a sporty flair to the luxury SUV segment. Powered by a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine that produces 375 horsepower, this all-wheel-drive coupe variant of the GV80 emphasizes style without compromising on performance. With an EPA-estimated 18 MPG in the city and 22 MPG on the highway, the GV80 Coupe 3.5T delivers a compelling blend of power and efficiency. Its interior is adorned with high-quality materials and state-of-the-art technology, catering to the discerning tastes of luxury-minded consumers. Priced at around ,780, the GV80 Coupe 3.5T offers a unique proposition in the crowded SUV market.

Genesis GV80 3.5T: Luxury, Power, and Practicality

Sharing the same 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine as its coupe counterpart, the 2025 Genesis GV80 3.5T delivers a potent 375 horsepower. With an EPA-estimated 16 MPG in the city and 22 MPG on the highway, this luxury SUV strikes a balance between performance and efficiency. The GV80 3.5T offers more cargo space and a slightly softer ride, making it an excellent choice for those who value long-distance comfort and practicality without sacrificing the power and refinement that the Genesis brand is known for. Starting at ,300, the GV80 3.5T is a compelling option for those seeking a well-rounded luxury SUV.

Genesis G80 3.5T Sport Prestige: Blending Luxury and Athleticism

The 2025 Genesis G80 3.5T Sport Prestige is a testament to the brand's ability to seamlessly blend luxury and athleticism. Powered by the same 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine found in the GV80 models, the G80 3.5T Sport Prestige offers a smooth yet sporty driving experience, with an EPA-estimated 16 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway. The advanced driver assistance systems and the high-tech, refined interior of the G80 3.5T Sport Prestige set it apart from its competitors in the luxury sedan segment. Priced at ,780, this Genesis model is a compelling choice for those seeking a luxurious and performance-oriented sedan.

Fiat 500e: Bringing European Charm to the EV Market

The 2024 Fiat 500e brings a touch of European flair to the electric vehicle landscape. Powered by a 117-horsepower electric motor and a 42 kWh battery, the 500e offers a zippy urban driving experience with an EPA-estimated range of up to 162 miles in the city. With a combined range of 149 miles, the 500e is well-suited for daily commutes and city driving, catering to the needs of eco-conscious consumers who desire a compact and charming EV. Priced at ,095, the Fiat 500e presents a compelling option for those seeking a stylish and practical electric city car.

Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat Silver Bullet: Unbridled Power and Practicality

The 2025 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat Silver Bullet is a true performance powerhouse, equipped with a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine that produces an astonishing 710 horsepower. With an EPA-estimated 12 MPG in the city and 17 MPG on the highway, this all-wheel-drive SUV can rocket from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds, blending exhilarating speed with practical utility. Priced at 5,315, the Durango SRT Hellcat Silver Bullet is a unique offering that caters to those seeking a thrilling driving experience without compromising on the versatility of a three-row SUV.

Acura ZDX Type S: Redefining Luxury Electric Performance

Acura's 2024 ZDX Type S is a testament to the brand's commitment to delivering exceptional electric performance. Equipped with dual electric motors and a 102 kWh battery, the ZDX Type S produces a remarkable 499 horsepower, with an EPA-estimated 83 MPGe in the city, 74 MPGe on the highway, and 43 kW-hrs per 100 miles. This all-wheel-drive EV offers both exhilarating speed and long-range cruising capabilities, all while featuring advanced technology and a luxurious interior. Priced at ,500, the ZDX Type S redefines what it means to experience luxury and performance in an electric vehicle.

Toyota Camry Hybrid XSE: Blending Efficiency and Sportiness

The 2025 Toyota Camry Hybrid XSE combines fuel efficiency with a sportier driving experience. Its hybrid powertrain pairs a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with an electric motor to produce a total of 208 horsepower. With an EPA-estimated 48 MPG in the city and 47 MPG on the highway, the Camry Hybrid XSE delivers impressive fuel economy without sacrificing handling and performance. The Camry Hybrid XSE's starting price of ,195 makes it an attractive option for those seeking a well-rounded, efficient, and engaging midsize sedan.

Range Rover SE 7-seat LWB: Luxury, Capability, and Comfort

The 2024 Range Rover SE 7-seat LWB is the epitome of luxury and off-road prowess. Powered by a mild-hybrid 3.0-liter inline-6 engine that produces 395 horsepower, this long-wheelbase model offers spacious seating for up to seven passengers and a smooth, comfortable ride. With an EPA-estimated 18 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway, the Range Rover SE 7-seat LWB caters to those who demand both the refinement of a luxury SUV and the ruggedness to tackle challenging terrain. Priced at 8,610, this Range Rover model is a compelling choice for those seeking a versatile and premium off-road-capable vehicle.

Lucid Air Pure: Redefining the Luxury Electric Sedan

The 2025 Lucid Air Pure is a standout in the luxury electric sedan segment, earning the prestigious title of 2024 Best Overall Vehicle in the Best of the Bay awards. Powered by a 430-horsepower electric motor, the Air Pure boasts an impressive EPA-estimated range of 420 miles, with 132 MPGe in the city and 125 MPGe on the highway, consuming just 26 kW-hrs per 100 miles. Combining cutting-edge technology, elegant design, and exceptional performance, the Lucid Air Pure sets a new benchmark for what a luxury electric sedan can achieve. Priced at ,050, this Lucid model offers a compelling blend of efficiency, luxury, and driving dynamics.

Lexus GX 550 Premium+: Rugged Luxury for the Adventurous

The 2024 Lexus GX 550 Premium+ is a rugged luxury SUV that seamlessly blends off-road capability with on-road refinement. Powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 engine that produces 349 horsepower, the GX 550 Premium+ delivers an EPA-estimated 17 MPG combined, making it a versatile choice for both off-road adventures and highway cruising. Leveraging Lexus' renowned reliability and modern technology, the GX 550 Premium+ caters to those who seek a premium, well-rounded SUV that can handle the demands of both urban and rural environments. Priced at ,455, this Lexus model offers a compelling proposition for discerning buyers.

Kia Sorento PHEV: Efficiency and Versatility Redefined

The 2025 Kia Sorento PHEV offers a compelling blend of efficiency and versatility. Featuring a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine paired with an electric motor, the Sorento PHEV delivers a total of 261 horsepower. With an all-electric range of 32 miles and an EPA-estimated 74 MPGe on electricity and gasoline, or 33 MPG on gasoline alone, the Sorento PHEV is well-suited for both short commutes and long road trips. Priced at ,690, this Kia model presents a compelling option for those seeking a practical and eco-friendly family-oriented SUV.

Kia Carnival Hybrid: Spacious and Efficient Family Hauler

The 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid is a family-friendly minivan that combines spaciousness with impressive fuel efficiency. Its hybrid powertrain delivers an EPA-estimated range of over 600 miles, making it a practical choice for long family trips. With an EPA-estimated 34 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway, the Carnival Hybrid offers a compelling blend of utility and efficiency. Equipped with advanced technology and safety features, the Carnival Hybrid starts at ,490, making it an attractive option for families seeking a versatile and eco-conscious minivan.

Hyundai IONIQ 5 N: Electrifying Performance

The 2024 Hyundai IONIQ 5 N is a performance-focused electric vehicle that redefines the boundaries of what an EV can achieve. Equipped with a dual-motor setup, the IONIQ 5 N produces a remarkable 641 horsepower, with an EPA-estimated 84 MPGe in the city, 72 MPGe on the highway, and 43 kW-hrs per 100 miles. With a driving range of 221 miles, the IONIQ 5 N offers blistering acceleration and sportscar-like handling, delivering a thrilling driving experience. Priced at ,685, this Hyundai model is a compelling choice for those seeking a high-performance electric vehicle that can rival traditional sports cars.