2024 Best of the Bay is an annual awards event judged by members of the Western Automotive Journalists (WAJ), a non-profit association of automotive writers and content creators based in the Bay Area.
I had the unique opportunity to personally test drive each of the vehicles featured in the 2024 Best of the Bay awards. Given 30 minutes with each vehicle, I navigated a series of carefully suggested routes that allowed me to experience their full range of capabilities.
From winding coastal highways to steep hills and forested backroads around Santa Cruz, the diverse landscape provided the perfect canvas to put these cars through their paces.
Each drive offered something new—whether it was the roar of a performance engine or the silent, effortless glide of an electric motor. The scenic backdrop not only showcased the power and agility of these machines but also gave me a real-world feel for their comfort and innovation.
Table of Contents
Social Media Posts
Instagram Reels showcasing each vehicle from @theweeklydriver (Also available on Facebook):
https://www.instagram.com/theweeklydriver/reel/DBKgfxZSz5m/ – Santa Cruz local busks next to the 2025 Genesis GV80 3.5T.
https://www.instagram.com/theweeklydriver/reel/DBSbj8vPzt0/ – Featuring the 2024 Hyundai Elantra N, 2025 Genesis GV80 Coupe 3.5T, 2025 Genesis GV80 3.5T, 2025 Genesis G80 3.5T Sport Prestige, and 2024 Fiat 500e.
https://www.instagram.com/theweeklydriver/reel/DBT3AmnPrqu/ – Featuring the 2025 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat Silver Bullet, 2024 Acura ZDX Type S, 2025 Toyota Camry Hybrid XSE, and 2024 Range Rover SE 7 seat LWB.
https://www.instagram.com/theweeklydriver/reel/DBUAVbBvgaG/ – Featuring the 2025 Lucid Air Pure, 2024 Lexus GX 550 Premium+, 2025 Kia Sorento PHEV, 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid, and 2024 Hyundai IONIQ 5 N.
TWD Evaluates These Vehicles
In order of vehicles driven, these are the 2024 Best of the Bay contestants:
2024 Hyundai Elantra N
The 2024 Hyundai Elantra N is a performance-oriented sedan with a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine that delivers 276 horsepower and 289 lb-ft of torque, providing 20 MPG in city and 27 MPG on the highway. Paired with a 6-speed manual transmission or an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic, this front-wheel-drive compact sedan offers sharp handling and a dynamic driving experience. Pricing starts at $36,820.
2025 Genesis GV80 Coupe 3.5T
The 2025 Genesis GV80 Coupe 3.5T adds a sporty flair to the luxury SUV market. Powered by a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine producing 375 horsepower, with 18 MPG in city and 22 MPG on the highway, this all-wheel-drive coupe version emphasizes style without sacrificing performance. Its interior features high-quality materials and state-of-the-art tech. Starting price is around $87,780.
2025 Genesis GV80 3.5T
Similar to its coupe counterpart, the 2025 Genesis GV80 3.5T boasts the same 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine with 375 horsepower, offering 16 MPG in city and 22 MPG on the highway. The vehicle offers more cargo space and a slightly softer ride for long-distance comfort. The upscale SUV is an excellent choice for those who value luxury and power. It starts at $81,300.
2025 Genesis G80 3.5T Sport Prestige
The 2025 Genesis G80 3.5T Sport Prestige blends luxury and athleticism. With a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine pushing 375 horsepower, it offers a smooth yet sporty drive, with 16 MPG in city and 24 MPG on the highway. Advanced driver assistance systems and a high-tech, refined interior make it stand out among luxury sedans. Pricing starts at $79,780.
2024 Fiat 500e
The 2024 Fiat 500e brings European charm to the electric vehicle market. Its 117 horsepower electric motor with a 42 kWh battery provides a zippy urban driving experience with a range up to 162 miles in city, perfect for city dwellers. With a range of about 162 city miles and 149 combined miles, this compact EV is practical for daily commutes. The starting price is $34,095.
2025 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat Silver Bullet
The 2025 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat Silver Bullet is an absolute powerhouse, equipped with a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine that cranks out an astonishing 710 horsepower, 12 MPG in city and 17 MPG on the highway. This all-wheel-drive beast rockets from 0-60 mph in just 3.5 seconds and offers a blend of performance and practicality. Starting price is $115,315.
2024 Acura ZDX Type S
Acura’s 2024 ZDX Type S redefines luxury electric performance. With dual electric motors and an 102 kWh battery, producing 499 horsepower, 83 MPGe in city, 74 MPGE on the highway, and 43 kW-hrs per 100 miles, this all-wheel-drive EV is capable of both exhilarating speed and long-range cruising. Featuring advanced tech and a luxurious interior, the ZDX Type S has a starting price of $74,500.
2025 Toyota Camry Hybrid XSE
The 2025 Toyota Camry Hybrid XSE combines fuel efficiency with a sportier feel. Its hybrid powertrain pairs a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with an electric motor to produce 208 horsepower. Fuel economy ranges from 48 MPG in city to 47 MPG on the highway. With impressive handling and an EPA-estimated 52 mpg combined, the Camry Hybrid is priced at $42,195.
2024 Range Rover SE 7-seat LWB
The 2024 Range Rover SE 7-seat LWB is the epitome of luxury and off-road capability. Powered by a mild-hybrid 3.0-liter inline-6 engine producing 395 horsepower, this long-wheelbase model offers spacious seating and a smooth ride. The vehicle gets up to 18 MPG in city and 24 MPG on the highway. It’s perfect for those who need both comfort and ruggedness. Starting price is $118,610.
2025 Lucid Air Pure
The 2025 Lucid Air Pure is a luxury electric sedan with a range of 420 miles, powered by a 430-horsepower electric motor. The Air Pure can get up to 132 MPGe in city, 125 MPGe on the highway, at 26 kW-hrs per 100 miles, for a total range of 372 miles. Known for its cutting-edge technology and elegant design, the Air Pure combines performance with efficiency. Pricing starts at $83,050.
2024 Lexus GX 550 Premium+
The 2024 Lexus GX 550 Premium+ is a rugged luxury SUV powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 engine producing 349 horsepower with 17 MPG combined. Built for both off-road adventures and highway cruising, the GX 550 combines classic Lexus reliability with modern tech. Pricing starts at $71,455.
2025 Kia Sorento PHEV
The 2025 Kia Sorento PHEV offers a blend of efficiency and versatility. It features a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine paired with an electric motor to deliver 261 horsepower. With an all-electric range of 32 miles, it’s perfect for short commutes and long road trips. The Sorrento ranges from 74 MPGe on electricity and gasoline to 33 MPG on gasoline only. Starting price is $54,690.
2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid
The 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid is a family-friendly minivan that combines spaciousness with fuel efficiency. Its hybrid powertrain delivers over 600 miles of range, making it a practical choice for long family trips. The minivan ranges from 34 MPG in city to 31 MPG on the highway. With advanced tech and safety features, it starts at $54,490.
2024 Hyundai IONIQ 5 N
The 2024 Hyundai IONIQ 5 N is a performance-focused electric vehicle with 641 horsepower from its dual-motor setup. The battery provides 84 MPGe in city, 72 MPGe on the highway, and 43 kW-hrs per 100 miles with a 221 mile driving range. Known for its blistering acceleration and sportscar-like handling, the IONIQ 5 N is a thrilling addition to the EV market. Starting price is $67,685.
2024 Best Overall Vehicle
In a significant recognition of its technological prowess and design, the all-electric Lucid Air Pure has been crowned as the 2024 Best Overall Vehicle in the Best of the Bay awards, a distinction bestowed by Northern California’s leading automotive journalists. This year’s judges, all members of the Western Automotive Journalists (WAJ), praised the Lucid Air Pure for its blend of luxury, efficiency, and performance.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, Range Rover SE 7-seat LWB, Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat, and Genesis G80 3.5T Sport Prestige were all runners-up for the top award, each earning their own acclaim.
Best Passenger Vehicle: Genesis G80 3.5T Sport Prestige
The Genesis G80 3.5T Sport Prestige claimed the title of Best Passenger Vehicle, celebrated for its dual personality as both a luxury sedan and a sports car.
The Toyota Camry Hybrid XSE and Kia Carnival Hybrid MVP were runners-up, with judges surprised by the Camry’s sport suspension and handling, and impressed by the Kia’s long-range family-friendly capabilities.
Best Sport Utility Vehicle: Genesis GV80 3.5T Prestige & GV80 Coupe 3.5T (Tie)
In one of the most competitive categories, the Genesis GV80 3.5T Prestige and GV80 Coupe 3.5T tied for Best Sport Utility Vehicle honors.
Runners-up in this category included the Kia Sorento PHEV, Range Rover SE 7-seat LWB, and Lexus GX 550 Premium+.
Best EV: Lucid Air Pure
The Lucid Air Pure not only took home the Best Overall Vehicle award but was also named Best EV of 2024. Judges hailed the Air Pure for its seamless combination of sportiness, luxury, and unparalleled range.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N followed closely as a runner-up, dazzling the panel with its exhilarating acceleration and driving dynamics.
Best Technology: Tie Between Hyundai IONIQ 5 N & Lucid Air Pure
The Best Technology award was split between the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N and Lucid Air Pure. Hyundai’s simulated engine sounds and tactile gear shifting were particularly admired for adding a sense of engagement to the EV driving experience. Meanwhile, the Lucid Air Pure earned accolades for its ultra-efficient electric motor and groundbreaking range.
The Acura ZDX Type S also earned recognition as a runner-up for its exceptional heads-up display (HUD), which provides drivers with clear, easily digestible information while keeping their focus on the road.
“What Would You Buy?”: Jurors’ Personal Picks
For the first time, WAJ jurors were asked which vehicle they’d personally purchase after evaluating all contenders. The responses reflected a wide range of tastes, with 11 different models making the final cut.
Among the top picks were the Range Rover SE 7-seat LWB, Lexus GX 550 Premium+, Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat, Lucid Air Pure, Kia Sorento PHEV, and Genesis GV80 Coupe 3.5T.
- Western Automotive Journalists – https://waj.org/
- Acura – https://www.acura.com/
- Dodge – https://www.dodge.com/
- Fiat – https://www.fiatusa.com/
- Genesis – https://www.genesis.com/worldwide/en/main.html
- Hyundai – https://www.hyundaiusa.com/us/en
- Kia – https://www.kia.com/us/en
- Lexus – https://www.lexus.com/
- Lucid – https://lucidmotors.com/
- Range Rover – https://www.landroverusa.com/range-rover/index.html
- Toyota – https://www.toyota.com/
Article Last Updated: November 2, 2024.
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Michael Kahn is the publisher of The Weekly Driver, serving as writer, photographer, and content creator. With a keen eye for storytelling and a passion for adventure, he specializes in uncovering the stories and experiences of automobile enthusiasts. Michael’s work is inspired by his love for off-the-beaten-path road trips, global exploration, and the pursuit of exceptional culinary experiences, all captured through the lens of a world traveler and automotive enthusiast.
