Upgrading The Car Game
Sometimes cars can be reimagined and retooled for a radically improved product. The following cars show how a makeover can turn the ordinary into extraordinary.
Ford Mustang (2024)
Rev up your engines, pony car fans! The 2024 Mustang enters into a new era with a thrilling redesign. Ford’s iconic muscle car now flexes even more muscle—the EcoBoost four-cylinder beefs up to a whopping 315 horsepower, while the GT’s V8 roars with 486 horses.
Ford Mustang (2024) (Cont.)
When you hop into the driver’s seat, you’ll be greeted by a cool digital dashboard inspired by fighter jets. And guess what? There’s a brand new Dark Horse edition as well. Car and Driver loved it, saying it’s “the most track-capable Mustang ever.” You can get one from $30,920.
Toyota Tacoma (2024)
Toyota’s favorite midsize pickup has ditched its old-school vibes for a high-tech upgrade. Now, it comes with turbocharged four-cylinder engines, including a hybrid option that’ll please pretty much everyone. Priced at $31,500, it’s clear that this old truck has learned some new tricks.
Toyota Tacoma (2024)
If you’re an off-road enthusiast, here’s your new obsession: the Trailhunter trim. It comes straight from the assembly, ready to tackle the apocalypse (or just a really gnarly camping trip). Inside, you’ll find plusher seats, bigger screens, and advanced driver assistance technologies for enhanced safety.
Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray (2024)
Safe to say that the 2024 Corvette E-Ray, starting at $104,900, isn’t just breaking the mold—it’s shattering it at supersonic speeds. So this awesome hybrid combines a powerful 6.2L V8 machine with an electric motor to complete a 655-hp beast that will really push you back in your seat.
Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray (2024) (Cont.)
Acceleration from zero to 60 is in just 2.5 seconds. The cool part here is that it has a “Stealth Mode” that gives you the opportunity to sneak out for late-night snacks without waking anyone. With its wider hips borrowed from the Z06, it’s like the Corvette hit the gym.
Ford Ranger (2024)
Car and Driver gushed about this car’s “much-improved ride quality.” Ford’s compact bruiser now packs a 2.7L EcoBoost V6 punch, delivering a knockout 315 horses. Towing capacity? A mighty 7,500 lbs—enough to haul your boat, your buddy’s boat, and probably their neighbor’s jet ski, too.
Ford Ranger (2024) (Cont.)
Starting at $32,720, this bad boy is ready to take on the big guys without the big price tag. And that’s not all. The Raptor version packs a punch with 405 horsepower and Fox shocks that can handle even the roughest terrain.
Mercedes-AMG GT Coupe (2024)
Choose your poison: the GT 55 with 469 hp or the GT 63 with a face-melting 577 hp. The 2024 AMG GT Coupe is Mercedes’ way of saying, “We don’t just make cars; we craft automotive art.” Starting at $136,650, it’s literally a four-wheeled investment in pure joy.
Mercedes-AMG GT Coupe (2024) (Cont.)
This Mercedes sweet ride can fit four people and has an all-wheel drive to keep things exciting, fast, and versatile. Also, the interior is all about comfort and luxury, featuring AMG sports seats, high-quality materials, and user-friendly touchscreen consoles to ensure smooth entertaining ride.
Subaru Impreza (2024)
Subaru’s compact warrior enters its sixth generation with a plot twist as it has gone full hatchback. It offers a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with improved fuel efficiency, while Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology system comes standard because safety can be cool too.
Subaru Impreza (2024) (Cont.)
Starting at a wallet-friendly $22,995, the 2024 Impreza is here to prove that “sensible” and “fun” aren’t mutually exclusive. The new RS trim channels its inner WRX with a peppy 182-hp engine, sport-tuned suspension, and 18-inch wheels that’ll have you seeking out twisty roads.
Toyota Land Cruiser (2024)
The legendary 2024 Land Cruiser returns to the US leaner, meaner, and cooler than ever. This trail-tamer now sports a hybrid 2.4L turbo four-cylinder that pumps out 326 hp and a stump-pulling 465 lb-ft of torque. Starting at $55,950, it’s ready to conquer it all.
Toyota Land Cruiser (2024) (Cont.)
So, the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser model kicks off the seventh Cruiser generation. MotorTrend called its off-road performance “phenomenal,” while Edmunds states that the “hybrid powertrain returns good mpg” with “respectable off-road capability.” Expect nothing but thrilling off-road journeys with this one.
Lexus GX (2024)
Hold onto your monocles, luxury SUV lovers! At $64,250, out goes the thirsty V8, in comes a twin-turbo 3.4L V6 with 349 horses chomping at the bit. The new GX features a more squared-off appearance with angular wheel arches and a tall, boxy greenhouse.
Lexus GX (2024) (Cont.)
Want to get dirty in style? The Overtrail trim comes with an e-KDSS system that’s basically magic for your suspension. Some would say the Lexus GX (2024) has gone from country club cruiser to apocalypse-ready land yacht with the next-generation LX 600.
Hyundai Santa Fe (2024)
Hyundai’s designers must’ve been watching “Transformers” marathons because this car looks ready to unfold into a robot at any moment. It’s grown bigger, offering more interior space than some New York apartments. Lol. Autoblog raved about the Hyundai Santa Fe (2024) ’s “adventurous styling and versatile interior.”
Hyundai Santa Fe (2024) (Cont.)
For the first time, the Santa Fe offers third-row seating, making it a versatile option for families. Also, the hybrid powertrain pairs a 1.6L turbo engine with an electric motor. Starting around $35,000, it’s like getting a concept car for the price of a regular SUV.
Porsche Panamera (2024)
At $99,900, Porsche’s four-door rocket ship enters its third generation with super fast engines. The Turbo E-Hybrid tops the range with a solid 670 hp—enough to outrun your kid’s college bills. A new multilink front suspension improves handling because, apparently, lapping the Nürburgring in record time wasn’t enough.
Porsche Panamera (2024) (Cont.)
“The Porsche of luxury sedans,” according to Autoblog, the car has a digital overload with up to three screens, perfect for monitoring g-forces, lap times, and your rapidly dwindling fuel gauge. It also offers an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission and the option for rear- or all-wheel drive.
Mazda CX-90 (2024)
Mazda just crashed the luxury SUV party. The 2024 CX-90 is what happens when Japanese engineering mixes with Italian style. This three-row stunner is Mazda’s first longitudinal-engine SUV that offers a choice between a smooth inline-six purring with 340 horses or a plug-in hybrid.
Mazda CX-90 (2024) (Cont.)
When you step inside, it feels like you’ve walked into a fancy hotel lobby—we’re talking Nappa leather and real wood, folks. The new model starts at $39,595, coming in with a brand-new eight-speed automatic transmission, and is the biggest vehicle in the Mazda lineup.
Chevrolet Trax (2024)
Small car, big attitude—that’s the new Chevrolet Trax mantra. It is the second generation of the Trax model, moving from the subcompact crossover to the urban crossover segment, and costs around $20,400. Edmunds praised its “handsome styling and roomy interior.”
Chevrolet Trax (2024) (Cont.)
Under the hood, a peppy 1.2L turbo three-cylinder proves that good things come in small packages. The new Trax is 11 inches longer than the previous generation and provides more interior space. It has several trim levels, including LS, 1RS, LT, 2RS, and ACTIV.
Buick Envista (2024)
Buick’s got a new baby and it’s the new model 2024 Envista that’s replacing the older Encore GX. It shares a platform with the 2024 Chevrolet Trax but offers a more upscale and stylish design. The Envista offers 28 MPG in the city and 32 MPG on the highway.
Buick Envista (2024) (Cont.)
It’s got a 1.2L turbo three-cylinder engine and a six-speed automatic transmission and this proves that size does not always mean everything. Car and Driver even mentioned its fancy look and lots of cool stuff that comes standard. You can get your hands on one for around $22,400 and more.
Honda Prologue (2024)
Honda’s electric revolution starts with the 2024 Prologue, and it’s bringing the thunder without the rumble. This all-electric SUV packs 288 hp and an estimated 300-mile range, with a starting price of $45,000. Built on GMC’s Ultium platform, it’s a tech-lovers dream with an 11-inch digital gauge cluster standard.
Honda Prologue (2024) (Cont.)
Another interesting point is that Honda has tweaked the steering and suspension to give it that classic Honda handling. It’s right in between the CR-V and Pilot in size, measuring 192 inches long with a wheelbase of 121.8 inches.
BMW X2 (2024)
Check out the 2024 X2! It’s bigger and more versatile than ever, with 7.6 inches of extra length and 2.5 inches of added height. This second-gen beauty offers more passenger and cargo space without sacrificing its sporty edge, starting at $42,000.
BMW X2 (2024) (Cont.)
Under the hood, you’ve got options: a peppy 2.0L turbo four with 241 hp in the base 28i or a feisty 312 hp version in the M35i that’ll rocket you to 60 mph in just 5.2 seconds. Also, it has a more “practical shape and improved performance,” states Car and Driver.
GMC Acadia (2024)
SUV lovers, assemble. This is a midsize vehicle that stretches a fantastic 10.6 inches longer to show off enough space to lose your kids’ soccer gear in. Power comes from either a new 2.5L turbo four-cylinder or a sturdy 3.6L V6, perfect for hauling the whole clan and then some.
GMC Acadia (2024) (Cont.)
Fancy some hands-free cruising? Super Cruise is available on higher trims. With cargo space ballooning to 78.9 cubic feet, it’s part SUV, part moving van. Starting at $42,600, it’s ready to dominate both the school run and the great outdoors.
Aston Martin DB12 (2024)
A car that says you’ve arrived, in style and at speed. It’ll catapult you from 0-60 mph in a snapping 3.5 seconds, all while cosseting you in leather and carbon fiber. Plus, they’ve totally revamped the infotainment system; now it feels like Aston is finally catching up.
Aston Martin DB12 (2024) (Cont.)
Gentlemen, start your fantasies at the rate of $248,086. The DB12 got a 4.0L twin-turbo V8 engine from Mercedes-AMG that churns out a significant 671 horsepower. Additionally, the chassis has been completely redone, and it now has a new electronic rear differential.
Volkswagen Passat (2024)
This ain’t your dad’s old sedan. Starting around $35,000, VW stretched it to a 193.5-inch length with a massive 120.1-inch wheelbase that puts some luxury barges to shame. Here, you’ll find a range of mild-hybrid powertrains, topped by a punchy 265-hp 2.0-liter turbo four. It also has a 10.25-inch digital cockpit.
Volkswagen Passat (2024) (Cont.)
Auto Express in its review, said it’s a serious competitor to premium cars. Passat (2024) is based on the MQB evo platform, which is a modern version of Volkswagen’s modular transverse matrix. Plus, it’s the ninth generation of this popular model.
Nissan Frontier (2024)
Wireless Apple CarPlay? Check. Android Auto? You bet. PickupTrucks.com praised the car’s “much-improved ride quality and interior refinement.” Nissan Frontier (2024) gets a thorough makeover, building on the 2022 redesign, as the 3.8-liter V6 still pumps out a healthy 310 hp.
Nissan Frontier (2024) (Cont.)
But it’s now mated to a new 9-speed auto for smoother power delivery. Nissan beefed up the frame, added new Fox shocks on Pro-4X models, and increased payload capacity to 1,720 pounds. The starting price for this vehicle is approximately $30,000.
Acura TLX (2024)
Luxury sport sedan fans, Acura has something special for you. They’ve improved the suspension for better handling and added an active exhaust system to the Type S for a more aggressive sound. Priced at around $40,000, it’s all set to take on the German competition.
Acura TLX (2024) (Cont.)
The 2024 TLX doubles down on performance and luxury. The base 2.0-liter turbo four now pumps out 280 hp, while the Type S variant gets a bump to 375 hp from its turbocharged V6. This new drive also features a frameless Diamond Pentagon grille inspired by the Type S Concept.
Volvo XC90 (2024)
Safety? That must be a Volvo. So expect industry-leading features, including LiDAR sensors for advanced driver assistance. The air suspension now features Volvo’s first-ever five-chamber system for an ultra-smooth ride. This third-generation flagship SUV rides on Volvo’s new SPA2 platform, offering both internal combustion and fully electric powertrains.
Volvo XC90 (2024) (Cont.)
The big news is that the EV version comes with a 111 kWh battery to offer over 300 miles of range. Reviews highlight its comfy interior and impressive refinement, while the price for the same is around $60,000 for regular ones and $75,000 for electric.
Mercedes-Benz CLE (2024)
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE is a really cool and luxurious coupe that takes inspiration from both the C-Class and E-Class coupes. You can get the CLE in a few different versions, like the CLE 300 4MATIC, CLE 450 4MATIC, and the super-fast AMG CLE 53. The starting price is $55,000.
Mercedes-Benz CLE (2024) (Cont.)
It has a length of approximately 4,700 mm and offers a cargo capacity of 14.8 cubic feet, which is pretty decent for a coupe. The review by Top Gear also highlights the CLE’s unfussy styling, serene driving experience, and muscular AMG 53 variant.