CarGurus released its 2024 Best Used Car Awards, referencing pricing and availability data, consumer trends and experience test driving more than 1,000 cars.
CarGurus’ panel of expert reviewers identified the best used cars in 11 categories, including best family car; city car; large, small and midsize SUV; and the best overall used car, recognized with the CarGurus Used Car of the Year Award.
The awards come in time for shoppers to prepare for the best time to buy a used car in 2024. An analysis of national weekly average price and inventory data for the past seven years, accounting for pre- and post-COVID market shifts, revealed buying a used car during the week of Feb. 12 could, on average, amount to a 2.8% savings compared to the average week---with access to more than 6% more listings. Based on the current average used car listing price of $28,731, consumers could save about $800 on a purchase during this time.
“With many shoppers feeling the pinch of higher interest rates and new car prices remaining 30% above pre-pandemic levels, all eyes will be on used cars as a more cost-effective alternative to finding a great deal this winter,” said Matt Smith, CarGurus deputy editor. “Now in its sixth year, the CarGurus Best Used Car Awards aim to help consumers pinpoint their ideal car match with added confidence.”
2024 CarGurus Best Used Car Award Winners
CarGurus 2024 Used Car of the Year: Honda Accord (10th Generation)
“In addition to being named the best city car, the 10th-generation Honda Accord is a fantastic all-around vehicle. Few vehicles combine the Accord's impressive performance and efficiency with its level of practicality, build quality and safety,” said Smith. Current average listing price: $23,1062.
Best Midsize Crossover/SUV: Hyundai Santa Fe (Fourth Generation)
Sold between 2019 and 2023, the fourth-generation Hyundai Santa Fe delivers an outstanding combination of tech, safety features and value. “It helps that the Santa Fe is a good-looking vehicle, too; although it hasn’t adopted many of the current auto marketplace’s design trends, it doesn’t look boring or outdated,” Smith said. Current average listing price: $26,2292.
Best Large Pickup Truck: Ford F-150 (14th Generation)
Introduced for the 2021 model year, this latest F-150 builds on more than seven decades of truck-building experience. Shoppers can find a Ford F-150 for any need, thanks to multiple body styles, multiple powertrain options and enough trim levels to make a head spin. According to Smith, “CarGurus reviewers have been impressed by how the F-150 combines its noteworthy capability with smart design, great technology and an outstanding suite of safety features.” Current average listing price: $48,2242.
Best Luxury Sedan: Audi A4 (Fifth Generation)
According to Smith, “Although it’s received only a minor facelift since arriving for the 2016 model year, the fifth-generation Audi A4 is nonetheless one of the best-looking sedans on the market. This luxury sedan has aged incredibly well, offering as impressive a driving experience as it did eight years ago. Earlier examples can be equipped with front-wheel drive (FWD), but later A4 models include Audi’s famous Quattro all-wheel-drive (AWD) system as standard equipment.” Current average listing price: $25,5682.
Best Family Car: First Generation Kia Telluride
Since arriving for the 2020 model year, the Kia Telluride has become a popular choice among shoppers and reviewers alike. The super-sized midsize crossover SUV was one of the first of its kind: comfortable enough for daily driving duties while also large and capable enough to seat up to eight adults. Current average listing price: $36,2412.
Best Sports Car: Porsche 911 (992; Eighth Generation)
According to Smith, “The Porsche 911 is a quintessential sports car in every way---it’s instantly recognizable, offers limited practicality and drives as if it were engineered solely for performance. The 992-Series Porsche 911 has been on sale since the 2019 model year and is offered in a wide range of trim levels, from rear-wheel-drive convertibles to all-wheel-drive coupes, and with powertrains that evolve from ‘fast’ to ‘how is this legal?’.” Current average listing price: $197,1772.
The full list of CarGurus Used Car Award winners can be found here. Categories include the best small crossover/SUV, best midsize crossover/SUV, best family car, best city car, best large SUV, best luxury crossover/SUV, best small pickup truck, best large pickup truck, best sports car and CarGurus Used Car of the Year Award.
