Automakers continue to churn out new vehicles that are ready for adventure straight off the showroom floor. While 2024 was a year of many refreshes and not many truly new vehicles, there are a few standouts worthy of a 2024 GearJunkie Adventure Vehicle of the Year Award.

　　Our editors and contributors got behind the wheel of many new vehicles that hit the market in 2024 and reviewed many of them. So, as 2024 comes to an end, let’s dive into our picks for the best on- and off-road adventure vehicles to hit the market this year.

　　GearJunkie Best Adventure Vehicles of 2024 Best 44: 2024 Lexus GX 550 Overtrail+

　　(Photo/Bryon Dorr) The next-generation Lexus GX hit the market in early 2024. And, it debuted with new off-road oriented versions, the Overtrail and Overtrail+ trims. There are so very few vehicles that are this luxurious, great for daily driving, and extremely off-road capable. The 2024 Lexus GX 550 Overtrail+ is our pick for the Best 44 of 2024.

　　While fuel economy and affordable pricing arent the 2024 GXs strengths, its hard to fault the vehicle for much else. The Overtrail+ model offers things like adaptive suspension, eKDSS, massaging seats, multi-terrain select modes, a rear eLocker, and integrated rear-window shades. If you need a third row, youll have to look at the Premium or Luxury trims of the GX, as the Overtrail versions dont offer one.

　　(Photo/Bryon Dorr) Pros Powerful and smooth powertrain Real off-road capability Quiet cabin Luxury fit and finish Great visibility Super-comfortable seats Impressive chassis dynamics Big cargo and towing capacities Cons Poor fuel economy A big price tag Five-seater only Hideous hitch cover Play Read the full review here: 2024 Lexus GX Overtrail First Drive Review: What You Won’t Find on the Spec Sheet.

　　Best Mid-Size Truck: 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor

　　(Photo/Doug Berger) While we didnt publish a dedicated review of the 2024 Ranger Raptor, a number of our contributors and I all drove Fords newest off-road truck. When discussing our adventure vehicle of the year awards, the new Ranger Raptor rose to the top of the list by offering a buttoned-down ride and impressive off-road capability for an incredible value price.

　　The 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor started shipping early in the year. It costs thousands of dollars less — when comparably equipped — and offers nearly 100 horsepower more than any close competitors.

　　Its exhaust note is also far superior to any of its competitors, not to mention controllable via buttons on the steering wheel. Plenty of other tech and connectivity features come standard, but the interior feels somewhat cramped and some crucial engineering decisions arent the best.

　　2024 Ford Ranger Raptor gauge cluster; (photo/Ford) Pros Big horsepower Quality exhaust note Value price BFG KO3 tires Cons Poorly designed wheels (hard-to-fit air nozzle on valve stem) 33 tires are the largest available Small back seat Small truck bed Best Full-Size Truck: 2025 Ram RHO

　　(Photo/Bryon Dorr) While not a direct replacement for the Ram TRX, the new RHO fills the top spot in Rams sport truck lineup for 2025. The Ram RHO just started shipping to consumers in the past month and is overall a better truck than the TRX — although that might not be a popular opinion.

　　If you are looking for a fun, capable, imposing, comfortable, and feature-rich full-size pickup at a value price, the 2025 Ram RHO is for you. It does lose its V8 rumble and a few hundred ponies under the hood, but in exchange, it is a bit lighter and slightly less thirsty.

　　Besides its width and the fact you must climb up into it, the 2025 Ram RHO is a very usable everyday pickup while still being an absolute blast to take on adventures off the beaten path.

　　(Photo/Ram) Pros So very capable off road at speed Magic shocks Impressive value Luxury interior (with Level 1 Package) All the big screens Console shifter Heated, ventilated, and massage seats Cons Wide! Exhaust note/engine sounds could be better Too many buttons Not inexpensive when optioned correctly

　　(Photo/Bryon Dorr) Read the full review here: Jumped, Drifted, Road Tested: 2025 Ram RHO First Drive Review.

　　Best SUV: 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT

　　(Photo/Bryon Dorr) The latest generation of the Hyundai Santa Fe hit the market in 2024, as did the off-road/adventure-ready XRT model of the SUV — in March. Its impressive list of features, value price, and distinctive styling make it hard to ignore.

　　I dont think I can sum it up any better than I did in my first drive review: If you’re looking for a vehicle that can haul your outdoor gear, family, and friends safely, comfortably, and for a price below the average new vehicle today, then the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT is a great option. You will have to sacrifice some performance and efficiency to get that impressive combination of positive attributes, however.

　　(Photo/Bryon Dorr) Pros Distinctive styling Quiet interior Massive cargo space with easy access Loads of useful safety and convenience tech Roof access grab handle and roof rails standard Value priced Cons Poor fuel economy No PHEV option (or any Hybrid on XRT) Bulky odd-shaped drive selector stalk Front seats could be easier to get into and out of

　　(Photo/Bryon Dorr) Read the full review here: Family Car Camping Companion: 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT Review.

　　Best City Car: 2025 Volvo EX30

　　(Photo/Bryon Dorr) A few Volvo EX30 Twin-Motor reservation holders should have just received their vehicles, just as the year comes to a close. Single-motor versions and more widespread availability should open up in 2025, as production in Europe expands — versus the current Chinese-only production. This all-new model is feature-rich, fun, and affordable.

　　While the do-everything central touchscreen takes some getting used to, all the features and tech you really want are in this small EV. Quiet, quick, and comfy are what this value-priced small hatchback has to offer, although it has very little cargo room to offer. Over 250 miles of real-world range also means this little EV is very usable for a wide range of people.

　　(Photo/Paul Eisenstein) Pros Class-larger interior passenger space Delivers quick acceleration Quick charging Attractive design Impressively quiet Comfortable seats Cons Tiny cargo area Traditional gauge cluster or HUD would be nice Even in “Firm” setting, steering is quite light Buttons and stalks on the steering wheel feel very cheap No hard button for central dash glove box Aggressive adaptive cruise attention warning Play Read the full review here: Fastest Volvo Ever Is an Electric Bargain: 2024 EX30 First Drive Review and here: Always Safe, but a Dash of Sideways Fun: Electric Volvo EX30 Winter Testing.

　　Best Dream Car: 2025 Aston Martin Vantage

　　(Photo/Michael Van Runkle) When discussing what new cars had hit the market that were aspirational to own, the new Vantage quickly became the obvious choice. Contributor Michael Van Runkle summed it up like this: Somehow priced below a Porsche 911 Turbo, and so much more exotic, while offering a spectacular engine, sketchy traction control in the best way, and Astons new interiors are the best in the biz.

　　The 2025 Aston Martin Vantage hit the market just a few months ago and has quickly gained an enthusiastic following. The car is equally engaging to drive as it is sublime to look at. While it lacks a V12 soundtrack, its twin-turbo V8 provides impressive performance.

　　You can, in theory, buy a $191,000 2025 Vantage, but our test vehicle rang in at $287,400, with a combination of options that were appreciated. While its hard to call a few-$100K car affordable, the 2025 Vantage does seem like a screaming deal against its dream car competitors.

　　(Photo/Aston Martin) Pros Spectacular redesign amps up exotic aesthetic Newly massaged engine delivers plenty of low-end grunt and screams to redline Interior ergonomics and tech step into the modern era perfectly Cons Options add up shockingly quickly No manual transmission option, and not even a dual-clutch Larger exterior footprint than expected

　　(Photo/Aston Martin) Read the full review here: 2025 Aston Martin Vantage Review: Great Expectations, Even Better in the Flesh.

　　Gear of the Year: Our Editors' Top Picks of 2024Check out the GearJunkie editors' top picks from 2024: 10 of the most innovative, useful, and technologically advanced products of the year. Read more