It’s that magical time of year again here at the Golf Cart Tire Supply: The annual BEST GOLF CART List for 2024 is ready! It took us a month longer this year to gather all the data, but the results are finally in.
Year in, and year out, we gather feedback on all different golf cart makes and models from the thousands of customers we speak with on the phone each month. Phone feedback alone is not enough though, so we send a survey to our best customers and perform rigorous testing here on new golf cart models with the shop carts here at our GCTS HQ in Arizona. We then combine this feedback and use the mechanical expertise of our very own Golf Cart Expert Team to name our Best Golf Cart of the Year. Well, as we said, the votes are tallied and the data is in! And we are proud to announce our Top 10 Best Golf Carts List for 2024.
Looking for more in-depth analysis of the golf carts on our list, product reviews, golf cart maintenance tips, informative how-to articles, and much more? You will want to make sure you subscribe to the GCTS Newsletter and visit our Golf Cart University page. We hope our 2024 list helps you make the best decision on which golf cart to buy in the year ahead!
The Best Golf Carts of 2024
Last year saw two brand new brands make our Top 10 list (both are back again this year). And this year introduces one new brand that wasn’t even on our list last year! So while you can expect to see a few familiar faces on the list (from year’s prior), lots has changed. And we are so excited about the good new brands that continue to hit the market each year.
Golf carts just keep getting better and better as the EV revolution rages forward! We are so impressed with how manufacturers are pushing the industrial design envelope, and releasing truly beautiful new carts designs, with top-tier mechanical & ride quality.
If you are just beginning your search for new (or used) golf carts for sale, we are certain that our breakdown and analysis of the carts below will help you in your decision making. Our team has decades of experience in modifying every single golf cart model under the sun; and the carts we have selected for this list are the ones that stand out above the rest of the pack.
1. EZGO LIBERTY LSV ELiTE Lithium
Climbing back into the top #1 spot on our list is the 2024 EZGO Liberty LSV. The Liberty LSV is just an incredible golf cart for all your needs. This cart absolutely raised the bar for all other manufacturers back in 2022, and with further improvements made this past season, it really just has it all for customers looking to purchase a new cart in 2024.
When introduced, the LIBERTY was a first-of-its-kind golf cart/LSV which EZGO said would “push everything in a new direction” with its four-forward facing seats. We agreed then two years ago, and we’ve seen four other manufacturers begin offering this seating format since then.
The cart continues to come standard as one of the brand’s ELiTE Lithium vehicles, utilizing a Samsung SDI lithium battery system. This battery setup delivers consistent power regardless of your charge level. And can get up to 80% charge-up in just one hour. In addition to the EZGO Liberty’s amazing powertrain, it also features:
- Standard Premium Interior with lighted cupholders, premium steering wheel, individual key switch, glove box door, floor mats and shelf
- 4 forward-facing Premium Seats, which include seatbelts standard
- Pedestrian warning systems (so you don't hit anyone)
- Backup camera
- Optional Infotainment System with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities
The only downside to the LIBERTY: it’s still expensive. Starting at $18,999, these carts can run you all the way up to $20,000+ quickly with options and sales tax included; which is the price of a reliable used car. But with more people using their carts to get around their community every day, instead of their cars, we can’t argue that the LIBERTY truly does deliver on every dollar you spend on one. The base model (non-LSV) Liberty, which is similar in many ways, starts at just $15,899.
MSRP Starting at: $18,999
2. Club Car Onward HP Li-Ion
Dethroned from #1, but still coming in strong in second place is the Club Car Onward HP Li-Ion. These Onward carts continue to impress everyone who sees them out on the road, as Club Car continues to push the envelope with their HP and HP Li-Ion Club Car Onward series. The beautiful Club Car Onward HP Li-Ion golf cart has an industry leading lightweight aluminum frame, 29HP motor, 3.1kWh lithium golf cart batteries, 375-amp controller, premium seating and body work, 6-year battery warranty, and standard automotive style headlights and taillights. It really is still the total package.
For 2024, the Club Car Onward carts come standard with 10” premium golf cart wheels. But newly upgraded premium 12” or 14” wheels (pictured above) are available from factory and come mounted on high quality Kenda Tires. The carts continue to offer thicker, premium plush front and rear seat cushions that competitors.
The Onward's front fascia remains unchanged for this season, but is very nice with thick injection molded contoured plastic panels. Despite the cart being extremely nice for 2024, we expect Club Car to update the front end next year to stay ahead of stiff competition in the industry.
The reason we would recommend paying up for the HP Li-Ion (lithium) over the regular Onward HP (standard electric) is that the HP Li-Ion cart is Lithium powered. There are many great advantages to having lithium batteries in your cart. The biggest advantage is much quicker charging times and a longer lasting charge, and the fact that lithium golf cart batteries are also much lighter than regular golf cart batteries (1/4 the weight). In addition, lithium batteries are essentially "maintenance-free”. To learn more about lithium golf cart batteries, please read: All About Lithium Golf Cart Batteries.
MSRP Starting at: $13,155 (2-Seater), $14,380 (4-Seater)
3. EVOLUTION D5
Last year we warned you that Evolution EV, based in Corona, CA, had really begun to take the golf cart industry by storm. And since then, people across the country have begun trading their old carts in for the amazing new Evolution D5.
The D5 not only looks great, but it comes with so much bang for the buck from the factory that it will make your head spin! The D5 is delivered standard with a steel tubular frame, 4-forward facing, 9-inch touchscreen (with back-up camera), USB Outlets, sound bar with Bluetooth phone capabilities, LED turn-signal mirrors with self-canceling indicators, 4-wheel disc brakes, built-in rear cooler, and an industry leading 110AH 48v Lithium Golf Cart Batteries. The cart has a top-speed of 25-mph, and the company is proud of this fact. It also includes a premium steering wheel, PPG paint, and premium 14” golf cart wheels and tires.
The D5 has a 7 foot long wheelbase, which is 1.5 feet longer than most carts and helps deliver a smoother ride. It also has an adjustable tilting steering wheel, which is very nice for different sized riders.
We love everything about the new Evolution D5. And while we think their first cart models to hit the market (the Evolution Classic) were a bit cheap looking, the D5 is here to impress and likely here to stay. This is a great new golf cart option for anyone. The fact that you can buy a brand new lithium-powered golf cart for under $12,000 is impressive to say the least.
MSRP: $11,995
4. ICON i40F
Falling just one spot from #3 down to #4 on our list is ICON's i40 series. The new i40F has 4-forward facing seats, a common theme on our list this year! This cart is everything you want and need around the neighborhood, at a wonderful value. ICON still continues to look modern compared to some rivals (such as Yamaha), but has been outpaced in styling lately by newer brands like EVOLUTION and the bigger guys like Club Car and EZGO. We are still impressed by the bang for the buck you get with these golf carts. It seemed like from 2017 to 2022, ICON went unchallenged by providing upscale offerings at a lower price. But their cart design language, while still fresh looking, is 6 years old now and beginning to look stale.
The 2023 ICON i40F and i40FL golf carts come standard with 48-Volt batteries, a 5kW 3-phase High Torque Motor, ICON 450A Controller, 4-forward facing seats, and more. Additional features on the i40F and FL (lifted) include:
- Automotive Style Headlights and Taillights w/ integrated turn signals
- On-Board-Charger (OBC)
- Digital Speedometer and diagnostic readout
- Factory Disc Brakes
- Wide Range of Paint Colors offered standard
With a low MSRP entry point and serious value for the dollar, the ICON i40F and i40FL are truly hard to beat.
MSRP Starting at: $11,199
5. EZGO Freedom RXV
Rounding out our Top 5 on our list this year is the all new EZGO Freedom RXV golf cart. EZGO’s RXV golf carts were introduced to the market back in 2008 and are a tried an trusted platform for a great family cart or course golf cart option. And for 2024, EZGO has stepped it up with a fully restyled RXV and Valor line of carts. Offering sleek new low-profile headlights that come standard, with daytime running LEDs (optional upgrade) and premium seat and rear seat options offered by the factory. For 2024, the all new Freedom RXV is offered either with an ELiTE LITHIUM 56-Volt powered drivetrain or EX1 Gas 4-Cycle, 150cc powered drivetrain. Both are great options, but Lithium is still the way to go. The Samsung SDI lithium battery system used in the Freedom RXV is also used in the LIBERTY, and is proven to be maintenance-free.
Other cool additions for the all-new 2024 model include:
- Fully independent front suspension
- Floating automotive style pedals (no more pedals attached to your floor area)
- Fully redesigned dash area, with 4 cupholders in the center
- Standard integrated dual-USB port on dash (5V / 2amp)
- Variety of new colors, such as Ocean Grey
- New Honeycomb style floorboards
The new RXV is one of the most practical and best quality carts on the market right now, and will impress your friends and neighbors alike with its premium looks and smooth ride.
MSRP Starting at: $10,299 (Lithium Electric or Gas)
6. Yamaha Drive-2
Just like last year, you’re probably wondering, “Where the heck is a Yamaha Golf Cart on this list?” And now you have your answer! Falling from #5 to #6 on our list for 2024 is the Yamaha Drive-2.
In a world of fast-paced styling changes for golf carts, we are again disappointed that Yamaha hasn’t yet facelifted the overall look of their bestselling golf cart. When you compare a Yamaha Drive2 to the newer Club Car, EZGO & Evolution or ICON offerings… something is left to be desired. If Yamaha doesn't update their styling for next year, they could find themselves falling off our 2025 list entirely.
Yamaha is still one of the largest and best quality manufacturers on earth, and that is no different when it comes to their golf carts. Yamaha makes an amazing, affordable and reliable cart, with many accessories available for it. And for 2024 the Japanese Giant finally began offering a Lithium battery option for this cart. But the continued stale-looking overall design language (especially compared to Club Car and EZGO) have pushed Yamaha back in our rankings again this year.
Yamaha still offers their amazing QuieTech EFI (Quiet Electronic Fuel Injection) powerplant in the gas version of this cart. This QuieTech EFI is the quietest in history; boasting the lowest decibel output of any gas golf cart ever made. And with this powerplant, the Yamaha Drive2 gets up to 45mpg, which is 23% better gas mileage than the previous Yamaha Drive (G29) Gas models. For those who love the convenience of being able to refill your cart on-the-go rather than waiting for charge-up times, gas is the only choice. And some of our customers SWEAR by gas carts.
Another big plus for the Drive2 is that it has tons of aftermarket accessories available since it has been around for a few years now and didn't vary much in design from the G29/DRIVE model it replaced. One final note (also a bonus): the Yamaha Drive2 (and older Drive/G29) carts can also fit up to 20.5" tall tires on them straight from the factory, without the need for a lift kit.
MSRP Starting at: $9,481 (Gas), $10,161 (Electric), or $12,616 (Lithium)
7. Club Car CRU
Making its first ever appearance on our list at #7 is the Club Car CRU golf cart. This cart is SERIOUSLY nice, but seriously expensive as well. But with its high price tag come some of the coolest features you could possibly dream of for your golf cart. Your CRU will turn heads everywhere you take it with its flowy open-air design, center table, street-legality, and more. It delivers an incredibly smooth ride on the road, and can navigate grass and light trails easily as well.
Designed by BMW Designworks, the CRU features seating for 6-passengers powered by a 72-Volt powered 10HP continuous; 30HP Peak electric motor with electric power steering (a first, for golf carts), independent double A-Arm front suspension, coil-spring rear solid axle, 4-wheel hydraulic disc brakes, and 215/50R14 Radial golf cart tires. Optional Bluetooth speakers and even a windshield wiper system are available. Quite the package!
Our only issue with the CRU is that it is stuck between being a golf cart and a car. Especially when it comes to the price point. And while it is more convenient around town than a car, and it definitely offers more fun with its incredibly cool features, it definitely is not cheap!
MSRP Starting at: $24,995 (electric only)
8. STAR Capella 2+2
We have featured the Star EV Sirius golf cart on our list for each of the past five years, but this year its sibling the CAPELLA is the star of the show for STAR.
The Capella is high quality, luxurious looking and provides a smooth ride to owners with its independent front suspension. For 2024, the Capella offers brand new tech via a large integrated touchscreen center display. The new 2024 model also features color-matched seats, a thick and comfortable new steering wheel, and high-quality integrated foam-lined cooler that is drainable.
This is one heck of a cart, and comes from a trusted brand name that has been around for years. Which means a lot when compared to many new carts hitting the market! We cannot stress enough how important it is to buy from brands that have been around for at least 5+ years. Newer brands might promise you the world, but will they be here to honor their word (and your warranty)? We know STAR EV will, because they have been in business since 2003 and introduced the Capella model back in 2017.
For 2024, the cart is again offered with Lithium Batteries, which were introduced last year and are very nice. The Capella comes straight from the manufacturer equipped with:
- Automobile style digital dashboard/speedo, full color display
- Automotive paint and color matched roof
- Self-canceling LED turn signals with side mirror indicators
- Locking insulated trunk with drainable cooler
- Independent suspension with Double A-Arms
MSRP Starting at: $11,995
9. EZGO Valor
The EZGO Valor is the stripped down, bare bones version of the Freedom RXV. So while it looks similar in design to #5 on our list, the VALOR does not have the same level of upgrades that the Freedom RXV comes with. The VALOR is used mostly by golf courses or people who use their cart mostly on the course. That doesn't mean it isn't a great little cart though!
The Valor comes offered in four different colors, with two powertrain offerings to choose from:
- 48-Volt AC powertrain
- EX1 closed-loop EFI gas engine
Rather than spending up front on a Freedom RXV, you can purchase a no-frills EZGO Valor now, and upgrade with accessories in the future.
MSRP Starting at: $8,649
10. Club Car Tempo
Keep in mind, there are over 30 golf cart brands on the market these days. So coming in last, but most definitely not least at number 10 on our list is the Club Car Tempo. This is the base model value offering from Club Car, and is their latest fleet cart offering (made primarily for the golf course). The Tempo model replaced the outgoing Precedent model back in 2020 and refreshed Club Car’s golf course offering with a revised front cowl, more comfortable seating and continued use of Club Car's famed aluminum frame. This is now the fleet cart of choice for many golf courses around the United States. And because so many of these carts are used at Country Clubs across the nation, used Club Car Tempo models can usually be found at a reasonable price used.
The Club Car Tempo is available in Gas (14HP, 429 cc Kohler 4-cycle EFI), Electric (48-Volt DC), and Lithium Ion (4.7hp AC) variants. And when it comes to other accessories, the Club Car Tempo has a wide range of upgrades and golf cart accessories available, making it a good buy if you’re looking to customize. The aluminum frame featured on this cart (and all Club Car models) makes it a great choice if you are in a coastal community where salt can cause damage to regular steel framed golf carts.
All of these factors make the Tempo a continued staple on our list for 2024.
MSRP Starting at: $14,295
Summing it all Up
2024 is a real whirlwind for the golf cart market! We have seen the entry of more than a dozen new brands to the market just this past year alone. Which means industry titans like Club Car and EZGO have had to continue to step up their game to improve their offerings. Newer brands like Evolution EV and ICON have ushered in healthy competition to the market, and have challenged the status quo. But even between these two new titans, we have seen the gap start to widen in Evolution's favor.
This list took many months to curate, and included feedback from customers and seat time in all of the above vehicles. As always, there were other honorable mentions (offerings from Kandi Karts, Tomberlin, Advanced EV, etc.) that did not make the list this year. As always, we constantly have our eye on all cart offerings on the market throughout the year, and only bring you the truth so you can make the best decision with your hard earned money. We are eager to see what other new releases hit the market for 2025!
We will continue to keep you posted on what’s out there, and are here to help you when it comes to adding golf cart accessories and replacing golf cart parts on your cart!
One last thing before you make a decision on which golf cart you want to purchase: be sure to check out our extremely helpful Golf Cart Buyer’s Guide. In it we will help you answer things like “Is a gas or electric cart better?” and “Just how much is a golf cart anyways?”.
Thank you!
--
Written by: Alex Sturwold of the Golf Cart Expert Team | Published: 03-27-2024
