Luxury vehicles tend to carry high price tags, but what if you could own a car that resembles a million bucks without spending a fortune? Certain models provide luxury vehicles’ style, comfort, and performance at a notably lower cost, making them more accessible to drivers seeking luxury on a budget. These are 20 cars that look expensive but are surprisingly affordable:
Chrysler 300
The Chrysler 300 was created by Ralph Gilles in 2005. It gained popularity for its aggressive, Bentley-esque front grille and streamlined body. It had a selection of engines, like the 3.6L V6 and the strong 5.7L HEMI V8, that provide silky and exhilarating performance. In the interior, the Chrysler 300 is a class act in affordable luxury, with soft leather seats, wood and aluminum accents, and an easy-to-use infotainment system. Higher trims have heated and ventilated seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a premium sound system. Despite its large size, this sedan can hit 0-60 mph in just 6.3 seconds, making it as quick as it is stylish.
Genesis G70
Genesis, Hyundai’s luxury brand, introduced the G70 in 2017 under a design team led by Luc Donckerwolke. The car had a sleek profile and an aggressive front grille and came with a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder or a 3.3L V6 engine to deliver refined performance. The interior features high-quality leather with diamond-stitched seats, aluminum accents, and soft-touch material. The 10.25-inch touchscreen and premium Lexicon audio system enhance the driving experience while enabling drivers to go 0-60 mph in only 4.5 seconds when equipped with a V6 engine.
Buick LaCrosse
The Buick LaCrosse was penned by Dave Lyon and was introduced in 2004, featuring a 3.6L V6 engine that provides a smooth and quiet ride. The LaCrosse’s highly insulated cabin provides a whisper-quiet ride, with rich leather seats, woodgrain accents, and ambient lighting inside, giving it the feel of a high-end European sedan. At the same time, its infotainment system features an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and a premium Bose sound system. It has a 0-60 mph time of 6.1 seconds and was no slowpoke on the highway.
Jaguar XE
Penned by Ian Callum, the Jaguar XE resembles a miniature version of the brand’s flagship luxury sedans. It was launched in 2015, and features turbocharged four-cylinder and V6 engines that deliver a spirited drive. The interior combines upscale leather, aluminum, and soft-touch trim that create a sophisticated ambiance, while the 10-inch touchscreen, digital gauge cluster, and programmable ambient lighting give it an ultra-contemporary feel. With its 5.4-second 0-60 mph time in its V6 model, the XE demonstrates that budget luxury can also be exciting.
Cadillac ATS
The Cadillac ATS was designed by Bob Boniface and launched in 2013. It has the brand’s signature sharp lines and premium styling and is equipped with a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder or a robust 3.6L V6. The cabin has hand-stitched leather, carbon fiber, and wood accents, offering a true luxury feel. The CUE infotainment system, premium Bose speakers, and heated seats elevate the experience. The ATS combines beauty with velocity, enabling drivers to go from 0-60 mph in 5.2 seconds in the V6 version.
Infiniti Q50
Designed by Shiro Nakamura and released in 2013, the Infiniti Q50 is a sophisticated luxury sedan with incredible styling and an aggressive stance. It has a 3.0L twin-turbo V6 or a hybrid powertrain that offers efficiency and performance. The interior includes soft leather, genuine wood trim, a dual-screen infotainment system with heated and cooled seats, a 16-speaker Bose audio system, and active noise cancellation. It’s a sleeper luxury sedan with a 0-60 mph time of only 4.5 seconds in its Red Sport 400 trim.
Lexus ES
Initially launched in 1989, the Lexus ES has come to be known as one of the most luxurious yet affordable sedans. Stylist Yasuo Kajino designed the ES with a 3.5L V6 engine and an ultra-smooth automatic transmission. Inside, the car has softer leather seats, a 12.3-inch infotainment display, real wood veneer trim, and an available Mark Levinson audio system to deliver an upscale experience. The ES also delivers performance, enabling drivers to go from 0 to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds.
Acura TLX
Michelle Christensen designed the Acura TLX to provide drivers with a sporty and fashionable alternative to its rivals. It has a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder or 3.5L V6 under the hood, which can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.7 seconds. The driver-centric interior has leather seats, a premium ELS Studio audio system, a 10.2-inch infotainment screen, ambient lighting, heated and ventilated seating, and a wireless charging pad.
Lincoln MKZ
The Lincoln MKZ was launched in 2006 and was designed by Marek Reichman. It is a classy sedan that gives drivers a blend of sophistication and affordability. It is available with two engines, such as a 2.0L turbo four-cylinder and a 3.0L twin-turbo V6, providing the right balance between performance and fuel efficiency. Inside, the MKZ features rich premium leather upholstery, genuine wood trim, and a panoramic retractable glass roof for an airy, luxurious ambiance, with a 10.1-inch infotainment system complemented by a 20-speaker Revel audio system that provides a technologically advanced feel. The V6 model can take 0-60 mph in 5.2 seconds, making it a quick but luxurious vehicle.
Volvo S60
Launched in 2000 and penned by Peter Horbury, the Volvo S60 represents Scandinavian minimalism on a budget. The S60 has a selection of turbocharged four-cylinder engines and a plug-in hybrid model, providing a quick 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds acceleration. Its interior had minimalist but high-quality touches such as actual wood or metal inlays, a portrait orientation 9-inch touchscreen, and softly cushioned Nappa leather seats. The Bowers & Wilkins sound system and sophisticated safety technology made it even more high-end.
Mazda6 Signature
The Mazda6 Signature debuted in 2002 and was styled by Akira Tamatani. Its turbocharged 2.5L four-cylinder engine offered a smooth but involving drive. On the inside, the Mazda6 packs well above its weight class in terms of quality with a premium Nappa leather interior, Japanese Sen wood trimmings, and an 8-inch infotainment screen. The ventilated and heated seats, topped by a premium 11-speaker Bose system, take comfort up a notch. The Mazda6 is not as quick as all the others listed here, yet with a 0-60 mph at 6.4 seconds, it achieves respectable performance packaged in luxury form.
Hyundai Azera
The Hyundai Azera is an underappreciated luxury sedan with top-tier looks and amenities at a fraction of the cost. It was released in 1986 and penned by Lee Sang-yup. Lee equipped it with a 3.3L V6 engine to provide a smooth and quiet drive, enabling drivers to go from 0 to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds. The interior has luxurious materials such as quilted leather seats, soft-touch surfaces, and ambient lighting. A panoramic sunroof, 12-speaker Infinity audio system, and ventilated seats round out the luxurious atmosphere.
Kia Stinger
The Kia Stinger had an upscale styling and sporty handling that surprised drivers and the automotive industry. It launched in 2017 and was penned by Gregory Guillaume. It has a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder or a 3.3L twin-turbo V6, providing incredible acceleration. The interior of the Stinger is equipped with quilted Nappa leather seats, a 10.25-inch infotainment screen, a 15-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, and a heads-up display. The GT trim can accelerate from 0-60 mph in a searing 4.7 seconds, and it is one of the quickest vehicles on this list, yet it appears like a luxury grand tourer.
Nissan Maxima
Initially introduced in 1981 and reimagined in 2016 by Ken Lee, the Nissan Maxima is a striking, four-door sports sedan that exudes luxury feels without breaking the bank. Its 3.5L V6 engine propels it with smooth 0-60 mph in 5.9 seconds acceleration and feels cozy for routine commutes. The cabin also has some nice surprises, including diamond-stitched leather seats, a flat-bottom steering wheel, genuine aluminum trim, and an intentionally driver-focused cockpit. An 8-inch navigation touchscreen and an 11-speaker Bose audio system are the finishing touches to its high-end features.
Volkswagen Arteon
The Volkswagen Arteon is a sleek fastback sedan that may be confused with a luxury European automobile released in 2017 and penned by Klaus Bischoff. It has a turbo 2.0L four-cylinder engine that yields a smooth and polished ride. The inside boasts premium materials such as perforated leather, brushed aluminum, and a clean digital cockpit. A 9.2-inch touchscreen, ambient lighting, and massaging front seats make it feel upscale. Even with its upscale look, the Arteon accelerates from 0-60 mph in 5.6 seconds, making it as sporty as it is fashionable.
Ford Taurus SHO
Released in 1989 and updated in 2010, the Ford Taurus SHO (Super High Output) provides remarkable luxury and performance. Created by Earl Lucas, this full-size sedan features a 3.5L twin-turbocharged V6 that produces 365 horsepower. The interior features leather and suede-trimmed seats, a high-end Sony audio system, and heated and cooled front seats. It had a digital instrument cluster and ambient lighting that gave a contemporary look, and it went from 0-60 mph in 5.2 seconds, which is among the fastest on a budget luxury sedans.
Chevrolet Impala Premier
The Chevrolet Impala, which John Cafaro redesigned in 2014, is a full-size sedan that oozes sophistication. It has a 3.6L V6 engine under the hood with smooth, effortless power. Its interior is roomy and decorated with top-quality leather, woodgrain trim, and an 8-inch infotainment system. Its Bose surround sound, heated and ventilated seats, and dual-pane sunroof add to its luxurious touch. The Impala’s ride is comfortable but capable of a 0-60 mph acceleration of 6.0 seconds.
Honda Accord Touring
Debuting in 1976 and redesigned in 2018 by Tetsuji Morikawa, the Honda Accord Touring is a pleasant surprise of luxury at a reasonable price. It features a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder engine with a silky-smooth 10-speed automatic transmission. The interior has high-grade leather, real wood trim, and a heads-up display. It had a 10-speaker premium sound system and ventilated front seats. The Accord Touring had a decent 0-60 mph rate of 5.5 seconds, enabling drivers to have a fast and reliable car.
Toyota Avalon Limited
The Toyota Avalon was designed in 2018 by Ian Cartabiano. It became the company’s flagship sedan, enabling customers to drive a surprisingly reasonably priced vehicle. It has a 3.5L V6 engine and provides a smooth and quiet ride. It features opulent amenities such as perforated leather seats, real wood trim, a 14-speaker JBL audio system, and a 9-inch touchscreen. The Avalon is not built for speed but accelerates to 0-60 mph in 6.0 seconds. With its roomy rear seats and sophisticated driver-assistance technologies, the Avalon Limited provides a first-class ride for drivers and passengers alike.
Alfa Romeo Giulia
The Alfa Romeo Giulia is an Italian luxury that performs at an affordable price. It was released in 2015 and crafted by Marco Tencone, who put a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder engine that delivered an exhilarating driving experience. It has high-quality leather, carbon fiber trim, and a driver-oriented cockpit. A Harman Kardon premium sound system, an 8.8-inch touchscreen display, and heated seats round out the luxury offering. The Giulia accelerates from 0-60 mph in 5.1 seconds, marrying style and speed hand in hand.
18 Budget-Friendly Electric Cars That Last Longer Than Their Loans — Economical Electrics
Electric vehicles are no longer a luxury for the elite—they’re a smart investment for the everyday driver. With manufacturers stepping up to the plate, affordable EVs now deliver on reliability, range, and modern comforts. Here’s a look at 18 economical electric cars engineered to outlast their payment plans.
18 Budget-Friendly Electric Cars That Last Longer Than Their Loans — Economical Electrics
