Not all cars that look like they belong in a billionaire’s garage come with a billionaire’s price tag. Some vehicles have mastered the art of deception, exuding luxury, performance, and class while remaining shockingly affordable. Here are 21 vehicles that look way more expensive than they actually are.
Chrysler 300
The Chrysler 300 should be chauffeuring VIPs to black-tie events, yet it’s surprisingly affordable. Designed by Ralph Gilles, it featured a bold, Bentley-esque grille and a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) layout, a rarity in its class. The first generation (2005–2010) also offered a 5.7L HEMI V8 (340 hp) and the fire-breathing SRT-8 variant with a 6.1L HEMI V8 (425 hp). The fact that it starts under $40,000 new and is even cheaper on the used market makes it a steal for those wanting Bentley vibes on a Buick budget.
Genesis G70
Hyundai’s luxury brand, Genesis, hit the ground running with the G70. Under the hood, the G70 features two engine options: a 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 (252 hp, 260 lb.-ft torque) and a 3.3L twin-turbo V6 (365 hp, 376 lb.-ft torque) with 0-60 mph in just 4.5 seconds for the latter. And, with styling that could rival a BMW 3 Series and an interior fit for a CEO, the G70 stays surprisingly affordable, with used models dipping well under $30,000. It’s got the tech, the refinement, and the badge.
Buick LaCrosse
The Buick LaCrosse is the car you’d expect a country club member to pull up in. But here’s the twist: It’s actually quite affordable. It was designed to compete with near-luxury rivals like the Lexus ES and offered a mix of comfort, technology, and understated elegance. Despite substantial value and luxury touches, shifting consumer demand led to its discontinuation in the U.S. after 2019, though it lives on in China with an updated 2024 model. But, known for its quiet ride, spacious cabin, and near-luxury status, the LaCrosse remains a favorite among Buick enthusiasts.
Jaguar XE
Yes, you read that right. A Jaguar made it onto the affordable list. Built on Jaguar’s lightweight aluminum-intensive architecture, it offers sharp handling, thanks to near 50:50 weight distribution and a double-wishbone front suspension. The XE has also seen multiple powertrains, from the efficient 2.0L Ingenium turbo-four (with outputs from 247 to 296 hp) to the high-performance 3.0L supercharged V6 in the XE S, pushing 380 hp. Just be ready for potentially higher maintenance costs.
Lexus ES
The Lexus ES has all the trimmings of a high-end luxury sedan without the bank-draining price. First introduced in 1989, it shares a platform with the Toyota Camry/Avalon but delivers a more premium experience. The latest 2024 Lexus ES offers a 3.5L V6 (302 hp), a 2.5L 4-cylinder AWD (203 hp), and a hybrid ES 300h (215 hp, 44 mpg combined). It also features a 12.3-inch touchscreen, Mark Levinson audio, Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, and a plush interior with semi-aniline leather. It’s a top choice for those who want a car that looks like money but doesn’t hemorrhage it.
Cadillac ATS
With sharp styling, an aggressive stance, and an interior that rivals the Germans, the Cadillac ATS is an excellent example of affordable luxury. Under the hood, the ATS offered a 2.5L inline-4 (202 hp), a 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 (272 hp), and a 3.6L V6 (335 hp), with an ATS-V model boasting a 3.6L twin-turbo V6 (464 hp). Transmission options included a 6-speed manual (rare on the turbo model) and an 8-speed automatic. Used models hover around the $20,000 mark, making it a great way to drive American luxury without Wall Street earnings.
Tesla Model 3
Electric, futuristic, and carrying Tesla’s brand cachet, the Model 3 gives off a premium vibe without the super-premium price. Design enhancements include a sleeker front end, improved aerodynamics with a drag coefficient of 0.219, and a quieter cabin achieved through acoustic-laminated glass. Also, base models start at around $40,000 new, but examples of used models can be found in the low $30,000 range. Plus, you get the tech-heavy interior and the smug feeling of helping the environment.
Volkswagen Arteon
The Volkswagen Arteon is what happens when VW decides to go premium. Under the hood, it features a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four, producing 268 hp and 258 lb.-ft of torque in the U.S. market. It is paired with an 8-speed automatic and optional 4Motion AWD. In Europe, sportier R variants push 315 hp. The Arteon also boasts adaptive suspension (DCC), a spacious 27.2 cu-ft cargo area, and an upscale interior with Digital Cockpit Pro. It’s a hidden gem for those who want Audi vibes at a VW price.
Acura TLX
Acura might not have the same brand prestige as BMW or Mercedes, but the TLX punches above its weight with a refined interior and sharp styling. Launched in 2015 as a replacement for the TL and TSX, the TLX sits between the compact ILX and the flagship RLX (discontinued in 2020). The second-generation TLX, introduced in 2021, rides on an exclusive Acura platform, featuring a 2.0L turbocharged I4 (272 hp, 280 lb.-ft) in the standard model and a 3.0L turbo V6 (355 hp, 354 lb.-ft) in the high-performance TLX Type S. Plus, used models are shockingly affordable, often dipping below $25,000.
Infiniti Q50
Infiniti has long been the underdog in the luxury world, but the Q50 remains a head-turner. The Q50 boasts Direct Adaptive Steering, a unique steer-by-wire system, and Zero-Lift Aerodynamics for stability. Inside, it features dual-touchscreen infotainment with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. However, its aging design and inconsistent transmission tuning have drawn criticism. Despite this, it remains a value-packed alternative to the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4. Plus, it’s an easy pick for those who want style without the financial pain.
Lincoln MKZ
Lincoln’s MKZ blends sleek design with a surprisingly affordable price tag. Introduced initially as the Zephyr in 2006, it was renamed MKZ in 2007 to align with Lincoln’s alphanumeric naming strategy. Built on the Ford Fusion platform, the MKZ blended American luxury with modern tech, offering a smooth ride, a quiet cabin, and premium features. Despite its strengths, declining sedan sales led to its discontinuation in 2020. The MKZ’s luxury, performance, and affordability made it a solid competitor to the Lexus ES and Acura TLX.
Mazda6
The Mazda6 is sleek, reliable, and fun but somehow always overshadowed. Born in 2002 as the 626’s cooler, sportier successor, this midsize sedan has always prided itself on a blend of zoom-zoom performance and respectable fuel economy. It also comes with Skyactiv tech, which squeezes power efficiently like a bodybuilder wringing a towel. Sadly, Mazda axed it in 2021 due to SUV fever. However, used Mazda6s are still solid picks. If you want a practical sedan and a bit of a rebel, this is your jam.
Hyundai Sonata
Hyundai has stepped up its design game, and the Sonata proves it. Its sleek, futuristic look resembles a high-end European car, yet its price remains refreshingly reasonable. The Sonata is also fuel-efficient, with the hybrid version hitting 50+ mpg (EPA-estimated). Hyundai’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty is a long-term relationship. Competitors? Camry and Accord, but the Sonata fights back with bold styling and a price tag that won’t make your wallet cry.
Kia Stinger
The Kia Stinger is a sports sedan that makes German cars sweat in their overpriced leather seats. Launched in 2017, this beast packs engines ranging from a humble 2.0L turbo (252 hp) to the glorious 3.3L twin-turbo V6 (368 hp). Zero to 60? A snappy 4.7 seconds in the V6 model. It’s got Brembo brakes, a rear-wheel-drive platform, and an interior that feels way fancier than its price tag. Also, the Stinger was designed by ex-BMW M guy Albert Biermann, so it handles like a dream. Plus, it has a long warranty, giving you peace of mind with your style points.
Volvo S60
Scandinavian luxury meets affordability in the Volvo S60. It’s got an all-wheel drive for snowy Viking adventures and a cushy, minimalist interior that whispers hygge. Also, Volvo’s obsession with safety means the S60 practically drives itself (Pilot Assist) and will stop you from crashing, even when you’re busy admiring the giant touchscreen. Plus, it’s one of the few cars you can still buy in a station wagon version (V60) because practicality is sexy.
Dodge Charger
The Dodge Charger, America’s beloved four-wheeled thunderstorm, has been tearing up roads since 1966. Initially a sleek fastback, it evolved into the tire-scorching muscle car we know today. Under the hood? Anything from a polite V6 to a HEMI V8 that sounds like Thor’s personal chariot. The legendary 1969 Charger R/T (yes, the “General Lee” one) is an icon, thanks to The Dukes of Hazzard. Also, in 2006, the Charger was reborn as a four-door muscle car. The Hellcat Redeye, packing 797 horsepower, turns gasoline into time travel.
Subaru Legacy
The Subaru Legacy is like that reliable, slightly nerdy friend who secretly bench-presses 300 pounds. Born in 1989, this midsize sedan (or wagon, if you’re cool) has been Subaru’s longest-running nameplate. It has a symmetrical all-wheel drive with a boxer engine. It’s like a rally car in a business suit. Inside, you get Starlink infotainment, a big touchscreen, and Eyesight driver assistance, which watches the road better than most humans. Want something spicier? The Legacy’s cooler cousin, the WRX, exists. But if you need a low-key beast, the Legacy is your ride.
Nissan Maxima
The Nissan Maxima, aka the “Four-Door Sports Car” (a name Nissan insists on, and we nod along), is a full-size sedan with a rebellious V6 engine. Nissan calls it a “four-door sports car,” and while that’s debatable, the Maxima does look premium with its aggressive lines and upscale interior. Sadly, Nissan announced that 2023 would be Maxima’s farewell tour. It has a decent fuel economy of 24 MPG combined. Reliability? Solid, but, you know, CVTs. The Maxima walks the line between luxury and muscle, making it the cool uncle of sedans.
Toyota Avalon
Think of the Avalon as the Toyota Lexus forgot to badge properly. The car’s spacious cabin can comfortably seat five, ensuring passengers don’t elbow each other into submission. Despite its “dad car” reputation, later models sport sharp styling, aggressive grilles, and techs like Apple CarPlay, adaptive cruise control, and a 9-inch touchscreen. Sadly, Toyota axed the Avalon in 2022, leaving sedan lovers mourning. But the Avalon spirit lives on in the Toyota Crown! It’s comfortable and luxurious and has an upscale look that matches its reasonable price tag.
Honda Accord Touring
The Accord Touring trim packs premium features, stylish aesthetics, and a refined interior that makes it feel much more expensive than it is. Inside, it’s luxury without the snobbery: ventilated leather seats, a head-up display, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and a premium Bose audio system that makes even your off-key singing sound bearable. Safety? Honda Sensing throws in adaptive cruise, lane-keeping, and collision mitigation.
Chevrolet Impala
Ah, the Chevrolet Impala is so iconic it could run for president (and probably win in the ’60s). First hitting the streets in 1958, this full-sized beauty became America’s go-to ride for road trips, drive-ins, and questionable late-night decisions. The Impala reigned supreme through the muscle car era with its sleek lines, V8 power, and boat-like handling. The ’64 model, famous for its role in lowrider culture, is a rolling mixtape of hydraulic greatness. Not to mention, over 16 million units sold make it one of Chevy’s best-selling nameplates ever.
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