20 Affordable Cars That Feel Surprisingly Luxurious


20 Affordable Cars That Feel Surprisingly Luxurious


Keeping it Classy

Everyone wants to drive a luxury car these days, but in this economy, that’s hard to achieve. However, you can still have the look and feel without breaking the bank. In fact, these cars are known to feel surprisingly fancy, and promise you a comfortable and safe drive in style.

silver porsche 911 parked on parking lot during daytimeAustin Ramsey on Unsplash

1. Hyundai Elantra

The Elantra is one of the most sleek-looking cars of 2025. It’s priced very affordably and looks classy and sporty. On top of that, it uses very little fuel and comes in a hybrid form as well.

A black car driving down a desert roadZoshua Colah on Unsplash

2. Toyota Corolla XSE

Toyota’s best-selling sedan, the 2025 Corolla XSE, is a high-performance car with a luxury feel. The interior is clean, smooth, and gives off high-tech vibes. All this comes at a price that won’t strain your wallet.

File:Toyota Corolla XSE 1 (32708477255).jpgZytonits on Wikimedia

3. Genesis G70

Genesis may surprise you with its luxurious feel and reliable mileage. It’s known as a fun car to drive and has many of the usual features that ensure a smooth and economical trip from A to B. Plus, it’s one of the cooler-looking cars out there.

File:GENESIS G70 China.jpgDinkun Chen on Wikimedia

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4. Lexus NX 350h

Lexus is another quiet but impactful brand that makes big waves when it comes to luxury driving. Known for its ability to balance performance with appeal, the Lexus has a gorgeous look and decent fuel economy, making it a reasonable choice for any enthusiast.

black Lexus carBrandon Russell on Unsplash

5. Mercedes-Benz CLA350 Sedan

There are plenty of reasons to pick this Mercedes. Not only is the brand synonymous with luxury, but this model retails at around $45,550, making it a solid pick. Additionally, it has decent fuel economy and a reliable hybrid engine for those long drives.

a close up of a car parked on a streetEyosias G on Unsplash

6. Tesla Model 3

Many people wrongly assume Teslas are unattainable and expensive, but that really isn’t the case. These status symbols are more approachable than ever, with the 2025 Model 3 retailing at $44,000. As long as you don’t mind the political connotations, you can expect a sleek design and savvy technical features.

black and gray nike logoAustin Ramsey on Unsplash

7. Cadillac CT4 Luxury Sedan

Cadillac is another brand known for its luxurious and sleek models. This model, in particular, has been recognized for its smooth balance, ensuring you a stress-free ride. Plus, it's more affordable than its rivals and offers a wide selection to choose from.

File:Cadillac CT4 002.jpgJengtingchen on Wikimedia

8. Lexus IS

Lexus just keeps putting out one great car after another, which is why it shows up twice on this list. The IS is definitely one of the more striking-looking models out there and has a broad range of powertrains to pick from. If you’re looking for a versatile but compact sport sedan, it doesn’t get much better than this.

a red car parked on the side of a roadNAM CZ on Unsplash

9. Infiniti Q50

Despite its good looks and comfortable interior, you will have to make some compromises when it comes to the Infiniti. While the fuel economy can leave you wanting, it more than makes up for it with plush seats and a powerful performance-driven engine that is sure to impress.

a group of cars parked next to each other in a parking lotBen Duke on Unsplash

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10. Kia Forte

Another very affordable car that looks more luxurious than its price tag. The Kia Forte has a sporty and smooth exterior design, while the interior is high-end and comfortable. It uses very little fuel, making it an even better pick.

person standing beside Kia coupeVruyr Martirosyan on Unsplash

11. Audi A4 40 Premium Quattro Sedan

With a name like that, you’d expect quite a comfortable ride, and that’s exactly what you get with the Audi A4. Retailing around $45,000, what makes this car a great choice is its premium audio features and elegant but sporty exterior.

A grey car parked on the side of a roadMia Khrushch on Unsplash

12. Volvo S60

Volvo is another brand that carries a lot of weight with its name. It makes sense, especially when you take one look at those inviting interiors and sleek luxurious exterior finish. While it may not be the best choice for long road trips, it’s the perfect urban vehicle for the busy professional who wants to impress.

man standing beside black Volve S40 vehicle at daytimeNorbert Buduczki on Unsplash

13. BMW 228i Gran Coupe

BMW is another brand that everyone wants to get their hands on, and averaging at $42,775, the Gran Coupe is just the model to start with. Like most BMW cars, it features a sleek dashboard display and promises to impress your friends.

a car driving down a street at nightFrancisco Gonzalez on Unsplash

14. Acura Integra

To take a road less traveled, consider picking up the Acura Integra, which is not only solidly built but practical too, offering up plenty of cargo space for busy go-getters. If you’re a fan of the Civic, the Acura quite literally takes the best parts of the old model to make something new.

a white car parked on pavementNikhil Mistry on Unsplash

15. Lexus RC

If you’re not yet tired of hearing about Lexus, here is another one for your consideration. While this model has one of the more unique looks out there, it does have lackluster backseats and limited cargo space. Despite that, it has a quality build and is a practical choice for daily driving in style.

white mercedes benz c classŁukasz Nieścioruk on Unsplash

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16. BMW 2 Series

If you’re set on a BMW but the 228i Gran Coupe isn’t your thing, then there are fortunately other models to choose from. The 2 Series retails for around $40,000 and has plenty of winning features, including a comfortable cabin and sports-car-like abilities.

File:BMW 2-Series F22 Avignon Motor Festival 2014-03-23.jpgNavigator84 on Wikimedia

17. Subaru Impreza

With high-quality engineering at an affordable price range comes the Impreza. A sturdy yet classy car, this Subaru has a very luxurious-looking interior while not costing as much as you might think. Starting at a surprising $20k, this car might be your next purchase.

File:Subaru Impreza (GJ) Washington DC Metro Area, USA.jpgOWS Photography on Wikimedia

18. Mazda 3

Mazda 3 comes with a refined, fun-to-drive demeanor that feels far more luxurious than its price suggests. In addition to its looks, this car also saves you money on gas, as it uses very little fuel. The sophisticated exterior and refined interior make the car feel like the right pick for you.

A car driving down a road with trees in the backgroundVáclav Pechar on Unsplash

19. Chevrolet Malibu

The Malibu is a very reliable and eye-catching car. The tech inside the car is something straight out of a futuristic movie. With the combination of its luxury exterior and comfortable interior, this car is a good pick for anyone looking for affordable luxury.

blue and silver mercedes benz carTim Mossholder on Unsplash

20. Nissan Altima

The new 2025 mid-size sedan by Nissan is sure to turn some heads. Not only does it look very luxurious inside and out, but it has exceptional fuel efficiency and a very powerful turbo engine. If you are looking for a new affordably luxurious car, this one's for you.

white bmw m 3 coupe parked on gray concrete pavement during daytimeRebecca Lane on Unsplash




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