Cheap Cars That Look Expensive

Who says you need to break the bank to enjoy a touch of luxury? Many modern carmakers have taken note of what luxury brands offer and include those features in more affordable models, whether you’re looking for a sporty sedan, a practical hatchback, or a sophisticated full-size car. With this in mind, here are 10 models that prove you can get a taste of high-end features, stylish designs, and premium comfort on a budget. They bring luxury elements to your driveway without draining your wallet.

Top 10 cheap cars that look expensive
Honorable mentions
Features that make a car look expensive
The allure of luxury cars

Top 10 cheap cars that look expensive

10. Buick Regal Sportback: Practical luxury

Buick reinvented itself with this model, which end production after 2020. The Regal Sportback offers a refined interior, comfortable ride and a practical hatchback design for more cargo space. Its premium leather seats and advanced tech add to the luxury experience.

9. Nissan Maxima: Power meets prestige

This Nissan, which ended its run after the 2023 model year, provides sporty performance and a luxurious interior at a fraction of the market cost of high-end sedans. The Maxima features a stylish design, Nissan's Zero Gravity seats that give ultimate comfort to the driver and passenger, and a powerful V6 engine. 

8. Volkswagen Arteon: European flair

This sleek sedan, which ended production after the 2023 model year, stands out with its bold, upscale design. Leather upholstery, a digital cockpit and a powerful turbocharged engine make the Arteon a great choice for those who want European styling on a budget.

7. Subaru Legacy: Safety and sophistication

Known for its safety and reliability, the Subaru Legacy offers a spacious, high-quality interior, advanced safety systems and all-wheel drive. The Legacy offers great value for those looking for a more upscale driving experience.

6. Kia Stinger: Sporty and sophisticated

While the Kia Stinger's production was discontinued in 2023, this model offers performance and style usually reserved for higher-end brands. Its sporty design, powerful engine options and luxurious interior make it stand out. You'll appreciate the leather seats, advanced sound system and a dashboard that screams premium.

5. Genesis G70: Affordable elegance

This compact luxury sedan boasts a plush interior with high-quality materials, a powerful engine and advanced technology. Hyundai's luxury brand ensures you get a premium feel without a premium price tag.

4. Toyota Avalon: Premium on a budget

Discontinued after the 2022 model, the Toyota Avalon brings a touch of class to the full-size sedan category. The Avalon has a smooth ride, plush interior and a premium sound system, along with adaptive cruise control. Plus, its elegant and sophisticated exterior design turns heads wherever you go.

3. Hyundai Sonata: Class meets comfort

The Hyundai Sonata combines affordability with luxury, offering a roomy, upscale cabin. A panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated seats, and a cutting-edge media system make this sedan a great choice for those who want more bang for their buck.

2. Mazda 3: Luxury in a compact package

Mazda has really stepped up its game. With the 3's sleek design, refined interior and premium materials, this compact car feels much more expensive than it is. Features such as a high-quality entertainment system and advanced safety tech add to its appeal. It also boasts one of the lowest starting prices in this group at just a little over $20,000. 

1. Honda Accord: The affordable classic

The Accord is a perennial favorite known for its reliability and comfort. The recent base model boasts a sleek design, high-quality materials and advanced technology. Car enthusiasts love its spacious interior, with leather-trimmed seats and a head-up display. With its impressive gas mileage of up to 41 mpg on the highway, the Accord's fuel efficiency is one of the best in its class, especially with its hybrid options.

Honorable mentions

A few luxury brands also offer entry-level models worth considering.

Lexus UX: entry-level excellence

Lexus, known for its luxury and reliability, offers the UX as an entry-level SUV that doesn't skimp on quality. The UX features a stylish interior, advanced safety systems, and a continuously variable automatic transmission tuned to provide a smooth and efficient driving experience. It’s perfect for those wanting the Lexus experience at a more affordable price.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class: The accessible Benz

The recently discontinued Mercedes-Benz A-Class brings the prestige of the Mercedes brand to a more accessible level. With its upscale interior and seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, which offers rapid and seamless gear changes, the A-Class generation gives you the feeling of driving a more expensive car. It's an excellent choice for luxury on a budget.

These rankings reflect a balance of features, performance and overall value. Each model offers safety and efficiency, along with technology and reliability, but our rankings may differ based on individual priorities and preferences.

Features that make a car look expensive

When it comes to the appearance and reputation of a car, it’s all about the details. Here are some features that can give even budget-friendly cars a luxurious appearance:

• Sleek exterior design: Sharp lines, aggressive front ends and a well-proportioned body give the impression of luxury. Special editions or trims can emphasize exclusivity.

• Premium paint: High-quality paint finishes, especially metallic or pearl coatings, catch the light in a way that makes the car look refined and costly.

• LED lighting: These headlights and taillights provide better visibility, but daytime running lights and intricate light designs are associated with luxury models.

• Large alloy wheels: Bigger, stylish alloy wheels with unique designs give a car a more upscale look compared to standard steel wheels with hubcaps.

• Chrome accents: Touches of chrome on the grille, window trim, door handles and exhaust tips add a sense of elegance.

• Panoramic sunroof: This feature, more often found in high-end vehicles, provides an open and airy feel.

• Leather upholstery: Leather seats, especially those with contrast stitching or perforations, elevate the cabin's look and feel.

• High-quality interior: Soft-touch materials, wood or aluminum trim, and other finishes on the dashboard, doors and center console make the interior appear more luxurious.

• Advanced systems: A large, responsive touchscreen with features such as navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and premium audio systems offer tech-savvy components.

• Ambient lighting: Interior ambient lighting, especially if it's customizable, can create a sophisticated atmosphere in the cabin, often found in luxury vehicles.

• Advanced safety features: Adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assistance, blind-spot warning and automatic emergency braking improve safety and give the impression of a well-engineered car.

• Quiet cabin: Solid insulation minimizes road noise and mimics the refinement of luxury vehicles' serene interiors.

• Comfort features: Heated and ventilated seats, dual-zone climate control, and power-adjustable seats with memory functions add to the comfort and perceived luxury.

• Attention to detail: Small details matter, such as a sleek key fob, smooth-opening doors, soft-close mechanisms and a high-quality sound when closing the door.

By focusing on these features, car manufacturers can offer a touch of luxury and make a statement on the road.

The allure of luxury cars

Luxury cars on a budget offer the perfect blend of sophistication, comfort and advanced technology without the hefty price tag. Some of their premium features include:

• Enhanced driving experience: A smooth ride, superior handling, and powerful yet efficient engines enhance the overall driving experience.

• Advanced technology: Entertainment systems, driver assistance features and premium sound systems make every drive more enjoyable.

• Comfort and convenience: Features such as leather seats, climate control and high-quality interior materials provide exceptional comfort, making everyday commutes or long trips more pleasant.

• Stylish design: Sleek, modern designs turn heads. Stylish elements such as LED lighting, chrome accents and bold, elegant lines help them stand out on the road.

• Safety features: High-end safety technologies, such as adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assistance and automatic emergency braking, provide peace of mind.

• Resale value: Desirable luxury features make for a smart investment since the vehicle may retain a higher resale value over time.

• Personal satisfaction: It's not just about impressing others. It's also about enjoying the quality and craftsmanship of a well-designed vehicle.