5 Affordable Car Brands with Luxury Range

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Finding the right balance between affordability and luxury can be tricky when searching for a new car. Choosing luxury usually means a squeeze on your budget. But there are some options that offer just the right balance.

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Many people think that luxury cars are always expensive, but some car brands offer a car to suit every budget, with both affordable and luxury options. That way, you can experience a little bit of the luxury of the brand without sparing any costs. Whether you’re upgrading your everyday car or looking for something a little more refined, these cars are a good investment.

“Most automakers offer a luxury lineup,” says Chris Pyle, automotive expert at JustAnswer. “But luxury means different things to different people. For me, it’s a Ford Super Duty with big tires, a winch, extra lights and a stand-out paint color. For another, it might be a fancy Jeep Wrangler. For my wife, it’s every bell and whistle, a sunroof and leather seats. She has a Ford Explorer with every bell and whistle.”

Here are five affordable car brands with premium lineups.

Lincoln

Lincoln is Ford’s luxury brand and is known for its luxury vehicles. However, it also offers more budget-minded models. If you want a luxury car without going overboard, Lincoln might be worth considering.

“Lincoln makes a lot of affordable luxury cars and SUVs,” Pyle says, “that have every feature you can think of. They look great inside and out. They have great looking wheels and chrome on the outside, and wood grain on the inside.”

The Lincoln Corsair, for example, is a compact SUV that offers the right combination of comfort and features without being priced out of reach for many buyers. It’s the most affordable option in the Lincoln lineup, allowing buyers to enjoy Lincoln luxury for less money. The Corsair is a stylishly designed small SUV without the hefty price tag of a full-blown luxury car.

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Cadillac

Cadillac is the luxury division of General Motors and has long been an icon of American luxury. It’s known for its bold design and style, but it also offers more affordable models, meaning more people can afford a Cadillac. The brand offers less expensive options while still maintaining its luxury status. It’s a win-win.

“Cadillac has always been known for its comfort,” Pyle said. “I think some of the models don’t have the most attractive exteriors, but the interiors are great. I think their seats are the most comfortable of any manufacturer, and they’re comfortable enough for the president.”

“Cadillac is an American staple, offering luxury vehicles under $40,000, including the Cadillac CT4 luxury sedan,” says Michael Santiago, senior financial editor at RetireGuide.com. “Even the 2024 XT4 luxury SUV offers great value for the money, starting at $37,895.”

The Cadillac CT4 is a luxury sedan and also Cadillac’s least expensive car. It’s a small sedan that gives off a luxurious vibe without being too expensive. The CT4’s sporty design and excellent performance rival other brands’ entry-level models, making it a great choice for first-time luxury car buyers.

Audi

Audi is a German brand that is part of the Volkswagen Group and is known for the high-quality engineering of its luxury vehicles. Although it is known as a premium brand, it also has some more affordable cars. Audi packs the best features into all of its cars, allowing buyers to get Audi quality at every price point.

“Audi makes great looking cars,” Pyle says, “and what I like most is the variety of shapes on the door panels, dashboard, center console, etc. Not just flat surfaces and squares, but a variety of angles and shapes. The combination of angles and curves gives it a sporty look and feel.”

“Audi is synonymous with luxury and is one of the more affordable luxury brands in the U.S.,” Santiago said. “Models like the 2024 Audi A3 are priced at around $36,000, making them a worthy investment. While Audi does offer more expensive models, such as the Q8, other options like the Audi Q3 offer luxury at a more affordable price point, starting at around $37,400.”

The Audi A3 is the company’s least expensive model. It’s a compact sedan with Audi’s signature features. The A3 is affordable yet has many of the features Audi is known for, making it a great choice for those looking for luxury on a budget. The A3 offers buyers the chance to own an Audi for less money.

Lexus

Lexus is Toyota’s luxury brand with Toyota’s legendary reliability.

“Although it’s durable, the car has a lot of extras built in to make you feel like you’re aboard a luxury yacht,” Pyle said. “It may not be eye-catching, but it’s satisfying every time you drive the car, and you’ll appreciate the accents that have been incorporated into the interior.”

The Lexus ES is an example of a car that offers a comfortable, refined driving experience at a price comparable to many non-luxury cars. It offers a premium level of quality and allows you to enjoy a little luxury without spending a lot of money.

Acura

Acura is Honda’s luxury division and is known for balancing performance and luxury, said Aivaras Grigerevičius, an automotive expert at carVertical. “Acura’s engineering department takes Honda vehicles and makes thousands of small changes to make them quieter, more responsive, more comfortable and more luxurious without significantly increasing the price,” he said.

Santiago agrees, adding that “Acura is known for models like the Integra, which is one of the least expensive cars in its class.” The 2024 Integra will cost around $32,995, making it much cheaper than other Acura models and other luxury brands. Another affordable option is the RDX, which will cost around $46,000 for the 2025 model.

The Integra is an entry-level sedan that offers a low price, comfortable ride and modern features, making it a great way to get started in the Acura brand without spending all of your savings on a car.

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