These 10 Cars Prove that Luxury on a Budget Is Possible
In this day and age, you don't have to break the bank to enjoy a luxurious car. Here are 10 cars I've driven that prove that.
Some people might argue that luxury is subjective, but I’ve got thoughts on that. I’ve driven a lot of cars this year for this site and beyond, and I’ve learned: if you’re smart and a little crafty, you can get what you want on a budget. In fact, without sacrificing the luxury features you’re hoping for, you can get luxury in your next family car for around $50,000.
Surprisingly, luxury is possible when you break down exactly what qualifies as “luxury” in a car, and how those features give that extra something you’re seeking. The trick is to assess those must-have features to help narrow the options.
For my family and me, luxury means a comfy ride, stylish interior details, standout exterior styling, and conveniences that make the drive together that much more enjoyable.
These are my top 10 picks that hit the budget mark but have style and creature comforts. And the beauty of it all is that if you want to add more luxury, you can; just bump up the trim level.
This story is 100% human-researched and written based on actual first-person knowledge, extensive experience, and expertise on the subject of cars and trucks.
1. The Mazda CX-70 is a Stylish Sleeper
For a mild hybrid starting at $40,000 and seating up to 5, you can enjoy what Mazda does best: it drives fast when you need to change lanes, offers gorgeous color options and has luxurious leather interiors that won’t cost an arm and a leg.
One of the biggest draws for me is that the front and driver’s seats are both power-adjustable and heated. I also love that there is a tech focus with a 12.3” multimedia display and system that also wirelessly connects your Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
You can upgrade the paint color to something more bold and opulent, like the Soul Red Crystal Metallic. Choosing a flashy color like red can be considered a luxury when so many cars on the road are black, white, or gray.
Elevating your experience are accessories like illuminated doorsill trim plates or fancier wheels. However, inside, you might seek a digital rearview mirror to provide more comfort and security, knowing that you can see the view without the glare of a typical rearview mirror.
For power and performance with a quiet cabin, the all-wheel drive comes standard on the 2025 Mazda CX-70. And with tech, accessories, and seating comforts, you’ll find yourself still under $50K and satisfied with more of those features that signal to us that this is a stylish car.
READ MORE: The 2025 Mazda CX-70 Is A More Refined CX-90 That Skips the 3rd Row
2. The 2025 Lexus UX 300h F Sport Handling AWD is Attainable Luxury
The 2025 Lexus UX 300h starts at $37,715, but for luxury’s sake, let’s spec it out to the UX 300h F Sport Handling option that’s all-wheel drive at $47,750. I want to keep these under $50K if I can, and this was a sweet spot for me.
You can seat up to five and enjoy the sporty drive with bolstered seats that are power adjustable upfront. As a mom, I am not about to give up my love for a spirit drive, nor the performance or tech I need on the go with my family, or even on solo drives. I want to have a driver’s seat that hugs me, fuel efficiency, and style with performance, I know is there when I need it.
With the F Sport trims, you always want to show off the badging inside and out. You can find these details throughout the interior seating, along the pedals, and door sill scuff plates. They also come with a sound option that either amplifies or quiets down the engine noise, too.
On the exterior, I loved the Copper Crest with the Obsidian roof. The color options are eye-catching, and the aggressive lines pair with the grille design for a fancy-looking family ride, especially with tech like the wireless charger and color head-up display.
In a sea of black and white SUVs, the optional orange-like color is a standout, much like its drive experience. And who doesn’t love a quiet, leather-laden interior?
READ MORE: The 2025 Lexus LX 700h Has More Luxury and Hybrid Power, But is it Right For Your Family?
3. The 2025 Genesis G70 is the Luxury Segment’s Best Kept Secret
Genesis is known for luxury as a standard regardless of the trim, and if I had to swap my SUV and choose a sedan tomorrow, it would be the 2025 Genesis G70.
Starting at $42,500 and seating up to 5, you’re getting that comforting drive with a quiet cabin, where you’re seeking refuge in a luxury car. Melting into those posh, leatherette seats that are heated and powered upfront truly makes you forget about the day and immerse yourself into the investment you needed on four wheels.
I work from home now, but when I used to commute, I wished for a drive like the G70 with its digital driver display, navigation, and Genesis Connected Services. This tech savviness gives you the ability to remotely start your car, lock your doors, or check your vehicle’s status on the app on your phone or smart watch for both Android and Apple devices.
With the advanced safety features like lane keep assist and driver attention warning, I can quiet my mind and feel supported in my seat. And if you need to decompress, the smart cruise control can help you relax on the drive home before walking through the door and greeting your favorite people (and dog.)
I love how it feels to sit in the driver’s seat and have your hands on the steering wheel, ready to take on the day with paddle shifters in hand. Even if you don’t always use them, it makes us racing fans feel like we have our moment on the highway, accelerating around a slower car. But our budget and car both won’t be crossing the line — and we’ll be smitten under $46K with upgrading the exterior color to Tasman Blue and not look back at the extra cost.
READ MORE: Why the Genesis G70 is the Most Awarded Car of the Year
4. The 2025 GMC Acadia Gives Luxe Vibes and Great Capability
The middle of this newly redesigned SUV’s price falls right at the $50,000 budget, with the Elevation trim starting at $43K and the AT4 mid-trim starting at about $53K. This 7-seater comes standard with center row captains chairs and is perfect for taking the whole family or extended family and friends for a ride.
It’s a strong contender, especially since you’re getting three rows, space for everyone to sit with legroom and connectivity, and the tech you love, like wireless phone charging. And don’t forget to look up at the panoramic power sunroof for the views above!
If you’re looking to bring everyone for the adventure, then you’re also looking for comfort with a quiet ride. The seats are comfy with front row heated and ventilated seats, power-folding second and third row seat options, and the cabin delivers on an audible sigh of relief — I can hear our favorite songs or chat with each other without having to shout over the noisy drive outside.
Passing snacks might be hard since there’s a lot of space, but there is a lot of storage for everyone to pack their own snacks as close as possible. Between comfort, gorgeous interior materials, a 15” display, and a multimedia system that is easy to use wirelessly, and with Google integration, your next big trip out of town or to the store will make it easy to load in and out without a fuss.
Road trip, anyone?
READ MORE: The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse Redesign: Why This Family SUV Is the Best Yet
5. The 2025 Ford Explorer ST-Line is Dressed to Impress
Sitting on 21” wheels with red-painted brake calipers, another strong contender on this list is the Ford Explorer ST-Line. With its posh interior materials, tech-focused multimedia system, and Ford BlueCruise, this premium SUV is loaded with tech, attention to detail with red stitching, and immersed in the music coming from the B&O sound system.
Starting at $44,595, the cargo space alone is ample at 85.8 cubic feet, along with the legroom throughout the cabin. You can seat up to 7 total with the bench seat in the second row, or you may opt for the second-row captain’s chairs for easier entry into the third row.
I couldn’t believe how much tech you get for the price from the 360 cameras, BlueCruise, multimedia system, and safety features. You feel like a million bucks with a sporty twist, but you won’t exceed the budget.
6. The 2025 Toyota Crown Will Make You Forget It’s a Toyota
Who says luxury on a budget has to touch the top of the budget? The 2025 Toyota Crown XLE starts at $41,440 and delivers some impressive things: hybrid fuel economy m(41 MPG ), all wheel drive and leather upholstery, all standard.
And while all three trims are nicely outfitted, you can still upgrade to add a panoramic sunroof, advanced technology and premium sound. Either way, you can seat 5 comfortably and enjoy the ride without sacrificing your favorite features.
I personally love how wireless charging and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay come standard and that you get 2 USB-C charge ports in the rear seat so everyone has a way to charge.
You can enjoy a quiet ride in the cabin, navigate and play your favorite songs on the multimedia system, and feel secure with the security features to keep you and the whole crew feeling fabulous on the go.
READ MORE: USED 2020 Hyundai Sonata: K-Beauty Comes to Life In This Elegantly Redesigned Sedan
7. The Subaru Outback Touring XT is a Cowboy in a Tux
Luxury on a budget with a turbocharged engine? Yes, please—and it can go off-road! If you live anywhere with inclement weather throughout the year, you know how important it is to have all-wheel drive with multiple drive modes for the snow, dirt, deep snow, and mud, too.
Starting at $44,330, not only can you conquer daily driving in all types of weather and terrain, but you can relax with the Nappa leather upholstery on the seats that are also heated and ventilated upfront.
I could totally see this as the perfect daily driver for you and your family, but when you want to get serious for a weekend trip into the great outdoors, the 180-degree front view monitor has you ready for the path ahead or in reverse.
8. The 2025 Honda Accord Touring Hybrid is Flying Under the Luxury Radar
Honda reliability needs no introduction, and with the top trim for the 2025 Honda Accord starting at $39,300, you’ll enjoy the Touring Hybrid trim’s attainable luxury. We know and love how fuel efficient this hybrid can be with 51 city and 44 highway miles per gallon.
Not only are you investing in a luxury car on a budget that will last you for years to come, but the technology pluses things up from the head-up display to the wireless Apple CarPlay compatibility.
As a mom, I also want to feel secure, especially if we’re calling this luxury on a budget and carrying my special cargo: family. With Honda Sensing, these safety features give me peace of mind: automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, and even adaptive cruise control. Now that I am driving more often on the highway, it could be too easy to enjoy those leather-trimmed seats with heated and ventilated front seats and taking a break on those long drives.
And if you’re also looking for sanctuary on the go, enjoy the luxuries of a power moonroof and stargaze with your favorite people.
READ MORE: 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid Sport Review: Why This Sedan is So Popular
9. The 2025 Integra Type S is Not Often Mentioned, And Should Be
If you have a flexible budget, the 2025 Acura Integra Type S starts at $52,900 and feels loaded up with premium features as a standard on this trim. This sports car points to power and performance with its angular body, 19” wheels, and Brembo brake calipers upfront. With 320 horsepower and a 2.0L turbo engine, you can reclaim your power with this 6-speed manual.
Sporty luxury in bold colors like their performance red pearl or apex blue pearl are more my speed, and with an interior like the red and black combo, you can truly make a statement. The metal trim throughout allows you to imagine yourself in the driver seat, you’ll feel like you’re about to hit the track.
As much as I love a spirited drive, I am also here for life’s little conveniences and creature comforts on the go, like the smart entry with walk-away auto lock. I know when you’ve got your hands full, this is such an underrated yet much-needed feature. As expected, when you’re seeking the best, you can keep things hands-free even with your connectivity for Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as Bluetooth streaming audio.
READ MORE: Worth the Wait, Meet the 2024 Acura Integra Type S
10. Last but Not Least, the 2025 Infiniti QX50 Sport AWD
Starting at $52,550, the 2025 Infiniti QX50 Sport AWD packs luxury in this midsize SUV as the best bang for your buck. It’s like the baby version of its big sister, the QX80, and there is no compromise with a vibrant red interior and leather-appointed seating. The black aluminum trim polishes this sporty, luxury SUV and complements its diamond-cut 20” wheels and their design.
Although I cannot take a trip to Monaco, the interior nomenclature is inspiring and leans into that yearning for luxury on a budget. It’s attainable luxury on a daily basis that seats up to five. Want more exterior glam? You can bump up your exterior styling from grille options with matte chrome or painted silver with or without a camera.
Your second row passengers will not feel like an afterthought either. With a sliding and reclining second row, this gives you more options to relax and enjoy those long drives together. And if you want to spoil yourself and your passengers, you can keep connected with in-vehicle data and Wi-Fi, too.
READ MORE: Infiniti QX50 Review: This Luxury SUV is Filled with Bright Springtime Feels
Luxury is Attainable, but Ultimately, You Define What You Need
Whether you opt for the top trim or even select a base trim with certain brands, you feel like you’re getting luxury at an affordable price. For attainable luxury, you must first define what expectations you have.
Then do your research on what comes standard versus an add-on, such as colors, interior materials, seating, ride comfort, tech, and any other features that elevate your driving experience.
We all want to feel like we’re not breaking the bank or sacrificing what we really want, so be clear, define your must-have features, and then be prepared for some wiggle room to flex up or down at least $5K to get the right family car for your needs.
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