Ballin’ on a Budget: 9 of the Best Luxury Cars Under $40k
Maria Smith
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Luxury Cars Under $40k Are Not a Figment of Your Imagination!
It’s true, there are luxury cars under $40k! You can get top of the line technology, style and features without spending your entire salary. And there are vehicles that fit every family. Want softest leather seats with built in massage? Check. Need a 3rd row and seating for 7? Check. Concert quality audio? You bet! Check out our favorite luxury cars under $40k. A contributor to A Girls Guide to Cars has personally driven each one!
9 of the Best Luxury Cars under $40k
1. Tesla Model 3 Sedan
THE TESLA MODEL 3. Photo:: TESLA
Cost: Tesla Model 3 starts at $35,000 and there may be federal tax incentives and state credits to further reduce the price. (For reference, the cost is significantly lower than other Tesla models. The Model S sedan starts at $71,200 and Model X crossover starts at $81,200.)
Why it’s one of the best luxury cars under $40k
Any car that people are willing to wait years for has got to be a fantastic car, right? Tesla has proven that it is worth the wait. We agree. Besides being just crazy cool and exclusive, we found it is practical too. “The mass market sedan will have a range of 215 all-electric, zero-emissions miles on a single charge – more than double the range of the Nissan Leaf. And a Supercharger station can power up the Model 3 in 20 minutes, so a road trip in this EV is possible (as long as there are Supercharger stations along the route).
See what we thought of the Tesla Model 3 here.
2. Mazda CX 9 SUV (with 3rd row)
Mazda repositioned its full lineup to focus on premium materials and design. The CX-9 shows it off so well! Photo: Scotty Reiss
Cost: Starting price is $32,280, one of the most affordable and largest luxury cars on our list.
Why it’s one of the best luxury cars under $40k
Need a 3rd row and seating for seven? The Mazda CX 9 has you covered. They have been working hard over the past few years to reshape their brand into a premium one. “The brand that captured the hearts of drivers by delivering on its ‘Zoom-Zoom’ promise is being reshaped to capture your heart, too. In addition to a fun drive experience, Mazda is outfitting its models with luxurious touches such as leather seating, refined design, and top safety features. The first model to get the upgrades is the family-focused CX-9, a three-row crossover, which, of course, we think is a smart move.”
Read the review of the premium upgrades at Mazda here.
Related: Want to see more 3rd row SUVs? Check out our post dedicated to these wonders on wheels!
3. Cadillac XT4 SUV
The Cadillac XT4 is smaller than siblings the XT5 and the Escalade, but it features more upgrades and reflects Cadillac’s new design direction. Photo: Scotty Reiss
Cost: The Luxury (entry) model starts at $35,790. Upgrade to the premium Luxury model with Bose premium sound system and leather seats at just a touch over budget at $40,290.
Why it’s one of the best luxury cars under $40k
The Cadillac XT4 is a compact SUV which gives you space but not too much, making it easy to park and drive, especially in the city. We found that while the XT4 is technically a compact SUV, it really doesn’t feel like one. And it packs in plenty of extras like an optional panoramic sunroof, a live view rear view mirror, a wireless charge pad that doubles as a great place to hold your phone, and even massaging front seats which are part of the heated seat package.
Read the complete review of the Cadillac XT4 here.
4. Volvo XC40 SUV
Wonderful things come in small blue packages tied with white ribbon, right? Including the Volvo XC40. Photo: Scotty Reiss
Cost: The Volvo XC 40 Momentum base price is $35,200 which includes 9” touch screen infotainment system, digital driver display, road sign display, Apple Car Play/Android Auto, WiFi hot spot, lane keep assist, forward crash mitigation, leather upholstery, 5 drive modes including all-wheel drive and that awesome blue paint color. Premium package adds adaptive cruise control with pilot assist wireless charging, heated windshield washers, and smart key keyless entry for $1,400.
Why it’s one of the best luxury cars under $40k
Both the exterior and interior of the Volvo XC40 impressed us. It certainly is a small SUV that will get people talking. “From the white upholstery to the streamlined infotainment system with an oversized touch screen, the Volvo’s design language takes a cue from its Swedish roots. The XC 40’s door panels are a minimalist take on traditional doors with a large, wide pocket perfect for a laptop or oversized water bottles. The armrest with window controls floats on a carpeted background, creating a soft, modern effect.”
Read the complete review of the Volvo XC40 here.
5. Lexus ES350 Sedan
Check out this grille! And inside, the ES350 is simply loaded with luxury. Photo: Scotty Reiss
Cost: The Lexus ES 350 has a base price, including the new infotainment system, of $36,900.
Why it’s one of the best luxury cars under $40k
While this Lexus sedan is jam-packed with technology and extra luxurious interior features, it is is the sleek, sporty exterior that really excites. “Probably one of the most prominent elements of the new Lexus ES350 is the muscular but elegant exterior design. Lexus designers have given the sedan a sharper, edgier look with crisp lines, distinct details and a unique angled, vertical front grille. The car’s silhouette, from the front hood to the rear spoiler, has a new and more elegant and classic look.”
Read the complete reviews of the Lexus ES 350 here and here.
6. Lexus IS 200t F Sport Sedan
The Lexus IS 200t is sporty and sleek, making it one of our favorite luxury cars under $40k. Photo: Scotty Reiss
Cost: Base price is $38,410 (though that doesn’t include the super cool F Sport upgrades).
Why it’s one of the best luxury cars under $40k?
This small sedan has the Lexus reliability, service and extras all included, but it is the sporty F Sport features that really sets it apart. “The IS 200t F Sport carries the F line’s graphics, wheels, grille, F Sport seats, and an F tuned suspension, as well as paddle shifters. Which means that on ramps are really ‘oh yeah!!!’ ramps and a curvy mountain road might be the preferred route around a crowded freeway. Especially if you’re alone, just pop the Lexus into sport mode and let your soul soar.”
Read the complete review of the Lexus IS 200t F Sport here.
7. Kia Stinger sedan
The Kia Stinger is all about style and performance. What’s not to love? Photo: Shanon Entin.
Cost: Starts at $31,900 2.0L for 4 cylinder turbo with 255 horsepower. Premium edition starts at $37,100 and adds a sunroof, 8” color touchscreen display, and Harman/Kardon premium audio.
Why it’s one of the best luxury cars under $40K
Shannon Entin loved the sportiness of this luxury sedan. “The interior is luxurious. With adjustable, back-cradling, heated seats, you’ll ride in comfort. The storage spaces in the cabin are the perfect size for your phone or sunglasses. The USB and AUX ports are easily accessible and not hidden inside the center console. And one of the many things Kia always gets right is the interior layout of all the controls. Somehow, everything is intuitive and right at your fingertips.”
Read the complete Kia Stinger review here.
8. Acura ILX Sedan
With the DNA of the Acura NSX race car, this little darling still works for the car pool lane. Photo: Scotty Reiss
Cost: Starting price is $25,900, which includes 201 horsepower 4-cylinder engine, moon roof, Jewel-eye LED headlights, heated seats, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and smart keyless entry. Get all the upgrades including navigation, leather seats and the technology package for $31,500.
Why it’s one of the best luxury cars under $40k
If you are looking for performance driving, the updated 2019 Acura ILX may be the car for you. And if you’re balling on a budget, you really need to check out this sedan. Forget under $50k, you get a whole lot of car for under $30k! “Probably the best thing about this car is what you get for the price. A 4-cylinder 201 horsepower engine with paddle shifters. Sport mode that feeds the engine sound back into the cabin so you can hear your accomplishments. Creature comforts like leatherette seating; technology such as Apple Car Play; smart drive and safety features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure assist and blind spot monitors.”
Read the complete review of the Acura ILX here.
9. Genesis G70 sedan
The Genesis G70 is one of the most awarded luxury cars of the year, and we can see why. It’s beautiful, fun to drive and won’t bust your budget. Photo: Scotty Reiss
Cost: Starting price for the 4 cylinder Genesis G70 Advanced: $34,900, with the Sport model starting at $37,900. Add $1750 to get the Elite Package which includes automatic high beam headlights, rain sensing wipers, wireless charging, and a panoramic sunroof.
Why it’s one of the best luxury cars under $40k?
The Genesis G70 is the most awarded car of 2019 for a very good reason. We found that this car has absolutely everything to satisfy your inner diva. “Luxe details include quilted leather seats and door panels, contrast piping, and stitching and the aluminum framed instrument panels that make the interior feel clean and luxurious. Then they added a micro-suede headliner (the fabric that covers the ceiling) and heated rear seats that give everyone a sense of being pampered. And, a Genesis-logoed puddle light beams down from the side view mirror and the door handle is illuminated when the car is unlocked so you don’t step in a puddle or fumble for the car door when it’s dark out.”
Read the complete review of the Genesis G70 here.
You don’t have to break the bank to buy a vehicle loaded with all the luxury touches you really want. These luxury cars under $40k show you there are lots of possibilities for you.
Want to up your budget just a smidge? Check out our favorite luxury cars under $50k!
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