6 Luxury Cars Under $50,000 That You Can Actually Afford!

Luxury cars costing well over $100,000 has long been the domain of the rich and famous. However, you do not have to be a multi-millionaire to afford a high-quality luxury car. The average transaction price of a new car in the United States as of late 2024 is $48,000 according to Kelley Blue Book. Among that price tag are several luxury models that the average person can afford. It may not be a Lamborghini, but the cars on this list embody performance and safety features that rival their more expensive counterparts.

6. Volkswagen Arteon
Price: $43,010 to $50,175

Volkswagen is known for building several reliable vehicles, however certain models have lagged behind in terms of reliability when compared to reliable giants like Toyota. For a price tag of under $50,000, fastback styling and premium European design, the Volkswagen Arteon is in a class by itself.

Boasting a super sleek exterior profile with frameless windows and a distinctively styled grille, the Arteon stands out among its competitors. The design is not only pleasing to the eye but economically efficient by reducing drag and enhancing fuel efficiency.

The interior cabin is spacious with unique features such as massaging driver’s seats and customizable ambient lighting. A 10.25-inch display provides the driver with access to instruments and a premium audio system.

Being a luxury car does not mean sacrificing hauling capacity. The Arteon liftback design allows for over 27 cubic feet of cargo space. Thats far more interior space than most sedans in its class and some smaller SUV’s.

For under $50,000 the Volkswagen Arteon is a solid choice for serious buyers looking for a luxury vehicle outfitted with all modern amenities and large cargo hauling capacity.

5. Hyundai Sonata
Price: $26,650 to $36,400

Hyundai has come a very long way from the smoky unreliable models of the 90s. The Korean automaker has made leaps and bounds in the auto industry creating models on par with more established brands such as Toyota and Honda. For a price tag under $40,000, the technology and performance built into the Hyundai Sonata makes this vehicle a highly desirable option for customers.

Some features include remote parking assistant, unheard of in models at this price point. Remote parking assist enables the car to virtually park itself in congested urban areas while the driver controls everything from a key fob.

Inferior wise, the Sonata uses high-end materials to achieve a comfortable and stylish cabin. A 12.3-inch customizable digital instrument cluster adorns the dashboard. The exterior is where the Sonata stands out among its competitors. The hybrid model has a first-in-its-class solar roof panel which extends the vehicle’s driving range achieving a whopping 52 mpg capacity.

Additional features include blind-spot view monitors and a surround-view camera system that records everything around the vehicle. For a package that offers advanced technology at a price point below $40,000, the Hyundai Sonata is undoubtedly an excellent choice for buyers.

4. KIA K5
Price: $26,990 to $34,490

The second Korean automaker on this list KIA, has also made major strides in the auto industry over the last decade producing models that rival its competitor Hyundai and even established brands such as Toyota and Honda.

The KIA K5 features a bold and stylish design with high end features that redefines what is expected of a mid-size sedan. The exterior features sporty coupe-like silhouette with a bold grille and dynamic LED headlight accents.

Interior wise, the K5 is trimmed out with ventilated seats and a 10.25-inch infotainment system with wireless charging. Under the hood is a 290-hp engine with performance rivaling those of more expensive models.

The KIA K5 is an affordable luxury model with advanced safety features, impressive styling and powerful performance that is an excellent choice for buyers looking to spend under $40,000 for a quality high-performance luxury vehicle.

3. Acura TLX
Price: $45,400 to $57,750

Acura the luxury brand of Honda is well known for creating stylish high-performance vehicles. The Acura TLX is no exception, launched in 2014 as a replacement for the TL and TSX modes, the TLX is a statement of Acura’s dedication to groundbreaking design and advanced technology.

With low razor-sharp edges, the TLX has an almost athletic feel and handling that is comparable to top-of-the-line BMW models. It features an all-wheel drive system that improves handling in poor weather conditions and enhances cornering accuracy and overall stability.

The TLX comes in two models, the base model and the more powerful Type S model with a turbo V6 engine producing 355 hp. For a smoother driving experience, the TLX features an active damper system that automatically adjusts suspension to match driving conditions.

In keeping with its luxury class, the TLX interior seats, door and dash trims uses high-end materials for a luxurious and comfortable cabin. The dash features a 10.2-inch infotainment display with touchpad interfacing.

Unfortunately, Acura’s pricing is a little higher than its competitors on this list. Nonetheless, for under $60,000 buyers can experience the true definition of groundbreaking design and advanced technology in the TLX model.

2. Lexus ES
Price: $42,040 to $52,330

It goes without saying that Lexus is a high-end, high-quality luxury model with exceptional reliability and performance. This veteran brand introduced in 1989 as part of Toyota’s luxury lineup has sold countless models worldwide and is both adorned and respected by customers the world over. The Lexus ES is one of Lexus’s luxury vehicles that is simply a joy to drive with its ultra-quiet and silky-smooth performance.

To achieve this, Lexus has outfitted the ES with acoustical glass and extensive soundproofing materials inside the cabin making it one of the quietest sedans in its class. Coupled with ergonomic luxury seats with aniline leather upholstery and ample foot and head space, the interior cabin is truly a quiet place to relax, stretch out and enjoy the ride.

The dashboard features a highly responsive 12.3-inch digital display that is intuitive and provides controls for the world-class Mark Levinson surround-sound stereo system. This outstanding system turns the cabin into a concert hall and sets the ES apart from its competitors.

Additional features include the standard Lexus Safety System (LSS), pedestrian detection, lane tracing assist, and road sign recognition. The hybrid ES can achieve 44 mpg which is outstanding for a vehicle of its size.

For truly luxury minded customers aiming to spend under $55,000, the Lexus ES is undoubtedly an excellent choice.

1. Genesis G70
Price: $42,000 to $52,520

Hailing from Hyundai’s luxury division, the Genesis G70 stands out from its competitors offering an ultra-smooth driving experience with a luxurious interior that rivals and, in some features, exceeds more expensive brands.

Exceptional luxury coupled with advanced technology, agile handling and sporty performance, makes the G70 a worthy competitor against high-end models from BMW and Mercedes. The interior features quilted seats available in red or tan and real aluminum and open-pore wood trimmings only seen on more expensive models.

The interior is built around the driver with ultra-luxurious leather upholstery seating with ample leg and head room to stretch out. The chassis features an advanced adaptive suspension system with two modes. Comfort mode smoothes out bumps in the road to provide a ride that is comfortable and quiet. Sports mode provide a harder sportier feel.

Safety and security are number one on the G70 with a revolutionary valet mode, a rare, advanced security system that automatically locks access to personal data and system controls. This system alone sets the G70 apart but does not increase its relatively cheap price tag.

For under $55,000, buyers can purchase the Genesis G70, a highly advanced sedan with technology and amenities unseen in other models in its class.