Best Affordable Luxury Vehicles for 2025
Our world has become noticeably more expensive in recent years. With tighter budgets, it’s harder to find money for the things we want, including cars. While most new-car buyers have budget constraints, you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy an excellent vehicle, and that includes one with a premium badge. Here are ten of the best affordable luxury cars, including sedans, hatchbacks, coupes, and SUVs. These models all have starting prices under $45,000, well below today’s average transaction price for a new car.
2025 Genesis G70
- Base price: $43,850
Genesis, Hyundai’s luxury arm, continues to deliver more car for less money. The G70 is no exception, undercutting its German rivals by thousands while often offering more in return. The base G70 receives a potent 300-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and accelerates to 60 mph in just under six seconds. A modest price increase to around $52,000 gets you the 365-hp 3.3T Sport Advanced model, which has a twin-turbo V-6 engine and can reach 60 mph in the mid-four-second range. That’s a serious performance bargain. The G70 offers balanced suspension tuning that is firm, responsive with ample cushion over bumps.
2025 Acura Integra
- Base price: $34,195
Sport-compact fans celebrated when Acura brought back the Integra nameplate in 2023 after a 21-year absence. Although this Civic-based hatchback may not recall the original Integras in design, it certainly does when it comes to driving fun and driver involvement. The Integra isn’t a muscle car, but the 200-hp turbo four-cylinder (borrowed from the Civic Si) delivers plenty of driving pleasure and can be optioned with a manual six-speed transmission and a limited-slip differential. The interior is well-made and offers plenty of space in the rear seat, along with cargo room when the rear hatch is open.
2025 Volvo XC40
- Base price: $41,945
Many of today’s luxury crossovers feature styling that is somewhat anonymous. By contrast, the Volvo XC40 projects a fresh and youthful image. This crossover has a uniquely pleasing design. The base model comes well equipped with modern infotainment and connectivity technology, along with driver-assistance features. All XC40s are powered by a peppy 247-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine backed by an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. It accelerates to 60 mph in just over six seconds. The interior feels finely crafted, with a clean Nordic aesthetic. Perhaps best of all, you can tow 3500 pounds with an XC40—more than most vehicles in its class.
2025 BMW 2-Series
- Base price: $40,775
The BMW 2-series coupe is like a time machine, evoking when every Bimmer was focused on driving enjoyment. Even the base rear-wheel-drive 230i offers a decent 255 horsepower and is available with both the M Sport and Dynamic Handling Packages. The M Sport and Dynamic Handling Packages include larger tires, a sportier suspension, upgraded brakes, and upgraded steering. It can accelerate to 60 mph in just over five seconds. This is the vehicle to choose when you prefer your commute to be an engaging experience. The smallest BMW also has a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system and BMW’s latest software.
2025 Cadillac CT4
- Base price: $36,390
The Cadillac CT4 is a unique machine, a compact American sports sedan with serious performance potential. The CT4’s rear-drive chassis makes it athletic and rewarding on a twisty road. You can opt for the 310-hp 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder to accelerate to 60 mph in under five seconds. The CT4 includes a clean and modern design. The CT4 lacks some interior room and the interior craftsmanship isn’t quite as finely executed as some competitors.
2025 Audi A3
- Base price: $39,495
Consider the Audi A3 to be the more luxurious and upscale cousin of the VW Golf GTI, sharing many mechanical parts. The A3 offers great handling with plenty of backroad driving fun. Zesty 201-hp acceleration comes from the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. With this being an Audi, Quattro all-wheel drive comes standard. Inside, the A3 isn’t as spacious as some in its class and has a small trunk.
2025 Mini Countryman
- Base price: $40,075
Unlike just about every other vehicle on this list, the new Mini Countryman is the largest car in its brand’s lineup, not the smallest. This subcompact SUV offers a useful 25 cubic feet of cargo space. The interior feels upscale with the cool, round 9.4-inch OLED infotainment screen. Under the hood, there’s a 241-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine that allows this Mini to hit 60 mph in around six seconds. The Countryman is infused with the precise handling found in all Mini vehicles.
2025 Lexus IS
- Base price: $42,110
The Lexus IS offers good value among luxury sport sedans. The Lexus strikes an excellent balance between ride comfort and handling sharpness. It’s rewarding on a set of switchbacks while also riding like a true luxury car. The base engine, a 241-hp turbocharged four-cylinder offered in the IS 300, is capable. The more potent 311-hp IS 350 F Sport, with a V-6, will hit 60 mph in the mid-five-second range and includes a quality interior.
2025 BMW X1
- Base price: $42,525
The spunky X1 is a compelling subcompact SUV with a solid chassis, an engaging personality, and ample power. You don’t necessarily need to choose the more expensive model to get a solid-driving vehicle. But, the base xDrive28i is a smooth-riding and composed vehicle. The X1 also includes swanky materials and interesting visual touches, such as the metal speaker grills and floating center console. Just like more expensive BMWs, the X1 comes standard with the latest software.
2025 Lexus UX
- Base price: $37,715
The UX is the only hybrid on this list and has great fuel economy, around 45 mpg city and 41 mpg on the highway. For 2025, Lexus gave the little hybrid hatch a power boost to 196 horsepower and a new name, replacing the old UX 250h model with the new UX 300h. The increased power improves acceleration. The UX features tidy dimensions, nimble handling, and a refined interior. The UX can be loaded with options like heated and ventilated seating, a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a premium audio system.
