The premium feel of a well-appointed interior can make any trip more worthwhile. And for $40K and under, you could do much worse than these models.
The phrase “affordable luxury” is, in most cases, a marketing gimmick designed to give an otherwise unremarkable product a sense of exclusivity. However, one of the key markets where it’s arguably the most applicable is the entry-level luxury car sector. The best of these cars feature materials and technology that, not too long ago, would only have been found on vehicles costing twice as much, and yet many of them can be picked up for less than the price of the average new car.
A key reason the sector has improved so much over the years is the continued fierce competition within it. Alongside the usual raft of German and American luxury brands, upstart rivals from South Korea have forced the big players to improve their cabins in order to stay competitive. That’s great news for buyers: It means that, for those who know where to look, it’s possible to get more luxury features than ever — without breaking the bank. There are lots of luxurious cars on the market for less than $50,000, but even with a budget of $40,000, an upscale interior is still within reach.Kia Stinger
Although it’s facing the chopping block after 2024, the Kia Stinger is a great premium alternative to the market-leading German sedans while it’s still around. It’s also quite a bit cheaper than many of its rivals, with the GT-Line trim starting at $36,690. Most buyers will be primarily enticed by its performance — the base model gets a 300-horsepower four-cylinder engine — but its cabin is also a cut above most other sedans at this price point. It was most recently refreshed in 2022, and comes with heated leather seats and a 10.25-inch touchscreen as standard, even in base trim.
Various packages are also available, including one which adds a power sliding sunroof and premium Harman Kardon speaker system. However, even a modest number of options can push the Stinger’s asking price north of the $40,000 mark, so those on a strict budget will mostly have to do without them. That’s no hardship, though — even without the extras, the base Stinger’s cabin is a great place to spend time.Buick Encore GX
Fresh for the 2024 model year, Buick’s smallest model gets a new, more luxurious trim, and it’s available for well within the $40,000 budget. The Encore GX Avenir starts at $33,195, and includes features like the Buick Virtual Cockpit, an all-new infotainment system with a combined screen size of 19 inches. There are also “Avenir” logos embossed in various places around the cabin, including the front seat headrests. Those seats are both heated and leather-trimmed (although, it should be noted, not fully leather), and feature a unique stitching pattern. There’s eight-way power control for the driver, and two-way control for lumbar support.
Niceties like a heated steering wheel are also included as standard, as well as various exterior touches to make the Avenir stand out from the standard Encore GX. It’s safe to say that Buick has its work cut out for it making the car stand out from its competitors: We drove the previous generation car in 2021 and thought it was overall a bit forgettable. Hopefully, the driving dynamics of the new generation are just as much improved as its freshly launched top-spec interior.Lexus UX
The smallest and most affordable Lexus in the lineup starts at $36,690 in front-wheel drive form, but it’s no less premium inside than the brand’s pricier models. The interior was refreshed for the 2023 model year, so no further changes have been made for 2024. Chief among those upgrades is an 8.0-inch standard touchscreen display, complete with infotainment voice control and a wi-fi hotspot. Disappointingly for those on a strict $40,000 budget, many of the best features — like the sunroof, heated front seats, and heads-up display — are options, and they can quickly add up.
