7 Near-Luxury Vehicles From Non-Luxury Car Brands
Many automotive brands offered luxurious vehicles in their lineup more often than companies do today. Some automakers left that behind to develop their own separate brand to provide luxury cars, like Hyundai and its sister brand Genesis. However, there are still companies producing luxury vehicles today at affordable prices. Here are seven near-luxury cars from non-luxury car brands.
1. Chevy Blazer
The Chevy Blazer recently returned to the automotive market with modern styling and technological features. This model has many variations, but you get two powertrain options for the most part. First, the 3.6-liter V6 engine produces 308 hp, which enables it to get 26 mpg on the highway, while the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gets 28 mpg when traveling on highway roads.
As for features, the Blazer offers perforated leather seats, a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, ventilated front seats, and ample cargo space that gives you up to 64.2 cubic feet of room. Pricing begins at $35,000, according to Chevrolet.
2. Jeep Wagoneer and Jeep Grand Wagoneer
The Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer full-size luxury SUVs are built on the same body-on-frame chassis, allowing them to tow up to 10,000 lbs. The Wagoneer comes standard with RWD and is powered by a 5.7-liter V8 hybrid system that generates 392 hp and 404 lb-ft of torque. Pricing begins at $59,000 for the base and can go up to $74,000 for the highest trim before added packages.
According to Jeep, the Grand Wagoneer offers a 6.4-liter V8 engine producing 471 hp and 455 lb-ft of torque, which enables it to go from 0 to 60 mph in 6 seconds. You can opt for a 3.0-liter Hurricane Twin-Turbo Inline Six as well. The Grand Wagoneer comes standard with 4WD and has a more sophisticated exterior and luxurious interior than the Wagoneer. The price begins at around $88,000 for the base and goes up to $105,000 for the highest trim.
3. Kia Stinger
The Kia Stinger is a luxury-esque liftback with two different engine options. With the base GT-Line, you get a 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 300 hp. For the GT1 and GT2 trims, you get a 3.3-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine generating 368 hp. Both are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The RWD models get 32 mpg on the highway, while the AWD versions get 29 mpg with the four-cylinder and 24 mpg with the six-cylinder.
The Stinger offers plenty of cabin and cargo space, and you get a luxurious interior even though it isn’t as lush as some high-priced competitors. As for features, you get blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The price will run you approximately $36,000 to $56,000 before add-ons.
4. Nissan Murano
This crossover comes in four different trim levels, starting at $34,000 and can go up to $46,000. While the top trim gets you a ton of amenities, most people choose the middle two trims for the remote start, auto-dimming rearview mirror, simulated leather upholstery, ambient interior lighting, and the surround-view camera system.
Powering all trims is a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 260 hp and 240 lb-ft of torque paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard on all models, but you can opt for AWD for extra money.
5. Toyota Crown
This model is returning after several years of hiatus. While it’s not entirely out yet, it is expected to show up in early 2023. It will also come as a hybrid vehicle. Two powertrains are available. A 2.5-liter four-cylinder paired with three electric motors produces 236 hp. The other is a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder paired with one electric motor generating 340 hp. The Toyota Crown’s lower trims will get 38 mpg combined, while the highest version will get a 28 mpg rating.
As for features, you can get heated/cooled front seats, a panoramic sunroof, a dual-zone climate control system, and mood-enhancing interior lighting. Pricing is expected to range from $39,950 to $52,350 for the top trim level.
6. Volkswagen Arteon
Volkswagen considers its Arteon model a work of art, even going so far as to call it “…part automobile, part sculpture…” Its sleek exterior lines and curves are pleasant to look at. The 2.0-liter TSI turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces 300 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque and is paired with a 7-speed DSG automatic transmission.
As for features from this luxury sedan, you can expect 12-way power adjustable seats, an integrated light bar, and a hands-free power rear hatch. Upper trims offer 4Motion AWD, leather seating, remote engine start, 20-inch alloy wheels, and ventilated front seats. The price for all this ranges from $43,000 to $50,000, depending on the trim.
7. Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
The Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport not only offers sleek exterior styling but also gives you a spacious and luxurious interior. Under the hood is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder generating 235 hp with 258 lb-ft of torque. You can also opt for a 3.6-liter V6 producing 276 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque.
As for driver’s assistance features, you get travel assist, emergency assist, rear traffic alert, Active Blind Spot Monitor, and adaptive cruise control. It also comes with a nice list of technology, including a digital cockpit showcasing the driver’s information, keyless entry, and available wireless charging. You can buy the VW Atlas Cross Sport for $34,000 at its base trim and $51,000 for the highest trim.
These seven luxury cars on the list prove that you can get something high-class for an affordable price, whether it’s a luxury SUV or a car. Of course, choosing one of these economy brands will be a difficult task.
