Looks aren’t everything, but they can be important to consumers looking for a new vehicle. Even though a car isn’t very expensive, it can give off that impression if it offers distinct styling elements and premium interior materials. Check out these 15 vehicles that cost less than $40,000 but look more expensive than they really are.
Ford Edge
It may be the middle child of Ford’s crossover lineup, but its clean design and sharp body lines help it stand apart from its siblings. The midsize crossover slots between the Escape and Explorer, and it starts at just $29,595. A standard rearview camera, front bucket seats, and Sync functionality bolster this crossover’s cred.
Acura ILX
The ILX’s dazzling Jewel Eye LED headlights and LED taillights, both of which come standard, belie the sedan’s $28,930 starting price. Other standard goodies include comfortable leatherette-trimmed sport seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a power moonroof. The racier A-Spec model, which adds a rear spoiler, side sills, and red interior lighting, can be had for as little as $32,920.
Kia Sorento
The Sorento catches your eye immediately with its glossy three-dimensional grille and ice-cube LED foglights. The mid-level EX trim, which goes for just over $30,000, gets you leather trim upholstery with heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a backup warning system. Buyers don’t have to pay $40,000 to get welcome lighting, a surround-sound audio system, a 14-way power adjustable driver’s seat, and a host of other features. Prices start at $25,995.
Hyundai Sonata
The revamped 2016 Hyundai Sonata starts at just $22,585, but you’re likely to mistake it for a more expensive vehicle. LED daytime running lights and chrome around the front grille, door sills, and windows give it a premium look. Key features include hands-free trunk access; metal-grain, carbon-fiber, or wood interior accents; HD radio; and Android Auto.
Nissan Maxima
Take one look at the Nissan Maxima, and you know you’re not dealing with a run-of-the-mill family sedan. Its fighter jet-inspired body lines may be polarizing, but at least its chrome details, bold hood creases, and floating roof appearance will secure it some respect as a premium sedan. Inside the cabin, look for bolstered, diamond-quilted seats as well as the easy-to-use 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which comes standard, and Google search. Under the hood, 300 ponies emanate from a powerful 3.6-liter V-6. Prices start at $33,345—not bad considering all the features it offers.
Mercedes-Benz CLA
It looks just as sharp as any other Mercedes sedan, if not sharper. The entry-level Mercedes-Benz CLA starts at $32,975. Inside the cabin, the differences between this sedan and other Mercedes models become more apparent, as it uses noticeably cheaper-feeling materials and doesn’t drive as well as some of its siblings.
Cadillac XT5
OK, we might be cheating a bit on this one. The Cadillac XT5 officially starts at $39,990. Still, it would be easy to imagine a much higher starting price for this midsize luxury crossover. Keep in mind the Mercedes-Benz GLE starts at $52,025 and the BMW X5 will set you back at least $55,695.
Land Rover Discovery Sport
It’s a Land Rover, so it has to be expensive, right? The compact crossover, which borrows liberally from the design of other models in the Land Rover family, actually starts at just $38,450. It also brings the same off-road gadgets you’d expect from the brand, including the Terrain Response system and hill descent control. The interior, although relatively spartan, features plenty of space for people and gear.
Chevrolet Impala
Although it’s a large family sedan, the Chevrolet Impala looks like a sports car. From the front, it even looks sportier than the Chevrolet SS despite its much lower $27,970 starting price before incentives. Chrome door handles and available 20-inch aluminum wheels seal the deal.
Honda Accord
America’s tried-and-true sedan is quietly moving toward luxury. Its redesigned headlights, complemented by LED foglights and taillights, remind us of the lighting on Acura models. A 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay smartphone compatibility, and a full suite of safety technologies, including collision mitigation braking, make this a tech lover’s choice. Inside the cabin, buyers can select between various color schemes as well as glossy piano black trim and wood-grain dashboard trim selections.
Lincoln MKZ
This midsize sedan doesn’t look like your mother’s Lincoln. For 2017, the MKZ shares many of its key styling elements with the upscale Lincoln Continental, including its narrow headlights and unique grille. Base models feature heated front seats, Sync3, a fold-down split rear seat, and adaptive LED headlamps. Prices start at $35,935 before incentives.
Hyundai Genesis Coupe
The Genesis sedan is more than $10,000 more expensive than the coupe, which arguably boasts the better styling. Although it looks like a luxury car, it costs as low as $27,845 when paired with a six-speed manual transmission. When optioned out, prices barely go above the $35,000 mark.
Kia Cadenza
The 2016 Kia Cadenza includes navigation, a surround-sound audio system, LED lighting, rear camera display, heated front seats, and other standard goodies you’d wish for in an entry-level BMW or Mercedes model. For 2017, the Cadenza inches closer to Kia’s range-topping K900 thanks to its distinct concave grille, Z-shaped LED headlights and taillights, and diamond-pattern stitching on the seats. We don’t expect it to breach the $40,000 barrier, as the current model only starts at $33,840.
Chrysler 300
The Chrysler 300 looks like a luxury cruiser on the outside, and that theme continues inside the cabin. Drivers are surrounded by decadent soft-touch materials, including leather seats. Multiple contrasting color schemes are available, and you’re bound to enjoy the large Uconnect 8.4-inch touchscreen display. Prices start at $33,155 before incentives, which can be generous for this model.
Volkswagen Golf GTI
There’s no way this thing should cost just over $25,000. Along with its racier lower grille, the GTI features LED foglights and stylish 18-inch alloy wheels. Inside, look for unique Clark plaid seats, a rearview camera system, a drive mode selector, heated front seats, and a touchscreen infotainment system. And let’s not forget it’s fun to drive.
The post Cars Less Than $40,000 That Look More Expensive Than They Really Are appeared first on Motor Trend.
from Motor Trend http://ift.tt/1THa1gW
No comments:
Post a Comment