Top 10 cars that look expensive but actually aren’t
Proof that you don’t have to break the bank to stock up on simple touches, fancy-looking paint choices and classic style
Driving around in a nice-looking car usually means parting ways with a significant amount of your hardearned cash.
Here are some vehicles that manage to look stylish and expensive without making you broke.
1. 2018 Kia Stinger
Kia is a brand that is finally taking some risks with design. The upcoming Stinger with its cool exterior lighting elements, daring fastback design, Maseratilike rear end, and ready-to-play rear-drive profile is sure to make this car a huge success. Canadian pricing hasn’t been announced, but it will start at under $45,000, and the V6/AWD model will be the only one available.
2. 2018 Genesis G70
Genesis’s mandate for the G70 was to create a “desirable” and “sexy Korean car.” Well, it has succeeded with the upcoming G70 sedan. It looks like something that was created with the intention to stand out from the competition. Prices have yet to be announced, but we predict the pricing will reflect the Genesis MO of offering stunning vehicles at prices that reflect value for your money.
3. 2017 Nissan Maxima
The Nissan Maxima’s simple touches, such as its floating roof, piano black trim pieces, and chrome door handles lend a premium vibe that doesn’t break the bank. Starting at just $36,150, it is pretty much a bargain, especially if you are looking to make a statement.
4. 2017 Alfa Romeo 4C
With a low-slung stance, classic style Alfa wheels, tidy proportions, and crazy colour options, the Alfa Romeo 4C fits the typical stereotype of a good-looking sports car. With unmistakably exotic Italian looks, people assume this is really expensive, but are always surprised to learn that it starts at just $68,990. It could easily pass for something that costs six figures.
5. 2018 Infiniti Q60
It would not be an exaggeration to say that the Infiniti Q60 is simply beautiful. The car’s swoopy lines and thin panel gaps make the car look unmistakably fancy. It’s a bonus that you can get it for as low as $47,985. Just make sure you can get used to the attention from strangers unable to resist its good looks as you drive past.
6. 2017 Volvo XC90
Volvo has been on a roll lately with its designs, and it all started with this very popular SUV. The XC90’s introduction showed the world Volvo was aiming to become the benchmark for outstanding automotive design. It mixes very straightforward but high-quality exterior elements to create a premium looking car, which, by the way, has a starting price of just $60,565. There are way more expensive crossovers that cannot hold a candle to this car’s attractiveness.
7. 2017 Mazda CX-5
It should not come as a surprise to anyone that a Mazda is on this list. A huge part of the CX-5’s reputation revolves around its handsome looks — it delivers premium looks that rival vehicles costing thousands more. Even a base CX-5 starting at $26,795 comes standard with attractive LED headlights and gunmetal style wheels. We should also mention that most other Mazda models like the Mazda6, CX-9 and MX-5 RF also look more expensive than they actually are.
8. 2017 Honda Civic Coupe Touring
Honda’s recent designs have taken the industry by storm. The one vehicle that takes centre stage in all of this is the Civic. Particularly in the Coupe Touring trim level, the Civic is a stunner, and elements such as LED light treatments, swoopy body creases, funky wheel designs, and a tasteful use of exterior chrome add up to one hell of a visual package. This car costs just $21,512 and is geared toward the masses. It makes you forget that once you look at it.
9. Chrysler 300
The 300 has a timeless and clean design. The 300’s strong character lines and bullish front fascia have aged well, and a current refresh has kept its presence intact. Starting at just $42,690, the big standard 18-inch wheels, imposing stature, polished chrome door and grille trim, as well as attractive LED headlights, make this sedan look more expensive than its price suggests.
10. 2018 Acura TLX
Acura got a lot of flack over the previous TLX’s competent but plain design. The 2018 refresh brought a much-needed reinvigoration. A less controversial grille treatment, available fancy-looking paint choices, nice wheels and new LED lighting signatures front and back totally transform this car from a Plain Jane to a car that has a lot more swagger, and the more aggressive A-Spec model amps up the style even more. The TLX starts at just $38,162.