Luxury for less lucre

A look at 10 models that coddle you for under $30,000

By Cars.Com Staff  |  May 3, 2008

There are some cars that prove you don't have to fork over big bucks to live the good life. We picked 10 models that are surprisingly luxurious for less than $30,000.

They won't get you the valet treatment a Lexus or BMW might, but we bet you'll get a thumbs-up from the co-workers you take to lunch.

Unless they drive a Lexus or BMW, of course.

Jetta SE, $19,850 Premium features like one-touch power windows and mirror-integrated turn signals are the stuff of big-league luxury cars, and they put the Jetta a cut above a Civic or Corolla. Our luxury choice is the Jetta SE, which gets a moonroof, 16-inch rims, a 10-speaker stereo, and heated leather seats. OK, it's faux leather, but we doubt anyone will notice.

Mazda3 Grand Touring, $20,195 Like the Jetta, the Mazda3 is another car that feels richer than its compact size suggests. The emphasis is on sportiness, not all-out luxury, but the dashboard's contrasting textures look suitable enough. The Grand Touring trim's perforated leather seats feel exceptionally rich for a $20,000 car, and you will also get seat heaters and automatic climate control. Plus, Mazda's 2.3-liter engine should prove snappy enough to make it to work on time.

Malibu 2LT, $22,485 When you equip the new Mal ibu with leather seats, like in the 2LT package, the interior moves up a notch on the luxury scale. Seventeen-inch wheels and heated seats are also part of the deal, while the bold grille and European styling outside really make it stand out in the midsize market. The more expensive LTZ package's leather seats are nicer than the 2LT's, but most people won't mind this midrange trim level.

Accord 2.4 EX-L, $25,160 Swap the Honda emblem for an Acura logo, and some passengers might think the latest Accord comes from Honda's luxury division. The EX model's 190-horsepower engine feels refined enough for a premium car, but we would bump up to the leather-clad EX-L, which also has heated seats and dual-zone climate control. Telling your passengers they can pick their own temperature usually draws murmurs of delight - and let's be honest, isn't that what luxury is all about?

CR-V EX-L FWD, $25,500 In cheaper trims, the CR-V is a solid vehicle. Bump up to the EX-L - with its heated leather seats and seven-speaker stereo system - and the cabin transforms into something that could pass muster at most country clubs. Interior refinement is on par with the best of the small-SUV crowd, and you can pile on a navigation system and AWD and still stay under $30,000. Sadly, there's no upgrade over the CR-V's anemic four-cylinder engine.

Altima 2.5 S w/premium package, $25,770 Muscular rear haunches are a sure-fire sign someone in the design department wanted to add a touch of luxury to the Altima coupe's looks. The rich leather and its impressive stitching have a sports-car feel, and the dashboard and instrument panel controls are of Nissan's usual high quality. If you want the quicker V-6, you can get it for $28,270.We think the additional $2,500 is worth the investment.

Vue XR FWD w/premium trim package, $25,875 Saturn's new Vue is the epitome of a luxury impersonator. Classy finishes of brushed metal and rich leather catch the eye immediately, and even the backseat and cargo area seem high-end. It's probably the most European-styled American car on the road, mainly because General Motors borrowed the design from its German Opel division (not a bad thing). A solid ride and eye-catching exterior make the Vue even more alluring.

Santa Fe Limited FWD, $28,100 The Santa Fe's exterior design borrows heavily from Lexus and Infiniti luxury SUVs. The lines flow smoothly from front to back, and even the grille makes a bold statement, like luxury SUVs are supposed to do. A smooth, nearly silent ride also evokes the best attributes of Lexus. The leather isn't the richest of the group, but other amenities - from the crisp blue-and-white gauges to the well-finished A/C controls - create the ambiance you're looking for.

Lucerne CXL, $29,400 It may not be sporty, but it's certainly upscale. The dashboard employs GM's latest materials, and the high-rent controls achieve tactile excellence. Step up to the CXL for sumptuous leather that you'll wish every chair in your home were made of, and, if you can stretch your budget a little more, consider the Northstar V-8 engine.

Edge SEL FWD w/premium package, $29,405 If you get a Ford Edge without the leather interior, few people will mistake it for a luxury vehicle. Make the upgrade, though - especially with black leather - and you're riding in one slick SUV. The bold chrome grille and stylish overall design turn heads, and this SUV's substantial size also adds to the impression that it has a lot of value.