These Are The Best Entry-Level Luxury Cars On The Market In 2022
Luxury cars come with better craftsmanship and more technologies compared to the average regular car, but the catch is they cost more, even for the entry-level models. A major reason luxury car prices are quite steep is because of the added value of the badge. The more reputable a luxury brand is, the more expensive its vehicles are.
Besides the price, other factors that determine whether a car is entry-level include comfort, practicality, maintenance costs, safety features, and reliability. Putting these factors into consideration, here are the best entry-level luxury cars for 2022.
10 Acura ILX
The ILX is the smallest and one of the oldest luxury sedan Acura currently offers and there are no significant changes for the 2022 iteration. With the base model priced at $28,395, the ILX is a step up from what you normally find in most luxury cars at this price point.
The combined city/highway EPA rate of the new ILX is 28 mpg, which is quite decent for a small sedan, and it’s even better than what pricier rivals like the BMW 2-series Gran Coupe offers. The 2022 ILX base trim level and all other upgrade packages use the 2.4-liter 4-cylinder powertrain with an output of 201 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque.
9 Genesis G70
The G70 is reborn as an aggressive-looking sports sedan with cutting-edge technologies that prioritize responsive drive and comfort. The athletic sports sedan puts you in total control over changing road conditions and driving situations and makes every drive memorable.
The posh cabin, playful handling, and high-revving powertrain are on par with the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and the BMW 3-Series. The base G70 starts at $38,570 and features a 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder that sends 252 hp to the rear wheels.
8 Audi A4
Drawing inspiration from the past, while installing next-generation technologies, the 2022 Audi A4 is still as attractive as ever. Although the interior is not as sophisticated as more expensive rivals, Audi does a good job of balancing form and function.
All 2022 A4 models are equipped with Audi’s signature Quattro all-wheel-drive system and a 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder engine that makes 201 hp for the 40 models and 261 hp for the 45 models. The Audi A4 sedan starts at $39,900 and Consumer Reports believes it’s more reliable than the average new vehicle, going by its reliability in the last three years.
7 Cadillac CT5
The new Cadillac CT5 exudes confidence, passionate performance, and athleticism from any angle you look at it. The luxury sports sedan features a suite of leading-edge safety technologies that give you the confidence to take on the toughest terrains.
The CT5 entry-level powertrain is a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder that spits out 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of peak torque. Although with 0-60 time of 6.6 seconds, the CT5 is not as fast as the Alfa Romeo Giulia Ti and BMW 330i, it rides and handles better than them.
6 Mercedes-Benz C300 4Matic Sedan
The Mercedes-Benz international bestseller, the C-Class Sedan comes in 2022 with sharper handling, bolder design, and more leading-edge features than you have ever seen before. The systemic electrification of the 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine takes the output to 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.
The Mercedes-Benz C300 rolls down the road with confidence and makes a good daily driver. It’s stable on the highway and does a good job of ironing out rougher roads.
5 Volkswagen Arteon
Volkswagen attempted to find a place at the upper echelons of the full-size luxury sedan class with the Phaeton, but after a sales flop, it was discontinued. But with the Arteon, it seems Volkswagen has finally learned how to strike a balance between style and substance at a reasonable price point.
The base Arteon SE R-Line and two higher trim levels – SEL R-Line and SEL Premium R-Line – have an output of 300 horsepower, which comes from the 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. Despite the sleek and sexy look, the Arteon is not exactly a sports sedan but a hatchback and the base SE R-Line starts at $41,945.
4 Audi A3
The A3, Audi’s smallest sedan comes all-new for 2022 but the fun-to-drive nature remains the same. With the advanced technologies on the inside and razor-sharp look on the outside, the A3 makes a great daily driver and goes head-to-head with the likes of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Cadillac CT4.
While the A3 models designed for the European market offer a range of engines, the three trim levels earmarked for North America come with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder 48-volt hybrid powertrain that makes 201 horsepower. The base A3 is retailed at $35,895.
3 Lexus ES250
If your definition of luxury is a well-dressed, soundproofed interior with comfort and safety amenities in the right places, the new Lexus ES will be a joy to drive. Although on paper, the 2022 ES competes with the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Audi A6, Lexus sacrifices athleticism for effortless cruising and comfort.
The ES250 is powered by a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that pumps out 203 horsepower and goes for $42,025. The Lexus ES handles better than the average luxury sedan, with smooth acceleration to 60 mph in 8.6 seconds.
2 Volvo XC60
The XC60 is one of Volvo’s best-selling SUVs and the 2022 iteration comes with an uncluttered, upscale interior and tasteful exterior design that effortlessly draws attention to you in traffic. The XC60 is a competitive choice among other compact luxury SUVs like the Acura RDX and the Genesis GV70 and most buyers will be satisfied with the base Momentum B5 that goes for $43,745.
The base B5-badged XC60 runs on a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbo engine with a 48V hybrid system and makes 247 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. By recovering and storing energy, the 48V hybrid system cuts down emissions and saves fuel.
1 Buick Envision
The well-appointed cabin of the 2022 Buick Envision greets you with an array of luxury amenities like the massaging driver seat. Since the Envision was fully redesigned for 2021, the latest iteration comes with no significant changes, but it’s still better equipped than the Chevrolet Equinox.
The base Preferred, as well as the Avenir and Essence trims all get their power from a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder that’s mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission and spits out 228 horsepower. The base model costs just about $32,845 and Consumer Reports takes the Envision to be more dependable than the average new vehicle.
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