- Best Cars and Trucks
- Car
- Under $80K
Best Cars Under $80K
We sifted through the data to select the best cars and trucks in every category.
Overview
The Audi S6 is a midsize sports sedan packed with the German automaker's sophistication and technology, capable of outrunning the average sports car on straightaways and twisty roads. While it looks like a luxury sedan from the outside, looks can be deceiving. Audi integrates a 444-hp mild-hybrid engine, adaptive air suspension, and other cutting-edge components to give the S6 driving performance to match its comfort and all-weather practicality. The Audi S6 is a 5-seater vehicle that comes in 2 trim levels. The most popular style is the Premium Plus, which starts at $75,445 and comes with a 2.9L V6 Turbo engine and All Wheel Drive. This S6 is estimated to deliver 18 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway.
Configure a new carPros
- Potent powertrain offers fun driving dynamics
- Elegant cabin with high-quality materials
- Cutting-edge infotainment system
- Standard suite of driver safety features
Cons
- Mild-hybrid system could be more efficient
- High starting price for its segment
- Not as potent as some competitors
Overall Assessment
off MSRP
Feature Highlights
See owner reviews for Audi S6. All reviews
Pros
- Potent powertrain offers fun driving dynamics
- Elegant cabin with high-quality materials
- Cutting-edge infotainment system
- Standard suite of driver safety features
Cons
- Mild-hybrid system could be more efficient
- High starting price for its segment
- Not as potent as some competitors
Overall Assessment
Overview
One of the pioneers of the modern four-door coupe, the luxurious Mercedes-Benz CLS is now in its third generation and remains as stylish today as when it debuted. That sophistication isn't skin-deep, either; the CLS comes with similar engine choices and technology to the venerable E-Class sedan. The plush interior is a showcase of Mercedes' trademark elegance and high-quality materials. That refinement shows on the road with a velvet-smooth ride. The Mercedes-Benz CLS is a 5-seater vehicle that comes in 2 trim levels. The most popular style is the CLS 450 Coupe RWD, which starts at $71,350 and comes with a Hybrid 3.0L I6 Turbo engine and Rear Wheel Drive. This CLS is estimated to deliver 23 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway.
Configure a new carPros
- Bewitching exterior style
- Impressive cabin comfort
- Long standard features list
- Smooth and quiet ride
Cons
- Limited rear-seat space
- Some rivals are sportier to drive
- Pricey optional extras
Overall Assessment
Feature Highlights
See owner reviews for Mercedes-Benz CLS. All reviews
Pros
- Bewitching exterior style
- Impressive cabin comfort
- Long standard features list
- Smooth and quiet ride
Cons
- Limited rear-seat space
- Some rivals are sportier to drive
- Pricey optional extras
Overall Assessment
Overview
Based on the BMW 4 Series, the BMW M4 is a high-powered performance coupe/convertible that features exceptional acceleration and handling along with daily-driver comfort. The BMW M4 is a 4-seater vehicle that comes in 2 trim levels. The most popular style is the Competition Coupe xDrive, which starts at $79,795 and comes with a 3.0L I6 Turbo engine and All Wheel Drive. This M4 is estimated to deliver 16 MPG in the city and 22 MPG on the highway.
Configure a new carPros
- Agile handling
- Quick acceleration
- Available manual transmission
Cons
- Less refined than rivals
Overall Assessment
Feature Highlights
See owner reviews for BMW M4. All reviews
Pros
- Agile handling
- Quick acceleration
- Available manual transmission
Cons
- Less refined than rivals
Overall Assessment
Overview
Behind its imposing grille, the Genesis G90 is a full-size luxury sedan delivering the plush driving experience and cutting-edge tech of premier European flagships for a fraction of the price. The G90 stretches 17 feet in length and is one of the tallest and widest sedans in its class. Genesis takes a different approach to luxury than rivals; the G90 arrives fully loaded with amenities, saving customers the trouble of adding expensive options. The Genesis G90 is a 5-seater vehicle that comes in 2 trim levels. The most popular style is the 5.0L Ultimate RWD, which starts at $77,745 and comes with a 5.0L V8 engine and Rear Wheel Drive. This G90 is estimated to deliver 16 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway.
Configure a new carPros
- Majestic styling belies a great price
- Excellent cabin quality and amenities
- Near-silent at highway speeds
Cons
- Could use a hybrid engine option
- Not as sporty to drive as rivals
- Lacks some futuristic features
Overall Assessment
off MSRP
Feature Highlights
See owner reviews for Genesis G90. All reviews
Pros
- Majestic styling belies a great price
- Excellent cabin quality and amenities
- Near-silent at highway speeds
Cons
- Could use a hybrid engine option
- Not as sporty to drive as rivals
- Lacks some futuristic features
Overall Assessment
Overview
A luxurious sports sedan with a practical twist, the Audi A7 exhibits all of the German brand's trademark attention to detail and appealing style. Slotting in size between the midsize A6 and flagship A8, the A7 is actually a hatchback, though it's concealed beneath a sleek fastback roofline. Drivers have a choice of two hybrid engines producing up to 362 hp. The A7's interior is outfitted in soft leather, with seamlessly integrated technology. The Audi A7 is a 5-seater vehicle that comes in 3 trim levels. The most popular style is the Premium Plus 3.0, which starts at $70,245 and comes with a 3.0L V6 Turbo engine and All Wheel Drive. This A7 is estimated to deliver 22 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway.
Configure a new carPros
- Effortlessly balances luxury and sportiness
- Elegant cabin packed with high-tech features
- Plug-in hybrid engine offers good gas mileage
- Concealed hatchback enhances practicality
Cons
- Not as thrilling to drive as some rivals
- Prestige trim level is quite expensive
Overall Assessment
off MSRP
Feature Highlights
See owner reviews for Audi A7. All reviews
Pros
- Effortlessly balances luxury and sportiness
- Elegant cabin packed with high-tech features
- Plug-in hybrid engine offers good gas mileage
- Concealed hatchback enhances practicality
Cons
- Not as thrilling to drive as some rivals
- Prestige trim level is quite expensive
Overall Assessment
Overview
The Lexus LS is the Japanese luxury brand's top sedan, built to provide the ultimate ride comfort. It comes with a supremely smooth ride and premium amenities to relax passengers on their journey. Lexus includes safety features to help avoid collisions and optional semi-autonomous systems that let the car all but drive itself. It's not as fast or posh as rivals, but the LS focuses on a luxury car's most essential aspects and executes beautifully. The Lexus LS is a 5-seater vehicle that comes in 3 trim levels. The most popular style is the LS 500 RWD, which starts at $77,025 and comes with a 3.5L V6 Twin-Turbo engine and Rear Wheel Drive. This LS is estimated to deliver 18 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway.
Configure a new carPros
- Serene driving experience
- Impeccable materials and craftsmanship
- Excellent safety technology
Cons
- Not as sporty to drive as rivals
- Cabin styling may be too understated for some
Overall Assessment
off MSRP
Feature Highlights
See owner reviews for Lexus LS. All reviews
Pros
- Serene driving experience
- Impeccable materials and craftsmanship
- Excellent safety technology
Cons
- Not as sporty to drive as rivals
- Cabin styling may be too understated for some
Overall Assessment
Overview
For decades, German automakers have taken plush luxury cars and made high-speed variants, increasing the horsepower and tuning the suspension for maximal autobahn performance. The Audi RS 5 is the latest example, a coupe and hatchback based on the popular A5 model, powered by a 444-horsepower turbocharged V6. Exceptionally fast and agile, the RS 5 also benefits from superior cabin materials, many luxury features, and modern safety technology. The Audi RS 5 is a 5-seater vehicle that comes in 1 trim levels. The most popular style is the Sportback, which starts at $76,445 and comes with a 2.9L V6 Turbo engine and All Wheel Drive. This RS 5 is estimated to deliver 18 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway.
Configure a new carPros
- Immense acceleration and handling grip
- Class-leading cabin style and refinement
- Excellent standard infotainment and safety aids
- Easier to drive daily than most sports cars
Cons
- Lacks rivals' unadulterated power and excitement
- Coupe's limited rear legroom, trunk space
Overall Assessment
off MSRP
Feature Highlights
See owner reviews for Audi RS 5. All reviews
Pros
- Immense acceleration and handling grip
- Class-leading cabin style and refinement
- Excellent standard infotainment and safety aids
- Easier to drive daily than most sports cars
Cons
- Lacks rivals' unadulterated power and excitement
- Coupe's limited rear legroom, trunk space
Overall Assessment
Overview
The Tesla Model S is a full-size electric car with up to 520 miles of driving range. It rethinks the modern luxury sedan, packed with technology for maximum passenger enjoyment. There are large touchscreens in each seating row that offer access to music, movies, gaming, and more. Tesla's semi-autonomous driving systems allow the vehicle to almost drive itself, though sporty acceleration and handling will have owners wanting to take the controls. The Tesla Model S is a 5-seater vehicle that comes in 5 trim levels. The most popular style is the Long Range Plus, which starts at $70,620 and comes with an Electric engine and All Wheel Drive. This Model S is estimated to deliver 121 MPGe in the city and 112 MPGe on the highway.
Pros
- Runs without any gasoline
- Sporty acceleration, nimble handling
- Spacious and high-tech interior
- Excellent cargo space and versatility
Cons
- Rivals have more luxurious in-cabin materials
- Recharging is slower than pumping gas
- Some regions have limited Supercharger stations
Overall Assessment
Feature Highlights
See owner reviews for Tesla Model S. All reviews
Pros
- Runs without any gasoline
- Sporty acceleration, nimble handling
- Spacious and high-tech interior
- Excellent cargo space and versatility
Cons
- Rivals have more luxurious in-cabin materials
- Recharging is slower than pumping gas
- Some regions have limited Supercharger stations
Overall Assessment
Overview
The Chevrolet Corvette is one of the most famous cars ever made, and the eighth-generation model is the best yet. This high-performance sports car is available as a gorgeous coupe or convertible, with a V8 engine and rear-wheel-drive. Its mid-engine layout and motorsport technology give the Corvette incredible driving performance rivaling cars twice its price. Yet, it’s comfortable enough to drive daily, with a smooth ride and luxurious cabin. The Chevrolet Corvette is a 2-seater vehicle that comes in 3 trim levels. The most popular style is the Stingray 3LT Convertible, which starts at $79,945 and comes with a 6.2L V8 engine and Rear Wheel Drive. This Corvette is estimated to deliver 15 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway.
Configure a new carPros
- Fast driving performance rivals much pricier cars
- A sports car comfortable enough to drive daily
- Pricing remains low, even for the top trim level
Cons
- No available manual transmission
- Lacks some common driver safety aids
Overall Assessment
Feature Highlights
See owner reviews for Chevrolet Corvette. All reviews
Pros
- Fast driving performance rivals much pricier cars
- A sports car comfortable enough to drive daily
- Pricing remains low, even for the top trim level
Cons
- No available manual transmission
- Lacks some common driver safety aids
Overall Assessment
Overview
The BMW M3 is the performance-oriented version of the German brand's popular 3 Series compact sedan, combining daily utility with the spirit of a racehorse. The latest styling might not suit every enthusiast's tastes, but it's still one of the most thrilling sport sedans on the road today. The BMW M3 is a 5-seater vehicle that comes in 2 trim levels. The most popular style is the Competition RWD, which starts at $73,795 and comes with a 3.0L I6 Turbo engine and Rear Wheel Drive. This M3 is estimated to deliver 16 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway.
Configure a new carPros
- Explosive acceleration
- Sharp handling
- Available manual transmission
Cons
- Polarizing styling
- Cramped rear seat
Overall Assessment
Feature Highlights
See owner reviews for BMW M3. All reviews
Pros
- Explosive acceleration
- Sharp handling
- Available manual transmission
Cons
- Polarizing styling
- Cramped rear seat
Overall Assessment
Overview
The Alfa Romeo Giulia is an extremely attractive and fun-to-drive Italian sport sedan. It has sharp handling, a smooth ride, a well-appointed interior, and powerful turbocharged engines. Though not as technically savvy as its German competitors, it's more beautiful and just as thrilling. The Alfa Romeo Giulia is a 5-seater vehicle that comes in 4 trim levels. The most popular style is the Quadrifoglio RWD, which starts at $76,845 and comes with a 2.9L V6 Turbo engine and Rear Wheel Drive. This Giulia is estimated to deliver 17 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway.
Configure a new carPros
- Sharp, attractive styling
- Crisp handling and supple ride
- Wondrous turbocharged engines
Cons
- Outdated infotainment system graphics
- Not available with a hybrid powertrain
Overall Assessment
off MSRP
Feature Highlights
See owner reviews for Alfa Romeo Giulia. All reviews
Pros
- Sharp, attractive styling
- Crisp handling and supple ride
- Wondrous turbocharged engines
Cons
- Outdated infotainment system graphics
- Not available with a hybrid powertrain
Overall Assessment
Overview
With sporty handling and plush interior, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class has long been a benchmark among compact premium sedans. The German automaker’s attention to detail and high-quality materials make their way into an elegant cabin. High-performance engines and sport-tuned suspensions are available for drivers seeking a dash of excitement. The C-Class also comes as a coupe and convertible, with many optional fabrics and features. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a 5-seater vehicle that comes in 4 trim levels. The most popular style is the AMG C 63 S Sedan RWD, which starts at $77,250 and comes with a 4.0L V8 Turbo engine and Rear Wheel Drive. This C-Class is estimated to deliver 17 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway.
Configure a new carPros
- Sophisticated styling and high-quality materials
- Comfortable cabin packed with technology
- Sporty handling and AMG engine options
Cons
- Sleek styling impacts trunk space
- Limited rear-seat legroom
- Lacks hybrid engine options
Overall Assessment
off MSRP
Feature Highlights
See owner reviews for Mercedes-Benz C-Class. All reviews
Pros
- Sophisticated styling and high-quality materials
- Comfortable cabin packed with technology
- Sporty handling and AMG engine options
Cons
- Sleek styling impacts trunk space
- Limited rear-seat legroom
- Lacks hybrid engine options
Overall Assessment
Overview
The BMW 5 Series has long been considered a benchmark among sports sedans in the luxury category. It has grown in size in recent years, taking away from some of that fun-to-drive nature, yet the 5 Series is still one of the most capable choices in its class. Shoppers have access to several powerful turbocharged engines, a buttery-smooth transmission, and a high-tech suspension painstakingly tuned to balance agility with all-day ride comfort. The BMW 5 Series is a 5-seater vehicle that comes in 4 trim levels. The most popular style is the M550i xDrive, which starts at $77,795 and comes with a 4.4L V8 Turbo engine and All Wheel Drive. This 5 Series is estimated to deliver 17 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway.
Configure a new carPros
- European design and sportiness
- M550i’s incredible acceleration
- Ultra-luxury features available
- Spacious cabin for four adults
Cons
- Not as sporty as it once was
- Expensive options
off MSRP
Feature Highlights
See owner reviews for BMW 5 Series. All reviews
Pros
- European design and sportiness
- M550i’s incredible acceleration
- Ultra-luxury features available
- Spacious cabin for four adults
Cons
- Not as sporty as it once was
- Expensive options
Overview
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is a 5-seater vehicle that comes in 3 trim levels. The most popular style is the E 450 Cabriolet RWD, which starts at $73,950 and comes with a Hybrid 3.0L I6 Turbo engine and Rear Wheel Drive. This E-Class is estimated to deliver 23 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway.
Configure a new caroff MSRP
Feature Highlights
See owner reviews for Mercedes-Benz E-Class. All reviews
Overview
The Chevrolet Camaro is a 4-seater vehicle that comes in 8 trim levels. The most popular style is the Convertible ZL1, which starts at $70,195 and comes with a 6.2L V8 S/C engine and Rear Wheel Drive. This Camaro is estimated to deliver 14 MPG in the city and 20 MPG on the highway.
Configure a new carFeature Highlights
See owner reviews for Chevrolet Camaro. All reviews
Overview
Based on an icon of automotive design, the Audi TT RS has the performance to match its eye-catching looks. At first glance, one would be forgiven for thinking it’s a stock Audi TT, but the RS offers nearly twice the horsepower and several race-inspired upgrades, giving it blistering acceleration and handling. Its interior is just as sophisticated as one would expect from an Audi, with modern technology and impeccable attention to detail. The Audi TT RS is a 4-seater vehicle that comes in 1 trim levels. The most popular style is the Coupe, which starts at $73,545 and comes with a 2.5L I5 Turbo engine and All Wheel Drive. This TT RS is estimated to deliver 20 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway.
Configure a new carPros
- Iconic body styling
- Impressive speed and handling
- Four-season traction
- Clever interior design
Cons
- Top rivals are more agile
- Stiff ride on uneven roads
- High starting price
Overall Assessment
Feature Highlights
See owner reviews for Audi TT RS. All reviews
Pros
- Iconic body styling
- Impressive speed and handling
- Four-season traction
- Clever interior design
Cons
- Top rivals are more agile
- Stiff ride on uneven roads
- High starting price
Overall Assessment
Overview
The Maserati Ghibli is a sports sedan that does things a little differently. While some rivals are focusing on driver technology and sophisticated mild-hybrid systems, Maserati continues to emphasize pure driving spirit. Step on the accelerator and listen to the twin-turbocharged engine unleash a concerto of exhaust sounds. The Ghibli delivers a classic Italian sports car's raw excitement, bundled in a stylish and comfortable four-door sedan. The Maserati Ghibli is a 5-seater vehicle that comes in 10 trim levels. The most popular style is the S RWD, which starts at $78,685 and comes with a 3.0L V6 Twin-Turbo engine and Rear Wheel Drive. This Ghibli is estimated to deliver 17 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway.
Configure a new carPros
- Great-sounding V6 and V8 engines
- Trofeo's astonishing acceleration
- Elegant interior wrapped in leather
- Premium optional fabrics and trims
Cons
- Fuel economy below category average
- Most driver safety aids are optional
- Limited rear legroom for tall adults
- High starting price soars with options
Overall Assessment
off MSRP
Feature Highlights
See owner reviews for Maserati Ghibli. All reviews
Pros
- Great-sounding V6 and V8 engines
- Trofeo's astonishing acceleration
- Elegant interior wrapped in leather
- Premium optional fabrics and trims
Cons
- Fuel economy below category average
- Most driver safety aids are optional
- Limited rear legroom for tall adults
- High starting price soars with options
Overall Assessment
Overview
The Porsche 718 Cayman is the famed German brand's entry-level sports car, and the compact two-seater coupe is easily one of the best-handling cars on the road. Buyers choose from four engines and manual or dual-clutch transmissions. Porsche allows nearly endless configuration, though adding several pricey options can inflate the total price. What the 718 Cayman lacks in everyday practicality, it makes up for in unbeatable driving fun. The Porsche 718 Cayman is a 2-seater vehicle that comes in 5 trim levels. The most popular style is the S Coupe, which starts at $73,250 and comes with a 2.5L H4 Turbo engine and Rear Wheel Drive. This 718 Cayman is estimated to deliver 19 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway.
Configure a new carPros
- Best-in-class chassis balance and handling
- Superb acceleration from both transmissions
- Comfortable interior with high-quality materials
- Trim levels offer many tasteful configurations
Cons
- Pricey, especially with desirable options added
- Limited interior storage for small items
Overall Assessment
off MSRP
Feature Highlights
See owner reviews for Porsche 718 Cayman. All reviews
Pros
- Best-in-class chassis balance and handling
- Superb acceleration from both transmissions
- Comfortable interior with high-quality materials
- Trim levels offer many tasteful configurations
Cons
- Pricey, especially with desirable options added
- Limited interior storage for small items
Overall Assessment
Overview
The mid-engine Porsche 718 Boxster is one of the most satisfying open-top sports cars you can buy. Razor-sharp handling, powerful and responsive engines, and a premium cabin make every drive an occasion. The Porsche 718 Boxster is a 2-seater vehicle that comes in 6 trim levels. The most popular style is the S Roadster, which starts at $75,350 and comes with a 2.5L H4 Turbo engine and Rear Wheel Drive. This 718 Boxster is estimated to deliver 19 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway.
Configure a new carPros
- Sublime handling
- Scintillating powertrains
- Surprising practicality
Cons
- Some active-safety features are missing
- Minimal in-cabin stowage complicates road trips
- Options can dramatically inflate the bottom line
Overall Assessment
off MSRP
Feature Highlights
See owner reviews for Porsche 718 Boxster. All reviews
Pros
- Sublime handling
- Scintillating powertrains
- Surprising practicality
Cons
- Some active-safety features are missing
- Minimal in-cabin stowage complicates road trips
- Options can dramatically inflate the bottom line
Overall Assessment
Overview
The only four-door American muscle car on the market, the Dodge Charger is a comfortable, family-sized daily driver with serious street cred. It offers a dizzying array of powertrains, culminating with the Hellcat Redeye's 797-horsepower, supercharged V8. The Dodge Charger is a 5-seater vehicle that comes in 7 trim levels. The most popular style is the SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody RWD, which starts at $72,250 and comes with a 6.2L V8 S/C engine and Rear Wheel Drive. This Charger is estimated to deliver 12 MPG in the city and 21 MPG on the highway.
Configure a new carPros
- Powerful range of engines
- The only American muscle car with four doors
Cons
- Gas guzzler
- Interior less refined than rivals
Overall Assessment
Feature Highlights
See owner reviews for Dodge Charger. All reviews
Pros
- Powerful range of engines
- The only American muscle car with four doors
Cons
- Gas guzzler
- Interior less refined than rivals


