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In today’s automotive landscape, achieving a balance between affordability and a premium driving experience is more attainable than ever. Advancements in technology, design, and manufacturing have enabled automakers to offer vehicles that exude luxury without the hefty price tag. This evolution allows consumers to enjoy high-end features, sophisticated interiors, and refined performance without compromising their budgets.

The 2026 model year introduces a range of vehicles that embody this trend, combining style, comfort, and advanced technology at accessible price points. From compact sedans to versatile SUVs, these cars cater to diverse preferences while maintaining a premium feel.

For instance, the 2026 Acura Integra stands out with its distinctive styling, impressive cabin materials, and a comprehensive list of standard equipment. Starting at $34,595, the base model includes features like heated seats, keyless entry, and push-button start, offering a luxury experience without the luxury price tag. (aol.com)

Similarly, the 2026 Toyota Camry XSE combines sporty aesthetics with everyday comfort. Priced at $34,900, it boasts a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 10-inch heads-up display, and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, delivering a tech-rich environment that rivals more expensive vehicles. (tech.yahoo.com)

The 2026 Kia Seltos offers a compact SUV option that doesn’t compromise on luxury. With a starting price of $25,135, it provides a comfortable interior, modern technology, and a stylish design, making it an excellent choice for those seeking premium features in a subcompact SUV. (aol.com)

These examples illustrate that the automotive industry is increasingly focused on delivering value without sacrificing quality. Consumers now have access to vehicles that offer a premium experience at a fraction of the cost traditionally associated with luxury cars.

In the following sections, we will explore specific models that exemplify this trend, highlighting their features, performance, and value propositions to assist you in making an informed decision when selecting your next vehicle.

The post Affordable Cars That Still Feel Premium Today appeared first on Motor Junkie.

I still remember the first time I got to drive the SLS AMG. I was at a Mercedes press event at Road America in Wisconsin and was given the opportunity to spend the weekend with one of these cars. Our Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com is one of these spectacular GTs, a 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG coupe offered by a dealer in Sherman Oaks, California.

The car was faultless. Not only did it look amazing, but even every single switch and control in the cockpit was extra-special, either covered with leather or made of aluminum. The fit and finish were spectacular. Hands-down, it was one of the finest-built cars I had been in at the time, on par with the offerings from the new Rolls-Royce cars, but in a sports/GT package. I still remember coming out of a sandwich shop in downtown Elkheart Lake after a food run and finding a crowd of people outside looking at the car in amazement.

My biggest takeaway from the experience is that I could not believe that Mercedes actually was able to build the SLS and have them in dealerships. Much like the BMW Z8 a few years before, this was basically a fully developed concept car brought to life. The SLS also delivered supercar levels of performance for the era yet combined it with a car you can literally use as a daily driver. Somehow this gullwing-door Mercedes is actually practical. It is capable of 0-60 times of 3.5 seconds, will cover the quarter-mile in 11.6 seconds, can do 0-130 mph in 12.4 seconds and has a top speed of 197 mph.

Mercedes only built around 12,000 examples of the SLS. As an added bonus, the Mercedes Gullwing Group now considers them eligible for their 300SL events. This means the prices are going up, but you can still find them for a very fair price, especially when compared to some of their Italian competitors.

This 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG supercar is powered by a hand-built 6.2-liter V8 engine. It produces 563 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. The engine is paired with a rear-mounted 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission for better weight distribution. Built on a lightweight aluminum spaceframe, the car features iconic gullwing doors, 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels, and high-performance compound disc brakes. Inside, the two-seat cockpit includes leather upholstery, navigation, and a premium audio system as standard.

This specific car is finished in the nice combination of what appears to be Diamond White Metallic over an Espresso Brown leather interior. It has covered a total of only 19,385 miles from new and looks to be in spectacular condition.

Even though the listing does not mention anything regarding service, I am guessing many records are available and would ask the selling dealer about this. If they do not have them, I might go to a dealer with the VIN (which is WDDRJ7HA3CA009077) and see what they have. It might be as easy as asking the dealer for a CARFAX report, which will document any dealer service.

This is probably the last time a car like this will still be affordable. It is just such a great car to drive and own and always feels amazingly special. This SLS has an asking price of only $239,980, which is just a bit more than they cost when new. If you want one and like the colors of this example, I suggest you buy it now.

Click here to view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com

You know how it feels everything is upside-down these days? You don’t need to do more than look in the direction of General Motors to get that idea because it seems that the 2027 Chevrolet Bolt (which has returned to dealerships after a respite of four model years) will only last another 18 months.

Image courtesy of General Motors

It’s an interesting development considering Chevrolet appears to have brought back the Bolt due to customer demand. Initially, the first-gen Bolt’s factory in Orion Township (Michigan) was retooled to produce Chevrolet and GMC EV pickup trucks, with the Equinox EV expected to fill the space of the Bolt. Now it seems the General Motors plans to reconfigure the Fairfax Assembly (Kansas) plant to produce the Equinox (Chevrolet’s second-biggest-selling vehicle) and a new Buick SUV (currently known as the Envision) at the end of the 2027 calendar year, according to Car and Driver.

Some have speculated that the move has something to do with expired tax credits for EVs, while someone out there may also wonder whether tariffs are an explanation. According to a General Motors spokesperson, “When we revealed Bolt in October, we said it’d be a limited-run model, which we are bringing back due to strong customer demand. We also said it would account for the majority of EV volume for Chevrolet in 2026, alongside the Chevrolet Equinox EV. We reiterate that today.”

“One of these days, I’ll get a Jeep.” I keep telling myself that—perhaps it’ll be an XJ Cherokee 4×4 with the 4.0-liter I6, a TJ Wrangler Sahara, or a 1989 Grand Wagoneer. Now is not the time, though, because I bought a brand-new 2023 Hyundai Sonata in October of 2023 out of a need for a comfortable, fuel-efficient commuter car, and I plan on using it well after it’s paid off. For my one-year-old son Hayden, “one of these days” is now: He’s an enthusiastic owner of Delta Children’s Jeep Classic Wrangler 3-in-1 Grow With Me Walker.

Photo courtesy of Delta Children

Oddly enough, I have to credit my wife Eli for Hayden’s little off-roader. A few months ago, she was looking for walkers and texted me the links to several options, one of which was the Wrangler. Of course, I picked that—in Anniversary Green for a touch of heritage. As its name implies, it can be used three different ways. Right now, we place Hayden in it so he can use it as a sort of training wheels for walking on his own. An adjustable handle bar on the back allows him to push the Jeep and work on his balance and coordination. We haven’t removed the body from the base to use it as a rolling toy box yet, but that day is coming soon.

Photo courtesy of Delta Children

Being a father has made me look at things differently. I recently realized one of my favorite things to see, aside from Hayden’s smiling face, is any sign of his presence: one of his socks that he tore off, his little letter/number/word/picture blocks that he refuses to let me stack, a stuffed animal that got called up to the big leagues (aka “playtime with Hayden”), a random Cheerio that evaded the broom, etc. As a person who’s spent a lot of time in Jeep Wranglers, I find Hayden’s rig to be an amusing sight. It has a lift alright, but it’s just for the body, not the suspension. Ground clearance under the functional wheels is minimal. Perhaps when he’s older, Hayden will like the look of low-riders raised up on their hydraulics . . .

Talking with and observing Jeep Wrangler owners has taught me that the only unmodified Wrangler is the one that hasn’t been made yet. I can tell that Hayden is already thinking about upgrades—he frequently pries off the wheel covers and I occasionally see him sitting next to his Wrangler and spinning its tires. Who do I contact for toddler-sized beadlock wheels and all-terrain rubber?

Photo courtesy of Delta Children

Ben Folds Five has a great song called “Evaporated.” One of the lyrics I find to be especially true: “It seems that all men wanna get into a car and go anywhere.” I know I do, whether it’s a long road trip with my family or a solo drive to decompress and clear my mind. Hayden isn’t a man yet, but he’s proof of that concept because he loves going for a post-dinner cruise around the house, his chunky feet propelling him Fred Flintstone-style the whole way. He’s rarely fussy but, when he does get worked up, some time behind the tiny wheel of his Wrangler helps calm him down. No matter what time it is or how Hayden’s feeling, he’s “that guy” that every neighborhood seems to have: the one who’s always revving his engine. It’s not Hayden’s fault, though. He must have some sort of wiring issue because even if he doesn’t use the engine start/stop button, his engine roars when he pushes the shift lever.

In a story from last year, I mentioned that Hayden is a good “driver.” Luckily, that hasn’t changed. He knows how to adjust his mirrors, plus he uses his turn signals. Hayden’s Wrangler doesn’t have a back-up camera, but there’s also no top so, when he needs to go in reverse, he just twists and looks behind him to make sure he’s clear. He even knows what bump stops are—his version of them, at least: when he bumps into a cabinet door or the dishwasher, he stops and moves on. “Mr. H” is years away from real off-roading, but he already knows to stay on the trail. If I stand in a doorway to keep him from going to a part of the house that’s off-limits, he doesn’t ram me or throw a fit—he backs up and returns to the designated trail.

I’m patiently awaiting the day I can get a Jeep of my own so Hayden and I can go wheeling and camping together. Until then, I’m happy to see him enjoy top-off adventures in his Wrangler.

The Delta Children Jeep Classic Wrangler 3-in-1 Grow With Me Walker is normally $99 but right now, you can get 15 percent off during the company’s Winter Sale. If you’re thinking about getting one for your child or grandchild, you can learn more about it by clicking here.

The W116 Mercedes S-Class built from 1971 to 1980 was in many ways what put Mercedes at the top of the heap in the world of European luxury cars. Our AutoHunter Spotlight for the day is perhaps one of the most desirable versions of the U.S.-market W116 S-Class cars, a 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450SE. It is listed by a dealer in Commerce City, Colorado, and the auction ends January 30, 2026, at 11:15 a.m. (MST).

The W113 was not just designed from the beginning to be the best car in the world. It pioneered a number of safety ideas, such as crumple zones, as well as a dash and steering wheel designed to protect the driver in an accident. The W113 in 1978 was also the first production car to feature ABS brakes.

The top-of-the-line model in the W116 S-Class was the 450SE, powered by a 4.5-liter M117 SOHC V8 that featured 225 horsepower, quite a bit for the time. This gave the car a top speed of more than 120 mph.

The interiors of the W116 featured the best-quality materials, with most models sporting leather seats, air conditioning as standard, and a build quality unequalled by any manufacturer in the world at the time, with the description of the fit and finish often compared to that of a bank vault. Offering some of the best build quality of any car of the era, it firmly positioned Mercedes as the brand that built the finest cars in the world.

Finished in white over a red leather interior, this W116 is now offered by the selling dealer with service records and a clear title.

Judging by this car’s exterior, it seems as if it is a bit of a time capsule. The paint and brightwork look excellent, the glass appears to be flawless, and all the indicator lenses are in good shape as well. The small bumpers on these early W116 S-Class sedans only help to make it look amazing, especially when compared to later U.S.-market examples. The car rides on correct 14-inch factory steel wheels with correct painted Mercedes-Benz hubcaps.

If anything, the interior looks even better than the exterior, with the contrasting red leather being the perfect color choice for a white car. I see no wear anyplace, and the car still has its original Becker radio. The only flaw I could detect was the weird addition of an aftermarket horn button. Personally, I would do away with this immediately.

Under the hood is what you would expect from a nice example of a well-kept Mercedes S-Class. The engine bay has not been detailed to show-quality, but everything looks clean, correct, and tidy – even the hood pad, which I am guessing has been replaced at some point.

The odometer shows 28,677 miles at the time of listing, but the title states the car is mileage-exempt. Based on the condition of this 450SE, that could well be original miles; I would reach out to the dealer for more info. I would also ask what work had been done and whether the car still has its original paint and interior. If it does, that only adds to its desirability. Judging by condition of the body tag (pictured below), with no overspray of any kind, makes me think this could well be great example of an all-original W116 S-Class.

If you have always wanted to own a great example of one of the finest European luxury cars of the 1970s, this 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450SE may well be that car. If you want to add it to your garage, you had better bid soon, though: The auction for this stunning Mercedes ends on Friday, January 30, 2026, at 11:15 a.m. (MST). Early examples of these cars do not come up too often, especially ones this clean. I would not want to miss it.

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery

For decades, the Ford vs. Chevy truck battle has raged on, and such was the case back in 1989, when each manufacturer sold over 500,000 units of full-sized trucks. The Pick of the Day is one of the trucks that contributed to Chevrolet’s sales data: a 1989 Chevrolet C1500 2WD pickup listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealer in Sherman, Texas.

Dodge was a player in the full-sized pickup segment, too, but fell behind the other two in sales volume. Stiff competition was reflected in the marketing materials from the era. One Chevy magazine advertisement said, “America’s Having a Change of Heart in Pickups,” and it went on to say, “The advanced full-size Chevy. More room than Ford, more standard half-ton power than Ford, and advanced Insta-Trac 4WD that leaves Ford in the mud.”

Of course, this truck doesn’t have Insta-Trac, but it still came well-equipped for the time. Finished in Red over Garnet Red, it is a serious looker. But the best part is the odometer reading, which shows just 21,191 miles. Exterior features include chrome brightwork, body side moldings, and quad headlights. The wheels, suspension, and exhaust system have been modified, but the truck is otherwise said to be original. The pictures show how clean the truck is inside, outside, and underneath. Considering the fact that most half-ton trucks were put to use as workhorses, the condition – especially of its cargo bed – is remarkable.

The C1500 rode on General Motors’ “GMT400” platform—the same which underpinned thousands of trucks and sport-utility vehicles from 1988 through the early 2000s. I recently featured the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban from this era as a future collectible, and I feel like the truck should be included in that mix for some of the same reasons. We say it time and time again, but the car-collector marketplace is driven in large part by nostalgia.

Continuing the “red” theme, the interior of the cab features a cloth bench seat, carpeting, and rubber floor mats all in the eye-catching color. Features include power windows, power locks, a Delco AM/FM radio, power steering, and factory air conditioning. Under the hood is a 5.7-liter V8 mated to a 700R4 four-speed automatic transmission. The selling dealer says that the truck will come with a clean CARFAX report, an original window sticker, and additional paperwork. For collectors, those added niceties make this low-mileage truck even more irresistible. Better make a move on it before someone else does!

The asking price $38,950.

Click here to view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com

Last November, Bentley announced its newest high-performance car, the 2026 Supersports. Equipped with a 656-horsepower 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 that channels its fury through the rear wheels, and saddled with half a ton less weight, the Supersports was designed to be more engaging. What better way to show just how engaging it is than have X Games, National Rally Championship, and Gymkhana legend Travis Pastrana drift it around the Bentley Dream Factory?

To make “Supersports: Full Send,” which Bentley calls the “most exhilarating and dynamic film” it has ever released, the British automaker added some important modifications to the GT car. One of those was a hydraulic handbrake right by the steering wheel, which allowed Pastrana to scrub off speed quickly, then disengage it in a flash so he could get back on the power ASAP and pull off long drifts.

Pastrana’s antics were going to involve burnouts and mid-drift cornering adjustments, so Bentley’s crew also made sure Pastrana could use the throttle and brakes at the same time (in other words, power braking).

In the video below, you’ll see the Bentley Supersports hang its back end out, shoot out sparks, turn its rear tires into smoke, and get a sliver of daylight under at least one of its tires. But it’s not the only Bentley on the move. Watch closely and you’ll see some cameos from Bentley’s past, such as the three previous versions of the Supersports, the Speed 8 that won Le Mans in 2003, and the last Brooklands coupe made in 2010, which does a burnout in the spirit of the video. As Pastrana zooms through the Crewe factory, you’ll even get a quick glimpse at Bentley’s future “luxury urban SUV.”

You’ll be able to see the Supersports used in this video at Bentley events throughout the year. After its tour, the Full Send car will join Bentley’s Heritage Collection in Crewe, England. If that’s too long of a trip for you, you can always just buy a Supersports and wait for it to come your way. Production of the 2026 Bentley Supersports will begin in Q4; deliveries will start rolling out at the beginning of next year—more than likely without the rear tires smoking.

Below we have four vehicles that are listed for sale on AutoHunter or ClassicCars.com. Looking good, right? Yet despite apparent differences, they all share one interesting distinction. Can you tell us what that may be?

Post your answers in the Comments section below. Be sure to also list the year/make/model of each! You can also click on an image if you’re struggling, though that could be considered cheating, so make good choices!

Click on a photo to reveal each car

Tuesday always brings a new automotive game at The ClassicCars.com Journal. You can also play past puzzles by clicking here!

Currently listed on AutoHunter is this nifty 1963 Chevrolet Corvair Greenbriar van, Chevy’s “forward-control” van that was properly known as “Corvair 95,” reflecting its 95-inch wheelbase. The family-style Greenbriar was available from 1961 until 1965, the full duration of the Corvair 95’s existence. It is powered by an air-cooled 145ci flat-six paired with a Powerglide automatic. Features include two-tone paint, manual steering, fold-flat 60/40 front seat, aftermarket mag wheels, surfboard, and more. Painted turquoise and white, this unusual Bow Tie is available from the selling dealer with a custom surfboard table, tool box, beach supplies, and clear title.

The turquoise and white paint scheme perfectly encapsulates 1963. Two front doors, right-side barn doors, and rear barn doors provide access to the interior. Other features include custom window tint, back-up lights, and engine vents on the rear fenders. A set of 14-inch Centerlines are wrapped in 215/70 Hercules MRX Plus IV radials.

The large cabin features white vinyl 60/40 folding front seats, and vinyl and patterned cloth upholstery for the second row. Other features include teal shag carpeting, compass, custom surfboard table, dash-mounted hula girl, and manual steering.

Instrumentation includes an 80-mph speedometer and a fuel gauge. The odometer shows 15,652 miles, though the vehicle title reads mileage-exempt.

The air-cooled flat-six was originally rated at 80 horsepower with dual single-barrel carburetors, and it’s backed by a two-speed Powerglide automatic. An Accel ignition coil has been added.

The undercarriage features drum brakes at all four corners and a single exhaust system.

A total of 11,993 1963 Chevrolet Corvair Greenbriar vans were built for the model year, which means they aren’t very rare. However, the rate of attrition for this type of vehicle is quite high, making this family-style Corvair 95 an interesting find. Additionally, the subject of our AutoHunter Spotlight has received the surf treatment with several water-themed and Hawaiian accoutrements. Tooling around in this will put eyes on you like a million-dollar Ferrari, but this Chevy is available for much, much less. Why not bid and wait for the good news that this van is headed for your garage? Hurry as it ends on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at 11:15 a.m. (MST).

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery

There are several reasons why suits are still the go-to for many special occasions and business environments. Here are two: they can give you presence and confidence. I don’t wear suits often but, when I do, I can’t help but feel a little cooler and slicker. Consider our Pick of the Day the automotive equivalent of a well-cut dark suit. You can find this 2000 Jaguar XJR listed on ClassicCars.com by a dealer in Beverly Hills.

The Jaguar XJ sedan has always been attractive but, if you ask me, the 1998-2003 X308 generation is the best-looking one of them all. With its quad round headlights, sculpted hood, and slim, sleek silhouette, it carried on the slinky, feline styling of its X300 predecessor. Every time I see one on the road, I can’t help but stare at it lovingly, with daydreams of owning one and gliding through traffic soon to follow. The X308 combined that unmistakably Jaguar design with a revised cabin fitted with Connolly leather; burl walnut trim; a new dashboard, instrument cluster, and center stack; and more safety features, among other updates.

Following the release of the XK8, the first Jaguar with a V8, the XJ received the naturally aspirated, 290-horsepower 4.0-liter DOHC AJ-V8. The high-performance XJR was equipped with a supercharger that boosted output to 370 horsepower and 387 lb-ft of torque, as well as a sport-tuned independent suspension. Jaguar paired the V8 with a five-speed automatic—the first ever in a Jaguar sedan.

More than a quarter century after it left Jaguar’s factory, this 2000 XJR still looks dashing with its mesh grille inserts, “leaper” hood ornament, and sporty 18-inch “Asteroid” wheels. I usually find that dark paint obscures a lot of a car’s lines, but the Anthracite Metallic here gives the XJR a sleek, sinister appearance that a powder blue or British Racing Green can’t match.

The interior, furnished with Warm Charcoal hides and generous cuts of wood veneer on the door panels, steering wheel, dash, shift knob, and center stack, has a decadent, club-like atmosphere. If you can take your eyes off that handsome combination of colors and materials, you’ll see features such as a power-adjustable steering column, steering wheel-mounted audio/cruise control/phone buttons, and a 320-watt, nine-speaker Alpine audio system with a six-CD changer.

If you look closely, you’ll also spot that there are only 65,241 miles on the odometer. A car this gorgeous needs to be seen by more people, which means it needs to be driven more. If you want to be the person who adds to that low mileage figure, it’ll cost you $19,750.

Click here to view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com