10 Best Sedans under $50,000

2019 Genesis G70 white profile ・ Photo by Genesis

These 10 best sedans under $50,000 appeal to all sorts of drivers. Potential buyers might be pampered, purposeful, style-conscious, value-driven, or eco-friendly, but they may end up all asking themselves the same question: When sedans are this good, why follow the crossover herd? It even could be argued that the current choice of sedans has never been better. Technology keeps improving and fierce competition means buyers are the ultimate winners.

A budget of $50,000 or under offers up many fascinating options - let’s investigate some.

2019 Acura TLX

The TLX competes in the same field as the Alfa Romeo Giulia and BMW 3 Series, but it’s more of a midsize sedan than a compact. With a total of $50,000 to spend, that means the 267-hp V6 version is totally feasible, and why not get all-wheel drive, as well?

The priciest 2019 TLX comes in at $45,950, boasting a double-screen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, all the usual advanced driver aids, leather upholstery, and a sweet-sounding high-end audio system, all as standard. Nevermind that the TLX has a somewhat low stylistic profile. The build quality and reliability more than compensate.

Photo by Acura

2019 Audi A4

Our list is called "10 Best sedans under $50,000,” but the best A4 under $50,000 is not the least expensive. Instead of choosing what Audi calls the Ultra model, with front-wheel drive and a 190-hp engine, plan on spending another $4,600 for the 252-hp engine and all-wheel drive. That would still put the entry-level Premium trim at $42,995, while the Premium Plus remains within reach at $48,495.

For the extra equipment, safety features, and cool 19-speaker/755-watt Bang & Olufsen audio system upgrade, Premium Plus looks really tempting. Although the A4 is a compact luxury sedan, it’s spacious for its class. And tastes will differ, but the A4 is arguably stylish.

Photo by Audi

2019 BMW 330i

A 3 Series always will be one of the best sedans, despite the outgoing generation’s tendency toward a softer driving experience. Few cars have been such a long-lasting benchmark over the years. The new generation that comes in for 2019 marks a return to greater athleticism, without sacrificing comfort.

The 2019 330i starts at $41,245, sporting a perfectly respectable 255 hp, with a lighter crankshaft than before, a new design of shock absorber (standard equipment), a lighter-yet-stiffer body, and several driver aids as part of the package. The new 3 Series premium compact sedan not only covers a lot of ground, but it does so with stunning capability. The 330i goes on sale in March 2019.

Photo by BMW

2019 Genesis G70

It could be argued that the G70 is the first “real” Genesis, since the G80 and G90 are re-worked Hyundai cars. The G70 is the smallest sedan of the bunch, but still exceptionally spacious for its premium compact class. And while its bigger siblings offer great value for the money, their lukewarm levels of driver involvement could deter some buyers.

The G70 turns up the temperature yet retains the enviable feature-per-dollar ratio that is a Genesis attribute. Even purchasing the most powerful 3.3T model starts below $45,000. Selecting some of the few extras still might not breach the $50,000 barrier. And, three years of free scheduled maintenance with a valet service is included.

Photo by Genesis

2019 Honda Insight

The 2019 Honda Insight really does qualify as one of the 10 best sedans under $50,000, not just because its comes in well under our limit. This new generation of Insight hybrid is a compact sedan that’s miles beyond its predecessors. It’s genuinely enjoyable to drive, roomy, has classy materials, and of course, features Honda’s excellent build quality and reliability. On top of that, it’s easy on gas (55 mpg city, 49 mpg highway), and low on emissions.

If our entire car budget was $50,000, we could go for the top Touring trim with leather upholstery, Wi-Fi, dual-zone automatic climate control, upgraded audio, and plenty of other extras, and still have around $20,000 left over for a wonderful vacation (or for investing). It’s not a status symbol, but many people won’t care.

Photo by Honda

2019 Kia Stinger GT

Spending up to $50,000 on a car normally puts buyers into luxury territory, so some might balk at the idea of getting a Kia. But the Stinger is not your sensible uncle’s Kia (especially in GT trim, starting at approximately $40,000).

The layout of a 365-hp engine with rear-wheel drive and a standard limited-slip differential sounds like a performance sedan. That’s exactly what the Stinger GT is (all-wheel drive is optional). Even the styling looks a bit BMW-like, which is probably not coincidental. Generous equipment and warranties accompany performance and handling talents that come tantalizingly close to the European benchmarks, all for a much more reasonable sum. One slight cheat: the Stinger has a hatchback, not a traditional sedan trunk.

Photo by Kia

2019 Lexus ES 350

Many of our 10 best sedans under $50,000 are classified as compacts, but the Lexus ES is a midsize luxury sedan. And this model year launches a new generation, packed with more features and more abilities than ever before.

The traditional perception of the ES has been one of a supremely comfortable sedan built to the usual lofty Lexus build standards and equipped to luxurious levels, but not exactly the most engaging ride. This new model sticks to the first part of that script with a vengeance, and then adds a plot twist by featuring a much more responsive chassis and a lively 302-hp V6 engine. The 2019 ES 350 starts in the region of $41,000. The ES 300h hybrid is only a little pricier.

Photo by Lexus

2019 Mazda3

An all-new generation of mainstream compact sedan (and hatchback) may not excite many buyers with $50,000 to spend on a car. However, Mazda has just quietly revolutionized this class. “Quiet” being the operative word. The level of sound insulation in the 2019 Mazda3 is better than many luxury vehicles. The ride quality is undoubtedly as good as cars costing three times as much.

For those who find 186 hp sufficient and don’t need acres of rear passenger space, the 2019 Mazda3, starting at $12,895, is one of the best small cars available at almost any reasonable price. We don’t have space here to go into detail, but if anyone was thinking of an entry-level sedan from a luxury brand, then consider the new Mazda3, as well.

Photo by Mazda

2019 Mercedes-Benz C 300

This year’s development for the 2019 Mercedes-Benz C 300 sedan, which starts at $42,395, is that it has a boost in horsepower, bringing the total to 255 hp. The new entry-level BMW 3 Series has the same amount. The C-Class has its own set of attractions, though.

Those who prefer luxury, but also demand a well-tuned chassis, will find the C-Class to be close in refinement to the much larger S-Class flagship (except that these qualities are scaled down to premium compact sedan dimensions). Even some of the partially autonomous driving systems found in larger Mercedes-Benz models are now available in the C-Class. This year’s revamp also brings LED headlamps as standard.

Photo by Mercedes-Benz

2019 Volvo S90

The 2019 Volvo S90 just barely makes it onto our 10 best sedans under $50,000 list, since its starting price is $48,345. It’s worth maxing out the budget, though.

For one thing, it’s really spacious. Buyers expecting to drive adults around in the back seat will find that the S90’s 40.4 inches of rear legroom is remarkable for the class. Then there’s all the standard advanced safety equipment, including adaptive cruise control. Plus there's the S90's classy cabin, super-comfortable seats, smartphone integration, digital driver information display, and what many might consider handsome looks. This is a luxury sedan that undercuts full-size offerings from Germany, not just in terms of the base price, but also regarding standard equipment.

Photo by Volvo