Buy This Not That: You Don’t Have to Splurge; These 10 Popular Cars Offer Luxury Car Perks for LessYou don't need to pay top dollar to get a top-tier feel. These mid-level trims of popular cars deliver a luxury car feel, pairing premium design and upgraded features with sensible price tags.There are plenty of reasons to drop a few extra grand when the salesperson pushes you toward the range-topping trim of popular cars and away from the base models. Top-shelf luxury cars usually promise better resale value, extra sound-dampening for a quieter ride, a larger sunroof in most cases, and an oh-so-premium sound system. But a growing number of automakers are throwing buyers a bone with mid-level trims that deliver that exact same high-end presence—albeit at a much more sensible price point. These "sweet spot" trims offer upgraded interior touchpoints and tech features of the expensive models, and sometimes even boost curb appeal without the top-tier price tag.AdvertisementAdvertisementIf you're looking for a new ride in a mid-level trim that makes you feel like royalty without costing royal prices, this list is for you.This story is 100% human-researched and written based on actual first-person knowledge, extensive experience and expertise on the subject of cars and trucks.Wait—Don't Base Trims of Popular Cars Deliver Enough Features?I fell in love with the 2026 Honda Pilot. It was love at first drive. – Credit: Kristen BrownThat's a reasonable question. But the answer isn't quite that simple. Depending on the model, the base level trim is perfectly fine. For example, the Honda Pilot's base model, the Sport, was designed to offer more to customers in 2026. All trims, even the Sport, come with a larger touch screen and more standard safety and convenience features, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a 10-way electronically adjustable driver's seat with lumbar support, and leather-trimmed seats. The exterior design is more refined, too. However, what you're missing is still quite a bit. You're not getting the updated sound system, a large sunroof, or sound dampening. Those are saved for the mid-level EX-L trims or higher. If you're a person who doesn't see value in convenience features like that, then a base model will work just fine. But if you feel like you'd miss things like a heated steering wheel, wireless phone mirroring, or a wireless phone charger, then a base model isn't for you. That's where these mid-level trims would come into play.Instead of the Subaru Outback Touring XT, Look to the Onyx EditionThe blacked out accenting with green stitching is fitting for the Ascent and Outback – Credit: Kristen BrownSadly, this only applies to the 2025 model, since Subaru did away with it for the 2026 model. But it's worth mentioning, as used Subarus are still almost as expensive as new models. Last year, I reviewed the Outback Touring XT and loved what you get for $43,000: rich, brown leather, a quick, responsive turbocharged engine, a rich premium sound system, and the legendary all-wheel drive system. AdvertisementAdvertisementThen there's the Onyx XT. It has the same turbocharged engine, a leather interior, and a premium sound system from Harmon Kardon—but it's blacked out (hence the "onyx" name). It has a black grille, black wheels, grille, mirror caps, and door handles. The interior is blacked out, too, with black leather and neon green accent stitching, for a lower price. The MSRP was $39,360, compared to the Touring XT's starting price of just over $42,000.For 2026, the only Subaru with the Onyx package is the Ascent, and it's now the top-tier trim. I tested the 2024 Onyx Edition and loved it for the same reasons: it was less expensive than the Touring, but still had premium trimmings and offerings. Since the used market is hot right now, be sure to put the Onyx Edition on your radar.Jeep's Altitude is On Par With the Summit and Overland TrimsThe Jeep Grand Cherokee fitted with the Altitude Package – Credit: JeepIf you want a full-size SUV with serious valet-stand presence, you might be tempted to climb all the way up to the $60,000+ Overland or Summit trims of the Jeep Grand Cherokee. But Jeep quietly offers one of the best street-style steals in the segment right in the middle of the lineup: the Altitude. On the outside, it sheds the base-model budget look in favor of standard gloss-black 20-inch wheels, blacked-out exterior badging, dark roof rails, and a black grille. Parked side-by-side with a top-tier Summit, the average passerby won't notice a difference in curb appeal—they'll just see an aggressive, blacked-out Grand Cherokee. The illusion continues the second you step inside. Jeep equips the Altitude with heated front seats wrapped in leatherette with suede inserts, a heated steering wheel, a wireless charging pad, and remote vehicle start. While you do give up the Summit's air suspension, massage seats, and real wood trim, you keep all the daily-driver essentials and standard Jeep capability while leaving $12,000 to $15,000 in your bank account. It gives you 90% of the luxury SUV experience for a fraction of top-tier pricing.Toyota's Nightshade Trim Evenly Matches the Platinum Trims, For Much LessLook at what the Nightshade package does for the Camry. I couldn't believe it was just $35K. – Credit: Kristen BrownI won't hide my bias here: I adore the Nightshade trim on every Toyota I've tested. I've experienced it in the new Camry, Prius PHEV, Toyota Grand Highlander, and the Crown. The Camry Nightshade, though, made it feel like a whole new car. It had a price tag of about $35K (thanks to the larger optional screen), but the interior felt much more expensive. I'm not exaggerating when I say I called my husband a liar when he read that the final price was $35K. I fully expected him to say the price was close to $42K. AdvertisementAdvertisementIt had sporty racing stripes on the black leather seats, blacked-out exterior pieces, a rear "spoiler" that made it feel more youthful and energetic, glossy black wheels, and faux carbon-fibre accenting over the glove box to make it feel like a pace car rather than a commuter. I fell quite hard for the Nightshade, especially for the price. And that rings true for all Nightshade models. If you want a sporty, fun, but luxurious drive, look to the Nightshade. It may carry the name of a deadly plant, but the only thing deadly about this trim is how much you'll love it (sorry, I couldn't help that one). The top-tier Platinum or Capstone models lean closer to Lexus quality, with nicer, brighter colors and a quieter ride, but the Nightshade trims offer so much for the price. The mid-level Nightshade trim is also available on the Tundra and Sequoia, too.Hyundai's SEL or SEL Premium Trims Have Microscopic Differences to the Calligraphy TrimsThe side profile of the Hyundai Santa Fe – Credit: Kristen BrownHyundai has earned a reputation for loading even its base models with generous tech, but its range-topping Calligraphy trim pushes into true luxury territory, with higher luxury prices. If you want that plush, high-tech experience without crossing the $50,000 mark, the SEL for the Santa Fe or Palisade SEL Premium is the perfect compromise. From the outside, the SEL keeps the modern, sculpted look of the higher trims without feeling stripped down. Step inside, and Hyundai packs the cabin with durable synthetic leather, dual digital displays, ambient lighting, and wireless device charging. The real magic of the SEL or SEL Premium lies in its creature comforts: you get heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, a heated steering wheel, and a 360-degree Surround View Monitor—features normally walled off behind top-tier paywalls in rival SUVs. While skipping the Calligraphy means passing on Nappa leather, massaged driver's seats, and a synthetic suede headliner, the SEL Premium feels luxe while saving between $7,000 and $9,000.Mazda's Carbon, Carbon Turbo, or Preferred Trims Rival the Turbo Premium Plus ModelsThere's not much to dislike about the CX-5 Carbon – Credit: Liv LeighWe love Mazda for the price-to-feature ratios, and usually, you'll hear us arguing for the top-level Turbo Premium Plus models because they offer so much for their relatively low price, especially on the CX-5, CX-50, and CX-30. But if you're looking for a mid-range trim that boasts the same highlighted features without the elevated price, we recommend the Carbon or Preferred trims. Why? Because the Carbon Edition pairs Polymetal Gray paint with red leather seats, black metallic wheels, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. From a tactile standpoint, key touchpoints feel just as plush as the range-topping models.AdvertisementAdvertisementAnd, if you find yourself aligning with the Carbon Turbo, you get the nicer, upgradable turbocharged engine. If you pay a little extra for premium fuel, the horsepower is boosted to 256 horsepower from 227 horsepower. The Carbon and Preferred editions don't have the turbocharger, but there's still a respectable amount of power and more mileage. Overall, you save around $8,000–$10,000 by skipping the turbo motor and HUD, while still walking away with a car that tickles your fancy for fancy (see what I did there?).I Loved the Flexibility of Ford's ST-Line Over the ST or Platinum TrimsTrust me—she's a lot faster than she looks – Credit: Kristen BrownFord did buyers a massive favor by creating the ST-Line. On the outside, it is virtually identical to the high-performance 400-hp Explorer ST (you can even pay extra for the same engine, if you want)—complete with 20-inch black wheels, dark-tinted headlights/taillights, a gloss-black grille, and blacked-out exterior badging. Inside, you get sport synthetic leather seats with red accent stitching and a Bang & Olufsen sound system. It still comes with Blue Cruise, a steady ride, and an excellent 4WD system, too. So, unless you specifically need the twin-turbo V6 engine (which I absolutely adored on my road trip from Bend, Oregon, to Seattle, Washington) or massaging Nappa seats, the ST-Line saves you roughly $8,000 to $10,000 while looking just as aggressive in the school pickup line.For Ballin' on a Budget, VW's SE R-Line Black Outshines the SEL R-Line TurboThe redesign is quite handsome, and very tech-forward – Credit: Natalie MerolaThe SE R-Line Black for the VW Tiguan is a mid-level trim that doesn't feel like a wide step from the top. VW's R-Line Black treatment transforms the Tiguan from a typical "mom SUV" to something stealthy and sleek. It adds aggressive R-Line front and rear bumpers, 20-inch black alloy wheels, black mirror caps, black roof rails, a flat-bottom R-Line leather steering wheel, and a power panoramic sunroof. And, if you want to, you can pay a little extra for the turbocharged engine that's packed into the SEL R-Line Turbo, for almost $10,000 less. If not, you can save even more money and go with the non-turbo engine, and save on gas, too. AdvertisementAdvertisementFor the Atlas, we loved the SE with Technology when compared to the SEL Premium R-Line for similar reasons. You still get an illuminated badge and light bar in the grille, hands-free open and close rear lift gate, a large sunroof, and parking assist, for $43,730. Yes, the R-Line gives you massage seats, an overhead camera, and a Harmon Kardon sound system, but you're also facing a $54,630 price tag. Don't Gloss Over the Honda CR-V Sport-L Hybrid in Favor of the Sport Touring Hybrid Just YetThe Honda CR-V Hybrid is a sporty-looking compact SUV that is fuel-efficient. – Credit: Kim SHonda added the "L" (Leather) to the Sport Hybrid to bridge the gap between basic and full-luxury. The Sport-L gets 18-inch gloss-black wheels, leather-trimmed seats, a power tailgate, the upgraded 9-inch touchscreen, and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto for $38,725. By going with the Sport-L, you save about $2,500 to $3,000 over the Sport Touring, which starts at $42,550. As a quick, nerdy bonus, the Sport-L's smaller 18-inch wheels (versus the Touring's 19s) actually net slightly better city/combined MPG. Talk about a win-win.There's also the softroad-ready TrailSport Hybrid, which we adored. You get the same 204-horsepower engine, but you leave the lot with all-terrain tires from the factory, rugged exterior looks, and a mud-friendly interior in a fun, trim-exclusive green color with blacked-out exterior pieces. The one major catch, though, is a drop in overall mileage figures. We Love the Kia Telluride X-Pro SX Prestige, But If You're Not an Off-Roader, Check out the X-Line SXBoth the X-Line SX and X-Pro SX Prestige have a lot to offer, but if you're not an off-roader, the X-Line might be for you – Credit: Shannon BassettThe 2027 Kia Telluride didn't just come with a new face. It came with a rearrangement of the whole trim lineup, with the off-road-ready X-Pro SX Prestige standing at the very top, while the luxury-focused X-Line SX is smack dab in the middle. And the prices reflect that difference: the X-Pro SX Prestige starts at $56,790, while the X-Line SX starts at $51,790. The X-Pro gives you a blacked-out, off-road-ready look with all-terrain tires, matte paint (if you want it, of course), off-road software, and an immaculate interior. AdvertisementAdvertisementBut if you don't want to spend top dollar for an off-roader, the X-Line SX trim gives you the exact same visual wow factor as the top-tier X-Pro SX Prestige: dual 12.3-inch panoramic curved displays, a Harman Kardon premium audio system, dual sunroofs, a roomy third row, and ambient interior lighting. By skipping the Prestige badge and X-Pro off-road tires, you pocket roughly $5,000 to $6,000. In exchange, you only sacrifice delicate Nappa leather, a head-up display, and all-terrain tires that most suburban commuters don't actually need. We Won't Blame You For Reaching For the TopSaying goodbye to my 2021 Forester when I bought the 2026 Forester – Credit: Terri MarshallAt the end of the day, top-tier trims exist for a reason, and there's no shame in wanting every single bell and whistle an automaker has to offer. But as these models prove, you don't have to clear out your savings account to drive something that looks and feels premium. Smart buying is all about finding that balance where style meets value—and these mid-level trims hit that bullseye every time.