Mainstream cars have evolved significantly over the years, incorporating advanced features that elevate their luxury feel. Today, many budget-friendly models are equipped with amenities once reserved for high-end vehicles, making them stand out in the competitive automotive market.
The gap between mainstream and luxury cars has narrowed, thanks to innovations in automotive technology and design. Features such as premium interior materials, advanced infotainment systems, and cutting-edge driver-assistance technologies have become more accessible in cars with an affordable price tag.
This article will explore key features that make mainstream cars feel as luxurious as their premium counterparts. We’ll discuss elements like high-quality cabin finishes, state-of-the-art sound systems, and intelligent safety features. We’ll also highlight examples of popular models that excel in these areas, demonstrating how affordability doesn’t have to mean sacrificing luxury.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including TopSpeed.
Related
10
Advanced Infotainment Systems
Interior shot of the dashboard in a 2025 Kia K4
Infotainment screens were first introduced in the 80s, which is a fact that will surprise most. However, it took decades before they made their way into mainstream vehicles. Nowadays, though, infotainment screens have become a major selling point in cars, and even affordable cars have large touchscreens.
Examples of Infotainment Screens in Budget Cars
- Kia K5: Standard 12.3-Inch Screen
- Subaru Impreza: Available 11.6-Inch Screen
- Hyundai Elantra: Available 10.25-Inch Screen
- Nissan Sentra: Available 10.3-Inch Screen
- Mazda 3: Available 10.25-Inch Screen
Infotainment systems have become a focal point for automakers. As cars get newer, they get larger and more advanced screens. These systems come loaded with features that can make an affordable car feel much more premium. This includes features like wireless smartphone connectivity, voice controls, and over-the-air updates.
9
Digital Instrument Clusters
Interior shot of the gauge display in the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
With the increase in infotainment screens in budget-oriented vehicles, automakers have also been getting rid of analog gauge clusters and replacing them with screens as well. A fully-digital dashboard is something that we used to only see on high-end vehicles, but it has now become pretty standard.
Examples of Digital Clusters in Budget Cars
- Toyota Corolla: Available 12.3-Inch Digital Cluster
- Hyundai Elantra: Available 10.23-Inch Digital Cluster
- Volkswagen Jetta: Available 10.23-Inch Digital Cluster
- Honda Civic: Available 10.2-Inch Digital Cluster
- Chevrolet Trax: Standard 8-Inch Digital Cluster
Digital clusters make up part of the digital cockpit, which definitely creates a high-end experience in the cabin of a car. They also improve on analog clusters as you’re able to personalize what is displayed on them. Personalization in any sense is definitely a hallmark of luxury.
8
Advanced Driver Assist Features
Close-up of the steering wheel in the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 6
Driver assists have become much more advanced than they used to be. They can do much more than simply throw up a rear-facing camera when you reverse and warn you when you get close to other cars. The whole task of driving is becoming more automated, even in affordable vehicles.
Examples of Advanced Driver Assists in Budget Cars
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Lane Departure Warnings
- Blind Spot Monitoring
- Automated Emergency Braking
- Traffic Sign Recognition
The above features can be found in a plethora of affordable cars from different automakers. They not only make driving less stressful, but also make the roads safer. Having features that reduce the toll driving has on you by automating certain functions is definitely something that makes affordable cars feel more upscale.
Related
Toyota’s Future Tech Revealed: AI, Fuel Cells, and Next-Gen Mobility
The automotive giant continues to lead the way.
7
Soft-Touch Materials and Leather Upholster
Shot of the front seats in a 2025 Honda Civic Sedan Sport Touring Hybrid
High-end materials make a big difference in budget vehicles. While they’re still reserved for top trims, and things like genuine leather aren’t widely available, it is still impressive that certain budget models even have it on offer. Soft-touch materials make a cabin feel much more plush.
Examples of Budget Cars With Soft Touch Materials
- Mazda 3: Available Genuine Leather Upholstery
- Mazda CX-30: Available Genuine Leather Upholstery
- Volkswagen Jetta: Available Genuine Leather Upholstery
- Honda Civic: Available Leather-Trimmed Upholstery
- Nissan Sentra: Available Leatherette Upholstery
Leather upholstery is not only more comfortable than cloth-covered seats, but it is also easier to clean and has a much greater durability. Alongside this, soft-touch materials used to cover the dash and door panels can give the cabin a more premium look and feel, and ultimately lead to better resale as well.
6
Power-Adjustable Seats
While a lot of new cars are quickly adopting power-adjustable front seats, it wasn’t that long ago when mainstream cars all had manually adjustable seats. Adjusting your seat is not the most difficult task, but having motors do it for you definitely adds a layer of convenience and luxury.
Examples of Power-Adjustable Seats in Budget Cars
- Subaru Crosstrek: Available 10-Way Power Driver’s Seat with Lumbar Support.
- Toyota Corolla Cross: Available 10-Way Power Driver’s Seat
- Mazda CX-30: Available 8-Way Power Driver’s Seat
- Hyundai Elantra: Available 8-Way Power Driver’s Seat
- Hyunda Kona: Available 8-Way Power Driver’s Seat
Power-adjustable seats increase comfort in a number of different ways. It allows you to find the perfect seating position and adjust parts of the seat to best support your specific frame. On top of this, many affordable vehicles are including memory functions, which save seating positions.
5
Heated and Ventilated Seating
Interior shot of the front seats in the 2023 Mazda CX-30Â
The comfort of your seats is one of the highest priorities if you’re trying to deliver a luxurious experience. A big factor in making seats more comfortable is temperature control. This is especially true in markets that are more affected by the weather, with a warm seat being a welcome amenity in the cold and ventilated seats being invaluable in warm climates.
Examples of Heating and Ventilation in Budget Cars
- Hyundai Elantra: Available Heated and Ventilated Front Seats
- Kia Seltos: Available Heated and Ventilated Front Seats
- Honda HR-V: Standard Heated Front Seats
- Mazda CX-30: Available Heated Front Seats
- Chevrolet Trailblazer: Available Heated Front Seats
While heated seats are becoming pretty common among affordable vehicles, ventilated seats are still somewhat rare. Heating and ventilation are generally also reserved for those in the front seats. Despite this, having these features can definitely make the driver feel much more comfortable.
Related
4
Multi-Zone Climate Control
Interior shot of the rear HVAC vents 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 6
We’re all used to having air conditioning in our cars, with it having been around and standard for a long time. However, multi-zone climate control is a whole different ball game. This allows you to regulate the temperature and air flow differently based on where you are in the car.
Examples of Multi-Zone Climate Control in Budget Cars
- Volkswagen Tiguan: Available Tri-Zone Climate Control
- Toyota RAV4: Available Tri-Zone Climate Control
- Toyota Corolla: Standard Dual-Zone Climate Control
- Mazda 3: Standard Dual-Zone Climate Control
- Nissan Altima: Available Dual-Zone Climate Control
The practicality that multi-zone climate control adds cannot be understated. You get to regulate temperature for both you and your passengers, eliminating arguments over how hot or cold it is. This also adds a level of comfort in the rear that used to be reserved for upscale vehicles.
3
Premium Sound Systems
Shot of the removable JBL speaker in the 2025 Toyota 4RunnerÂ
You don’t have to be an audiophile to appreciate a high-quality sound system. The difference that they make over standard sound systems is noticeable by just about everyone. Brands like Bose, JBL, Beats, and even Harman Kardon now make systems for budget vehicles as well.
Examples of Premium Sound Systems in Budget Cars
- Honda Civic: 12-Speaker Bose System
- Mazda 3: 12-Speaker Bose System
- Mazda CX-30: 12-Speaker Bose System
- Toyota Corolla: 9-Speaker JBL System
- Hyundai Kona: 8-Speaker Harman Kardon
Where the brands above used to exclusively make sound systems for upscale vehicles, their entry into the mainstream market has made affordable cars more attractive. There are still some audio brands that are still only found in high-end luxury cars, though.
2
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
Lighting is an element that is often overlooked, especially in the automotive world. Panoramic sunroofs can make a car feel more open and spacious. Natural light has a fantastic effect on our mood. They are expensive to make, though, which means they used to mainly be available in expensive cars.
Examples of Sunroofs in Budget Cars
- Ford Escape: Available Panoramic Sunroof
- Nissan Altima: Available Panoramic Sunroof
- Volkswagen Jetta: Available Power Sunroof
- Subaru Outback: Available Power Tilt/Slide Moonroof
- Honda Civic: Available Power Tilt/Slide Moonroof
Having this element of natural lighting brightens and warms up the cabin, elevating the mood in the cabin of a car. Affordable vehicles have started adopting this option on higher trim levels. Even better is the fact that many automakers are making these sunroofs and moonroofs power-operated.
Related
Mercedes-Benz Sprinkles a Bit of Disney Magic on the Road
Stuck at the charger with restless kids? Time to launch a Bluey marathon.
1
Ambient Interior Lighting
Ambient lighting in the door panel of the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 6
Luxury automakers have been making use of ambient interior lighting for a long time now, allowing you to customize the glow coming from certain panels, selecting whatever color you want. Budget-oriented cars have started adopting this on their top trims to create a pseudo-luxury vibe, largely thanks to the EV market.
Examples of Ambient Interior Lighting in Budget Cars
- Mazda 3: Available 12-Color Ambient Lighting
- Hyundai Elantra: Available Multi-Color Ambient Lighting
- Honda Civic: Available Ambient Lighting
- Ford Escape: Available Ambient Lighting
- Subaru Outback: Available Ambient Lighting
Where sunroofs can improve the mood of the cabin during the daytime, ambient interior lighting has the same effect when it gets dark outside. While your choice of colors may be more limited in the budget segment, it still makes the cabin much more inviting.
