Although SUVs and crossovers have seemingly conquered the market, a large percentage of drivers still appreciate sedans over other body types. However, the top models have five-figure price tags and may not be suitable for budget buyers. If you want a great sedan and cannot afford to splurge, we got you covered. Whether you prefer a daily driver or a performance vehicle, you can find your ideal option among the best sedans under $60K. Check them out and see which one meets your needs better.
The Best Sedans Under $60K
If you’re in the market for affordable sedans that prioritize luxury and performance, then you’re in luck. We have reviewed the best sedans under $60K, highlighting key facts and ratings you need to know. Let’s get on to it.
1. Alfa Romeo Giulia
Thanks to its remarkable driving dynamics, the Guilia has earned a spot among the best sedans of all time. It is a comfortable daily runner with adaptable suspensions that facilitate a drive-mode selector with three unique settings: Dynamic, Natural, and Advanced Efficiency. Inside, you get a spacious cabin for five adults fitted with leather surfaces and faux-suede accents. power-adjustable front seats with heating elements come standard. Moreover, you can opt for a pair of racing-oriented Recaro bucket seats.
On the dashboard, there’s an 8.8-inch infotainment touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital gauge display adorned with a tangible amount of carbon fiber. This car runs on a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 280 horsepower. It pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission to power the standard rear-wheel drive system. This setup is responsive with a precise steering wheel. It accelerates from zero to 60 mph in just 5.7 seconds and roars on to a top speed of 191 mph.
An optional AWD setup is available and bursts from zero to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds. According to the EPA, the Giulia earns 24 MPG in the city and 33 on the highway. AWD layout steals 2 MPG from each driving condition but adds traction. A new Alfa Romeo Giulia ranges between $$43,285 and $53,615. The Quadrifiglio trims feature a powerful V6 engine from Ferrari but cost well over $60K.
2. BMW 5-Series (530i)
The BMW 5-series is a top-class four-door offering a plush ride, performance, and modern styling. It is also one of the best sedans under $60K. The cabin is comfortable, packed with tech features, and offers ample leg and headroom for five occupants. While some previous generations are lacking in performance, recent models offer fantastic driving dynamics.
All 5-series models have a large curved digital panel with a 12.3-inch reconfigurable gauge display and a 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a video game system (AirConsole, which can only be used when the car is parked) are standard, while a head-up display is optional. The 530i’s turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivers 255 horsepower. It gets extra power from a 48-volt hybrid system and pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It is available as an AWD or RWD.
All trims also have a tilt-and-slide sunroof and an automatic climate control system with vents cleverly integrated into the dashboard design to hide them from view. The 530i bursts from zero to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds, and its top speed is 150 mph. Gas mileage for this car is 27 and 35 MPG for city and highway driving, respectively. A new BMW 530i costs about $58,895. Other BMW 5-series sedans are more powerful and have price ranges above $60,000.
3. Lexus IS Series
Most Lexus flagship sedans are famous for blending luxury and comfort. These traits are evident in all generations of the IS. It boasts an athletic chassis and tuned suspensions that can compete with top European rivals. The latest models share three engine trims: A turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder pumping 241 horsepower in the IS300, a 3.5-liter V6 engine with an output rating of 311 horsepower in the IS350, and a ferocious V8 good for 472 horsepower in the IS500. All engines team up with the same eight-speed automatic transmission and RWD system. Moreover, AWD systems are available for all except the IS500.
The IS300 can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds, while the IS350 and IS500 need only 5.6 and 4.1 seconds, respectively. Furthermore, all IS have the same top speed of 143 mph. Regarding gas mileage, the IS300 earns 21 MPG in the city and 31 MPG for highway driving, while the IS350 is good for 20 and 28 MPG, respectively. Adding AWD drops each rating by 2 MPG. Lastly, the IS500 earns 17/25 MPG for city/highway.
All IS cars offer ample head and leg room for five occupants and generous cargo space. The cabin features modern styling and high-end materials. Standard equipment includes Power front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, push-button start, and an 8.0-inch infotainment display. A new Lexus IS sedan costs between $41,360 and $53,050. However, adding the luxury F-Sport package will push the sedans above $60K.
4. Genesis G80 2.5T
Genesis is known for high-end cars. The G80 models feature two engine options in the 2.5T and 3.5T trims. While the V6-powered 3.5T trims cost way above $60,000, the 2.5T trims are among the best sedans under $60K. If you enjoy engaging drives, this car adds swift steering and great brake feedback to keep you entertained. It packs a lot of standard high-end features like a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, ambient interior lighting, a head-up display, and heat/ventilation functions for front and rear seats.
Furthermore, its futuristic dashboard design features a giant 14.5-inch touchscreen for infotainment. You can also use a circular controller on the center console, buttons on the steering wheel, and voice commands to navigate this system. The Smart Park feature helps take the car in and out of tight parking spots. Inside, the cabin offers remarkable head- and leg room for occupants. You also get good cargo space in the trunk.
The 2.5T trims run on a turbocharged 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine that produces 300 horsepower. The all-wheel-drive system pairs with a standard eight-speed automatic transmission. With a top speed of 150 mph, you need only 5.7 seconds to boost this car from zero to 60 mph. According to the EPA, this engine is good for 22 MPG in the city and 30 on the highway. A new Genesis G80 2.5T starts at $55,650. You can also find fairly used 3.5T models that cost below $60,000.
5. Audi A6
The A6 from Audi is one of the best sedans under $60K. It is a classic German sedan that combines luxury and performance. The cabin is roomy and accommodates five occupants. In addition, they get to enjoy power-adjustable seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. Also, you can enjoy a wireless smartphone charging pad, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and a 360-degree exterior camera system without surpassing your $60,000 budget.
A 10.1-inch infotainment display is standard with Audi’s Virtual Cockpit instrument cluster. The entry-level models have a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 261 horsepower. A more powerful turbocharged 3.0-liter V6, good for 335 horsepower, is also available. Both powertrains employ hybrid technology, with a 12- or 48-volt starter/alternator that runs the engine’s stop-start system and other ancillary equipment. A seven-speed automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive are also standard.
The A6 accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds on the V6. It has a top speed of 130 mph. It has good road manners coming from balanced handling, precise steering, adjustable air suspension, and adaptive dampers. The gas mileage for this car is 24 MPG in the city and 32 on the highway for the turbo-four. Meanwhile, the V6 is good for 19 and 28 MPG, respectively. A new Audi A6 will set you back only $58,995 for the base models.
6. Toyota Crown
The new Crown lineup looks like something out of a sci-fi movie. We love it because it features comfort, reliability, fuel efficiency, and affordable pricing. Its raised suspensions and luxury interior make it a top rival for many European models. The cabin is roomy and feature-rich. Eight-way power-adjustable front seats with heat function, dual-zone automatic climate control, and ambient interior lighting are standard. Meanwhile, only top trims offer panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery, and ventilated front seats.
The Platinum model gets Toyota’s Hybrid Max setup, which pairs a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder with an electric motor on the rear axle for a combined 340 horsepower. Meanwhile, other trims get a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that combines with three electric motors to push 236 horsepower. An AWD system is standard with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), but the Platinum uses a six-speed automatic.
The standard setup accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds, while the Platinum does it in 5.1 seconds. Both have a common top speed of 150 mph. According to the EPA, this entry-level hybrid powertrain gets 42 MPG in the city and 41 MPG on the highway. The Platinum dials it down to 29 and 32 MPG, respectively. A new Toyota Crown will set you back at least $42,350, and the Platinum trim can be had for as high as $55,000.
7. Hyundai Ioniq 6
The Ioniq 6 is an all-electric sedan with impressive driving range. It also ranks among the best sedans under $60K. Hyundai rolls this car with a five-seater interior, a striking build, and decent performance features. The entry-level trim is good for 149 horsepower and has a single electric motor powering the rear wheels. You can also get single-motor cars equipped with the Long Range battery pack, which delivers up to 225 horsepower. The higher-end dual-motor versions deliver 320 horsepower and feature an all-wheel drive system. This setup relies on front and rear electric motors and comes only with the bigger battery pack.
The base RWD requires 6.2 seconds to launch from zero to 60 mph, while the AWD top trim does it in 4.3 seconds. Driving range per change for the latest Ioniq 6 ranges between 270 and 361 miles. Plus, the EPA says the car is good for 140 MPGe combined. Inside this car is dead silent, featuring a pair of 12.3-inch displays for infotainment and digital gauges. In addition, key safety features like emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, and more are standard in all trims.
The car’s low center of gravity makes it feel planted in corners. Its steering-wheel paddles allow the driver to select different modes of regenerative braking on the fly. The trunk’s luggage space is decent, but you can fold the rear seats to pack more suitcases. A new Hyundai Ioniq 6 ranges between $38,650 and $51,300, depending on the trim and optional features you prefer.
8. Mercedes Benz C-Class
Sedans in the C-Class look attractive inside and out. They also offer interior qualities and driving dynamics similar to the most expensive sedans. Standard equipment includes parking sensors, a wireless smartphone charging pad, a SiriusXM satellite radio, heated front seats with memory settings, a sunroof, open-pore wood trim, aluminum accents, and a fingerprint sensor to authenticate the driver’s unique profile for memory settings. A 12.3-inch digital gauge display is also standard, with a vertically oriented 11.9-inch infotainment screen.
Every C300 has a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a 48-volt hybrid system to push 275 horsepower under the hood. A nine-speed automatic transmission is standard with an RWD system, and the 4Matic AWD system is also available for improved road manners and quicker acceleration. This car accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds and has a top speed of 150 mph. It delivers fantastic handling with firm and reliable brake pedals.
According to the EPA, the RWD setup earns 25 MPG in the city and 36 on the highway. Adding the 4Matic AWD drops both ratings by 2 MPG. Additionally, the latest C-Class sedans have a wider wheelbase, positively impacting legroom and cargo space. The latest Mercedes-Benz C-class starts at $48,100. It can go up to about $57,200 if you add all optional comfort and performance enhancement features.
9. Volvo S90 Plus
The S90 is a midsize luxury sedan with a comfort-focused interior similar to that of many executive cars. While it may not be top-notch in terms of luxury, its extended wheelbase provides a lot of passenger room. Most S90 trims are expensive, but the base trim is among the best sedans under $60K. The car offers many safety and driver-assistance technologies as standard. Many drivers appreciate the 14-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and massage functions.
Every S90 had Volvo’s latest Android-based infotainment system, accessible via a 9.0-inch display. It also supports Apple CarPlay and offers over-the-air software updates. The Plus trim features Volvo’s 2.0-liter inline-four powertrain paired with a 48-volt hybrid system. The total output is 295 horsepower, and this goes through an eight-speed automatic transmission. Furthermore, an AWD system is standard. The B6 accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 6.4 seconds with a top speed of 131 mph.
According to the EPA, this car’s gas mileage is 22 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway. A new Volvo S90 Plus costs $58,995. However, adding optional features may cost above budget.
10. Acura TLX
Acura’s TLX is a full-size sedan with sticky 20-inch wheels. It is defined by its powerful engine, engaging steering, and dutiful brakes. The interior is spacious and modern, sporting attractive analog gauges and a prominent rotary drive-mode selector in the middle of the dashboard. The cabin is fitted with open-pore wood and real aluminum accents. Leather upholstery, a head-up display, customizable ambient lighting, and a 12.3-inch infotainment system are some of the TLX’s standard accessories.
Many drivers favor the Type S trim because it runs on a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine that delivers 355 horsepower. Moreover, the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine in base trims is not bad for 272 horsepower. Both engines rely on the same ten-speed automatic transmission to power the standard SH-AWD system. This drivetrain shuffles power among the wheels to improve agility and traction. You can also get sports-tuned suspensions in the Type S. The base TLX can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in just 6.9 seconds, while the V6 needs only 4.6 seconds. Both setups boost the same top speed of 155 mph.
According to the EPA, the turbo-four earns 21 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway. The Type S reduces gas mileage to 19 and 25 MPG, respectively. A new Acura TLX Type S will set you back only $46,195. Even the top Type S trim goes for $58,195, which is still below $60,000.
Let’s Wrap it Up…
While most luxury and performance cars are priced above $100,000, many buyers cannot afford them. Fortunately, the market offers some fantastic options that will not push you to break the bank. The best sedans under $60K in our list perform similarly to top models. They rank high in reliability and safety. Some are even versatile enough to compete with SUVs. We are happy to help you find your next car.
