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Whether you’re shopping with $75k in your budget or a few thousand dollars more, you’re likely to find some excellent cars under the $100k mark. This price range opens up a world of possibilities to buyers in the US, with high-end pickup trucks, sleek sedans, sporty SUVs, and even performance cars to choose from. But having the money to spend doesn’t mean you want to make a rash decision, so you’ll want to know what the best cars are under $100k. This is a list of the best cars available in the USA for 2024 under $100,000.

1 Volvo XC90 Recharge

The base Volvo XC90 Recharge falls just below the price range of vehicles in this category, but you can quickly spend over $75,000 by upgrading to the mid-range Plus trim and adding an option or two. Regardless of the trim, all XC90 Recharge models have a plug-in hybrid powertrain making 455 horsepower, resulting in a 4.5-second sprint to 60 mph. Being a Volvo, this SUV isn’t focused on athletic performance, though. Its strengths include a sophisticated and comfortable interior, a quiet ride, and distinctive Swedish design, inside and out. Three seating rows are available, and the plug-in hybrid system allows you to cover almost 30 miles on electric power alone.

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Expert Opinion

“Everything inside the XC90 Recharge has a place and purpose. For the most part, the XC90’s interior ticks the boxes for ergonomics and elegance.”

2 Lexus LC Coupe

2024 Lexus LC Coupe

Base MSRP

$98,450

Fuel Economy

16/24 MPG

Horsepower

471 hp

Engine

5.0L V8 Gas

Starting at just below $100k, the Lexus LC Coupe manages to look even more expensive than it is. The exotic profile and concept car detailing are breathtaking, even years since its launch. The LC 500 has a 471-hp V8, and although a base Porsche 911 will easily outsprint it, the Lexus emits the most wonderful roar from that V8. More of a grand tourer than a sports car, the deluxe interior of the LC features arty details and dense, soft-touch materials wherever you look. It is a superb car for high-speed cruising, but although it handles well, it’s not the sort of car that you’ll want to take for track days. The LC’s stunning looks and brilliant V8 equal one of the most desirable cars at under six figures, though.

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3 Tesla Model X

2024 Tesla Model X

Base MSRP

$79,990

Fuel Economy

107/97 MPG

Horsepower

670 hp

Engine

Electric

At $79,990, the Tesla Model X offers a nearly unbeatable combination of pace and practicality. Not only can it accommodate seven occupants, but this fully electric SUV can reach 60 mph in only 3.8 seconds. That performance doesn’t come at the expense of a decent range on a full charge, as the base Model X can cover around 335 miles. The available $7,500 tax incentive further sweetens the deal, and that saving can be used to offset the $8,000 Full Self-Driving package that many Tesla fans consider essential; with this package, the Model X can take over many driving duties. Falcon Wing rear doors and high-tech interior displays keep this SUV feeling fresh many years after its launch, too.

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4 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe

Only the six-cylinder BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe models can be purchased for under six figures, but that’s no hardship when the turbocharged B58 is one of BMW’s best engines. The smooth mill revs eagerly and produces 335 hp, so acceleration off the mark and passing power are good. Both rear- and all-wheel-drive models are available, each served by a refined eight-speed automatic. In Gran Coupe guise, the 8 Series is perhaps at its best. It’s one of the prettiest modern BMWs, while the two rear doors and larger cabin provide enough space for two average-sized adults to get comfortable at the back. Although the interior design isn’t flashy, the GC has impeccable build quality and an abundance of features.

5 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Coupe

As far as performance cars go, there may not be a better deal than the Corvette C8. It actually starts at just $68,300 for the 1LT, which is below the price range of vehicles covered here. However, our ideal specification would be the 3LT with the Z51 Performance Package, which is still good value at under $87,000. At that price, no gas-powered Porsche can match the Corvette’s thrilling acceleration and exotic appearance. It handles well and has exceptional traction, partially because of the mid-engined layout. For Chevy to completely change the design and engine layout of the latest Corvette relative to the previous-generation model – and to get it so right – is a great achievement.

6 Tesla Model S Plaid

A few years ago, the Tesla Model S Plaid would’ve been priced out of this category, but not anymore. A series of price cuts will now get you behind the wheel of a 1,020-hp electric super sedan for only $89,990. In the right conditions, this tri-motor sedan will reach 60 mph in a staggering 1.99 seconds, while the quarter-mile is done and dusted in a similarly outrageous 9.23 seconds. Sports seats and performance brake pads with red calipers also form part of the Plaid’s upgrades, but it looks a lot like the normal Model S besides that, turning it into quite a sleeper. It doesn’t handle with the precision of a Porsche Taycan, but at under $90k, the Model S Plaid is the quickest and most powerful car you can buy in America.

7 BMW i5

2024 BMW i5

Base MSRP

$66,800

Horsepower

335 hp

Engine

Electric

Electric Range

240-295 miles

The BMW i5 M60 is yet another fully electric rocket, although it’s not nearly as quick as the Model S Plaid. Dual motors combine for 590 hp, and with AWD, the first-ever electric 5 Series needs only 3.7 seconds to reach 60. What this car has over the Tesla is a much more impressive interior, with dramatic ambient lighting, quality materials, sumptuous seats, and more toys than anyone will know what to do with. The lower center of gravity in the electric 5 Series actually contributes to more balanced handling, yet it does an outstanding job of cushioning occupants from road impacts. If there is a flaw, it’s that the abundance of new technologies and large interior displays can take some time to adjust to, especially for buyers coming from a 5 Series that’s a generation or two old.

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8 Lincoln Navigator L

Lincoln’s largest SUV, the Navigator L just about slips in at under six figures for the 2024 model year. That applies to the Reserve L, which begins at $98,695, although the $1,995 destination charge alone takes it beyond $100k. Like the Cadillac Escalade ESV, the Navigator L is a behemoth of an SUV and effortlessly swallows passengers and cargo. Even those seated in the third row have enough space, while occupants in the first two rows are treated to exceptional comfort levels. With 440 hp and 510 lb-ft, the 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 is up to the task of getting this big SUV up to highway speeds quickly, and rarely feels taxed by the vehicle’s weight.

9 Jeep Wagoneer

2024 Jeep Wagoneer

Base MSRP

$62,945

Fuel Economy

17/24 MPG

Horsepower

420 hp

Engine

3.0L Twin-Turbo Inline-6 Gas

Jeep now has a legitimate full-size SUV to take the fight to Cadillac and Lincoln. In the case of the Wagoneer, the flagship Series III trim is the only one to cost between $75k and $100k, and it’s loaded with equipment like an adaptive air suspension, heated seats in the first two rows, a power-folding third row, and a head-up display. It has a truly premium air about it, and the Hurricane six-cylinder engine delivers rapid acceleration. Various 4×4 systems are available, giving the Jeep more off-roading ability than rivals, if you need an SUV that can take on dirt roads with confidence. The even pricier Grand Wagoneer is available if you want something that leans harder into luxury and tech.

10 Ford F-150 Lightning

The Ford F-150 lightning underlines how diverse the vehicle options are in the $75k to $100k category; the previous entry in this list is a gas-powered SUV, and here we have a fully electric pickup truck. Even with the arrival of the Tesla Cybertruck, the Lightning is probably the one that’s most suitable for everyday needs, as it doesn’t have any of the Tesla’s compromises (divisive styling, poor rearward visibility, and a lack of user-friendly physical controls). The Ford isn’t as quick as the Tesla, but even the base model’s 452 hp is plenty. Anyone coming from a gas-powered pickup will be blown away by the Lightning’s acceleration. If you can live with the range on a full charge and the reduced towing capacity compared to gas-powered pickups, there aren’t any red flags associated with the Ford. In this price range, the well-equipped Lariat and Platinum are available, both with the upgraded 580-hp output.

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Best Of The Rest

2024 Genesis GV80

Base MSRP

$57,700

Fuel Economy

20/24 MPG

Horsepower

300 hp

Engine

2.5L Turbo Inline-4 Gas

2024 BMW X7

Base MSRP

$81,900

Fuel Economy

21/25 MPG

Horsepower

375 hp

Engine

3.0L Turbo Inline-6 Gas

2024 Lexus LX

Base MSRP

$92,915

Horsepower

409 hp

Engine

3.4L Twin-Turbo V6 Gas

2024 Lexus TX

Base MSRP

$53,700

Fuel Economy

21/27 MPG

Horsepower

275 hp

Engine

2.4L Turbo Inline-4 Gas

2024 Jaguar F-Pace SVR

Base MSRP

$91,900

Fuel Economy

15/21 MPG

Horsepower

542 hp

Engine

5.0L Supercharged V8 Gas

2024 Lincoln Navigator

Base MSRP

$82,765

Fuel Economy

16/22 MPG

Horsepower

440 hp

Engine

3.5L Twin-Turbo V6 Gas

2024 BMW X5

Base MSRP

$65,200

Fuel Economy

23/27 MPG

Horsepower

375 hp

Engine

3.0L Turbo Inline-6 Gas

2024 Porsche Cayenne

Base MSRP

$79,200

Fuel Economy

17/23 MPG

Horsepower

348 hp

Engine

3.0L Turbo V6 Gas

2024 BMW X6

Base MSRP

$73,900

Fuel Economy

23/26 MPG

Horsepower

375 hp

Engine

3.0L Turbo Inline-6 Gas

2024 Audi RS5 Coupe

Base MSRP

$79,600

Fuel Economy

18/25/21 mpg

Horsepower

444 hp

Engine

2.9L Twin-Turbo V6 Gas

2024 Lexus LS

Base MSRP

$79,335

Fuel Economy

18/29 MPG

Horsepower

416 hp

Engine

3.4L Twin-Turbo V6 Gas

2024 Lincoln Aviator

Base MSRP

$53,340

Fuel Economy

18/26 MPG

Horsepower

400 hp

Engine

3.0L Twin-Turbo V6 Gas

2024 Audi A8

Base MSRP

$90,900

Fuel Economy

19/28 MPG

Horsepower

335 hp

Engine

3.0L Turbo V6 Gas

2024 BMW iX

Base MSRP

$87,100

Fuel Economy

83/82 MPG

Horsepower

516 hp

Engine

Electric

2024 Ram 3500

Base MSRP

$49,980

Fuel Economy

TBC

Horsepower

410 hp (V8) | 370 hp (I6 Diesel) | 420 hp (High-Output I6 Diesel)

Engine

6.4L V8 Gas | 6.7L I6 Turbodiesel

2024 BMW 7 Series

Base MSRP

$96,400

Fuel Economy

25/31 MPG

Horsepower

375 hp

Engine

3.0L Turbo Inline-6 Gas

2024 GMC Yukon

Base MSRP

$58,200

Fuel Economy

15/20 MPG

Horsepower

355 hp

Engine

5.3L V8 Gas

2024 Ram 2500

Base MSRP

$47,740

Fuel Economy

TBC

Horsepower

410 hp (V8) | 370 hp (I6 Diesel)

Engine

6.4L V8 Gas | 6.7L Turbo I6 Diesel

2024 GMC Yukon XL

Base MSRP

$61,200

Fuel Economy

15/20 MPG

Horsepower

355 hp

Engine

5.3L V8 Gas

Characteristics Of The Best Cars Under $100k

Buyers looking for cars under $100,000 will have a variety to choose from, and at this price point, this includes fully-loaded, top-spec models from mainstream brands as well as numerous premium products from luxury-focused automakers. Here are some commonalities you can expect from the best cars for $100k or less:

• Impressive, reliable powertrains with oodles of power
• Top-rated electric powertrains on offer
• Luxury, comfort, and class are standard
• Gorgeous styling and elegant cabins
• The best safety reviews and a high quality rating
• Brand status and street cred

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What To Consider When Buying Cars Under $100,000

Buying a car is a major investment, and when you’re spending this much money, you want to be sure you’re not making a mistake. Here are some things to consider:

Pros

• The latest, most stylish EVs fall into this price range
• Sports cars and even some supercars start at these prices
• High specification levels in terms of features
• Luxurious and opulent cabins
• Cutting-edge technology as standard
• Potent powertrains

Cons

• High purchase cost
• Status and brand names don’t guarantee quality or satisfaction
• Options may push the price over the limit

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What are the best luxury cars for $100k available in the USA?

Luxury in the form of an all-American SUV costs upwards of $80k for the Cadillac Escalade. If a plush sedan is more up your alley, the BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe starts at around $90k in base specification, while the 7 Series has a base price of around $96k.

What are the best cars under $80,000 with a third row of seats?

Assuming you want to seat passengers in all rows in comfort, the Chevrolet Suburban is a good option. It has tons of space and some of the more premium trims will still cost below $80k. However, you could go for a luxury SUV like the Volvo XC90 Recharge, in which case finishes will be better, but third-row space is less generous.

What sports cars under $80k can you buy in the States?

The Porsche 718 Cayman has a sub-$70k MSRP, while the Boxster variant is just a little more expensive. If you want something a little more aggressive, there is the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray in either coupe or convertible guise, which cost around $68k and $76k, respectively.