The 10 Most Underrated Luxury Cars and SUVs in 2025
Not every luxury car gets the spotlight but some deserve it more than others. These 10 underrated cars and SUVs combine elegance, performance, and comfort that rival top brands, yet they often fly under the radar. If you value sophistication without the hype, these models are true hidden treasures.
Genesis G80
This thing is the “oh wait, this is nicer than the German one” car, you know? The interior feels boutique, the ride is plush without being floaty, and the tech is classy instead of shouty. People still sleep on it because the badge isn’t one of the usual three, which is kinda the point. Prices are usually around $59,000 to $78,000 depending on trim, and it feels like you snuck into business class with an economy ticket.
Acura TLX
Not gonna lie, the TLX is way better than the internet gives it credit for. Steering has that clean, precise feel, the seats are quietly excellent, and the ELS audio system slaps in a very “I’m stuck in traffic but vibing” way. It’s got a hint of sport without beating you up. Call it roughly $47,000 to $58,000, and you’ll wonder why everyone keeps buying the obvious choices just to be obvious.
Volvo S90
The S90 is like a deep breath in sedan form. Calm ride, seats that actually support your life choices, and a design that whispers instead of screams. It’s for people who like luxury that doesn’t need validation. Figure around $58,000 to $70,000, and you get that serene, light-filled cabin that makes long drives feel shorter, somehow.
Lexus LS
Everyone talks S-Class, but the LS is the silent assassin. It does comfort and reliability and that “nothing rattles ever” vibe like it’s a religion. Maybe it’s not the newest tech circus, but the way it isolates you from the world is addictive. Expect something like $80,000 to $105,000, and it’s the car that makes you early to everything because you didn’t get tired driving there.
Genesis GV80
This is the SUV that makes people go “wait, what is this?” The cabin looks designer, the ride is refined, and the whole thing feels thoughtful down to the way the controls click. It’s not trying too hard, which is rare. Usually comes in around $60,000 to $80,000, and it kinda embarrasses more expensive stuff without saying a word.
Lincoln Nautilus
New vibe, new interior, and those 24-way seats with massage that feel like a cheat code. It’s a lounge on wheels, honestly, with calm steering and noise insulation that makes bad roads disappear. The badge doesn’t flex, which is exactly why it’s underrated. You’re probably in the $50,000 to $70,000 window, and your shoulders will thank you.
Cadillac CT4
Hear me out, the CT4 is small, but it’s scrappy and fun and actually kind of refined now. Chassis balance is sweet, steering is alive, and it’s a rare rear-drive setup in this price slice. The base engine’s fine, the rest of it is the charm. Think around $36,000 to $55,000 depending on flavor, and it’s a driver’s car hiding in plain sight.
Lexus IS
Yeah, it’s not the newest kid, but the IS still looks sharp and feels solid, and the IS350’s V6 is one of those “this is just right” engines. Cabin’s cozy, build quality is classic Lexus, and it’s the long-term relationship type. Pricing tends to sit around $42,000 to $56,000, and it’s the smart buy if you hate service center visits.
Volvo XC90
The XC90 is like a Scandinavian loft that learned to be an SUV. Airy interior, family-friendly without feeling minivan-ish, and it rides with this confident softness that keeps everyone happy. Not the loudest performer, but it’s got class. You’re looking at roughly $72,000 to $81,000, and it still feels special after years, which matters.
Mazda CX-90
Okay, this is the curveball. It’s “near-luxury,” sure, but the interior design, the materials, the way it drives… it’s right there. Inline-six gives it a smooth, grown-up vibe, and the cabin looks like someone cared about texture and color for once. Prices generally land around $40,000 to $60,000, and if you badge-blind yourself for five minutes, you’ll go “oh, this is nice nice.”
