In the vast world of automobiles, some cars manage to capture all the spotlight while others, equally deserving, remain in the shadows. These underrated gems often offer exceptional value, performance, and features but don’t get the recognition they deserve.
Whether it’s due to limited marketing, overshadowing by more popular models, or misconceptions, these cars can provide a great ownership experience for those who discover them. In this guide, we will shed light on seven underrated cars that deserve more attention.
These vehicles stand out for their reliability, innovative features, impressive performance, and overall value. By exploring these hidden gems, you might find your next dream car that combines practicality with a unique driving experience. Let’s take a closer look at these often-overlooked automobiles and appreciate what they have to offer.
1. Mazda6
The Mazda6 is a midsize sedan that offers a perfect blend of sporty performance, elegant design, and everyday practicality. Despite its impressive qualities, it often doesn’t receive the attention it deserves in a segment crowded with more well-known competitors.
The Mazda6 is powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine, delivering up to 250 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. This engine provides strong acceleration and a dynamic driving experience that rivals more expensive sports sedans.
One of the standout features of the Mazda6 is its handling. The car’s precise steering and balanced chassis make it a joy to drive, whether going city streets or winding country roads. The suspension is tuned to provide a comfortable ride without sacrificing agility, striking an excellent balance between sportiness and comfort.
Inside, the Mazda6 boasts a high-quality interior that feels more premium than its price tag would suggest. Soft-touch materials, leather upholstery, and an elegantly designed dashboard create a sophisticated atmosphere. The infotainment system is user-friendly, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a premium sound system.
Safety is also a strong suit for the Mazda6. It comes standard with advanced safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. These features help ensure that drivers and passengers stay safe on the road.
The Mazda6’s combination of performance, luxury, and value makes it a hidden gem in the midsize sedan category. For those seeking a car that offers an engaging driving experience without compromising on comfort and style, the Mazda6 is an underrated choice that deserves more recognition.
2. Kia Stinger
The Kia Stinger is a high-performance sedan that offers an exhilarating driving experience, yet it remains underappreciated in the automotive world. With its rear wheel drive layout and powerful engine options, the Stinger is designed to compete with luxury sports sedans but often gets overlooked due to its Kia badge.
Under the hood, the Stinger offers a choice of engines, including a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and a 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6. The V6 engine produces an impressive 365 horsepower and 376 lb-ft of torque, allowing the Stinger to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just over 4.5 seconds.
This performance, combined with its precise handling and sporty suspension, makes the Stinger a thrill to drive on both highways and twisty roads.
The Stinger’s exterior design is equally impressive, featuring a sleek, aerodynamic profile with aggressive styling cues. Its low-slung stance and wide front grille give it a bold presence on the road. Inside, the Stinger’s cabin is well-crafted with high-quality materials, providing a luxurious feel. The seats are supportive and comfortable, making it suitable for long drives.
The infotainment system in the Stinger is intuitive and features a large touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Other notable features include a premium sound system, wireless charging, and advanced driver-assistance technologies such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring.
Despite its impressive attributes, the Kia Stinger often flies under the radar compared to more established performance sedans. However, for those who value a combination of performance, style, and luxury at a competitive price, the Stinger is a hidden gem that deserves more attention.
3. Subaru Legacy
The Subaru Legacy is a midsize sedan that combines reliability, safety, and all-weather capability, yet it often goes unnoticed in a crowded market. Known for its standard all-wheel-drive system, the Legacy provides excellent traction and stability, making it a great choice for those living in regions with harsh weather conditions.
The Legacy offers two engine options: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 182 horsepower and a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 260 horsepower. Both engines are paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that enhances fuel efficiency and provides smooth acceleration. The all-wheel-drive system, a hallmark of Subaru vehicles, ensures confident handling and control in various driving conditions.
Inside, the Subaru Legacy features a spacious and comfortable cabin with high-quality materials and a straightforward, user-friendly layout. The seats are supportive and offer ample legroom for both front and rear passengers.
The infotainment system includes a large touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a premium sound system, making it easy to stay connected and entertained on the go.
Safety is a top priority for Subaru, and the Legacy comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features. These include adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. These features contribute to the Legacy’s reputation as one of the safest vehicles in its class.
Despite its many strengths, the Subaru Legacy often remains overshadowed by more popular models in the midsize sedan segment. However, for those seeking a reliable, safe, and versatile vehicle, the Legacy is an underrated option that offers excellent value and performance.
4. Volkswagen Arteon
The Volkswagen Arteon is a stylish and luxurious sedan that combines performance, comfort, and practicality, yet it often remains overlooked in the automotive market. With its sleek fastback design, the Arteon stands out with its elegant and sporty appearance, making it a head-turner on the road.
The Arteon is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 268 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. This engine provides brisk acceleration and smooth power delivery, while the available 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system ensures excellent traction and stability in various driving conditions. The Arteon’s suspension is tuned to provide a comfortable ride without compromising on handling, making it suitable for both daily commutes and long road trips.
Inside, the Arteon offers a well-appointed cabin with high-quality materials and a modern design. The seats are comfortable and supportive, providing ample space for both front and rear passengers. The infotainment system features a large touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a premium sound system, ensuring a connected and enjoyable driving experience.
One of the standout features of the Arteon is its spacious cargo area, thanks to its hatchback design. This makes it a practical choice for those who need extra storage space without sacrificing style. Additionally, the Arteon comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking, providing peace of mind for drivers and passengers.
Despite its impressive attributes, the Volkswagen Arteon often remains underappreciated in the market. However, for those seeking a stylish, luxurious, and practical sedan, the Arteon is a hidden gem that deserves more attention.
5. Volvo V60
The Volvo V60 is a luxurious and versatile wagon that combines style, comfort, and practicality, yet it often goes unnoticed in the competitive automotive market. The V60’s sleek and modern design, characterized by clean lines and a distinctive front grille, exudes sophistication and elegance.
Under the hood, the V60 offers a range of efficient and powerful engines, including a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a plug-in hybrid option. The plug-in hybrid variant delivers impressive performance with over 400 horsepower and excellent fuel efficiency, making it an ideal choice for eco-conscious drivers. The V60’s advanced suspension system provides a smooth and comfortable ride, while its precise steering and responsive handling make it enjoyable to drive.
The interior of the V60 is a highlight, featuring high-quality materials, comfortable seating, and a minimalist yet elegant design. The cabin is spacious, offering ample legroom and headroom for both front and rear passengers. The infotainment system includes a large touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a premium sound system, ensuring a connected and enjoyable driving experience.
Safety is a top priority for Volvo, and the V60 comes equipped with the renowned IntelliSafe suite of advanced safety features. These include adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and more, providing peace of mind for drivers and passengers.
One of the standout aspects of the V60 is its spacious cargo area, making it a practical choice for families and those who need extra storage space. Despite its impressive attributes, the Volvo V60 often remains underappreciated in the market. For those seeking a luxurious, versatile, and eco-friendly wagon, the V60 is an underrated option that deserves more attention.
6. Genesis G70
The Genesis G70 is a compact luxury sedan that offers a premium driving experience, high-quality features, and an affordable price, yet it often gets overshadowed by more established luxury brands. The G70’s exterior design is sleek and sophisticated, featuring a bold front grille, sharp lines, and a dynamic stance that gives it a commanding presence on the road.
Under the hood, the G70 offers a choice of powerful engines, including a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and a 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6. The V6 engine produces an impressive 365 horsepower and 376 lb-ft of torque, providing exhilarating performance and brisk acceleration. The G70’s precise handling, responsive steering, and sport-tuned suspension make it a joy to drive on both highways and winding roads.
Inside, the G70’s cabin is equally impressive, with high-quality materials, comfortable seating, and a range of advanced technology. The infotainment system features a large touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a premium sound system, ensuring a connected and enjoyable driving experience. The interior design is elegant and user-friendly, with thoughtful touches that enhance comfort and convenience.
Safety is also a priority for Genesis, and the G70 comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features. These include adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and more, providing peace of mind for drivers and passengers.
Despite its impressive attributes, the Genesis G70 often remains underappreciated compared to more established luxury brands. However, for those seeking a luxurious, high-performance sedan at an affordable price, the G70 is an underrated gem that offers exceptional value and an enjoyable driving experience.
7. Acura TLX
The Acura TLX is a midsize luxury sedan that combines performance, comfort, and advanced technology, yet it often remains underappreciated in the luxury sedan segment. The TLX’s exterior design is sleek and sporty, featuring a bold front grille, sharp lines, and an aggressive stance that gives it a distinctive look on the road.
Under the hood, the TLX offers a choice of powerful engines, including a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 in the Type S model. The V6 engine delivers an impressive 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque, providing exhilarating performance and a thrilling driving experience. The TLX’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system enhances its handling and stability, making it a joy to drive on twisty roads and in various driving conditions.
The interior of the TLX is well-appointed, with high-quality materials, comfortable seating, and a range of advanced technology. The infotainment system features a large touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a premium sound system, ensuring a connected and enjoyable driving experience. The cabin design is both stylish and functional, providing ample space for passengers and cargo.
Safety is also a top priority for Acura, and the TLX comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features. These include adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and more, ensuring peace of mind for drivers and passengers.
Despite its impressive features and performance, the Acura TLX often remains underappreciated in the market. For those seeking a luxurious and performance-oriented sedan that offers advanced technology and safety, the TLX is an underrated option that deserves more attention.
These seven underrated cars offer exceptional value, performance, and features that often go unnoticed in the crowded automotive market. By considering these hidden gems, you might find the perfect vehicle that combines practicality with a unique driving experience.
