14 Overlooked Cars That Deserve a Second Look

In the vast expanse of the automotive world, some gems remain hidden beneath the surface, overshadowed by the more ubiquitous household names. These vehicles, with their unparalleled prowess, groundbreaking features, and sophisticated designs, are the unsung heroes of the roads, waiting to be discovered by discerning drivers.

Alfa Romeo Giulia

Image Editorial Credit: BoJack / Shutterstock.com

Alfa Romeo Giulia, an Italian masterpiece, hasn’t recorded high sales compared to its German counterparts. According to 2020 data, it sold only around 6091 units in the U.S. Despite its lower popularity, it offers a robust engine line-up, including a 280-horsepower turbo-four engine, which delivers a spirited performance. Its exquisite interior design, nimble handling, and user-friendly infotainment system make it a highly underrated gem in the luxury small car segment.

Mazda6

Image Editorial Credit: tomas devera photo / Shutterstock.com

The Mazda6 has been somewhat overshadowed by the SUV trend, recording sales of about 21,524 units in the U.S. in 2020. Despite the modest sales figures, the Mazda6 offers a premium interior, a potent turbocharged engine, and a well-tuned chassis that offers comfort and engaging handling dynamics. Its sleek design and high fuel efficiency make it a strong competitor in the midsize sedan market.

Genesis G70

Image Editorial Credit: Tikhomirov Sergey / Shutterstock.com

With a sale of 11,901 units in the U.S. in 2020, the Genesis G70 hasn’t caught on like other luxury compact sedans. However, it’s a hidden gem with a potent turbocharged engine, engaging handling, and a lavish interior. Its lower base price compared to competitors, while offering similar or even better features, makes it a great value proposition.

Kia Stinger

Image Editorial Credit: Mateusz Rostek / Shutterstock.com

The Kia Stinger, with sales hovering around 12,556 units in 2020 in the U.S., is a car that deserves more recognition. It combines sporty handling with a spacious, upscale interior. Its range of powerful engines, including a 365-horsepower twin-turbo V6, and sharp styling position it as a great alternative to more established luxury sport sedans.

Volvo S90

Image Editorial Credit: Roman Vyshnikov / Shutterstock.com

Volvo S90, with sales of around 3,356 units in the U.S. in 2020, offers a rich blend of luxury, style, and safety. Its elegant Scandinavian design, plush interiors with high-grade materials, and an array of safety features make it an attractive yet underrated choice in the luxury sedan segment.

Jaguar XE

Image Editorial Credit: Yauhen_D / Shutterstock.com

Despite its prestigious lineage, the Jaguar XE hasn’t captured a significant market share, with sales significantly lower than its competitors. It offers an engaging driving experience with sharp handling and powerful engine options. Its high-quality interior and sleek exterior design make it a luxury sedan worth considering.

Acura RLX

Image Editorial Credit: betto rodrigues / Shutterstock.com

The Acura RLX hasn’t been a hot seller, but it offers a smooth ride, a spacious interior, and a range of powerful engines. It combines performance with luxury, featuring a hybrid option that delivers power and efficiency. Its sales have been quite modest, which makes it an underappreciated luxury sedan in the market.

Infiniti Q70

Image Editorial Credit: Teddy Leung / Shutterstock.com

Despite its powerful engine options and plush interior, the Infiniti Q70 hasn’t garnered high sales. It features a potent V6 engine as standard, with an available V8 delivering exhilarating performance. It offers a comfortable and spacious cabin, although it has lagged in updating its infotainment system, which might be a reason for its subdued sales.

Lexus GS

Image Editorial Credit: Ovu0ng / Shutterstock.com

The Lexus GS offers a perfect blend of performance, luxury, and reliability. Its sales have been lower than some of its rivals, but it features a potent V6 engine, a comfortable and upscale interior, and a smooth ride. Its impeccable build quality and high-reliability ratings make it an underrated gem in the luxury midsize car segment.

Lincoln MKZ

Image Editorial Credit: Daniel Avram / Shutterstock.com

The Lincoln MKZ has not seen high sales figures but is a car that stands out with its comfortable ride, high-quality interior, and user-friendly infotainment system. It offers a range of powerful engines, including a 400-horsepower twin-turbo V6 in the top trim, making it a potent yet luxurious choice.

Audi A6 Allroad

Image Editorial Credit: Tjasa Razinger / Shutterstock.com

Despite its versatility, the Audi A6 Allroad hasn’t attracted many buyers. This wagon offers a luxurious and spacious interior, with a powerful engine and excellent off-road capabilities thanks to its adjustable air suspension. Its lower sales numbers could be attributed to the general trend of consumers preferring SUVs over wagons.

Cadillac CT6

Image Editorial Credit: lev radin / Shutterstock.com

The Cadillac CT6 offers a luxurious experience with a spacious interior and high-tech features. Its sales have been modest, but it stands out with its potent engine lineup, including a 550-horsepower V8 in the top-performing V series. Its combination of luxury and performance makes it a notable yet underrated choice in the luxury sedan segment.

Jaguar XF Sportbrake

Image Editorial Credit: Grzegorz Czapski / Shutterstock.com

The Jaguar XF Sportbrake is another luxurious wagon that hasn’t found a large buyer base. It offers a potent V6 engine, a spacious and luxurious interior, and agile handling. Its lower sales might be due to a general preference for SUVs, although it offers a compelling package for those looking for versatility combined with luxury and performance.

BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo

Image Editorial Credit: VanderWolf Images / Shutterstock.com

Lastly, the BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo offers a unique combination of sedan-like performance with the practicality of a hatchback. Despite its versatility and the prestigious BMW badge, it hasn’t seen high sales numbers, possibly due to its slightly higher price point and niche positioning in the market. Its potent engine options and high-quality interior make it an underrated choice for those looking for a premium hatchback experience.

This article originally appeared on MyCarMakesNoise.

More from MyCarMakesNoise

10 Prestigious Car Brands That Miss the Mark

Image Editorial Credit: Viktor Prymachenko / Shutterstock.com

Behind the shiny badges and glossy marketing are some brands whose reputation for luxury doesn’t quite match reality. Read More.

20 Cars That Have Faded from Everyday Roads

Image Editorial credit: Rakhmat Darmawan / Shutterstock.com

Once staples of American and European highways, these cars that defined the technological advancement of their ages now have their place as relics of memories in exhibitions and auto museums. Read More.

Top Used Electric Cars That Won’t Break the Bank

Image Editorial Credit: Grzegorz Czapski / Shutterstock.com

In this article, we’ll navigate the exciting landscape of pre-owned EVs, highlighting models that deliver the most bang for your buck. Read More.

Avatar photo

Author: Dave Johnston

Dave is a hands-on automotive technician with experience in performing service, diagnostics, and repairs on domestic and imported vehicles. He enjoys writing and sharing his knowledge far and wide.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *