Top 10 Middle-Class Car Brands (+4 Near-Luxury Ones)
Middle-class car brands manufacture the bulk of vehicles that fill the roads.
Their cars’ affordable pricing and often stronger reliability than premium models are ideal for most middle and upper-middle-class car shoppers, including entry-level luxury ones.
Middle-Class Car Brands
#1 Honda
Besides inexpensive price tags, Honda produces some of the most fun-to-drive cars with energetic powertrains compared to its rival Japanese makes.
Its vehicles often have above-average reliability, and the low ownership costs are a massive upside to owning a Honda.
Plus, Honda is one of the few car manufacturers with CVT (continuously variable transmission), a type of automatic gearbox that improves fuel economy and lowers production costs.
Honda’s standout models that captivate middle-class car buyers are:
- Honda Civic – small sedan.
- Honda Insight – small sedan.
- Honda Accord – midsize sedan.
- Honda HR-V – extra-small SUV.
- Honda CR-V – small SUV.
- Honda Ridgeline – midsize truck.
- Honda Odyssey – minivan. Honda is one of the few minivan makes.
#2 Toyota
The Toyota nameplate is synonymous with dependability and comfort at affordable prices – attributes that appeal to middle-class shoppers on modest budgets.
Rock-solid build quality, impeccable safety, and powertrain efficiency are common adjectives to describe the Japanese company’s vehicles.
Its gas-electric hybrid technology also makes Toyota the leader among hybrid car manufacturers.
Toyota has some of the most recognizable cars in the industry:
- Toyota Corolla – compact sedan and hatchback.
- Toyota Prius – compact hatchback; the king of hybrids.
- Toyota Camry – midsize sedan.
- Toyota C-HR – subcompact SUV.
- Toyota Corolla Cross – compact SUV.
- Toyota RAV4 – compact SUV.
- Toyota Highlander – midsize SUV.
- Toyota Land Cruiser – full-size SUV.
- Toyota Tacoma – midsize truck.
- Toyota Sienna – minivan.
#3 Mazda
Mazda cars and SUVs are probably the sportiest among mainstream car manufacturers, offering a unique proposition for driving enthusiasts on modest budgets that seek fun behind the wheel.
The vehicles’ above-average prices (compared to class rivals) and upscale interiors propel Mazda as one of the go-to upper middle-class car brands.
Mazda does not have as extensive a lineup as some larger Japanese makes, but its vehicles are a joy to drive:
- Mazda 3 – small sedan.
- Mazda MX-5 Miata – two-seater roadster.
- Mazda CX-30 – extra-small SUV.
- Mazda CX-50 – small SUV.
- Mazda CX-5 – small SUV.
- Mazda CX-9 – midsize SUV.
- Mazda MX-30 – small electric SUV.
#4 Hyundai
Hyundai is a market leader in warranty and value-for-money cars.
From a humble beginning producing cheap daily runabouts, the Korean marque has successfully transitioned into designing good all-round performers with impressive fit and finish.
With a model in nearly every segment, Hyundai is a compelling car brand for middle-class families seeking vehicles with attractive designs and loads of features for the money.
Hyundai vehicles offer great value, and they are worthy adversaries to their Japanese equivalents:
- Hyundai Elantra – compact sedan; gas and hybrid.
- Hyundai Sonata – midsize sedan; gas and hybrid.
- Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid – compact hatchback.
- Hyundai Kona – subcompact SUV; gas and electric.
- Hyundai Tucson – compact SUV; gas, hybrid, and plug-in-hybrid.
- Hyundai Santa Fe – midsize SUV; gas, hybrid, and plug-in-hybrid.
- Hyundai Palisade – large SUV.
- Hyundai Santa Cruz – compact pickup truck.
- Hyundai IONIQ 5 – small electric SUV.
#5 Kia
Kia is Hyundai’s corporate sibling and, like the latter, offers competent and stylish vehicles that are big on value.
Although they aren’t as reputable as Hondas or Toyotas, Kia cars continue to impress with respectable performance, thrifty powertrains, and modern design – the perfect qualities for a middle-class automotive brand.
Crucially, Kia products are often the least expensive in their respective segments.
If you seek the most bang for your money, these Kia vehicles will satisfy:
- Kia Rio – compact sedan or hatchback.
- Kia Forte – compact sedan.
- Kia K5 – midsize sedan.
- Kia Soul – subcompact SUV.
- Kia Seltos – subcompact SUV.
- Kia Sportage – compact SUV.
- Kia Niro – compact SUV.
- Kia Sorento – compact SUV.
- Kia Telluride – midsize SUV.
- Kia EV6 – electric SUV; one of the most beautiful EVs.
- Kia Carnival – minivan.
#6 Nissan
While Japanese cars are generally highly regarded by car buyers for their fit-and-finish and reliability, Nissan is a mixed bag with inconsistent product quality.
Nissan doesn’t have as big a stable of middle-class cars as other Asian makes, although its sports cars like the Nissan Z and GT-R are prized possessions among speed aficionados.
Still, Nissan vehicles are worth considering if you can find one in your preferred size and body style.
These Nissan models will suit the average shoppers and small families:
- Nissan Versa – extra-small sedan.
- Nissan Sentra – small sedan.
- Nissan Altima – midsize sedan.
- Nissan Kicks – extra-small SUV.
- Nissan Rogue – small SUV.
- Nissan Murano – midsize SUV.
- Nissan Armada – full-size SUV.
- Nissan Leaf – electric hatchback.
#7 Subaru
Synonymous with inexpensive all-wheel-drive vehicles, Subaru has long been the quintessential middle-class brand for cars with enhanced wet-weather grip and above-average off-road ability.
Subaru cars are typically fun to drive and practical for the average-size family.
The Japanese marque doesn’t produce many models, but they represent compelling picks in their respective classes:
- Subaru Impreza – small sedan and hatchback.
- Subaru Crosstrek – small SUV; gas and plug-in-hybrid.
- Subaru Forester – small SUV.
- Subaru Ascent – midsize SUV.
- Subaru Outback – midsize SUV.
- Subaru Solterra – electric SUV.
#8 Chevrolet
This American company is famous for its iconic fast cars like the Corvette and Camaro.
But still, its expansive offerings, from small cars to the largest SUVs, ensure that the automaker has a vehicle for almost every car taste.
The average middle-class families of various sizes will find appeal in these Chevy automobiles:
- Chevy Spark – subcompact hatchback.
- Chevy Malibu – midsize sedan.
- Chevy Bolt – electric hatchback.
- Chevy Trax – subcompact SUV.
- Chevy Trailblazer – compact SUV.
- Chevy Equinox – compact SUV.
- Chevy Blazer – midsize SUV.
- Chevy Tahoe – large SUV.
- Chevy Suburban – large SUV.
- Chevy Colorado range – midsize truck.
- Chevy Silverado range – full-size truck.
#9 Ford
As one of North America’s big three auto manufacturers, Ford is a strong pick among middle-class car companies.
The Ford Mustang is iconic among muscle car lovers, but its trucks and, to a lesser extent, SUVs are favorites among American drivers.
Ford doesn’t have economy sedans or hatchbacks, but its trucks are some of the best-selling ones in the segment:
- Ford Maverick – small pickup.
- Ford Ranger – midsize pickup.
- Ford F-150 – full-size truck.
- Ford F-250 – full-size heavy-duty truck.
- Ford F-350 – full-size heavy-duty truck.
- Ford F-450 – full-size heavy-duty truck.
- Ford EcoSport – extra-small SUV.
- Ford Escape – small SUV.
- Ford Bronco – small SUV.
- Ford Edge – midsize SUV.
- Ford Explorer – midsize SUV.
- Ford Expedition – large SUV.
#10 Volkswagen
Volkswagen is German and the only European automaker you can consider an upper-middle-class brand.
Still, Volkswagen vehicles are renowned for solid construction, sporty handling, and premium interiors, typically commanding above-average prices than their Asian counterparts.
These Volkswagen cars have plenty of appeals:
- VW Golf – small hatchback.
- VW Jetta – small sedan.
- VW Passat – midsize sedan.
- VW Taos – extra-small SUV.
- VW Tiguan – small SUV.
- VW Atlas – midsize SUV.
- VW ID.4 – electric SUV.
Middle-Class Luxury Car Brands
#11 Acura
Acura is the luxury car division of Honda and a relative newcomer in the premium auto market.
While the German automakers – Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz – dominate the premium segment, Acura is an entry-level luxury car band that targets the upper-middle class with its relatively affordable pricing.
Among its stable of premium cars are:
- Acura Integra – small hatchback.
- Acura ILX – small sedan.
- Acura TLX – small sedan.
- Acura RLX – large sedan.
- Acura RDX – small SUV.
- Acura MDX – midsize SUV.
#12 Lexus
Some may argue that Lexus’s price tags disqualify its cars from the middle-class category.
However, the slightly lower price than its German competitors, impeccable build quality, and superior reliability make Lexus the perfect car brand for the upper-middle class desiring a plush ride.
Though pricier than mainstream cars, the various Lexus models will please with their overall comfort and industry-leading reliability:
- Lexus ES range – small sedan.
- Lexus IS range – small sedan.
- Lexus GS range – midsize sedan.
- Lexus LS range – full-size sedan.
- Lexus UX range – small SUV.
- Lexus NX range – small SUV.
- Lexus RX range – midsize SUV.
- Lexus GX range – midsize SUV.
#13 Infiniti
Infiniti is the luxury arm of Nissan as Lexus is to Toyota.
Though a smaller manufacturer than Lexus, Infiniti has several models worth considering for upper-middle-class buyers.
They include:
- Infiniti Q50 – small sedan.
- Infiniti Q60 – coupe.
- Infiniti QX50 – small SUV.
- Infiniti QX55 – small SUV.
- Infiniti QX60 – midsize SUV.
- Infiniti QX80 – full-size SUV.
#14 Genesis
Not to be outdone, Hyundai launched its upscale brand, Genesis, to compete with Lexus, Acura, and BMW.
Although they are luxury cars, Genesis vehicles – like Hyundai – provide excellent value for money with a competitive ride and many high-tech features for less than the premium competition.
Genesis offers comparable luxury at several thousand dollars less than its German equivalent, putting it within the ownership range of mainstream car buyers.
Any of these Genesis models are worthy competitors in their respective classes:
- Genesis G70 – small sedan.
- Genesis G80 – midsize sedan; gas and electric.
- Genesis G90 – large sedan.
- Genesis GV60 – small electric SUV.
- Genesis GV70 – small SUV.
- Genesis GV80 – large SUV.
References:
https://automobiles.honda.com/vehicles
https://www.mazdausa.com/vehicles
https://www.hyundaiusa.com/us/en/vehicles
https://www.kia.com/us/en/vehicles
https://www.nissanusa.com/vehicles/new.html
https://www.subaru.com/vehicles/all-vehicles.html
https://www.chevrolet.com/suvs