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Best Luxury Compact Cars for the Money for 2025

The best luxury compact cars for the money are ranked based on an analysis of their price and average lifespan, with the top-ranked models offering the longest life at the lowest price.

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The best luxury compact car for the money is the Lexus IS 350 which has the lowest iSeeCars Annual Lifespan Cost. We rank vehicles by how much a vehicle costs to purchase relative to how long the car lasts which we believe is a good determiner of value - the lower the cost, the better the value. The Lexus IS 350 has an average new car list price of $50,619 and an average lifespan of 181,837 miles or about 17.5 years, resulting in an annual purchase cost of $2,899. Using this method, the second best luxury compact car for the money is Audi A5 (coupe) with an Annual Lifespan Cost of $3,606. In third place is Audi A4 which has an iSeeCars Annual Lifespan Cost of $3,929.

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What is the best luxury compact car for the money?
  1. Lexus IS 350
  2. Audi A5 (coupe)
  3. Audi A4
  4. Lexus IS 300
  5. INFINITI Q50
  6. Audi A3
  7. Volvo S60
  8. Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  9. BMW 3 Series
  10. BMW 4 Series (coupe)
  11. Audi S4
Models not ranked yet

The best luxury compact car for the money is the Lexus IS 350 which has the lowest iSeeCars Annual Lifespan Cost. We rank vehicles by how much a vehicle costs to purchase relative to how long the car lasts which we believe is a good determiner of value - the lower the cost, the better the value. The Lexus IS 350 has an average new car list price of $50,619 and an average lifespan of 181,837 miles or about 17.5 years, resulting in an annual purchase cost of $2,899. Using this method, the second best luxury compact car for the money is Audi A5 (coupe) with an Annual Lifespan Cost of $3,606. In third place is Audi A4 which has an iSeeCars Annual Lifespan Cost of $3,929.

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1. Lexus IS 350

#1 of 36 Most Reliable Luxury Small Cars #1 of 32 Best Luxury Small Cars for the Money #1 of 18 Most Reliable Luxury Small Cars Under $50k
  • Annual Lifespan Cost 2899.14
  • Avg Lifespan: 181.837K Miles (17.46 Years)
  • Starting MSRP: 43510
  • Lexus IS 350 for Sale
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
8.3 / 10
  • Reliability 8.5 / 10
  • Value Retention 8.5 / 10
  • Safety 8.0 / 10
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NEW PRICE (MSRP) 43510 - 47585
USED PRICE 33981 - 49331
MPG 22 - 23 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 10.8 cu ft

2. Audi A5 (coupe)

#1 of 6 Most Reliable Luxury Coupes Under $50k #1 of 3 Best Luxury Hatchbacks Under $50k #1 of 3 Most Reliable Luxury Hatchbacks Under $50k
  • Annual Lifespan Cost 3606.47
  • Avg Lifespan: 132.625671875K Miles (15.62 Years)
  • Starting MSRP: 48400
  • Audi A5 for Sale
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
8.1 / 10
  • Reliability 8.0 / 10
  • Value Retention 8.2 / 10
  • Safety Not Available
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NEW PRICE (MSRP) 48400 - 56650
USED PRICE 23551 - 41983
MPG 27 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 10.9 cu ft

3. Audi A4

#2 of 7 Best Luxury Small Cars for Moms #3 of 36 Best Family Luxury Small Cars #4 of 32 Best Luxury Small Cars for the Money
  • Annual Lifespan Cost 3929.45
  • Avg Lifespan: 130.708703125K Miles (12.46 Years)
  • Starting MSRP: 42000
  • Audi A4 for Sale
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
7.7 / 10
  • Reliability 7.7 / 10
  • Value Retention 7.5 / 10
  • Safety 8.0 / 10
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NEW PRICE (MSRP) 42000 - 51300
USED PRICE 21500 - 38436
MPG 26 - 29 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 12.0 cu ft

4. Lexus IS 300

#3 of 8 Best Japanese Luxury Compact Cars #3 of 8 Best Japanese Luxury Small Cars #3 of 7 Best Luxury Small Cars for Moms
  • Annual Lifespan Cost 4319.68
  • Avg Lifespan: 136.7715K Miles (10.72 Years)
  • Starting MSRP: 40185
  • Lexus IS 300 for Sale
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
8.0 / 10
  • Reliability 7.6 / 10
  • Value Retention 8.4 / 10
  • Safety 8.0 / 10
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NEW PRICE (MSRP) 40185 - 46270
USED PRICE 25322 - 42487
MPG 22 - 25 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 10.8 cu ft

5. INFINITI Q50

#3 of 36 Most Comfortable Luxury Small Cars #3 of 30 Most Comfortable Luxury Compact Cars #4 of 8 Best Japanese Luxury Compact Cars
  • Annual Lifespan Cost 4429.62
  • Avg Lifespan: 134.176734375K Miles (11.75 Years)
  • Starting MSRP: 43050
  • INFINITI Q50 for Sale
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
7.6 / 10
  • Reliability 7.7 / 10
  • Value Retention 7.5 / 10
  • Safety Not Available
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NEW PRICE (MSRP) 43050 - 58900
USED PRICE 19849 - 42698
MPG 22 - 23 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 13.5 cu ft

6. Audi A3

#2 of 4 Best Luxury Small Cars Under $40k #2 of 4 Most Reliable Luxury Small Cars Under $40k #3 of 32 Most Affordable Luxury Small Cars
  • Annual Lifespan Cost 4535.28
  • Avg Lifespan: 109.1101796875K Miles (9.27 Years)
  • Starting MSRP: 38200
  • Audi A3 for Sale
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
7.7 / 10
  • Reliability 7.3 / 10
  • Value Retention 7.7 / 10
  • Safety 8.0 / 10
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NEW PRICE (MSRP) 38200 - 40800
USED PRICE 19865 - 35431
MPG 28 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 8.3 cu ft

7. Volvo S60

#1 of 36 Best Luxury Small Cars for Towing #2 of 6 Best Luxury Compact Cars for Snow #2 of 6 Best Luxury Small Cars for Snow
  • Annual Lifespan Cost 4682.32
  • Avg Lifespan: 124.60903125K Miles (10.01 Years)
  • Starting MSRP: 42600
  • Volvo S60 for Sale
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
7.7 / 10
  • Reliability 7.4 / 10
  • Value Retention 7.6 / 10
  • Safety 8.0 / 10
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NEW PRICE (MSRP) 42600 - 51000
USED PRICE 21685 - 41996
MPG 28 - 30 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 11.6 cu ft

8. Mercedes-Benz C-Class

#1 of 36 Best Family Luxury Small Cars #1 of 36 Best Luxury Small Cars #1 of 36 Best Luxury Small Cars for Tall People
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
8.4 / 10
  • Reliability 7.5 / 10
  • Value Retention 7.6 / 10
  • Safety 10 / 10
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NEW PRICE (MSRP) 48450 - 62500
USED PRICE 23564 - 55030
MPG 22 - 29 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 11.6 cu ft

9. BMW 3 Series

#5 of 36 Best Family Luxury Small Cars #7 of 7 Best Luxury Small Cars for Moms #9 of 36 Best Performance Luxury Small Cars
  • Annual Lifespan Cost 5540.12
  • Avg Lifespan: 92.8081875K Miles (10.07 Years)
  • Starting MSRP: 47500
  • BMW 3 Series for Sale
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
7.7 / 10
  • Reliability 7.3 / 10
  • Value Retention 7.7 / 10
  • Safety 8.0 / 10
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NEW PRICE (MSRP) 47500 - 63700
USED PRICE 21999 - 53313
MPG 29 - 31 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 16.9 cu ft

10. BMW 4 Series (coupe)

#1 of 6 Best Luxury Small Cars Under $60k #1 of 6 Most Reliable Luxury Compact Cars Under $60k #1 of 6 Most Reliable Luxury Small Cars Under $60k
  • Annual Lifespan Cost 5616.34
  • Avg Lifespan: 114.231984375K Miles (11.32 Years)
  • Starting MSRP: 51500
  • BMW 4 Series for Sale
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
7.7 / 10
  • Reliability 7.5 / 10
  • Value Retention 7.9 / 10
  • Safety Not Available
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NEW PRICE (MSRP) 51500 - 67050
USED PRICE 27116 - 57040
MPG 29 - 31 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 15.5 cu ft

11. Audi S4

#1 of 6 Best Luxury Compact Cars for Snow #1 of 6 Best Luxury Small Cars for Snow #2 of 6 Best Luxury Small Cars Under $60k
  • Annual Lifespan Cost 6949.48
  • Avg Lifespan: 115.66565625K Miles (9.58 Years)
  • Starting MSRP: 54900
  • Audi S4 for Sale
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
7.6 / 10
  • Reliability 7.4 / 10
  • Value Retention 7.7 / 10
  • Safety Not Available
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NEW PRICE (MSRP) 54900 - 61500
USED PRICE 32975 - 51834
MPG 24 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 12.0 cu ft

Acura Integra (hatchback)

#1 of 36 Luxury Small Cars with the Most Legroom #1 of 32 Most Affordable Luxury Small Cars #1 of 27 Most Affordable Luxury Compact Cars
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
Coming soon
  • Reliability Coming soon
  • Value Retention 8.0 / 10
  • Safety 10 / 10
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NEW PRICE (MSRP) 33000 - 52900
USED PRICE 25000 - 46620
MPG 24 - 33 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 24.3 cu ft

Lexus IS 500

#3 of 36 Luxury Small Cars with Best Resale Value #3 of 30 Luxury Compact Cars with Best Resale Value #3 of 30 Luxury Compact Cars with the Most Horsepower
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
Coming soon
  • Reliability Coming soon
  • Value Retention 8.5 / 10
  • Safety 8.0 / 10
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NEW PRICE (MSRP) 59170 - 63670
USED PRICE 53809 - 68308
MPG 20 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 10.8 cu ft

Audi A5 Sportback

#2 of 18 Most Affordable Luxury Hatchbacks #6 of 36 Luxury Small Cars with the Most Cargo Space #6 of 30 Luxury Compact Cars with the Most Cargo Space
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
Coming soon
  • Reliability Coming soon
  • Value Retention 7.5 / 10
  • Safety 8.0 / 10
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NEW PRICE (MSRP) 46300 - 56950
USED PRICE 24751 - 48495
MPG 26 - 29 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 21.8 cu ft

Audi A5

#2 of 36 Luxury Small Cars with the Most Legroom #2 of 25 Best Luxury Hatchbacks for Tall People #2 of 3 Best Luxury Hatchbacks Under $50k
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
7.7 / 10
  • Reliability 7.8 / 10
  • Value Retention 7.6 / 10
  • Safety Not Available
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NEW PRICE (MSRP) 49700 - 56150
USED PRICE 54190 - 57494
MPG 29 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 22.6 cu ft

BMW 2 Series

#1 of 4 Best Luxury Small Cars Under $40k #1 of 4 Most Reliable Luxury Small Cars Under $40k #4 of 32 Most Affordable Luxury Small Cars
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
7.7 / 10
  • Reliability 7.8 / 10
  • Value Retention 7.6 / 10
  • Safety Not Available
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NEW PRICE (MSRP) 39600 - 49500
USED PRICE 20902 - 45301
MPG 27 - 30 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 12.0 cu ft

Audi S5

#2 of 36 Luxury Small Cars with the Most Cargo Space #2 of 30 Luxury Compact Cars with the Most Cargo Space #3 of 36 Luxury Small Cars with the Most Legroom
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
7.5 / 10
  • Reliability 7.4 / 10
  • Value Retention 7.6 / 10
  • Safety Not Available
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NEW PRICE (MSRP) 62700 - 70250
USED PRICE –
MPG 23 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 22.6 cu ft

BMW 4 Series

#1 of 36 Luxury Small Cars with the Most Cargo Space #1 of 30 Luxury Compact Cars with the Most Cargo Space #3 of 6 Best Luxury Small Cars Under $60k
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
7.4 / 10
  • Reliability 7.4 / 10
  • Value Retention 7.3 / 10
  • Safety Not Available
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NEW PRICE (MSRP) 50600 - 66400
USED PRICE 26869 - 57320
MPG 27 - 30 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 16.6 cu ft

BMW M3

#1 of 36 Best Performance Luxury Small Cars #1 of 30 Luxury Compact Cars with the Most Horsepower #1 of 3 Best Manual Transmission Luxury Small Cars
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
7.3 / 10
  • Reliability 7.0 / 10
  • Value Retention 7.5 / 10
  • Safety Not Available
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NEW PRICE (MSRP) 78400 - 87700
USED PRICE 65913 - 101999
MPG 18 - 19 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 16.9 cu ft

Lexus RC 300

#1 of 36 Luxury Small Cars with Best Resale Value #1 of 36 Most Comfortable Luxury Small Cars #1 of 32 Most Comfortable Luxury Coupes
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
Coming soon
  • Reliability Coming soon
  • Value Retention 8.8 / 10
  • Safety Not Available
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NEW PRICE (MSRP) 45270 - 52180
USED PRICE 27397 - 47139
MPG 22 - 25 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 10.4 cu ft

Lexus RC 350

#2 of 36 Luxury Small Cars with Best Resale Value #2 of 36 Most Comfortable Luxury Small Cars #2 of 32 Most Comfortable Luxury Coupes
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
Coming soon
  • Reliability Coming soon
  • Value Retention 8.8 / 10
  • Safety Not Available
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NEW PRICE (MSRP) 48200 - 54545
USED PRICE 31859 - 54981
MPG 22 - 23 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 10.4 cu ft

Cadillac CT4

#2 of 32 Most Affordable Luxury Small Cars #2 of 27 Most Affordable Luxury Compact Cars #8 of 36 Luxury Small Cars with Best Resale Value
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
Coming soon
  • Reliability Coming soon
  • Value Retention 8.3 / 10
  • Safety Not Available
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NEW PRICE (MSRP) 35600 - 45800
USED PRICE 22691 - 40974
MPG 24 - 26 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 10.7 cu ft

Cadillac CT4-V

#3 of 36 Best Performance Luxury Small Cars #4 of 30 Luxury Compact Cars with the Most Horsepower #5 of 36 Luxury Small Cars with the Most Horsepower
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
Coming soon
  • Reliability Coming soon
  • Value Retention 8.3 / 10
  • Safety Not Available
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NEW PRICE (MSRP) 50000 - 62700
USED PRICE 31590 - 69000
MPG 18 - 23 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 10.7 cu ft

Genesis G70

#5 of 30 Best Luxury Compact Cars for Tall People #7 of 36 Best Luxury Small Cars for Tall People #8 of 36 Most Comfortable Luxury Small Cars
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
Coming soon
  • Reliability Coming soon
  • Value Retention 7.9 / 10
  • Safety Not Available
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NEW PRICE (MSRP) 42850 - 55000
USED PRICE 22998 - 45322
MPG 19 - 24 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 10.5 cu ft

Audi RS 5 Sportback

#4 of 36 Luxury Small Cars with the Most Cargo Space #4 of 30 Luxury Compact Cars with the Most Cargo Space #5 of 30 Luxury Compact Cars with the Most Horsepower
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
Coming soon
  • Reliability Coming soon
  • Value Retention 7.7 / 10
  • Safety Not Available
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NEW PRICE (MSRP) 79900
USED PRICE 51995 - 81695
MPG 20 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 21.8 cu ft

Audi S5 Sportback

#5 of 36 Luxury Small Cars with the Most Cargo Space #5 of 30 Luxury Compact Cars with the Most Cargo Space #6 of 25 Luxury Hatchbacks with the Most Cargo Space
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
Coming soon
  • Reliability Coming soon
  • Value Retention 7.7 / 10
  • Safety Not Available
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NEW PRICE (MSRP) 57900 - 64500
USED PRICE 36620 - 59480
MPG 23 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 21.8 cu ft

Alfa Romeo Giulia

#11 of 27 Most Affordable Luxury Compact Cars #12 of 32 Most Affordable Luxury Small Cars #13 of 30 Best Luxury Compact Cars for Tall People
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
Coming soon
  • Reliability Coming soon
  • Value Retention 7.4 / 10
  • Safety Not Available
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NEW PRICE (MSRP) 43995 - 51995
USED PRICE 18936 - 50348
MPG 26 - 27 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 13.4 cu ft

Related Rankings

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Most Affordable Luxury Compact Cars

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Most Comfortable Luxury Compact Cars

Luxury Compact Cars with the Most Horsepower

Luxury Compact Cars with the Most Cargo Space

Most Reliable Luxury Compact Cars

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How We Rank These Cars

The Best Cars for the Money list ranks cars by their annual cost, which compares the purchase price of the car against how long the car lasts. We believe this is a good determiner of value--the lower the annual cost, the better the value.

iSeeCars analyzed millions of cars to determine how long each car can last. Then we calculated the annual cost over the lifespan for each vehicle. In the event two or more vehicles have the same annual cost, we use iSeeCars proprietary rating of the overall quality of the car (iSeeCars Score) to break the tie.

The overall iSeeCars Score is an analysis of three factors: reliability, resale value and safety. It is calculated based on the latest research and analysis by our data science team. The data analysis comes from over 12 million new and used vehicles in our Longest-Lasting Cars and 5-Year Depreciation Studies, combined with NHTSA and IIHS Safety Ratings.

Vehicles are scored in three categories:

Reliability

The reliability score represents an analysis of iSeeCars' proprietary research on the longest-lasting vehicles.

Value Retention

The value retention score is based on our data science team's statistical analysis and prediction of 5-year depreciation from MSRP to determine which cars hold their value best, using US Bureau of Labor Statistics data to adjust for inflation.

Safety

The safety score is calculated based on the last five years of crash test ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and incorporates the latest Top Safety Pick information from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).