Used luxury cars provide an opportunity to drive a premium vehicle for a reasonable price. Thanks to the laws of depreciation, which say that most luxury cars depreciate faster than average, you can buy a used luxury vehicle for about the same price as a regular car. 

The trick is to find the right luxury vehicle, one that’s bargain-priced but won’t cost a fortune to maintain. That’s where U.S. News & World Report comes in. Recently, the organization ranked the best luxury cars and came up with a list based on availability, test scores, and price. The result is seven used luxury cars that are the best options to buy in 2022. 

7. 2019 Genesis G70

2019 was the first year of the Genesis G70, and it immediately put other luxury car brands on notice, reports U.S. News. The luxury car was offered with two powerful engines, a 252 horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder and a 365 horsepower V6. It is a genuinely capable sports sedan with dynamic handling and outstanding performance.   

Other strengths include a wealth of standard features, excellent reliability, and good safety scores. The only drawbacks are a small rear seat and limited trunk space, says U.S. News. However, its main rivals, like the BMW 3 Series and Lexus IS, share similar limitations. Compared to those vehicles, and thanks to a reasonable price, the Genesis is worthy of consideration and should be on any shopper’s list.   

6. 2018 Audi A6

The 2018 Audi A6 was the last model year before Audi switched to the current generation in 2019. That means 2018 Audi A6 models sell for about $16,000 less than the 2019 models, reports U.S. News. However, despite the discount and the fact it’s the previous generation, the 2018 A6 is not yesterday’s moldy cheese. It offers modern features and amenities and was U.S. News’ 2018 Best Luxury Midsize Car for Families award winner.

Like any recent Audi, the 2018 A6 has a first-rate cabin with luxurious appointments and features. Room for five people and a large trunk mean it’s as comfortable as it looks. It also offers excellent performance from a fuel-efficient 252-horsepower four-cylinder turbo and a supercharged V6 or V8 that crank out 340 and 450 horsepower, respectively. Handling is sharp and lively, while the overall demeanor of the car is poised yet relaxed.  

5. 2019 Audi A4

If you like the Audi A6 but want a smaller, used luxury car, you’ll love the A4. Like the A6, it blends strong performance, comfortable interior space, and many luxury and technological features. The 2019 A4 also received an updated, easy-to-use infotainment system and Audi’s Virtual Cockpit, a suite of driver assists that include a forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking.

The A4 offers several fuel-efficient and powerful engines with between 188 and 349 horsepower. Handling is excellent, with a comfortable, well-dampened ride. It lacks some of the dynamic responsiveness of the BMWs or the Genesis G70, but it provides an ideal blend of comfort and performance. 

4. 2019 Kia Stinger 

Use “Kia” and “luxury car” in the same sentence, and you’ll get a few odd looks. But those people probably haven’t driven the Stinger. Not only does it compete well with the BMW 3 Series, but it was good enough to win U.S. News’ 2019 Best Luxury Small Car for the Money award.

The 2019 Stinger is built on the same platform as the Genesis G70 and features the same engine options. It provides lively performance, with good handling and a comfortable ride. It gets top marks for reliability and safety, which includes blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and front and rear parking sensors. 

But the Stinger’s party trick is its cargo capacity. A large rear hatch opens to reveal a large trunk with fold-down seats. The only drawback is the hatch, and the low roofline compromises rear headroom.  

3. 2018 BMW 2 Series 

The 2 Series carries the mantel for BMW sports sedans and is a throwback to the small, fun BMWs of the past. It offers lively and communicative handling with excellent performance, making it one of the best small luxury cars you can buy.

Power options include an efficient 248 horsepower turbo four-cylinder and a pair of turbocharged six-cylinder making 335 or 365 horsepower. Inside, the 2 Series is well-built with a well-designed dashboard layout and comfortable, supportive front seats. The rear seats are a bit cramped, but the trunk is surprisingly roomy. 

In addition to its performance and features, the 2 Series has an excellent safety rating and a good predicted reliability rating. While BMW offers larger, more powerful cars, the 2 Series is the one to buy if you want the most enjoyment and the best bang for your buck. 

2. 2018 Audi A5

As the third Audi on the list, the A5 offers a bit more performance than the A4, while remaining smaller than the A6. It’s also the only Audi available as a coupe, convertible, and Sportback model that combines four doors and a rear hatch. 

The A5 offers the same excellent powertrains as the A6 and combines athletic handling with a smooth ride. The interior is comfortable and luxurious, with supportive front seats and many standard features, including a responsive infotainment system and a comprehensive list of driver’s aids.  

1. 2020 Porsche Taycan 

The best used luxury car on U.S. News’ list is also the most expensive. It’s also the only electric model on the list. Launched in 2020, the Taycan is Porsche’s first electric car. Like all Porsches, it brings excellent handling and a first-class interior and combines it with the stupefying acceleration expected of EVs. 

However, there are a few drawbacks to the Taycan, including overly complex controls and a complex infotainment system. It also has a range of 200 miles, which is less than its chief competitor, the Tesla Model S. However, that should still be plenty for most people.