Underrated Cars

The Most Underrated Cars — Hidden Gems You Should Actually Consider

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The car hype is always moving at lightning speed. Some really great cars end up getting overlooked. This usually happens because they don’t fit neatly into the usual marketing molds, they lose value quickly, or they just aren’t on the influencer radar. That’s why we’re all about those “underrated” cars. They can give you amazing value, surprising performance, or a fun driving experience without costing you an arm and a leg. 

You know, sometimes you stumble upon some awesome car models that just don’t get the love they deserve. It’s not that they’re bad rides, but sometimes their marketing just doesn’t hit right, or maybe their design is a little quirky. It could also be bad timing or they’re up against a flashier competitor. This happens not only with cars but with all sorts of products out there.

Below you’ll find 12 carefully chosen underrated cars, including both newer models and late-generation used ones that critics rave about and owners truly stand by. You’ll see quick reasons why they’re being overlooked, what makes them secretly fantastic, and some solid buying tips. Plus, we’ve thrown in a couple of handy comparison tables so you can make a wise purchase without any buyer’s regret. If you’re a smart shopper, you’ll definitely want to check these out before settling for something more mainstream. Let’s dive in!

Feel free to read it all the way through or jump straight to the section that catches your interest.

How We Picked Them

We picked these rides based on our own experiences and trusted reviews from sources we trust. These top picks all share some cool features:

  • They deliver more than their sales numbers suggest (handling, comfort, tech),
  • get repeated praise from professional testers but low-profile sales, and
  • are reasonably practical to own (parts/support available).

Our 12 Most Underrated Cars

  1. Volkswagen Arteon — stylish, roomy, and far better to drive than people expect.
  2. Kia Stinger — a true GT with surprising performance and value.
  3. Mazda6 — athletic handling and premium character for a mid-size price.
  4. Subaru BRZ — driver-focused, lightweight, and criminally practical for the fun it offers.
  5. Volvo V60 — compact luxury wagon that checks almost every box.
  6. Genesis G70 — a sporty luxury sedan that punches above its badge.
  7. Buick LaCrosse / Regal family — quiet, comfortable, and inexpensive to own.
  8. Toyota Avalon (late gen) — big-car comfort without conspicuous status-pricing.
  9. Acura TLX — sharp chassis, Honda reliability DNA; ignored next to German rivals.
  10. Volkswagen Jetta GLI — hot-hatch spirit in a sensible package; quietly excellent.
  11. Ford Flex — weird styling, huge interior, surprising utility and longevity.
  12. Hyundai / Genesis G80 (previous-gen Genesis) — luxury comfort at used-car prices.

1) Volkswagen Arteon

The handsome fastback nobody bought

Why it’s underrated: the Arteon blends coupe-roof style with a roomy hatchback boot and composed German chassis tuning — essentially a grown-up sporty sedan without a brand-tax. It’s easy to miss on the lot because it’s not an SUV and VW didn’t market it as loudly as its SUVs. But buyers who test one often leave surprised at how complete it feels.
Who it’s for: someone who wants an elegant daily with more presence than a Passat and far better cargo utility than a conventional coupe.
What to watch for: buyer demand is low so dealer inventory and used pricing can be excellent — but check infotainment software updates and get a full pre-purchase inspection (PPI) for typical VW quirks.

2) Kia Stinger

The overlooked four-door GT

Why it’s underrated: the Stinger puts rear-wheel bias, strong engines and a growly exhaust into a four-door package for well under the money of many European rivals — it’s a performance GT in sensible clothing. MotorTrend and many reviewers called it hugely capable and underappreciated.
Who it’s for: drivers who want BMW-level dynamics without BMW levels of depreciation (or service complexity).
What to watch for: confirm service history and prefer models with the 3.3T engine if you want the full GT vibe; tires and brakes on performance trims are a wear item.

3) Mazda6

The mid-sizer that still drives like an enthusiast’s car

Why it’s underrated: the Mazda6 mixes sharp steering, near-luxury interior finishes, and conservative reliability. It never had the sales buzz of the Accord or Camry, but it rewards drivers with better chassis engagement.
Who it’s for: people who hate “vanilla” midsize sedans and want something that still makes daily driving fun.
What to watch for: late-model Mazda6 examples with turbo engines (where available) may command a premium — otherwise used examples represent tidy value.

4) Subaru BRZ

Light, cheap, and outrageously fun

Why it’s underrated: while sports-car fans love it, the BRZ’s compact, rear-wheel format makes it an odd fit for buyers who need family practicality. That mismatch keeps prices friendlier than you’d expect for its chassis brilliance.
Who it’s for: enthusiasts who want an honest driver’s car that won’t bankrupt them.
What to watch for: earlier NA models have less power (but superb balance). Check for track-use wear (suspension, bushings) if the car’s claimed history includes autocross or track days.

5) Volvo V60

The practical premium wagon people forget

Why it’s underrated: wagons are unfashionable in some markets, which hides gems like the V60 — premium interior, safety tech, and excellent long-distance comfort in a compact footprint. It’s often ignored by shoppers who reflexively pick SUVs.
Who it’s for: buyers who want cargo flexibility and a luxury feel without stepping up to an SUV.
What to watch for: ensure service history (Volvo’s maintenance costs are moderate but not trivial) and verify timing-belt/chain schedules depending on engine.

6) Genesis G70

Luxury with a sporty heart

Why it’s underrated: Genesis undercuts established premium brands with highly engineered cars and generous value. The G70 is a compact sports-luxury sedan that earned praise but still lives under the luxury-radar for many buyers — which makes it a bargain used.
Who it’s for: shoppers who want a Bavarian driving experience for less.
What to watch for: trims with performance options (and AWD) are great, but optioned G70s can wear tires and brakes faster than expected.

The G-70 made its debut in 2018, hitting the North American market in 2019. It got a makeover in 2020 that has a look similar to the second-gen G-80. Honestly, I prefer the original design myself, but that’s just my opinion and we all have our own tastes.

7) Buick LaCrosse / Regal

Old-school American luxury at thrift-store prices

Why it’s underrated: these big-car Buicks gave smooth ride quality, quiet cabins, and often feature-rich content — but depreciation hit hard, leaving smart used-car buyers with cushy bargains.
Who it’s for: buyers after quiet comfortable highway miles without the German service premium.
What to watch for: prioritize models with clean maintenance history. Some GM direct-injection engines may be sensitive to fuel quality and carbon buildup.

The LaCrosse and Regal are built on the same platform so they have a lot of parts in common. The LaCrosse is a bit bigger and feels more upscale, while the Regal has a sportier vibe. No matter which one you go with, you’re definitely getting a great deal for your money.

8) Toyota Avalon

Large-car comfort, Toyota reliability

Why it’s underrated: Avalon quietly gives a Lexus-level ride and build quality without the badge markup. It’s a big sedan for people who value comfort and low hassle ownership.
Who it’s for: long-mile commuters who want relaxation instead of sport.
What to watch for: Avalon is typically very reliable — focus on standard PPI items and confirm firmware updates for infotainment.

9) Acura TLX

Precise chassis, sensible maintenance

Why it’s underrated: the TLX often gets passed over for German names despite offering comparable driving poise and Honda-grade reliability — excellent value used.
Who it’s for: drivers who want a competent sporty sedan without the Euro tax.
What to watch for: ensure proper suspension alignment and check for wear if the car was used enthusiastically.

10) Volkswagen Jetta GLI

Hot-hatch levels of fun in a buttoned-down package

Why it’s underrated: the GLI serves hot-hatch thrills in a four-door, subtle wrapper — people skip it in favor of flashier compacts, which keeps resale down and value up. MotorTrend praised the 2024 GLI as a great unsung driver’s car.
Who it’s for: someone who wants everyday practicality with a sporty driver’s personality.
What to watch for: check for DSG service history (if equipped) and typical VW fluid/service items.

11) Ford Flex

The pleasantly odd long-roof people still adore

Why it’s underrated: odd styling makes buyers look away, but the Flex is superbly practical, roomy and durable — a great value for large families or hauling.
Who it’s for: families who want max interior space without an enormous footprint.
What to watch for: confirm AWD system health, and be conscious of fuel economy — it’s a roomy cruiser, not a thrifty commuter.

12) Genesis G80 / Older Genesis Sedans

Luxury leftover value

Why it’s underrated: older Genesis models deliver high levels of comfort and features for family-car prices on the used market. They’re often overlooked because new buyers focus on current Genesis momentum instead.
Who it’s for: buyers who want solid luxury for much less than a German rival.
What to watch for: check for electronic updates and software patches; higher-trim cars can have more expensive service items.

Buying Tips

  1. Test-drive like you mean it. Underrated cars often reward enthusiasm — flog them mildly on twisty roads to reveal their strengths.
  2. Read owner forums for model-year quirks. A problem avoided is money saved.
  3. Check long-term costs. Sometimes a neglected model has cheap purchase price but expensive parts. Cross-check RepairPal/KBB.
  4. Consider resale vs. enjoyment. Buying underrated often means you’ll pay less up front — sometimes at the cost of resale. That’s fine if you love the car.
  5. Try before you buy. Dealers will let a car be tested; taste (and torque) matters more than the hype.
  6. Do a VIN/title check for salvage, flood, or odometer issues.
  7. Ask for service records — that’s gold when it exists.
  8. Get a PPI that covers the usual suspects for the make (timing service, turbo health, AWD systems, electrics).
  9. Confirm software/ECU updates (VW/Audi family cars often need infotainment/TCU flashes).
  10. Budget for tires and brakes — sporty trims eat rubber.
  11. If buying a European car: verify maintenance schedule and get a local independent specialist’s estimate for next-year service costs.

Note: many “underrated” cars are also cheaper to insure and maintain used because mainstream dealers ignore them — but the flip side is parts time and vendor availability. Always check local parts access before you buy.

Final Thoughts

Underrated cars are like finding a hidden gem before everyone else does. They bring a lot of fun and are usually a smart choice financially. It’s funny how value and character often go in opposite directions. When everyone wants the same popular ride, prices go up and so do expectations. But these underrated cars offer real value in the real world with better driving feel, cool designs like wagons and fastbacks, or top-notch features without the steep price tag.

The twelve cars mentioned really hit the mark – pros rave about them, owners can’t get enough, and scoring one means you’re ahead of the pack. If you’re looking for a tip, go for the one you’d love to drive for hours because that’s where the true value shines. With a solid PPI (Pre-Purchase Inspection) and being mindful of the key maintenance points we talked about, you can snag a car that’s not just useful but also a blast to drive – and you can let others chase the trendy picks.

You might want to take a look at our article on the top used SUVs for under 15K too! It’s worth checking out.

*Disclaimer: This website provides automotive content for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. While we strive for accuracy, we do not guarantee the reliability or suitability of any vehicle or product mentioned—always conduct your own research before making purchasing decisions. Additionally, some links on this site are affiliate links, meaning we may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you.