2022 Best cars under $55K

1. Genesis G80 ($54,700)
2. Kia Stinger ($51,290)
3. Kia Carnival ($46,300)
4. Volvo V60 Cross Country ($45,450)
5. Kia EV6 ($51,200)
6. Jeep Grand Cherokee ($54,235)
7. Jeep Grand Cherokee L ($43,520)
8. Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 ($47,950)
9. Genesis GV80 ($50,200)
10. Volvo XC90 ($49,900)

Genesis G80

The 2022 G80, with its spectacular exterior design and opulent interior, establishes Genesis as a true luxury brand. There are two turbocharged engines available: a 2.5 liter four cylinder and a 3.5 liter V 6, both of which offer plenty of power and elegance. While the G80 sits between the smaller G70 and the larger G90 in the Genesis lineup, its interior design is a step beyond both of those cars, as is its infotainment suite. The G80’s creative approach to what makes a premium car premium propels it to the top of a competitive class of luxury sedans that includes well-known names like the Audi A6, BMW 5 series, and Mercedes-Benz E class.

The EPA estimates that the G80 with the base four-cylinder engine and rear-wheel drive will get up to 23 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. The more powerful twin turbo V 6 provides 17 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. The G80 2.5T with all wheel drive achieved 29 mpg on our 75 mph highway fuel economy test route, while a V 6 powered vehicle delivered 28 mpg.

Kia Stinger

Kia’s massive sports vehicle, the 2022 Stinger, wants to compete with Europe’s automotive aristocracy and almost succeeds. When compared to rivals like as the Audi A5 Sportback and the BMW 4 series Gran Coupe, the Stinger has a very similar upmarket look and feel, as well as plenty of driving verve, making it an excellent choice for enthusiasts on a budget.

It shares its underpinnings with the excellent Genesis G70 sedan, but the Stinger hides its roomier interior, increased luggage capacity, and hatchback liftgate under a stunning fastback roofline. There are two turbocharged engines available: a basic 300 hp turbocharged 2.5 liter 4 cylinder and an optional 368 hp twin turbo V 6. Rear wheel drive is standard, however all wheel drive is available for those who want it.

The rear drive, four cylinder 2022 Stinger is expected to have the best fuel economy, with EPA estimates of 22 mpg city and 32 highway. Naturally, the more powerful V6 engine is less efficient, especially when equipped with all-wheel drive, which reduces its estimates to 17 mpg city and 24 highway. While we haven’t tested the new 2.5 liter turbo four on our 75 mph highway route as part of our rigorous testing program, the all-wheel drive, V 6 model we tested earned 26 mpg in that test.

Kia Carnival

Kia’s minivan has undergone such a radical facelift that it now goes by the moniker Carnival. The 2022 Carnival replaces the outmoded Sedona in Kia’s lineup, and its boxy SUV-like appearance is no coincidence, as the Korean automaker hopes to capitalize on the success of its highly praised and popular Telluride SUV. Large wheels, crossover-like dimensions, and distinctive daytime running lights that flow into the grille give the van a luxury SUV appearance reminiscent of a Range Rover. All Carnival models are powered by a 290 horsepower 3.5 liter V6 engine with front wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission. A variety of driver aid features, including automated emergency braking, are standard. The infotainment system is also updated, with an available dual display configuration with digital gauges and a navigation-enabled center touchscreen.

The EPA’s fuel efficiency ratings for the 2022 Carnival are 19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined, which are marginally better than the values for the 2021 Sedona. We haven’t had a chance to put the 2022 Carnival through our 75-mph highway fuel economy test to see how it compares to the Pacifica, Odyssey, and Sienna, but we will when we do.

Volvo V60 Cross Country

2023 Volvo V60 and V60 Cross Country are a unique pair of compact station wagons that may satisfy car owners who want something larger than a tiny hatchback but don’t want to park an SUV in the garage. We appreciate wagons because they ride lower to the ground, weigh less than equivalent sized SUVs, and handle better, making them more enjoyable to drive. If the term “w” conjures up images of dowdiness in your mind, be assured that the V60 models are far from drab. The upscale exterior design gives way to a luxurious interior with numerous technological amenities. Driving enthusiasts with a penchant for wagons will swoon over the hottest Polestar Engineered model and its snappy 455 horsepower plug in hybrid motor, but the standard engine in the V60 Cross Country will likely be more than adequate for everyone else.

The Cross Country model gets 22 mpg in the city, 31 on the interstate, and 25 on the highway. Despite being the lineup’s performance model, the V60 Recharge T8 Polestar’s plug-in hybrid engine is quite efficient, with a fuel efficiency rating of 74 MPGe and a stated electric-only driving range of up to 41 miles. We haven’t had a chance to put the V60 through its paces on our 75-mph highway fuel efficiency test route, but we’ll update this post with details as soon as we do.

Kia EV6

Kia’s first dedicated EV in the company’s history. The all-new EV6 is designed as a crossover for optimum adaptability, with a blend of sports car appearance and interior practicality for optimal utility. The EV6 is powered by an 80/10/10 Nickel-Cobalt-Manganese (80/10/10) battery pack that comes in two sizes: 58.0 kWh and 77.4 kWh. Depending on the setup, you may have up to 320 horsepower, a 0-60 speed of under 4.6 seconds, and an EV range of up to 310 miles (estimated).

The Kia EV6 features all the creature amenities you’d expect from a luxury crossover, with the objective of making the switch to an all-electric car as easy as possible. The UVO link connected car experience, Last Mile Navigation, Meridian Premium Audio system, and comfortable seating for up to 5 people are some of the available amenities. Semi-autonomous driving capabilities with Highway Driving Assist are among the cutting-edge driver-assist features. The Kia EV6 is expected to hit the market in the first quarter of 2022.

Jeep Grand Cherokee

According to Jeep, the 2018 Grand Cherokee sports all-new architecture: It’s longer, higher, and broader, with an even wider track. Non-PHEV powertrains retain the previous generation’s 293-horsepower, 3.6-liter V-6 and 357-horsepower, 5.7-liter V-8, but power for both is down a few horsepower. It’s barely perceptible, although the car has lost over 300 pounds. When compared to some of its mass-market competitors, the Grand Cherokee still seems more substantial on the road, and the driving experience remains mostly intact. Unfortunately, my seating position caused some forward visibility issues, as both the A-pillars and the rearview mirror interfered with my line of sight.

With the V8 under the hood, the Grand Cherokee isn’t speedy, but it feels more than amply powerful and has a great, deep growl. The eight-speed automatic gearbox is responsive and quickly finds the best gear for the scenario. Because of the rear-wheel-drive platform, handling qualities are agreeable, albeit not sporty; most rivals have front-wheel drive architecture and can be prone to understeer, even with optional all-wheel drive. The Grand Cherokee handles turns with ease, if not eagerness.

Future performance variants to replace the previous generation’s SRT and Trackhawk trim levels may pique interest, but none have yet surfaced, and federal fuel economy rules and a shift toward electrification by Jeep parent firm Stellantis may alter the appearance of such versions.

Jeep Grand Cherokee L

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L is a family-friendly adventure vehicle with true off-road capabilities and a three-row cabin. While it is more likely to be used on the road than on the trail, Jeep provides various capability-enhancing features such as an adjustable air suspension, a limited-slip rear differential, and three distinct versions of the brand’s Quadra-Drive all-wheel-drive system.

Even the most basic models have a comfortable and well-tailored inside, while higher-end models provide a complete luxury experience as well as a premium price tag. The Grand Cherokee L emphasizes technology, with a slew of display panels littering the cabin and a slew of driver-assistance systems standard. If you don’t require the third row, the ordinary Grand Cherokee gives the same experience in a somewhat smaller two-row vehicle; we have a separate evaluation for that model.

Mercedes-AMG GLA 35

Mercedes-AMG is the undisputed master of wringing ridiculous levels of power from the well-known turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The Mercedes-AMG GLA 35’s engine is a 2.0-liter unit with a lightweight diecast-alloy block, variable valve timing, a liquid-cooled turbo, and high-pressure direct injection. This configuration generates 302 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. Mercedes-4Matic Benz’s AWD technology and an eight-speed AMG Speedshift dual-clutch gearbox provide power to all four wheels.

Mercedes-AMG has created an engine and gearbox combination that complements each other perfectly. Unlike most turbocharged four-cylinders, which give a short, abrupt burst of intermediate torque, the GLA 35’s twin-scroll turbocharger does an excellent job of blending low to mid-end torque delivery with robust top-end performance, and the factory AMG exhaust doesn’t sound all that horrible when you’re running full throttle. We did notice some turbo lag around the bottom of the rpm range, but once the turbo kicks in, there’s a wide powerband to work with. The eight-speed DCT transmission is a vast upgrade over the old car’s cumbersome transmission, and it feels calm but intuitive in full-auto mode, as well as fast and alert in manual mode.

Genesis GV80

The Genesis GV80, the brand’s first SUV, made its premiere last year. The Acura MDX, Audi Q7, BMW X5, Lexus RX, and Mercedes-Benz GLE are all worthy rivals to the GV80, which sits above the similarly new GV70 in both size and price. But it doesn’t imply you can just copy and paste. Genesis’ approach to the luxury SUV is unique to the South Korean manufacturer, and it’s all the better for it.

The 2022 GV80 features a large shield-shaped grille flanked by quad headlights. Inside, quality materials and conventional seats for five persons are provided. Genesis adds a third row to the Advanced+ trim for a total of seven seats. However, all GV80s are technologically advanced. A big touchscreen runs along the top of the dash, for example, and there are several basic driver aid functions. Higher trim levels also have a clever gauge cluster display with 3D visuals and an information-packed head-up display.

The 2022 Genesis GV80 isn’t a flawless midsize luxury SUV, but it’s a lot closer than you’d expect from a new premium brand. Check out our Expert Rating categories to obtain an in-depth review from our testing staff.

Volvo XC90

The Volvo XC90 2022 is the company’s largest and most costly vehicle. After significant changes for the 2020 model year, we took a fresh look at this three-row SUV. The plug-in hybrid version, in example, went from a hard pass to a must-have in an instant. With first-rate inside materials, a comfortable ride, and an exciting lineup of powertrains, the Volvo XC90 should be on the short list of anybody searching for a midsize three-row luxury SUV.

Of course, there will be some competitors on that list. You should look at the Acura MDX and Infiniti QX60. Both, like the XC90, are family-friendly SUVs with some new amenities and styling as part of their complete 2022 redesigns. The Audi Q7 and Lincoln Aviator are also excellent possibilities. However, the XC90 holds its own and should easily please consumers looking for a large and sophisticated premium SUV.