New car prices may be rising, but affordable models are still on the market. In fact, drivers can even find luxury cars with starting prices under $40,000.
Acura's Integra is one of the best affordable luxury cars on the market for 2026. How does it stack up against the Cadillac CT4?
The 2026 Acura Integra is entry-level luxury
Acura's Integra is the brand's most affordable vehicle. It's a premium sport compact with two engine options and a six-speed manual transmission. The Type S trim produces a whopping 320 horsepower.
Starting MSRP: $33,400
Horsepower/torque: 200 horsepower/192 pound-feet of torque
MPG: 29 city, 37 highway, 32 combined
Why I recommend it: I recommend the Integra because it's comfortable, practical, and thrilling to drive. The Acura Integra is extremely affordable for its
segment but still comes with comfort and standard features you would expect from a luxury car.
Four of the five available Integra trims start at under $40,000. This luxury model suits commuters and drivers with small families who also want a sporty car with precise handling. It comes standard with leatherette-trimmed heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and ambient cabin lighting.
The 2026 Cadillac CT4 is an American luxury car with sharp handling
Cadillac's American luxury car is known for its affordable pricing and nimble handling. It is powerful and has a sharp steering response while still providing a comfortable ride for passengers. The CT4 comes in three trims: Luxury, Premium Luxury, and Sport. Cadillac also offers V-Series models for performance seekers.
Starting MSRP: $36,000
Horsepower/torque: 237 horsepower/258 pound-feet of torque
MPG: 21 city, 31 highway, 26 combined
Why I recommend it: I recommend the Cadillac CT4 because it has the handling, driving dynamics, and luxury features to compete with European sports cars, but is much cheaper to buy.
It shares a chassis with the larger Cadillac CT5 and Chevy Camaro, so it's designed for high-performance driving. The CT4 is a good choice for driving purists on a tight budget. Its sporty design is ideal for commuters. It comes standard with a drive mode selector, premium synthetic leather seating surfaces, and a heated steering wheel.
2026 Acura Integra vs. 2026 Cadillac CT4
The Acura Integra and Cadillac CT4 are two of the few brand-new luxury cars you can get in 2026 with starting prices under $40,000. Acura's luxury car is more affordable and more practical than the CT4.
Integra models have 37.4 inches of rear legroom compared to the CT4's 33.4 inches of rear legroom. The Integra is a liftback model with 24.3 cubic feet of cargo space compared to the CT4's 10.7 cubic feet of cargo space.
Acura's Integra is the more efficient luxury car and the Cadillac CT4 is superior when it comes to raw performance. If you want the best budget option with the most cabin and cargo space, the 2026 Acura Integra is the way to go. If performance matters more, the CT4 is the clear choice.
Charles Singh is an Autos Connect Reporter for The Tennessean, part of the USA TODAY Network. Contact him at CSingh@Gannett.com
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Which affordable luxury car is better: Acura Integra or Cadillac CT4?
