Discount Deluxe: Four Used Vehicles That Hide a Luxurious Secret

When you start browsing used cars for sale near Pigeon Forge, you might feel like your options are a bit limited. Sure, there are plenty of dependable cars, trucks, and SUVs on offer, but certain features can be a little hard to come by when you’re limiting yourself to the pre-owned market. This is especially true of those high-end touches that really elevate your time behind the wheel, whether it be supple leather upholstery, cutting-edge comfort, convenience and safety tech, or the sort of extravagant styling elements that can have such an impact on a vehicle’s curb appeal.

If you’re in the market for a new ride that feels luxurious without the inflated price tag, it’s time to visit the Rusty Wallace Family of Dealerships. We specialize in connecting drivers with the right vehicle at the right price without skimping on those little indulgences that can make such a difference. Read on as we review some of the best-hidden gems that you’ll find at the Rusty Wallace Family of Dealerships and see just how attainable the luxury experience can be.

2022 Honda Civic

The Honda Civic has been one of the best values on the market ever since it was first introduced over fifty years ago. This efficient compact car is not only Honda’s all-time best-selling model, but it’s also one of the most popular vehicles the world over, with global sales nearing 30 million. While it’s hard to argue with those sorts of numbers, luxury hasn’t historically been the Civic’s forte. That’s a trade-off that most buyers can live with, especially when you consider the compact’s low starting price and reputation for reliability—but Honda has placed an increased emphasis on modern design and premium features with the release of the 11th-generation Civic in 2022.

The Civic starts at less than $25k but has a stylish new cabin that’s nearly indistinguishable from some models that cost twice as much. A full interior refresh sees the Civic graced with an all-new dashboard highlighted by a generous 7- or 9-inch infotainment screen and a honeycomb mesh grille that creates a clean, minimalistic cabin by disguising the air vents. The Civic’s uncluttered look is simple without feeling spartan, eliminating distractions and creating a harmonious interior that goes a long way toward elevating the driving experience.

In addition to its new interior, the 2022 Civic boasts a 10.2-inch digital gauge display and a full suite of advanced infotainment and connectivity tech, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless charging pad, and a 12-speaker Bose stereo system complete with Centerpoint surround technology and SurroundStage signal processing for true high-fidelity listening.

2023 Mazda CX-50

Few automakers have transformed their reputation quite as thoroughly as Mazda. The Japanese brand long trended toward the premium side of the economy segment, but Mazda has made a concerted push to earn the luxury designation with a new slate of sophisticated vehicles informed by the company’s Kodo design philosophy. Translating to “Soul of Motion,” the Kodo approach sees Mazda imbue models like the compact CX-50 crossover with a bold new look inspired by natural forms and traditional Japanese aesthetics. The result is an enticing new SUV that leverages clean lines and premium materials to create an elegant package that’s quickly changing the brand’s public perception.

Just take its available Terracotta leather interior, which is liberally applied to create warm, sumptuous seating that’ll have you looking forward to every ride. An available panoramic sunroof creates a bright, airy cabin, while a 10.3-inch infotainment display gives drivers plenty of room to navigate the latest version of the Mazda Connect interface. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto allow drivers to tap into their favorite smartphone apps, while a premium 12-speaker Bose sound system will ensure the appropriate soundtrack scores your next drive.

These opulent interior touches aside, it’s the CX-50’s potent powertrain that might represent its most alluring feature. The base model is powered by a 187-hp 2.5-liter Skyactiv-G inline-four engine, but the Turbo trims are worth the investment with a 256-hp motor that produces 320 lb-ft of torque to up the SUV’s max towing capacity to an impressive 3,500 lbs. Those looking to embrace the road less traveled can opt for the Meridian Edition trim, which adds a shot of off-road upgrades, including Falken all-terrain tires and the turbocharged engine that’ll have you cruising through the Great Smoky Mountains with a newfound sense of confidence.

2023 Kia Sportage

Kia is on a similar trajectory as Mazda, updating their vehicles, branding, and design to position themselves on the higher end of the market while remaining affordable for the average driver. This ambitious overhaul is reflected in the brand’s new logo, which gives the classic Kia badge a sleek, modern makeover. The compact Kia Sportage has been treated to a similar redesign, shedding its outdated exterior for a bold new design that’s as distinctive as it is ambitious.

A larger body ups this crossover’s cargo and passenger space while a new grille gives the Sportage a unique facade, but it’s the unusual headlights that really set it apart from the crowd. The light might be polarizing for some drivers who are accustomed to a more traditional design, but the willingness to take chances and try something new has long been one of the hallmarks of the luxury segment.

Again, it’s the interior that really sets the Sportage apart with all-black upholstery, an optional two-tone color scheme, and an elegant dashboard that’s heavy on the tech. The SUV’s dual-screen panoramic display is subtly angled toward the driver, giving the screen an ergonomic interface that’ll come in handy when you’re trying to adjust various settings as you commute through Pigeon Forge on the Parkway. The Kia’s available 12.3-inch infotainment display provides crisp, clear graphics and is satisfyingly responsive, but it’s a different control interface that really speaks to the crossover’s luxury credentials.

The Sportage’s climate and audio controls are packed into a slick LED display that can quickly switch between functions. These touch-sensitive controls allow Kia to save a little room and create a tidy dashboard that promotes peace of mind without sacrificing functionality. Other enticing luxury features include a premium Harman Kardon audio system, wireless charger, and a Wi-Fi hotspot that’ll ensure you stay connected no matter what corner of the Volunteer State you might find yourself in.

2021 Ford F-150

The humble pickup truck has come a long way since the first Ford Model T Runabout rolled off the assembly line in 1925. Once reserved for farms, deliveries, and other hardworking applications, pickups have evolved into a varied segment with something to offer every type of driver. Do you need a readymade off-road machine that can tackle the toughest conditions Tennessee has to offer? How about a high-performance supertruck that can hit 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds or an all-electric pickup with 580 hp on tap? Ford’s best-selling F-150 can be all that and more (depending on the variant and trim), but it’s the full-size truck’s luxury résumé that really makes it such a standout in today’s market.

The 14th-generation Ford F-150 was released in 2021 and offers three dedicated luxury trims that can rival any established European brand or American automaker in terms of high-end features. The Lariat represents a well-rounded option that won’t break the bank, offering leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, and power-adjustable front seats with both heating and ventilation while keeping the price under the all-important $50k mark. The King Ranch adds a heated steering wheel to the mix, along with an eight-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo, wireless smartphone charging, and heated rear seats that’ll keep the whole family warm when winter comes to roost in Pigeon Forge.

If you’re in the market for the F-150’s ritziest iteration, look no further than the Limited. This trim fully embraces automation with power running boards, a power rear tailgate, and massaging front seats, not to mention premium leather upholstery, a two-panel moonroof, an 18-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, and a 360-degree camera system that makes parking, towing, and completing that tricky trailer hitch connection easier than ever.

Buying Luxury Cars for Pre-Owned Prices

The Honda Civic and Ford F-150 are already two of the industry’s best-selling vehicles, but the latest generations are packing a few premium surprises that make them well worth a test drive. Mazda and Kia’s compact SUVs might not enjoy the same sort of name recognition, but if it’s been a while since you checked in on the two Japanese brands, you might be surprised to learn how far these two automakers have come in terms of luxury design.

Whether you’re trying to save a little cash, upgrade from your existing vehicle, or explore the latest in automotive tech, there’s something for everyone here at every one of the Rusty Wallace Family of Dealership’s ten locations throughout Tennessee. With such a wide selection to choose from and a fresh batch of quality pre-owned vehicles arriving every week, we are here to prove that you don’t have to break the bank to get yourself into a luxurious car, truck, or SUV.