The word "luxurious" is typically synonymous with "expensive," but in today's automotive market, there are more options than ever that offer consumers the look and feel of luxury without the hefty price tag.

Cars.com compared dozens of cars in different body styles to develop their list of the best luxury impersonators available for under $30,000.

"Most automakers have upgraded the interiors in their cars so even the bottom trim levels in most cars have a more upscale look and feel," said Cars.com editor in chief Patrick Olsen. "When you start getting into higher trim levels, consumers might be surprised by the type of luxury features they can find for less than $30,000."

2008 Volkswagen Jetta

Premium features like one-touch power windows and mirror-integrated turn signals are the stuff of big-league luxury cars, and they put the Jetta a cut above a Civic or Corolla. The Jetta SE, with a price tag of $19,850, gets a moonroof, 16-inch wheels, a 10-speaker stereo and heated leather seats.

2008 Mazda3

Like the Jetta, the Mazda3 is another car that feels richer than its compact size suggests. The Mazda3 emphasizes sportiness, not luxury. However, the dashboard's contrasting textures look suitable enough. The Grand Touring trim's -- at $20,195 -- has perforated leather seats that feel rich for a $20,000 car. The Grand Touring also gives heated seats and automatic climate control.

2008 Chevrolet Malibu

When you equip the new Malibu with leather seats, like in the 2LT package at $22,485, the entire interior seems to move up a notch on the luxury scale. Seventeen-inch wheels and heated seats are also part of the deal, while the Malibu's bold grille and European styling outside really make it stand out in the midsize market. The more expensive LTZ package's leather seats are nicer than the 2LT's, but most people won't mind this midrange trim level.

2008 Honda Accord

Swap the Honda emblem for an Acura logo, and some passengers might think the latest Accord comes from Honda's luxury division. The EX model's 190-horsepower engine feels refined enough for a premium car, but we'd bump up to the leather-clad EX-L, which also has heated seats and dual-zone climate control. The EX-L retails at $25,160.

2008 Honda CR-V

In cheaper trims, the CR-V is a solid grocery-getter. Bump up to the EX-L, its heated leather seats and seven-speaker stereo system, though, and the cabin transforms into something that could pass muster at most country clubs. Interior refinement is on par with the best of the small-SUV crowd, and you can pile on a navigation system and AWD and still stay under $30,000 at $25,500. Honda doesn't, however, offer an upgrade over the CR-V's anemic four-cylinder engine.

2008 Nissan Altima Coupe

The rich leather and its impressive stitching have a sports-car feel, and the dashboard and instrument panel controls are of Nissan's usual high quality. The Altima 2.5 S with the premium package comes in at $25,770. Even adding the quicker V-6 engine, you still come in at $28,270.

2008 Saturn Vue

Saturn's new Vue is the epitome of a luxury impersonator. Finishes of brushed metal and rich leather catch the eye immediately, and even the backseat and cargo area seem high-end. It's probably the most European-styled American car on the road, mainly because GM borrowed the design from its German Opel division. The Vue XR front wheel drive with the premium trim package comes in at $25,875.

2008 Hyundai Santa Fe

The Santa Fe's exterior design borrows heavily from Lexus and Infiniti luxury SUVs. The lines flow smoothly from front to back, and even the grille makes a bold statement -- like luxury SUVs are supposed to do. A smooth, nearly silent ride also makes you think of Lexus' best attributes. The leather isn't the richest out of the group, but other amenities -- from the crisp blue-and-white gauges to the well-finished A/C controls -- create the ambiance you're looking for. The Santa Fe Limited front wheel drive comes in at $28,100.

2008 Buick Lucerne

The Lucerne CXL, which retails for $29,400, may not be sporty, but it is upscale. The dashboard employs GM's latest materials and controls achieve tactile excellence. The CXL offers leather that you'll wish every chair in your home were made of, and, if you can stretch your budget a little more, consider the Northstar V-8 engine. It's relatively effortless to drive and for some people, that's the whole point of luxury.

2008 Ford Edge

If you get a Ford Edge without the leather interior, few people will mistake it for a luxury vehicle. Make the upgrade, though and you're riding in one slick SUV. The bold chrome grille and stylish overall design turn heads, and this SUV's substantial size also adds to the impression that it has a lot of value. The Edge SEL with the premium package comes in at $29,405.