Jul 25, 2026

20 Car Brands That Millionaires Drive, According to George Kamel

Written by Heather Taylor
|
Edited by Brendan McGinley
20 Car Brands That Millionaires Drive, According to George Kamel

If you think every millionaire drives a Bugatti or Lamborghini, think again.

Most millionaires, according to money expert George Kamel, are more likely to drive under-the-radar vehicle brands than wildly expensive cars.

To determine which car brands millionaires drive, Kamel sourced The National Study of Millionaires. This study was conducted by his employer Ramsey Solutions and surveyed more than 10,000 millionaires to find out how they got where they are today. Key findings reveal the path to becoming a millionaire is often a modest one. Eight out of 10 millionaires surveyed invested in their company’s 401(k) plan, for example. Other takeaways include 57% of respondents using a grocery list when shopping and 62% graduating from state or public universities instead of Ivy League or private colleges.

Ranked from least to most popular in descending order, let’s see which 20 car brands are most likely to be found in a millionaire’s garage. We also looked up some of the most popular models from each brand and sourced their starting prices from Kelley Blue Book (KBB) so you can emulate these high earners and shop for your next car accordingly.

Millionaires can drive minivans, too. The 2026 Chrysler Voyager is one of the more affordable options at $43,390.

One of the cheapest Dodge options is the 2025 Dodge Hornet, a small SUV with a starting price of $31,990.

Jeep may have a reputation for being on the pricey side, but some models are priced under $35,000. A good example is the 2026 Jeep Compass, which starts at $31,330 and has been praised by KBB as one of the least expensive Jeeps on the market.

Want to treat yourself to a convertible? You can do it for $31,665 by shopping the 2026 Mazda MX-5 Miata.

You’ll pay slightly more for a 2025 Volvo XC40, which starts at $41,945, but ultimately win by snagging a subcompact SUV for under $50,000 that’s as luxurious as it is sensible to drive.

It does cost a little more to buy the sedans and SUVs associated with this luxury brand, even for 2025 models. One of the cheapest options is the 2025 Cadillac CT4, which starts at $36,490, according to KBB.

The 2026 Audi A3 ranks No. 1 by KBB as the best luxury subcompact car, and features a $41,395 starting price.

You can score a 2026 Nissan in a wide variety of car body styles, including sedans, SUVs and hatchbacks, for under $35,000. The 2026 Nissan Leaf, at $31,535, is an especially popular choice if you’re searching for an affordably priced EV.

There’s good news if you’re considering buying a 2027 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. According to KBB, pricing is expected to start at $40,000. Not bad considering the 2025 model has an MSRP of $39,195.

Kamel said that only 3% of millionaires surveyed drive a Mercedes-Benz. Most of these luxury cars start around $44,000. Kamel said the brand will often limit its production numbers to drive up exclusivity.

“[Buick] generally falls in the $25,000-to-$50,000 price range, depending on the model and trim level,” Kamel said.

It’s not easy to find a new Lincoln for under $50,000, but it’s not impossible either. Both the 2025 and 2026 Lincoln Corsair models have starting prices under $45,000.

Kamel said the average price of a new Hyundai Elantra is in the mid-$20,000 range. You can shop for the 2026 Elantra at $23,870 or the Elantra Hybrid for $26,695, and stay well within your budget.

Millionaires can invest in a sports car — the 2026 Acura Integra, which starts at $34,695 — and enjoy the peace of mind knowing they didn’t shell out six figures for it.

Kamel said 4% of surveyed millionaires drive a BMW. And if you’re wondering why that percentage is so small, he added a paid-off mortgage has replaced this luxury vehicle as the new status symbol among millionaires.

This car brand is driven by 5% of millionaires, and the 2026 Subaru Impreza is one of the cheapest new options available to shop. The Impreza’s MSRP is around $27,790.

Around 8% of millionaires drive a Lexus (look at those percentages starting to creep up!).

These luxury vehicles hold their value well over time, and although many cost $40,000 or more, we did find one for less than that amount. The starting price for the 2026 Lexus UX is $38,450, per KBB.

With its suite of SUVs, pickups and coupes, it’s hardly surprising to hear 8% of millionaires drive Ford vehicles. There’s a car body type for everyone.

Speaking of everyone and every budget, you can even buy a 2026 Ford Maverick for around $29,990. A hybrid truck for less than $30,000 is worth looking into if you live in a city.

Honda is the preferred car brand for 15% of millionaires, thanks to its affordability (the 2026 Honda Civic starts at $25,890) and longevity.

From the direction this list ended up taking, you could probably guess Toyota would rank first with millionaires as their top car of choice.

Kamel said 16% of millionaires choose Toyota because their vehicles are practical, reliable and predictable. Plus, they’re incredibly affordable. The 2026 Toyota Corolla can be purchased for $24,320, keeping it firmly within a $25,000 buying budget.

This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.

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Written by
Heather Taylor
Edited by
Brendan McGinley