With its year-round sunny skies, beautiful beaches, and palm-fringed trees, Orange County is one of the most beautiful and fashionable places to live the glamorous life. You’d expect Orange County residents to travel in the most expensive luxury cars, but that’s not always the case. Here are our top picks for cool cars to drive around The OC

The affordable Hyundai Sonata

Orange County cities are spread out and that means residents here drive down the freeway frequently. So it makes a lot of sense to drive a car that is fuel efficient. An affordable car with one of the best mileage in its class is the Hyundai Sonata. Gas mileage sits at an impressive 24 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the interstate; these are the highest figures in the affordable mid-size segment. Despite its low price, this car offers luxurious features such as the ability to integrate a Bluetooth device and XM satellite radio. The Sonata is powered by a V6 with 198 hp. Even though it only has a V4, this car still offers a substantial amount of power and acceleration due to its lightweight size, the Sonata is competitively priced at around $18,830 for the base model.

The practical terrain of GMC

The GMC Terrain is perfect for the active Orange County family who likes to spend the day shopping at Irvine Spectrum or outdoors in Newport Beach thanks to its ample 31.6 cu. in. cargo space. The Terrain sports an edgy front grille that has a more “truck-like” appearance. Winning qualities include its superior fuel economy which stands at 22 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway for the 4-cylinder model. There are two engine options; a 2.4-litre V4 with 182 hp and a 3.0-litre V6 for a total output of 264 hp. Despite its affordable price tag of around $24,000 for the base model, the Terrain offers a refined interior that includes keyless entry, a USB port, XM satellite radio and even a rearview camera, a feature usually overlooked. found in much more expensive cars.

The avant-garde and sporty Cadillac CTS

In a place where fashion and cool count, you can’t get much cooler than the edgy and bold-looking Cadillac CTS. This car makes a dramatic statement due to its angular shape and sharp lines. Whether you’re driving to South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa or commuting to work in Irvine, you’ll definitely arrive in immaculate style in the CTS. This car is a total beast with enough power to outrun everyone else on the 405 freeway. Buyers have a choice between two engines; a 3.6-liter V6 with 270 hp and an upgraded engine with 304 hp and 273 pound-feet of torque. The base cost is around the mid $34k range and can go higher depending on the options selected.