(August 18, 2014) IRVINE, Calif. — New-car buyers don't necessarily have to shop a luxury brand to get an extremely comfortable car.Today's mainstream money can buy some of the quietest cabins on the road, along with many of the comfort-oriented features that debuted upmarket just a few years ago.

To aid shoppers in choosing a comfortable new car that won't break the bank, the editors at Kelley Blue Book kbb.com have named this year's 10 Most Comfortable Cars Under $30,000.

"For many car shoppers, comfort is among the top factors in their choice of a new vehicle, especially with so many Americans spending countless hours commuting," said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com.

"Totally redesigned for 2014, our No. 1 pick on this list — the Chevrolet Impala – proves that the big, comfortable, affordable American sedan is alive and well, and now it is stylish and modern, too."

Kelley says of the Impala, "the big, comfortable, affordable American sedan is alive and well, but now it's stylish and modern, too. Totally redesigned for 2014, the Chevy Impala was also named to our list of 12 Best Family Cars for 2014."

The second-place Volvo S60 is credited with having outstanding seats, natural driving feel and a luxuriously minimalist interior design that combine to make it a uniquely comfortable entry-luxury sedan that's also fun to drive.

Chrysler's full-size 300 sedan combines generous room with an impressive set of standard conveniences. Buick and the Regal have both moved into the 21st century with contemporary styling and futuristic features, but they haven't sacrificed the brand's hallmark comfort in doing so.

The most recent incarnation of Toyota's full-size Avalon sedan isn't as softly sprung and pillowy soft as it used to be, but it's still among the most comfortable mainstream sedans you can buy. And that Toyota badge is comforting, too. It was fifth on the list.

Kelley's list includes 10 models with a Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price starting under $30,000. Updated weekly and based on current market conditions like vehicle availability, local demand and seasonal buying trends, the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price shows shoppers what others have been paying for a new car recently and is included in KBB.com's Price Advisor tool, which provides range-based market pricing.