If you’re okay with FWD, the sweet spot in this category right now in SoCal is the A4 Ultra Tech. Far more features than comparable models - including standard navigation - and its leasing sub-$400 with nothing down. And the Premium Plus adds a ton mote stuff for only another $30 or so a month.
Sometimes you have to look beyond just MSRP - an A4 Ultra Tech is $40,175, but it has navigation, digital cockpit, pre-sense, real leather, heated seats, memory seats, moonroof, rear climate control, xenon headlights, CarPlay/Android Auto, keyless go, etc. etc. Stuff that Benz and BMW often charge for.