The phrase "upscale cousin" refers to a family member or something related that is more fancy, high-quality, or luxurious compared to something else. Full definition
It also has an engine that's not offered on its more upscale cousin. (consumerguide.com)
It doesn't offer the same level of benefits provided by its more upscale cousins, such as the Premier Rewards Gold card and Platinum cards, but its annual fee is also considerably less. (rewardexpert.com)
But a study published online this week in JAMA Internal Medicine puts the humble peanut squarely in the same nutritional league as its upscale cousins. (health.harvard.edu)