If you’re shopping for a new sedan and want to compare your options by starting price, here’s a clear look at what each model offers—ranked from most to least expensive. This breakdown cuts through the marketing fluff and helps you focus on what matters: value, features, and affordability.
Each entry includes its current MSRP and what you’re really getting for your money, so you can make the best decision for your budget and driving priorities.
15. 2025 Toyota Camry – Starting at $29,920
The 2025 Toyota Camry transitions to an exclusively hybrid lineup, combining Toyota’s renowned reliability with enhanced fuel efficiency. Equipped with a 2.5-liter inline-four engine paired with an electric motor, it delivers a combined output of 225 horsepower in front-wheel-drive models and 232 horsepower in all-wheel-drive variants. This setup achieves up to 51 mpg combined, making it one of the most fuel-efficient midsize sedans available.
Inside, the Camry boasts a modernized cabin featuring a digital instrument cluster and a touchscreen infotainment system. Safety is paramount, with Toyota’s Safety Sense suite offering features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. The Camry’s spacious interior and comfortable ride quality continue to make it a top choice for families seeking efficiency without compromising on space or comfort.
14. 2025 Honda Accord – Starting at $29,445
The Accord continues to impress with its spacious interior, refined ride, and efficient powertrains. It offers a 192-hp turbocharged engine and a hybrid option for those seeking better fuel economy. The Accord’s reputation for reliability and resale value remains strong.
13. 2025 Kia K5 – Starting at $28,365
The 2025 Kia K5 stands out with its bold design and engaging driving dynamics. Powered by a 2.5-liter inline-four engine producing 191 horsepower, it offers a balanced blend of performance and efficiency. For those seeking more power, the GT trim features a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine delivering 290 horsepower.
Inside, the K5 impresses with a driver-centric cockpit, featuring a large touchscreen infotainment system, available wireless smartphone integration, and a suite of driver-assistance technologies. Its comfortable ride and upscale interior materials make it a compelling choice in the midsize sedan segment.
12. 2025 Nissan Altima – Starting at $28,140
The Altima offers a balance of performance and comfort, featuring a 188-hp engine and available all-wheel drive. Standard features include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a suite of safety technologies. Its spacious interior and smooth ride enhance its appeal.
11. 2025 Hyundai Sonata – Starting at $28,095
The 2025 Hyundai Sonata continues to offer a blend of style, comfort, and technology. Its base engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 191 horsepower, while higher trims offer a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine for added performance. The Sonata’s sleek design is complemented by a spacious interior featuring a large touchscreen display and available digital instrument cluster.
Hyundai’s SmartSense suite of safety features comes standard, including forward collision-avoidance assist and lane-keeping assist. The Sonata’s comfortable ride and generous feature set make it a strong contender in the midsize sedan category.
10. 2025 Subaru Legacy – Starting at $27,980
The Legacy comes standard with all-wheel drive, making it a suitable option for those in colder climates. It offers a comfortable interior, a smooth ride, and a suite of safety features. However, the Legacy is also set to be discontinued after the 2025 model year.
9. 2025 Chevrolet Malibu – Starting at $26,995
The 2025 Chevrolet Malibu offers a comfortable ride and spacious interior. It is powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 160 horsepower, paired with a continuously variable transmission for smooth acceleration.
The Malibu’s infotainment system includes a touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. While it offers a pleasant driving experience, it’s worth noting that the Malibu is scheduled to be discontinued after the 2025 model year, which may impact future resale value and parts availability.
8. 2025 Honda Civic – Starting at $25,400
The Honda Civic continues to set the benchmark in the compact sedan segment. With a refined interior, advanced safety features, and a choice of efficient powertrains, including a new hybrid option, the Civic offers a well-rounded package. Its reputation for reliability and resale value adds to its appeal.
7. 2025 Mazda 3 – Starting at $25,335
The 2025 Mazda 3 stands out for its upscale design and engaging driving dynamics. It is powered by a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, enhanced by 48V mild hybrid technology, providing improved torque and efficiency.
The Mazda 3’s interior features high-quality materials, a head-up display, and a user-friendly infotainment system. Its sharp handling and refined ride quality make it a favorite among compact sedans, appealing to those seeking a premium experience without a premium price tag.
6. 2025 Volkswagen Jetta – Starting at $23,720
The Jetta offers a refined driving experience with a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine delivering 158 hp. It features a spacious interior, a comfortable ride, and a solid build quality. While its design is conservative, the Jetta provides excellent fuel economy and value.
5. 2025 Toyota Corolla – Starting at $23,545
The 2025 Toyota Corolla remains a reliable choice, offering a 169-hp engine and excellent fuel economy. Standard features include an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless smartphone integration, and adaptive cruise control.
The Corolla’s reputation for reliability and efficiency makes it a strong contender in this price range. Its comfortable ride and comprehensive safety features further enhance its appeal to budget-conscious buyers.
4. 2025 Hyundai Elantra – Starting at $23,320
The 2025 Hyundai Elantra offers a compelling blend of safety, performance, and technology. With up to 41 MPG, it is fuel-efficient and features a spacious interior. The Elantra’s design includes a sharp front fascia and new color options, enhancing its appeal in the compact sedan segment.
Hyundai’s SmartSense suite of safety features comes standard, including forward collision-avoidance assist and lane-keeping assist. The Elantra’s comfortable ride and generous feature set make it a strong contender in the compact sedan category.
3. 2025 Kia K4 – Starting at $21,990
The 2025 Kia K4 steps in to replace the Forte and does so with a noticeable upgrade in both styling and substance. The base K4 features a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers a modest yet practical 147 horsepower, ideal for commuters and budget-conscious drivers. For those seeking more power, a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine is available, pushing output to 190 horsepower — a solid offering for a compact sedan at this price point. The transmission options include a CVT for the base engine and a smoother 8-speed automatic with the turbo variant, making for a more dynamic and responsive drive than many competitors in this class.
Inside, the K4 doesn’t feel like a budget car. The highlight is a nearly 30-inch curved display that blends the digital instrument panel with the central infotainment touchscreen, creating a premium cockpit-like experience uncommon in this price range. Standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come included, and the system interface is clean and responsive. Rear legroom is class-leading, which makes the K4 an excellent choice for families or ride-share drivers who regularly transport adults in the back seat. While some of the interior materials are hard plastics, the build quality remains solid throughout. Overall, the K4 represents an aggressive push by Kia to redefine expectations of what a sub-$22K sedan can offer.
- Replaces the Kia Forte with a significant tech and design upgrade
- Turbocharged engine available with 190 hp
- Ultra-wide curved display, class-leading rear legroom
2. 2025 Nissan Sentra – Starting at $21,590
The Nissan Sentra continues its steady rise as a more mature and better-appointed compact sedan. The 2025 model carries over a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 149 horsepower, paired with a continuously variable transmission that’s tuned for smoothness rather than speed. While the performance is average, the driving experience is composed, with well-damped suspension and confident steering that make city and highway driving equally manageable. It’s an ideal setup for those seeking reliability and ease of use without paying a premium.
Where the Sentra shines is in its feature-per-dollar value. Standard tech includes a 7.0-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a rearview camera. Step up just one trim and you’re treated to an 8.0-inch display, premium audio, and a host of extras. Nissan also includes Safety Shield 360 on all trims — a full suite of active safety features like automatic emergency braking, blind spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane departure warning. The Sentra also earns a 5-Star Overall Safety Rating from the NHTSA, underscoring its reputation as a safe, family-ready daily driver. The rear seats are roomy for a car this size, and trunk space is generous, making it versatile enough for weekend errands or longer road trips.
- Strong safety scores and practical utility
- Full suite of advanced safety tech standard
- Smooth ride and roomy interior for its size
1. 2025 Nissan Versa – Starting at $18,330
The 2025 Nissan Versa remains the most affordable new sedan in America, and while it may sit at the bottom of the price ladder, it offers surprising strengths that extend beyond cost. The Versa is powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine producing 122 horsepower, paired with a CVT that prioritizes fuel economy and low operating costs. While it’s not a performance sedan by any stretch, it fulfills its purpose as a commuter car or secondary family vehicle with excellent fuel efficiency and predictably low maintenance demands.
Inside, the Versa impresses with over 44 inches of front legroom — more than many midsize sedans — and a trunk with over 14 cubic feet of cargo space. These dimensions give it real-world usability that belies its compact classification. The cabin layout is clean and functional, with intuitive controls and standard features like automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, and high-beam assist.
Nissan also includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on higher trims, making it easy to stay connected without paying for premium options. It’s worth noting that the manual transmission option has been discontinued for 2025, and industry reporting suggests the Versa could be phased out entirely by 2026 due to global trade policy impacts. Still, for drivers looking for bare-bones affordability with genuine safety credentials, the Versa remains a compelling last stand for the budget sedan.
- Potential discontinuation by 2026 may affect resale or support
- Most affordable new sedan in the U.S.
- Spacious interior and strong standard safety tech