Most Affordable Sedans for 2025
The most affordable new sedans are ranked based on our analysis of their lowest base prices, though local market conditions might push a specific model’s price above the starting MSRP for vehicles in short supply or with high demand.
The most affordable small and compact car is the Chevrolet Spark ($13,600 starting MSRP), with the Ford Fusion being the most affordable midsize car ($23,170 starting MSRP). The Ford Taurus ranks #1 for the most affordable large cars ($27,800 starting MSRP).
The most affordable hybrid car is the Toyota Prius c ($21,530 starting MSRP), with the Hyundai IONIQ Plug-in Hybrid being the most affordable plug-in hybrid car (PHEV) ($26,800 starting MSRP). The Smart EQ fortwo (hatchback) ranks #1 for the most affordable electric cars ($23,900 starting MSRP).
The cheapest cars are not necessarily “cheap” cars, but whatever you call them we’ve got them listed here, ranked in ascending order by their starting price. Most of these models represent the cheapest sedans you can buy, but hatchbacks like the Mazda 3 and Subaru Impreza are included. You’ll want to stick with these smaller, front-wheel drive (FWD) cars if fuel efficiency is another trait you’re looking to leverage to save money.
Thankfully, even today’s cheapest subcompact models like the Nissan Versa now include touchscreen displays with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard features, all for less than $20,000. Many of these models provide an impressive list of safety features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning. If you’re looking for the best mix of low cost, high fuel economy, and basic safety equipment, these small cars deliver undeniable value.
Stepping up to the compact category means larger models like the Honda Civic, Kia Forte, Nissan Sentra, and Volkswagen Jetta are an option, though starting prices are now in the low-to-mid $20,000 range. These cars still offer 30 or more mpg, and common safety technologies include blind spot monitoring, lane-keep assist and either standard or optional smart (radar-based) cruise control.
Sporty versions of the cars in this category, such as the Honda Civic Type R, Hyundai Elantra N, and Toyota Corolla GR, cost over $30,000, though their performance specs arguably represent a great bargain. These models feature turbo engines that can make 300+ horsepower and hit 60 mph in 5 seconds, with the Corolla GR also featuring all-wheel drive for enhanced twisty road (or track) handling.
Midsize and large four-door sedans, from both mainstream and luxury brands, have thankfully survived the explosion in SUV popularity over the past 20 years. The Honda Accord and Toyota Camry continue to offer roomy interiors, fuel-efficient powertrains, and the latest in advanced safety technology, while luxury sport sedans like the Audi A6 and BMW 5 Series add engaging driving dynamics and advanced infotainment systems to the mix. Prices for midsize sedans start in the mid-to-upper $20,000 range, while luxury models are about twice as expensive.
The costliest cars are full-size luxury models with either plug-in hybrid (PHEV) or pure electric drivetrains. These models feature the most advanced luxury, convenience, and safety technology, often as standard equipment, but you have to pay to play with prices starting above $40,000 and commonly passing $100,000.
You can see all categories of affordable cars, ranked by price, below.
How We Rank These Cars
The Most Affordable Car lists rank vehicles by their starting MSRP.
Starting MSRP is the lowest MSRP across all trims for a given new car model. In the event there is a tie, we use iSeeCars proprietary rating of the overall quality of the car (iSeeCars Score) to break the tie.
The overall iSeeCars Score is an analysis of three factors: reliability, resale value and safety. It is calculated based on the latest research and analysis by our data science team. The data analysis comes from over 12 million new and used vehicles in our Longest-Lasting Cars and 5-Year Depreciation Studies, combined with NHTSA and IIHS Safety Ratings.
Vehicles are scored in three categories:
Reliability
The reliability score represents an analysis of iSeeCars' proprietary research on the longest-lasting vehicles.
Value Retention
The value retention score is based on our data science team's statistical analysis and prediction of 5-year depreciation from MSRP to determine which cars hold their value best, using US Bureau of Labor Statistics data to adjust for inflation.
Safety
The safety score is calculated based on the last five years of crash test ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and incorporates the latest Top Safety Pick information from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
