Best Sedans Under $35k for 2024
The best sedans under $35k based on a data-driven analysis of each vehicle's reliability, resale value and safety.
The best small and compact car under $35k is the Volkswagen Golf GTI (8.5 quality rating), with the Dodge Charger being the best large car under $35k (8.7 quality rating). The Hyundai SONATA Hybrid ranks #1 for the best hybrid cars under $35k (8.5 quality rating).
The best plug-in hybrid car under $35k (PHEV) is the Toyota Prius Prime (8.1 quality rating), with the Hyundai IONIQ Electric being the best electric car under $35k (7.7 quality rating).
How We Rank These Cars
iSeeCars Best Cars Under $35k Rankings are calculated based on the latest research by our data science team and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
We analyze data from over 12 million new and used vehicles in our Longest-Lasting Cars and 5-Year Depreciation Studies, combined with the NHTSA's Safety Ratings to give you an unbiased guide to the best vehicles in each segment.
After being evaluated, vehicles with the highest average scores earn a spot in the iSeeCars Best Car Rankings. (No final score is given to vehicles missing a score in any of the categories, but scores for other categories are still shown.)
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).
