Best Large Cars Under $40k for 2025
The best large cars under $40k based on a data-driven analysis of each vehicle's reliability, resale value and safety.
The best large car under $40,000 is the Toyota Avalon based on our analysis of 12 million vehicles to assess their reliability, resale value and safety. The Toyota Avalon has a starting MSRP of $36,825 with an overall iSeeCars score of 9.2. Coming in at number 2 is the Nissan Maxima with a starting MSRP of $38,340 and iSeeCars score of 8.6. Ranked #3 is the Kia Cadenza at $37,850 and 7.5 iSeeCars’ best car rating. iSeeCars analyzed vehicles with starting MSRP between $35,000 and $40,000 for this list.
The best large car under $40,000 is the Toyota Avalon based on our analysis of 12 million vehicles to assess their reliability, resale value and safety. The Toyota Avalon has a starting MSRP of $36,825 with an overall iSeeCars score of 9.2. Coming in at number 2 is the Nissan Maxima with a starting MSRP of $38,340 and iSeeCars score of 8.6. Ranked #3 is the Kia Cadenza at $37,850 and 7.5 iSeeCars’ best car rating. iSeeCars analyzed vehicles with starting MSRP between $35,000 and $40,000 for this list.
1. Toyota Avalon
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iSeeCars Score: 9.2 / 10
- Starting MSRP: $36,825
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars-
Reliability 9.8 / 10
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Value Retention 7.9 / 10
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Safety 10 / 10
2. Nissan Maxima
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iSeeCars Score: 8.6 / 10
- Starting MSRP: $38,340
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars-
Reliability 8.5 / 10
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Value Retention 7.4 / 10
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Safety 10 / 10
3. Kia Cadenza
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iSeeCars Score: 7.5 / 10
- Starting MSRP: $37,850
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars-
Reliability 7.4 / 10
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Value Retention 7.6 / 10
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Safety Not Available
Related Rankings
How We Rank These Cars
iSeeCars Best Cars Under $40k 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).