Sedans are the oldest and most traditional car designs. Although SUVs and crossovers have recently become more popular, but sedans dominate the car market. Tech features and economic factors have caused vehicles to become expensive. Fortunately, some sedan models have maintained their mundane sticker prices yet boast similar impressive engine performances. The most affordable sedans are seemingly immune to inflation.
Sedans are ideal for daily commuting in terms of running and maintenance costs. While they may not have powerful engines, you will surely enjoy the fantastic city and highway gas mileage. So, if you’re looking to buy a sedan to ease your daily run-about on a budget. Take this opportunity to identify the most affordable sedans and learn to maintain them without going broke.
The Most Affordable Sedans to Buy and Maintain
Despite the economic decline, some car manufacturers are dedicated to maintaining their affordable sedan models. This post reviews the most affordable sedans on the market today. There are cheap sedans that suit all personalities and use cases. Find out which model works for you.
1. Toyota Corolla
The Corolla is Toyota’s smallest sedan car. It offers a pretty impressive interior space for its size. This sedan line is offered in two engine options. The Corolla Sport model driving on a 2.0-liter four-cylinder. The Sport trims have a lower combined gas mileage at 6.0 liters per 100 km. Meanwhile, the 1.8-litre four-cylinder hybrid base models consume gas at 3.9 liters per 100 km combined.
In addition, 2024 Corolla users enjoy the bi-LED headlights, 7-inch digital instrument cluster, and 8-inch infotainment system featuring wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto. These interior features are standard for all eight trims. Both hybrid and gas trims produce more engine power than most affordable sedans.
Toyota delivers about 36 MPG combined for its standard gas engines and an impressive 46 MPG for its hybrid engines. It offers fantastic new features such as the adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. The base models have a $23,145 starting price.
2. Hyundai Elantra
Hyundai’s Elantra is a favorite for young families because it offers a safe and comfortable ride. This car has a great warranty package for a budget-friendly vehicle. It comes in 6 options, so there is a suitable trim for most drivers. This 5-seater vehicle is driven by a 2.0L I4 engine configured to the Front wheels. The gas mileage on this sedan is at an estimated value of 40 and 31 MPG for highway trips and in the city, respectively.
Newer Elantra models offer improved infotainment screens and advanced safety features. The Elantra has a spacious interior and looks appealing on the outside. You can get a Hybrid Elantra trim. However, most users prefer the thrilling drive the high-performance trims provide. For a $23,000 starting price, the base model offers a pocket-friendly fuel economy. The popular high-performance trims can go up to $25,000.
3. Kia Rio
The Kia Rio is known for reliability. It is also one of the most fuel-efficient cars. This car offers advanced tech features not expected of a vehicle within its price range. The Rio has two options, and both share the near-luxury 5-seater interior. Kia Rio S Sedan IVT trim is powered by a 1.6L turbocharged four-cylinder engine, configured as a Front Wheel Drive vehicle. The estimated gas mileage for this sedan is about 32 MPG for city-based driving and 41 MPG on the highway.
The Rio is the best sedan for users seeking a comfortable ride on a budget. Kia offers an excellent warranty as a sign of reliability. For the 2024 Rio, you will enjoy new advanced safety features like parking sensors, autonomous emergency braking, and a rear-view parking camera using the considerably large infotainment screen. The starting price for a 2024 Kia Rio S Sedan IVT is around $18,545.
4. Nissan Versa S
The 2024 Nissan Versa offers an attractive cabin. This car’s sophisticated set of standard features is the best for its price range. The Versa is a 5-seater vehicle provided in 3 trim options. The Versa S CVT has a 1.6L I4 engine powering the front wheels. This car delivers impressive gas mileage at 32 and 40 MPG for highway and city driving, respectively.
Nissan generously improved recent versions of the Versa line, offering more engine power, better quality cabin materials, and advanced safety features. This car can conveniently serve for family road trips. Small families will enjoy the 14.7 cubic feet of cargo space and comfortable interior.
The Versa offers standard safety features like automatic emergency braking and lane-departure warning. Blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control are also available for the S CVT trim. The pricing for this class-leading sedan starts at around $19,200.
5. Honda Civic Si
The Honda Civic is exciting to drive while remaining comfortable on a daily drive. A standard 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder drives the $23,000 base model. For a slightly higher figure, you get the Sport Sedan CVT. This trim runs on a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and Front Wheel Drive. This sedan’s gas mileage is an estimated 34 MPG combined for city and highway driving.
The Honda Civic offers an exceptional design and a spacious cabin. This car has earned a reputation for reliability thanks to its impressive fuel economy and top safety ratings. The Civic is a five-seater with a comfortable interior space large enough for a small family. It offers exceptional rear-seat legroom for a compact car. The Civic Si runs on a turbocharged engine, producing 200 horsepower on a six-speed manual transmission. It is speedy and very responsive. All Civic trims boast precise steering and outstanding handling stability.
Sport-loving drivers also appreciate the Type R with its 315 horsepower and track-tuned suspension. The performance of this trim is unrivaled. The price for a 2024 Honda Civic, which starts at around $23,000, goes up to $31,000, depending on the trim.
6. Toyota Camry
The Camry makes a strong bargain if you want a solid performance on a well-rounded sedan. This best-selling sedan offered in thirteen variants is arguably the most spacious for its price range. Buyers love the ample head and leg room provided in the 5-seater vehicle. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and front-wheel drive configuration come standard for the base models. The engine option produces 203 horsepower in the FWD-configured eight-speed transmission. It also delivers 28 and 39 MPG for city and highway driving, respectively. Hybrid Camry models deliver an exceptional gas mileage of 52 MPG combined.
The SE Automatic FWD trim records the most sales. All trims enjoy advanced safety features and a comfortable interior. The six-cylinder engine option offers more power, up to 301 horsepower. All Camry variants deliver a smooth and comfortable ride regardless of engine power. The large infotainment screen features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto across all trims. You can enjoy a heated steering wheel, leather-trimmed seats, and high-end audio systems in higher trim levels for a higher price tag.
The primary safety features in a Camry include automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, and adaptive radar cruise control. The starting price for a base-model Toyota Camry is around $26,000. The price is about $36,000, depending on the trim and interior features you opt for.
7. Mazda 3
The Mazda 3 offers a sporty appearance with a refined interior. Mazda3 is a 5-seater vehicle offered in many exciting options. A 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine powers the Select Sport Sedan Automatic FWD trim. With an estimated gas mileage of 27 MPG and 37 MPG for city and highway transit, respectively.
This Mazda features a more exciting driving experience than most affordable sedans. Buyers get to enjoy the sporty handling thanks to the turbocharged engine.
This sedan’s cabin looks far more sophisticated than others in its price range. It offers an actionable infotainment system and advanced safety tech features like the automatic emergency brakes. If you’re looking for a sporty sedan on a budget, the Mazda 3 is your best bet. The starting price for a 2024 Mazda 3 Select Sport Sedan Automatic FWD is $25,855 in today’s market.
8. Volkswagen Jetta GLI
VW’s Jetta is one of the most affordable sedans that combines performance and safety. It offers a super-exciting driving experience and the best handling for a car in its price range. The Jetta features different transmission modes among five trims. The Front Wheel Drive comes standard on all trims, powered by a 1.5-liter four-cylinder Turbo engine. This engine delivers an estimated gas mileage of 29 and 40 MPG for city and highway driving, respectively. The GLI trim offers a slight sporty flair without compromising fuel efficiency.
Recent Jetta versions boast more standard safety features and several minor upgrades. Most users are thrilled by the spacious interior. The Jetta GLI can conveniently house five adults. The 2024 VW Jetta starts at $26,100 in today’s market.
9. Mitsubishi Mirage G4
Mitsubishi’s Mirage G4 is one of the most affordable sedans with the best warranty coverage. All Mirage G4 trims are driven by a standard 1.2-liter I3 engine configured as a Front Wheel Drive. The G4 Sedan’s gas mileage is 35 MPG in the city and 41 MPG for highway transit.
The Mirage’s interior is modest yet attractive. Along with steering wheel controls, this sub-compact sedan has much more interior and cargo space than expected for its size. All trims feature a 7-inch infotainment screen called SDA (Smartphone-Link Display Audio). This allows you to access the Automatic Climate Control and the Forward Collision Mitigation system, facilitating pedestrian detection. The SE trim has heated front seats and keyless ignition.
A 2024 Mitsubishi Mirage costs about $18,890. The 10-year warranty and 2-year maintenance program cover every sale.
10. Mercedes Benz A 220 4MATIC
The A-Class offers the most robust performance among its peers. This sedan sports a stylish exterior with an attractive cabin. You get only one trim for this German powertrain, the A 220 4MATIC. This 4MATIC sedan runs on all four wheels in an AWD configuration. A 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo engine boosts it. This Benz delivers an estimated 25 and 35 MPG for city and highway driving, respectively.
With the dynamic styling, you can enjoy quick reflexes thanks to the performance-oriented turbo engine. The A 220 is fun to drive, with responsive handling, brisk acceleration, and sharp steering. The 2024 Benz A 220 4MATIC price starts at $37,000 and may seem expensive, but it is fair compared with the impressive machinery you get in exchange.
Let’s wrap it up…
Inflation has affected the vehicle market. Lots of affordable car lines have become expensive. Thankfully, some great series have maintained their friendly price tags. We highlighted some of the most affordable sedans based on cost, performance, and reliability. These sedans may be inexpensive but rank high in every performance metric.
