10 Best Sedans Under $25,000 - Kelley Blue Book (2024)

Best Sedans Under $25,000

Today’s top mainstream sedans have grown positively luxury-like in comfort, design, safety and in-cabin technology, which makes them better values than ever. Featuring a mix of midsize and compact cars including several redesigned or enhanced models, here are the year’s best sedans with starting sticker prices under $25,000.

2018 Honda Accord

It’s no surprise that our Overall Best Buy and Midsize Sedan Best Buy of 2018 would also top our annual list of best sedans under $25,000. As we explained in our first review of the all-new 2018 Accord, “From the bold new look to the long list of useful tech, the totally redesigned 2018 Honda Accord is the most advanced, most sophisticated midsize sedan on the market. The new turbocharged engines are powerful and efficient. The driving-assist features are numerous and excellent. And the robust infotainment system is our new favorite in the segment.”

2018 Toyota Camry

Totally and radically redesigned for 2018, the Toyota Camry is sportier and more stylish than ever. But itslegendary reputation for reliablity and value carries on, and the new, more emotionally appealing Camry remains an incredibly smart buy.

2018 Hyundai Sonata

Here’s how we summed up the significantly refreshed2018 Sonata in our full review : “The Hyundai Sonata is a refined, affordable, high-tech sedan that now has styling that makes it stand out on the road. With everything ranging from a cost-effective, well-equipped base model to topline models with class-above features, the Sonata has you covered.”

2018 Kia Optima

See Also

10 Best Family Cars Under $25,000 - Kelley Blue BookBest new cars and SUVs under $25,000 - AutoblogConsumer Reports' Best New Cars Under $25,000

Kia’s midsize sedan leads with eye-catching style and backs it up with responsive driving manners, a smartly conceived and crafted interior, plus a full complement of cutting-edge tech.

2018 Honda Civic

The highest-ranking compact car on this list is also this year’s Kelley Blue Book Small Car Best Buy, just as it was last year. Its recent redesign dramatically raised the bar for compact cars, combining power with fuel economy, roominess with fun-to-drive spirit, and technology with ease of use. Drive a Civic and you just might rethink your need for a midsize car.

Related Offer

2018 Chevrolet Malibu

As part of its well-received reinvention, Chevy turned the Mailbu into one of the midsize sedan segment’s tech-savviest entries. The Malibu’s long list of tech features infotainment favorites such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, on-board Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, plus active safety systems including side blind zone alert with lane change alert, lane departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision alert, and rear park assist.

2018 Mazda Mazda3

The most affordable vehicle on this list is arguably the best-looking and most fun to drive, too. How’s that for a win-win-win? Mazda’s compact sedan (and hatchback) has appeared on our list of 10 Coolest Cars Under $18,000 every year for 14 years, and sits in the top spot on the most recent version of the list.

2018 Ford Fusion

Ford’s boldly styled midsize sedan was significantly enhanced just last year with subtle exterior updates, the next-gen Sync infotainment system and two all-new models. The top-tier Fusion Platinum is essentially a luxury sedan wearing a Ford oval, while the Fusion Sport boasts a twin-turbo V6 good for 325 horsepower.

2018 Subaru Legacy

Subaru’s midsize sedan has much more to offer than just standard all-wheel drive. In our full review we noted, “Far from a one-trick pony, the Legacy also has an excellent reputation for efficiency, safety, reliability and resale value…Around town the Legacy is comfortable and quiet, with a relaxed ride, but it still handles quite well in corners. Kudos also to the driver’s seat position and outward visibility.”

2018 Hyundai Elantra

With an impressive range of engines and trim levels that appeal to everyone from daily commuters to enthusiasts, the Elantra is also one of Hyundai’s finest examples of value for the money. In addition to a terrific 5-year/60,000-mile warranty — plus 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage — the Elantra offers appealing extras such as leather seats, a hands-free power trunk, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and heated front seats.