Best Economy-Class Sedans Still Being Produced

As the price of new vehicles goes up and the automotive industry continues to focus on tapping into the SUV market, it is getting increasingly difficult to find great economy-class sedans. That said, there are a few automakers still maintaining a stalwart commitment to that all-time essential American mode of transportation: the budget-friendly passenger car. The following are five of these cars. They have all of the latest tech gadgets and a starting MSRP at or under $25,000.

Honda Civic

Starting at $25,050, the latest Honda Civic Sedan is the most expensive car on this list, but it makes up for it by being excellent in all the ways that count and having a reputation that carries weight in the used market. It was majorly redesigned for 2022 with head-turning style and more refined manners, earning it a spot on Car and Driver’s 10Best Cars for 2023. “Its well-dressed interior punches well above its sub-$30,000 base price with attractive materials and exemplary ergonomics,” writes Car and Driver editor Joey Capparella.  

Nissan Versa

With the Chevrolet Spark discontinued, the Nissan Versa inherits the title of cheapest new sedan you can buy today. It starts at $15,730 and gets up to 40 miles per gallon on the highway,^[1] ensuring you continue saving money even after the purchase. It comes standard with automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, rear automatic braking, and automatic high beams — features you’d normally have to pay extra to get, even with expensive cars like the Porsche 718. “Unlike subcompact cars of old, the latest Versa doesn’t look dorky or drive like a shopping cart,” says MotorTrend. “And the back seat is actually useable, while the trunk is quite roomy.”

Kia Rio

For a little more money than the Nissan Versa, you can get a Kia Rio, which has comparable fuel economy, up to 100,000 miles of warranty coverage, and even more standard features — particularly if you opt for the S trim that costs just a few hundred dollars more. That includes wireless Apple CarPlay^® and Android Auto™ compatibility. Rear passenger space is tight, but if you’re not expecting more than a single passenger, the Rio delivers all of the essentials (and if you do want more space, there’s always the hatchback version). And it looks good. “Forget economy-car basics,” says Autoblog editor Andrew Ganz. “The…Kia Rio looks a class up with handsome, clean lines in both sedan and hatchback body styles.”

Mazda3

The Mazda3 has long been a car whose sophisticated interior design and materials belie its price tag ($22,550 for the 2023 model). With the 3 and its other products, Mazda consistently delivers cars that blend practicality, affordability, and a fun-to-drive character most other brands struggle to match. The Mazda3 has a rotary dial like the kind you’d find in a Mercedes-Benz and an available 12-speaker BOSE^® sound system like those offered by Cadillac or INFINITI. “For buyers with champagne taste but only a sparkling-cider budget, the…Mazda3 delivers a premium package at a normal compact-car price,” says Car and Driver editor Eric Stafford.

Toyota Corolla

The bestselling car of all time didn’t earn that title by being mediocre. Its latest update includes wireless smartphone connectivity and one of the industry’s top driver-assistance technology packages in Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, which come standard even at the car’s $21,550 starting MSRP. And according to iSeeCars.com, the Corolla is among the top 10 sedans or hatchbacks most likely to reach 200,000 miles (the Civic is also on this list). “The Toyota Corolla has a long track record as a good value in compact cars,” says Kelley Blue Book’s Eric Brandt. “It’s a practical car with excellent fuel economy and consistently good safety and reliability ratings.”

While sedans aren’t in vogue at the moment, sensible cars with good fuel economy never truly go out of style. Before you settle on your next purchase, make sure to head to your nearest dealership to go on a test drive.

^[1] 2023 EPA Fuel Economy Estimates. 27 City MPG / 35 Highway MPG / 30 Combined MPG for Versa^® with Manual Transmission. 32 City MPG / 40 Highway MPG / 35 Combined MPG for Versa with Xtronic CVT^®. Actual mileage may vary with driving conditions. Use for comparison only.