Compact Car
ByKBB Editors02/27/2018 3:13pm
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
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.
#10
of 10
For Sale Near You
KBB Editors
Our editors drive and evaluate hundreds of new cars every single year, turning thousands of miles and countless hours behind the wheel into helpful reviews, ratings, and comparisons. They also have lives outside of work, or so they think. You’d be surprised what you can learn by hauling a dirt bike, hunting for a wayward sippy cup, or just packing the trunk full of groceries.
More From KBB
Browse Best Cars
Take the Next Step.
Price the 2018 Honda Accord on KBB.com
- Tags
- 2018 Chevrolet Malibu
- 2018 Ford Fusion
- 2018 Honda Accord
- 2018 Honda Civic
- 2018 Hyundai Elantra
- 2018 Hyundai Sonata
- 2018 Kia Optima
- 2018 MAZDA MAZDA3
- 2018 Subaru Legacy
- 2018 Toyota Camry
- Best Cars
Read this next
High Performance Car
2025 Volkswagen Golf R Coming With 329 hp
Sean Tucker - June 13, 2024
Compact Car
2025 Honda Civic Hybrid Starts Under $30,000
Sean Tucker - June 12, 2024
Compact Car
2025 Mazda3 Gets Less Expensive Base Model
Sean Tucker - June 11, 2024
Latest News
Electric Vehicle
The Future of Powertrains on Autoline After Hours
Jason Fogelson - June 14, 2024
Advice
End of Lease: What You Need to Know
Chris Hardesty - June 14, 2024
General
12 Best Family Cars of 2023
KBB Editors - June 14, 2024
High Performance Car
2025 BMW M2 Gets Power Bump, New Colors
Sean Tucker - June 14, 2024
Advice
What to Do if Your Car Is Flooded: 8 Steps You Must Take
Chris Hardesty - June 14, 2024
General
Ford Will Sell EVs at all Dealerships
Sean Tucker - June 14, 2024
Electric Vehicle
Fisker Recalls All Its 2023 Cars
Sean Tucker - June 14, 2024
Luxury Car
2025 BMW 2 Series Gets Interior Makeover
Sean Tucker - June 14, 2024