Sedans Buying Guide
Everything to know about buying a Sedan
What are Sedans?
Sedans are what most drivers picture when they think of a traditional passenger car. They feature four doors and a three-box design, meaning the engine, passenger cabin, and trunk are separated into distinct sections. This layout helps reduce noise, improve ride comfort, and provide a dedicated cargo space. Sedans can be an affordable and fuel-efficient choice compared to larger vehicle types. Available in multiple sizes — from compact to midsize sedans — with well-known models like the Honda Accord or Toyota Corolla, sedans offer flexibility across budgets and driving needs.
Popular Used Sedans
Several used sedans consistently stand out as well-rounded choices for a wide range of drivers. Popular makes and models include the Toyota Avalon, Honda Accord, Hyundai Elantra, Toyota Camry, and Hyundai Sonata. These models span different sizes and feature sets, making them appealing if you're seeking comfortable daily transportation, practical interior space, and a familiar driving experience across a range of budgets and preferences.
We've compiled a list of most popular used sedans with CarMax customers. Learn more about how our lists work.
1. Honda Accord
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2. Hyundai Elantra
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Pros
Long features list
Powerful turbocharged N Line model
Generous passenger space
Cons
Excessive body roll on non-turbo models
Hard plastics in the cabin
No wireless smartphone connectivity on higher trims
3. Toyota Corolla
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Popular Compact Sedans
Compact sedans remain a strong option for city driving and daily commuting thanks to their manageable size and efficient use of space. Popular used compact sedans include the Hyundai Elantra, Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Nissan Sentra, and Mazda Mazda3. These models will appeal if you're seeking easy maneuverability, modern features, and practical transportation suited to everyday use.
We've compiled a list of most popular used compact sedans with CarMax customers. Learn more about how our lists work.
1. Hyundai Elantra
CarMax owner rating
Pros
Long features list
Powerful turbocharged N Line model
Generous passenger space
Cons
Excessive body roll on non-turbo models
Hard plastics in the cabin
No wireless smartphone connectivity on higher trims
2. Toyota Corolla
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3. Honda Civic
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Pros
Engaging driving experience
Spacious, comfortable interior
Plenty of standard driver-assistance features
Cons
LX base trim is on only available in the sedan body style
Audible road noise at highway speeds
Slopping roof affects rear-seat headroom for taller passengers
Popular Hybrid Sedans
Used hybrid sedans combine traditional sedan styling with electrified powertrains, which is useful if you're after good fuel economy. Popular makes and models include the Toyota Corolla Hybrid, Toyota Camry Hybrid, Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, Hyundai Elantra Hybrid, and Honda Accord Hybrid. These vehicles offer a range of sizes and configurations, supporting different driving habits and commuting needs.
We've compiled a list of most popular used hybrid sedans with CarMax customers. Learn more about how our lists work.
1. Toyota Camry Hybrid
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Pros
Good fuel economy on the base trim
Comfortable around town or on the highway
Lots of driver aids come standard
Cons
Below-average cargo space
Some competitors are more fun to drive
2. Honda Accord Hybrid
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Pros
Plenty of standard tech features
Sporty handling
Quick acceleration
Cons
Cabin noise
Limited room for second-row passengers
Low seating position for the driver
3. Honda Insight
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Pros
Easy-to-learn infotainment interface
Lively hybrid powertrain
Spacious passenger environment
Cons
Some exterior noise can be intrusive
Benefits of Owning a Used Sedan
Sedans are one of the most fuel-efficient vehicle types on the road. Their lighter weight and aerodynamic design help maximize mileage, especially in compact and midsize models. For example, the 2025 Honda Civic and 2025 Hyundai Elantra both get an EPA-estimated 36 mpg combined.
For daily commuting and long highway drives, sedans offer a practical way to reduce fuel use without sacrificing comfort.Strong city and highway mpg estimates
Lighter vehicle weight
Efficient aerodynamic design
Fewer fuel stops
Lower long-term fuel costs
Sedans are designed to prioritize ride comfort. The three-box layout separates the engine and trunk from the passenger area, helping reduce road and engine noise. Many used sedans include supportive seating, touchscreen infotainment, and climate control systems that enhance everyday driving.
Quiet cabin design
Supportive seating comfort
Smooth ride experience
Intuitive interior layouts
Available modern tech features
Sedans are available in a broad range of sizes, powertrains, and feature sets, giving you the flexibility to find something that matches your driving needs and preferences. From compact commuters to midsize family sedans and hybrid or electric options, the category offers a variety of choices that suit different lifestyles, budgets, and daily driving routines.
Multiple size categories available
Gas, hybrid, and electric options
Front-wheel or all-wheel drive
Wide range of feature levels
Options for varied budgets
Sedans are generally easy to drive and maneuver, especially in the city. Their lower center of gravity contributes to stable handling and responsive steering, while their size makes parking a breeze. This will appeal to both first-time buyers and experienced drivers who appreciate confident handling, predictable performance, and everyday ease of use.
Confident road handling
Easy urban maneuvering
Simple parking experience
Responsive steering feel
Predictable driving dynamics
How to Choose a Used Sedan
Start by evaluating how you plan to use your sedan. Commuters may prioritize fuel efficiency, easy maneuverability, and comfort in stop-and-go traffic, while families often look for rear-seat space and trunk capacity. Drivers who spend more time on highways may value ride comfort, cabin quiet, and available driver-assistance features.
Daily commute distance
Passenger and cargo needs
City versus highway driving
Set a realistic budget that accounts for more than just the purchase price. Financing terms, insurance premiums, fuel costs, and maintenance all influence affordability over time. Used sedans span a wide range of price points, allowing buyers to choose between basic transportation and higher trims with added comfort, driver assistance features, or technology.
Purchase price range
Insurance and fuel costs
Maintenance expectations
Once you’ve narrowed your options, compare specifications that affect performance and usability. Drivetrain choice influences traction and efficiency, while engine output shapes acceleration and passing confidence. Trim levels can vary significantly, so review which driver assists, infotainment features, and convenience upgrades are included before deciding.
Drivetrain configuration
Engine power and efficiency
Trim-level features
Compare Used Sedans
The Honda Accord and Toyota Camry are popular midsize sedans that offer a balance of interior space, comfort, and available features, making them frequent comparisons for shoppers exploring this segment.
Honda Accord Advantages
Comfortable and spacious interior
Smooth ride and quiet cabin
User-friendly tech features
Toyota Camry Advantages
Excellent gas mileage
Steering agility
Cabin space with extra legroom
The Kia Forte and Hyundai Elantra are well-known compact sedans that often come up in comparison for shoppers seeking practical design, modern features, and everyday usability.
Kia Forte Advantages
Powerful engine options
Comfortable ride setup
Good fuel economy estimates
Hyundai Elantra Advantages
Sporty exterior styling
Intuitive infotainment layout
Comfortable ride
The Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla are compact sedans that shoppers frequently compare when narrowing down efficient, easy-to-live-with daily drivers.
Honda Civic Advantages
Appealing exterior design
Multiple engine options to choose from
Balanced handling
Toyota Corolla Advantages
Comfortable, wide front seats
Plenty of standard tech features
Impressive handling
While the Toyota Prius is a hybrid sedan and the Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan, shoppers often compare the two when deciding between hybrid-focused efficiency and a more traditional sedan format.
Toyota Prius Advantages
Head-turning design
High fuel economy estimates
Many standard driver-assist features
Toyota Camry Advantages
Comfortable and spacious interior
Smooth ride and quiet cabin
User-friendly tech features
The Hyundai Elantra and Nissan Sentra are compact sedans that frequently come up in comparison as buyers evaluate options for everyday commuting and interior comfort.
Hyundai Elantra Advantages
Stylish exterior design
High-tech features and a digital cockpit
Available powertrain options
Nissan Sentra Advantages
Many driver-assist features
Spacious interior
Large trunk
Want to compare more models side by side? Explore trims, features, and specs using our comparison tool.
Compare used sedansTop Vehicles
Several used sedans consistently stand out as well-rounded choices for a wide range of drivers. Popular makes and models include the Toyota Avalon, Honda Accord, Hyundai Elantra, Toyota Camry, and Hyundai Sonata. These models span different sizes and feature sets, making them appealing if you're seeking comfortable daily transportation, practical interior space, and a familiar driving experience across a range of budgets and preferences.
Used full-size sedans offer more interior space and, often, a more comfortable ride than smaller vehicles. Popular options include the Toyota Avalon, Hyundai Azera, Kia Cadenza, Nissan Maxima, and Chevrolet Impala. These sedans are often chosen by drivers who prioritize roomy cabins, smooth highway driving, and higher trim availability while maintaining the traditional sedan layout.
Compact sedans remain a strong option for city driving and daily commuting thanks to their manageable size and efficient use of space. Popular used compact sedans include the Hyundai Elantra, Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Nissan Sentra, and Mazda Mazda3. These models will appeal if you're seeking easy maneuverability, modern features, and practical transportation suited to everyday use.
Used hybrid sedans combine traditional sedan styling with electrified powertrains, which is useful if you're after good fuel economy. Popular makes and models include the Toyota Corolla Hybrid, Toyota Camry Hybrid, Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, Hyundai Elantra Hybrid, and Honda Accord Hybrid. These vehicles offer a range of sizes and configurations, supporting different driving habits and commuting needs.
Sedan Types
Compact sedans focus on efficiency, easy maneuverability, and everyday practicality. They are well-suited for city driving and commuting, and may be a good choice if you're looking for a smaller vehicle but don't want to sacrifice modern features or interior comfort.
Key Features
Smaller exterior footprint
Easy urban maneuvering
Efficient powertrain options
Practical interior layouts
Popular Models
Midsize sedans balance interior space and comfort with everyday usability. They appeal to drivers who want more room for passengers and cargo while maintaining the familiar driving experience of a traditional sedan. Key
Features
Spacious front and rear seating
Comfortable ride
Broad feature availability
Suitable for daily driving
Popular Models
Full-size sedans emphasize interior space and a relaxed driving experience. These models will suit you if you're after a roomy cabin, smooth highway driving, and good trim availability within a traditional sedan format.
Key Features
Generous interior space
Smooth, composed ride
Higher-end trim options
Comfortable long-distance driving
Popular Models
Very large sedans sit at the top end of the category, offering expansive interiors, premium materials, and advanced technology. They are designed for drivers seeking a more refined and upscale sedan experience.
Key Features
Expansive cabin space
Premium interior materials
Advanced technology features
Strong on-road presence
Popular Models
Frequently Asked Questions
Start by comparing sedans based on size, fuel efficiency, features, and overall usability. Side-by-side comparison tools make it easier to review trims, powertrains, and available options, so you can see how makes and models differ before narrowing your shortlist.
Sedans offer a balance of efficiency, comfort, and everyday drivability. Many drivers choose sedans for their manageable size, smooth ride, modern technology features, and suitability for commuting, road trips, and routine daily use. They are a practical option with many models to choose from.
Consider how you plan to use the vehicle, your budget, and which features matter most. Think about your needs for passenger space, trunk capacity, fuel economy, drivetrain options, and trim-level features to ensure the sedan fits your lifestyle and driving habits.
A sedan’s value is influenced by age, mileage, condition, trim level, and market demand. These factors help determine pricing and resale expectations and can vary based on how the vehicle has been driven and maintained over time.
Fuel efficiency varies by vehicle size, engine type, and powertrain. Compact sedans and hybrid models typically offer better fuel economy, while larger sedans may prioritize space and performance. Reviewing EPA estimates helps set realistic expectations for daily driving.
You can buy a sedan through dealerships, private sellers, or online car retailers. Shopping online lets you browse inventory, compare models, review vehicle history, and explore financing options before visiting a location in person.
Start by getting a trade-in estimate based on your current vehicle’s condition, mileage, and market value. That amount can often be applied toward your sedan purchase, helping reduce the overall cost and streamline the buying process.
These days, a sedan is any car with four doors, a fixed roof, and a separate trunk area. They come in a wide variety of sizes, from subcompacts like the Kia Rio to ultra-luxury four-doors like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. In the earliest days of the automobile, “sedan” began to be used in the United States to describe a hard-top four-door car as early as 1912, when Studebaker used it to market the Studebaker Four and Studebaker Six. Overseas, the same type of vehicle has different names, for example, in England they’re known as a “saloon.”
One reason sedans have remained popular is because they run the gamut, and are available at nearly every size and price point. On a budget? A variety of compact and subcompact sedans are available, such as the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and Hyundai Accent. If you’re looking for something bigger, midsize sedans like the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry remain wildly popular, and full-size sedans like the Toyota Avalon and Dodge Charger are also still commonplace. If you’re interested in luxury, most brands still offer a variety of sizes there, too, such as the Lexus IS, BMW 3 Series, and Audi A3, ranging all the way up to the Cadillac CT6, Lexus LS, and BMW 7 Series.
The biggest difference is body shape. A proper sedan has a distinct trunk, separate from the passenger compartment. SUVs by contrast are more similar to wagons, with a large cargo area that shares space with the rest of the passenger compartment. The big cargo area of an SUV means it can carry more stuff, but generally speaking a sedan will be quieter on the road thanks to its fully enclosed passenger compartment.
In the mainstream midsize sedan market, there are two clear leaders: the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. Both offer a compelling mix of features and modern technology, and the higher trim levels have enough luxury touches to give them a class-above driving experience. But they’re not the only games in town. The Nissan Altima is a strong contender, and the Mazda 6 is an alternative that trades a bit of rear seat room for a more dynamic driving experience. The Kia Optima and K5 are equally impressive, and the most recent Hyundai Sonata brings eye-catching styling to the mix. Other options include the Subaru Legacy, with its standard all-wheel drive, and the Chevy Malibu.
More and more sedans offer all-wheel drive, either as an option or as standard equipment. The Subaru Legacy is well known for its all-wheel drive system, and more recently the Nissan Altima and Toyota Camry have begun offering all-wheel drive. Compact sedans offering all-wheel drive aren’t quite as common, with Subaru again being the most popular with its Impreza line. If you’re shopping for luxury brands, Audi has built its reputation on its Quattro all-wheel drive system, and it’s available or standard on nearly everything it makes, including the A3, A4, A6 and A8 sedans. However, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Lexus also offer all-wheel drive variants of most of their sedans.
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How we ranked these vehicles
Our "Best of" lists represent the most popular vehicles with CarMax customers. To create the Best lists, our analysts look at CarMax vehicle and sales data over a recent 6-month period and rank the top selling vehicles in order. Looking back over a 6-month period allows for the highest sample size possible while also providing up-to-date pricing information. Each list includes the specific dates used when it was generated. Some articles may include data points with lower sample sizes.
To create our "Most Reliable" lists, our analysts pull the top most reliable vehicles—in order—according to RepairPal rankings. RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2006-2020 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features. RepairPal Reliability Ratings are provided by RepairPal and CarMax is not responsible for their accuracy. Learn more about RepairPal reliability ratings.
We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to provide legal, financial or investment advice. We make every effort to provide accurate information, but please verify before transacting and consider talking to a qualified professional about your unique circumstances.
Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
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