Some car segments have died out thanks to the rise of the SUV and crossover, and the family sedan may be experiencing a slow demise at the hands of its lifted brethren, too. It used to be that the sedan was the quintessential vehicle, the car that many reached for before all else, but this simply isn’t the case anymore. Sales continue to fall despite there being some incredible offerings and value in the sedan segment today.
Here we explore all the automakers striving to keep the family sedan alive today, and provide an overview of the models each has on offer. As it stands today, the list is still rather long, especially in the luxury segment, but there is a notable lack of American offerings, especially since GM announced it was ending production of the Malibu at the end of the year. Perhaps we will see a resurgence of US-made sedans in the future as companies look to create more affordable options for consumers, but until then, we’ll just have to get our low-profile offerings from across the pond.
‘Family sedans’ here refers to four-door vehicles that are practical enough for a mid-size family and have a price tag that is reasonably affordable. Thus, we’ve excluded compact cars and cars with a base price exceeding $100,000, as provided by the manfucaturer’s official websites. We’ve listed automakers from cheapest base price to most expensive.
Subaru
Legacy: Base Price $24,895
Subaru
When it comes to family sedans, Subaru isn’t a great boat. This isn’t because the Legacy is a bad vehicle – it’s perfectly serviceable – it’s just that we know the respected model will be dead after the 2025 model year. We can’t say we’re surprised, especially because Subaru hasn’t done anything of note with the model in some time, but it’s a shame because, in its top Sport and Touring XT trims, the model can be rather lively thanks to its 260-horsepower boxer engine. It’s a surefooted cruiser with standard AWD, and it has the lowest base price of all the models on this list.
Chevrolet
Malibu: Base Price $25,100
Chevrolet
It’s a genuine shame that so many American car companies have decided to give up on sedans. Is the Malibu incredible? No; but it’s a perfectly fine entry-level sedan and a pretty historic nameplate to boot. The automaker pared back the Malibu these past few years and we’ve been left with an underpowered sedan that feels like it’s the only place that has been in corporate fleets. Still, once it’s gone, it’s gone, and we don’t doubt the company will roll back this decision in a few years.
Related UPDATE: Chevrolet Is Killing Off The Malibu In Favor Of Electric Vehicles
Yet another popular sedan is being killed off to meet changing customer demands.
Nissan
Altima: Base Price $26,370
Nissan
The Altima has gone through some highs and lows throughout the years, but we would say the newest generation is a high, especially when optioned with the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine on the SR trim. Producing 248 hp, it isn’t really a fast car like some would have you believe, more like adequately powered, but it gives you enough power to comfortably navigate almost any situation. It’s worth mentioning the Nissan Maxima on the list even though it’s currently available only as run-out 2023 stock from being discontinued for the 2023 model year. A new Maxima is rumored to be in the pipeline, but the outgoing model still serves as a larger family sedan with a hardy V6 engine.
Kia
K5: Base Price $26,990
Kia
Formerly known as the Optima, the K5 also went through a radical redesign that updated the looks substantially, and it offers the same 2.5-liter powertrain family as the Sonata. This means there is a sporty trim that can be had with the 290-hp engine, the GT, though power is only sent to the front wheels. AWD is also optional, but only with the less powerful 191 hp engine. No hybrid powertrain is offered here, but this also appears to be the sportier of the two models, and it starts at a mere $26,990 for the latest 2025 base model.
Related 2025 Kia K5 Remains A Mid-Size Sedan Bargain
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Hyundai
Sonata: Base Price $27,500 | Ioniq 6: Base Price $37,500
Hyundai
In another win for the Korean automaker, the radically revised Sonata appears to be another home run, combining handsome looks with three different powertrains and the option of FWD or AWD. You have the choice of either a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, a hybrid 2.0-liter engine paired with a single electric motor, or the potent 290 hp, turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine in the N-Line trim. We’ve included the Ioniq 6 on the list as the automaker lists it as a four-door sedan, despite its fastback styling. A base price of $37,500 for an electric sedan is also accessible – and makes strides in promoting the dwindling sedan segment sans a combustion engine.
Related Driven: 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 6 Is One Up On Tesla
Affordable quality and decent range make the Ioniq 6 a good buy, even if you’re not spending on the top trims.
Honda
Accord: Base Price $27,895
HotCars
When it comes to popularity and impact of the nameplate, the Honda cars most fitting of that is the Civic; being the compact offering in the lineup, the mid-size Accord most fits the family-friendly brief and continues to be supremely capable. This family sedan went through an update last year that saw it keep the option of a regular-combustion powertrain or a hybrid one. While it’s always nice to have the option, we found the hybrid to be the winner of the two. It’s just a shame both can only be paired with FWD, limiting their appeal mainly to areas without rough winters.
Toyota
Camry: Base Price $28,400 | Mirai: Base Price $50,190
Toyota
The newest generation Toyota Camry arrived in 2024 and, with it, the largest change the nameplate has ever seen, as a hybrid powertrain is now the only option. Our experience behind the wheel showed that the Camry in its latest format beats out more luxurious rivals. A lesser-known large sedan the company sells is the Mirai, and this is mainly because it’s a hydrogen-powered vehicle that’s only sold in California. It’s a niche but exciting model, one that Toyota remains committed to. An honorable mention goes to the new Toyota Crown, the brand’s flagship sedan with a slightly raised body that gives it a crossover look.
Related 2025 Toyota Camry First Drive Review: The Most Camry Camry Of Them All
But can it surpass the Accord’s as the quintessential midsize sedan with actual sporting aspirations?
Cadillac
CT4: Base Price $34,995 | CT5: Base Price $47,595
Cadillac
The CT4 and CT5 are both underappreciated – and both straddle their respective classes, which is why the CT4 is included here. The CT4 takes aim at rivals likes of the Audi A3 and BMW 2 Series, but it’s closer in size to the 3 Series and Audi A4. The same goes for the CT5, which straddles between C Class and E Class cars. Regardless, both offer ample amounts of luxury and won’t break the bank to do it, unless you opt for the more exciting V models, or bonkers Blackwing versions. The latter may be the last great examples of the classic row-your-own sport sedans, and to say they’re sublime is an understatement.
Related There’s Only One Manual, V8, Rear-Wheel Drive Sedan Left In America
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Lexus
ES: Base Price $42,040 | LS: Base Price $79,335
Via: Lexus
The IS may be the looker in the Lexus family, but it’s also the smallest in the range. For family duties, the ES sedan is more suited. It comes with both non-hybrid and hybrid powertrains, is as comfortable as ever, and remains the perfect choice for the person who appreciates the finer points of a luxury sedan without needing performance. Finally, the Lexus LS capitalizes on what the brand’s buyers want, even if it doesn’t have the same appeal it’s earlier generations did; it’s still appreciated for it’s spaciousness, elegance, and refined drive.
Related Ranking Every Lexus LS Generation From Worst To Best
“LS” is short for “Luxury Sedan” – has any other car lived up to its name as consistently as this one?
Acura
TLX: Base Price $45,000
Acura
The current generation of the Acura TLX has been on sale since the 2021 model year, and now has the looks to compete with other luxury models from across the pond, especially in the sporty Type S trim. This trim couples the brand’s excellent Super Handling AWD system with a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 that produces 355 horsepower and handles itself admirably when the road gets twisty. The fun-to-drive nature of the TLX makes it a well-rounded sedan for the whole family, with pricing starting at $45,000 in base format.
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Genesis
G80: Base Price $54,400 | G90: Base Price $89,200
Genesis
The luxury Korean automaker has been making waves since it entered our market less than a decade ago, and its trio of excellent sedans is a big part of the reason why. While the G70 is compact, the G80 and G90 are mid- and full-size sedans offering looks, technology, and solid performance at a price that undercuts rivals from BMW and Mercedes. The G80 is the G70 leveled up, and that’s a very good thing because extending the wheelbase, increasing the room, and adding a ton more luxury features does exactly what Genesis was hoping it would do – and the automaker offers an electric version. The G90 is a true S-Class fighter, with up to 409 horsepower on tap.
BMW
5 Series: Base Price $57,900 | 7 Series: Base Price $96,400
BMW
There is a lot to choose from in the BMW garage. Since the 4 Series is a two-door coupe, BMW introduced the four-door Gran Coupe models to the lineup, including the all-electric i4 versions, which offer enough practicality for a family to use – we mention it, although its bigger sibling is preferable. The 5 Series is the ideal family car, with more space, enough creature comforts, and between 255 and 375 hp on the ICE models and as much as 389 hp from the i5 xDrive40. i5 models start at $66,800. The 7 Series is the brand’s full-size sedan, but only the bottom half of the lineup should be considered for family duties, mainly due to price – it starts just under $100k, which is already a pretty penny to ask, but it offers the most room and all the available luxuries you’d expect of the price tag.
Audi
A6: Base Price $58,100 | A7: Base Price $72,000 | A8: Base Price $90,900
Audi
Audi’s current lineup perfectly blends luxury, technology, and performance, but like BMW, there are some smaller sedans that would serve as family cars despite their compact proportions. The A4 and A5 Sportback variants deserve a mention in this regard. Far more suited to family duties, however, the A6 and A7 sedans all in the realm of reasonably affordable, albeit on the higher end of the price spectrum. The A6 and A7 and their hopped-up RS variants are some of the best-driving sedans around. The Audi A8 is a true luxury family car with a price to match at over $90k
Volvo
S90: Base Price $59,495
With the soon-to-be-deceased S60 as the brand’s compact sedan, the S90 is the more family-oriented four-door. The Swedish sedan is certainly more understated than other luxury offerings, and although it’s getting on in years, we think it’s aging gracefully. The S90 can be had with either a mild-hybrid gas powertrain or as a plug-in hybrid in Recharge format, with outputs ranging from 295 hp to 455 hp, and, more importantly, comfort and convenience features for an entre family. The more potent PHEV version of the base sedan costs $66,845 before options.
Mercedes-Benz
E-Class: Base Price $62,300 | EQE Sedan: Base Price $74,900
Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz currently has an entire stable of family cars on sale that will satisfy almost any preference, but we’ve stuck to those that are larger than compact sedans and exclude those under $100k, which leaves us with the comfortable and refined E-Class and it’s all-electric sibling, the EQE. The latest models of the E-Classboast a longer wheelbase with more headroom and legroom for passengers. Of course, only the finest materials are used throughout, and tech-forward systems mean all occupants will be kept entertained on your journey.
Lucid
Air: Base Price – $69,900
Jared Rosenholtz/CarBuzz/Valnet
Lucid is currently in the same place Tesla was in 2016 when it was finally ready to unveil its second model. The Air is an incredible first model, boasting incredible looks and up to 410 miles of range in the base trim. Prices vary wildly depending on the trim, but performance can be increased to nearly unfathomable levels on the Sapphire trim, besting nearly anything else on sale in a straight line. Still, it’s cheaper than the Tesla Model S at under $70k, and offers the best value for money of any base model we’ve driven.
Related Driven: 2024 Lucid Air Pure Is Undiluted EV Excellence
You don’t have to spend a fortune to get the most compelling EV on sale today.
Tesla
Model S: Base Price – $72,990
Tesla
The Model S has old bones, but impressive updates over the years have continually proven to keep the vehicle fresh and competitive in the marketplace. The model is still one of the best electric vehicles you can buy for range and power, and the Plaid version is the best deal in horsepower. The company combines sales figures, so we can only speculate as to how many Model S’s it actually sells in a single year, but you don’t need us to convince you of its popularity – so you better grab them up while you still can, if you have budgeted for it’s $72k-plus starting price.
Honorable Mention: Porsche
Taycan: Base Price $99,400 | Panamera: Base Price $102,800
Porsche
We’re not sure any of Porsches four-door sedans truly classifies as affordable for most mainstream families, but the electric Taycan and its Panamera counterpart sit on either side of $100k price cap. The Panamera continues to be a great alternative to those wanting a sedan outside the norm and with the refinement that comes with a Porsche. It’s attractive, powerful, and has room for the whole family. The Taycan may be a tad smaller, but you get an attractive EV that may be the best-driving electric sedan on the market as only Porsche could do it.