These 15 sedans carry the lowest starting prices for 2026, ranked by base MSRP so budget shoppers can spot the most affordable four-doors first, led by the 2026 Mitsubishi Mirage.
Powered by a 1.2L dohc 3-cylinder producing 78 horsepower and 74 lb-ft of torque. It takes the top spot with the lowest MSRP of $17,990 — well under the segment average of $68,158. That's better than 99% of sedans.
Powered by a 2.0L inline-4 producing 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. MSRP: $22,815 — $4,825 more than the #1 spot. That's better than 99% of sedans.
Powered by a 2.0L inline-4 producing 169 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque. MSRP: $23,145 — $330 more than the #2 spot. That's better than 98% of sedans.
Powered by a 1.5L turbocharged inline-4 producing 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. MSRP: $23,295 — $150 more than the #3 spot. That's better than 98% of sedans.
Powered by a 2.0L flat-4 producing 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. MSRP: $23,500 — $205 more than the #4 spot. That's better than 97% of sedans.
Powered by a 2.0L inline-4 producing 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. MSRP: $23,990 — $490 more than the #5 spot. That's better than 97% of sedans.
Powered by a 2.5L, inline-4 producing 191 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. MSRP: $24,170 — $180 more than the #6 spot. That's better than 96% of sedans.
Powered by a 2.0L, inline-4 producing 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. MSRP: $24,480 — $310 more than the #7 spot. That's better than 96% of sedans.
Powered by a 2.5L inline-4 skyactiv-g producing 191 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. MSRP: $24,550 — $70 more than the #8 spot. That's better than 95% of sedans.
Powered by a 2.0L inline-4 dohc producing 150 horsepower and 133 lb-ft of torque. MSRP: $24,595 — $45 more than the #9 spot. That's better than 95% of sedans.
Powered by a 2.0L inline-4 producing 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. MSRP: $27,000 — $2,405 more than the #10 spot. That's better than 94% of sedans.
Powered by a 2.5L, inline-4 producing 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. MSRP: $27,450 — $450 more than the #11 spot. That's better than 94% of sedans.
Powered by a 2.5L 4-cylinder producing 188 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque. MSRP: $28,720 — $1,270 more than the #12 spot. That's better than 93% of sedans.
Powered by a 1.6L turbo inline-4 producing 180 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. MSRP: $29,190 — $470 more than the #13 spot. That's better than 93% of sedans.
Powered by a 2.5L inline-4 producing 225 horsepower and 163 lb-ft of torque. MSRP: $29,495 — $305 more than the #14 spot. That's better than 92% of sedans.
Full Comparison: Cheapest Sedans in 2026
| # | Sedan | MSRP | HP | 0-60 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2026 Mitsubishi Mirage | $17,990 | 78 hp | 12.3s |
| 2 | 2026 Kia Forte | $22,815 | 147 hp | 8.8s |
| 3 | 2026 Toyota Corolla | $23,145 | 169 hp | 8.2s |
| 4 | 2026 Volkswagen Jetta | $23,295 | 158 hp | 7.6s |
| 5 | 2026 Subaru Impreza | $23,500 | 152 hp | 8.9s |
| 6 | 2026 Kia K4 | $23,990 | 147 hp | 8.2s |
| 7 | 2026 Mazda Mazda3 Sedan | $24,170 | 191 hp | 7.9s |
| 8 | 2026 Hyundai Elantra | $24,480 | 147 hp | 8.1s |
| 9 | 2026 Mazda Mazda3 | $24,550 | 191 hp | 7.6s |
| 10 | 2026 Honda Civic | $24,595 | 150 hp | 8.7s |
| 11 | 2026 Kia K4 Hatchback | $27,000 | 147 hp | 8.3s |
| 12 | 2026 Hyundai Sonata | $27,450 | 191 hp | 7.3s |
| 13 | 2026 Nissan Altima | $28,720 | 188 hp | 7.4s |
| 14 | 2026 Kia K5 | $29,190 | 180 hp | 7.4s |
| 15 | 2026 Toyota Camry | $29,495 | 225 hp | 7.2s |
The Bottom Line
The 2026 Mitsubishi Mirage takes the top spot with $17,990. The 2026 Kia Forte is a close second. All 15 sedans listed here beat the 2026 segment average of $68,158.
How the Cheapest Sedans Rank for 2026
This list is sorted by base MSRP, the lowest advertised price for each model. Entry-priced sedans prioritize affordability over features and power, and they lean on small, economical gas engines to keep both the sticker and fuel costs down. That focus makes them appealing first cars, commuters, and fleet buys.
Keep in mind that the listed MSRP is a base figure that excludes destination charges, taxes, and options, so the real out-the-door price climbs from there. Even at this end of the market, many sedans now include modern driver-assistance tech as standard, narrowing the gap to pricier rivals. The trade-off is more modest performance and fewer comfort and infotainment features.
What to check at this price
- Out-the-door cost including destination, fees, and taxes, not just base MSRP.
- Which safety and tech features come standard on the base trim.
- Fuel economy and projected day-to-day ownership cost.
- Reliability reputation, warranty coverage, and resale value.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest sedan in 2026?
By starting MSRP, the 2026 Mitsubishi Mirage is the most affordable sedan in our 2026 ranking. The listed price is for the base trim and excludes destination, taxes, and options, so the actual out-the-door cost will be higher. Availability can also change as automakers revise their lineups.
Does the lowest price include all the fees?
No. The MSRP shown is a base figure that does not include the mandatory destination charge, taxes, registration, or dealer fees. Adding popular options also pushes the price up, so always compare full out-the-door quotes rather than advertised starting prices.
Are cheap sedans still safe and well-equipped?
Increasingly so. Many budget sedans now bundle driver-assistance features such as automatic emergency braking as standard. You will still get fewer comfort, convenience, and infotainment features than in pricier models, and performance is modest, but the basics of safe, reliable transportation are well covered.
Are budget sedans cheap to own as well as to buy?
Generally yes. Their small, efficient engines keep fuel costs low, and modest power and value-oriented positioning tend to mean lower insurance premiums. Strong reliability and reasonable maintenance costs round out the appeal, though resale value varies by brand and model.