If you’re hunting for the best used sedans in 2025, you’re not alone. Even in a world obsessed with SUVs, sedans quietly dominate the used market for shoppers who want comfort, safety, and efficiency without the truck-like footprint or payment. The trick is knowing which models are genuinely worth your money, and which ones to leave on the lot.
Sedans are down, not out
Recent registration data shows sedans still make up roughly one‑third of all used-vehicle registrations in the U.S., even as SUVs and crossovers crowd the headlines. In plain English: there’s still a deep bench of good four-doors to choose from.
Why used sedans still make sense in 2025
- Better value than SUVs: Sedans have taken a resale-value hit compared with crossovers, which quietly makes them bargains on the used lot.
- Real-world efficiency: Many gas sedans easily clear 30+ mpg highway, while hybrids can double that. EV sedans erase fuel stops entirely for most commutes.
- Comfort and refinement: Lower ride height and better aerodynamics often mean quieter cabins and more composed highway manners.
- Easier parking, easier living: Narrower footprint makes city parking and tight garages less stressful.
- Safety is a solved problem: Modern sedans from mainstream brands routinely earn top crash scores and carry the same driver-assist tech you see in crossovers.
Think total cost, not just price tag
When you compare a used sedan against a similarly priced SUV, don’t stop at the sticker. Factor in fuel, tires, insurance, and maintenance. Sedans usually win that long game.
How we chose the best used sedans
Every model below shows up again and again on expert shortlists for 2025 thanks to reliability, owner satisfaction, and crash-test scores. We also leaned on real-world pricing data and what we see shoppers gravitating toward right now.
What "best" means in this guide
Four pillars that matter more than a shiny ad
Reliability
Efficiency
Comfort & safety
Value & availability
About prices
Used car prices have been on a roller coaster since 2020. Treat any price ranges here as ballparks; your local market, tariffs, and mileage will nudge numbers up or down.
Top picks: best all-around used sedans
Why sedans dominate the used commute
1. Toyota Camry (2018–2022)
If you want a sedan you can forget about, in the best possible way, the Toyota Camry is the poster child. Recent model years pair excellent reliability with a composed ride and standard Toyota Safety Sense driver aids.
- Why it’s a best bet: Bulletproof reputation, strong crash scores, comfortable seats, and high resale, which also means parts and service are everywhere.
- What to look for: 2018+ LE or SE trims for standard safety tech; XLE for more comfort features. The Camry Hybrid (covered below) adds stellar fuel economy.
- Ballpark used pricing: Often in the mid‑ to high‑$20,000s for 3–4‑year‑old, low‑mile examples; older/high-mile cars dip into the teens.
2. Honda Accord (2017–2020)
The Honda Accord trades a touch of Toyota’s vault-like durability for a bit more fun. Turbocharged engines, smart packaging, and Honda Sensing across most trims make it a standout commuter that doesn’t feel like a penalty box.
- Why it’s a best bet: Roomy back seat, huge trunk, and a driving experience that still feels sharp years later.
- What to look for: 2018+ EX or Touring trims if you want nicer audio and comfort features. The Accord Hybrid (also below) returns real-world 45–50 mpg.
- Ballpark used pricing: Similar to the Camry, with older but well-kept examples landing in the mid‑teens to low‑$20,000s.
3. Hyundai Sonata (2019–2022)
The Hyundai Sonata is the quiet overachiever in this crowd. Stylish, packed with tech, and supported by one of the best original warranties in the business, it’s a steal as a used buy.
- Why it’s a best bet: Value. You usually get more features for the money compared with Japanese rivals. Many examples still have factory powertrain warranty coverage left.
- What to look for: 2019+ with SmartSense safety tech and smartphone mirroring. The Sonata Hybrid is especially appealing for high-mileage commuters.
- Ballpark used pricing: Often a few thousand dollars less than a similarly equipped Camry or Accord of the same year.
4. Mazda6 (2016–2020)
If you want a sedan that still makes you smile on a good back road, the Mazda6 is your car. It drives like a budget European sport sedan but carries mainstream running costs.
- Why it’s a best bet: Engaging steering and handling, handsome interior, and available turbo engine that wakes the whole car up.
- What to look for: Grand Touring or Signature trims for the turbo engine and upscale materials. Verify maintenance history; these cars reward regular oil changes.
- Ballpark used pricing: Typically under $25,000 for well-kept late models.
5. Toyota Corolla (2016–2019)
Need something under $15,000 that’ll just run? The Toyota Corolla is practically its own currency in the budget-sedan world. It’s not exciting, but it’s fiercely dependable.
- Why it’s a best bet: Low maintenance costs, impressive longevity, and fuel economy that keeps gas stops cheap.
- What to look for: 2017+ models for the most up-to-date safety tech; LE Eco trims for max MPG.
- Best for: First-time buyers, students, or anyone who’d rather spend money on trips than repairs.
6. Honda Civic (2016–2020)
The Honda Civic is the rare car that appeals equally to enthusiasts and commuters. It’s roomy for its class, efficient, and, in the right trims, genuinely fun.
- Why it’s a best bet: Strong reliability record, lots of available body styles, and a huge aftermarket if you like to personalize.
- What to look for: EX or EX‑L trims for comfort. Avoid heavily modified examples unless you know exactly what you’re looking at.
- Best for: Drivers who want compact size without feeling cramped.
Quick pick if you’re overwhelmed
If you just want a no‑drama sedan: shop for a 2018+ Toyota Camry or Honda Accord with a clean history report, documented maintenance, and modern driver‑assist tech. You’ll be hard‑pressed to do better.
Best used hybrid sedans for mileage and range
Hybrids are the sweet spot if you’re not ready for full electric but you’re tired of fueling up twice a week. The best used hybrid sedans feel totally normal to drive, they just stretch every gallon much farther.
Honda Accord Hybrid (2017–2020)
The Accord Hybrid does a neat trick: it drives like a regular Accord, yet routinely returns high‑40s mpg in mixed driving. Models from 2017–2020 stand out for their balance of tech, safety, and reliability.
- EPA economy: Around the high‑40s mpg combined.
- Why it’s great used: Honda’s hybrid system has proved durable, and you still get a genuinely comfortable, roomy family sedan.
- Watch for: Uneven tire wear (they’re torque‑rich) and up-to-date software recalls.
Toyota Camry Hybrid (2018–2022)
The Camry Hybrid leans hard into efficiency without turning the car into a science project. In LE trim, it can crest 50 mpg combined yet still feels like a normal, quiet Camry on the highway.
- EPA economy: Mid‑40s to low‑50s mpg combined depending on trim.
- Why it’s great used: Toyota’s hybrid hardware is proven, and these cars are everywhere, which keeps parts and service accessible.
- Watch for: Ride quality differences between LE (soft) and SE/XSE (firmer) trims on rough roads.
Hyundai Sonata Hybrid (2018–2022)
The Sonata Hybrid is one of the best-kept secrets in the segment. It offers bold styling, a comfortable cabin, and big mpg at prices that undercut the Honda and Toyota twins.
- EPA economy: Often rated in the mid‑40s to low‑50s mpg combined, depending on year and spec.
- Why it’s great used: Excellent warranty coverage when new means many used cars still have drivetrain coverage in place.
- Watch for: Verify any open recalls have been handled and that all hybrid-system services are documented.
Kia Optima / K5 Hybrid & others
Kia’s Optima Hybrid (and its successor, the K5 Hybrid) plus hybrids like the Ford Fusion Hybrid and Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid round out a very strong bench of efficient sedans.
- Why they’re great used: High reliability scores, mainstream parts availability, and real-world 40+ mpg.
- Best for: Drivers who want hybrid savings but are happy to skip the big-name badge for a better deal.
Hybrid vs EV for commuters
If your commute is mostly highway and you road-trip a few times a year, a used hybrid sedan may beat an EV on convenience alone. If you mostly drive around town and can charge at home, jump down to the electric sedans section.
Best used electric sedans to future-proof your driveway
Visitors also read...
Electric sedans have gone from niche to normal in just a few years. They deliver instant torque, quiet cabins, and the lowest running costs in this entire list, especially if you charge at home on off‑peak electricity rates. Falling used EV prices in 2025 have also made several models genuinely attainable.
Tesla Model 3 (2018–2023)
The Tesla Model 3 practically defined the modern EV sedan. As more early cars hit the used market and new prices have been cut, used Model 3s have become surprisingly attainable.
- Why it’s a best used EV: Strong range even on older Long Range models, access to Tesla’s Supercharger network (with growing openness to non‑Teslas), and over‑the‑air updates that keep the car feeling current.
- What to look for: A recent battery health report, clean accident history, and confirmation of any warranty coverage left. Be cautious with heavily modified or high-performance variants if maintenance is undocumented.
- Best for: Drivers who want the biggest fast-charging network and are comfortable with a minimalist interior.
Hyundai Ioniq 6 (2023–2024)
Hyundai’s Ioniq 6 is one of the most efficient EV sedans on the road, with sleek aero styling and a cabin that feels modern but not alien. On the used market, it’s quickly becoming a value play.
- Why it’s a best used EV: Excellent range, fast DC charging, and a driving experience that feels calm and confident.
- What to look for: Cars with remaining factory battery warranty, clean history reports, and up-to-date software updates.
- Best for: Commuters who want a long-legged EV that still feels refined on the highway.
Polestar 2, BMW i4 & other premium EV sedans
If you’re cross-shopping luxury badges, sedans like the Polestar 2, BMW i4, or older Tesla Model S deliver big performance and comfort with used prices that may surprise you.
- Why they’re compelling: Strong acceleration, upscale interiors, and improving fast‑charging support, especially as more public networks roll out NACS ports.
- What to watch: Insurance costs, wheel/tire replacement prices, and any reports of unusual battery degradation.
Used EV sedans vs used gas sedans
A used EV sedan can dramatically lower your running costs, but you’ll want to look beyond price:
- Home charging: Do you have a place to plug in overnight? If not, factor the convenience (or hassle) of public charging into your decision.
- Battery health: Battery pack condition matters more than odometer miles; a detailed battery health report is worth its weight in kilowatts.
- Incentives: Some states and utilities still offer rebates for used EV purchases or home charging equipment.
Don’t skip a battery health check
On a used EV sedan, the battery pack is the single most expensive component on the car. Always insist on independent battery health diagnostics rather than relying on a simple dashboard range estimate.
Comparison table: best used sedans by need
At-a-glance: which used sedan fits you?
Use this quick grid to shortlist the sedans that fit your budget, fuel preference, and daily routine.
| Model | Fuel type | Best years (used) | Typical combined MPG or MPGe | Standout strengths | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Camry | Gas / Hybrid | 2018–2022 | 32–52 mpg | Rock-solid reliability, strong safety, comfortable ride | One-car households, long-term owners |
| Honda Accord | Gas / Hybrid | 2017–2020 | 32–48 mpg | Fun to drive, roomy cabin, smart tech | Commuters who still enjoy driving |
| Hyundai Sonata | Gas / Hybrid | 2019–2022 | 32–50 mpg | High value, long warranty, quiet ride | Feature hunters on a budget |
| Mazda6 | Gas | 2016–2020 | 29–30 mpg | Engaging handling, upscale interior feel | Drivers who want a sportier sedan |
| Toyota Corolla | Gas | 2016–2019 | 32–35 mpg | Low running costs, excellent longevity | First-time buyers and students |
| Honda Civic | Gas | 2016–2020 | 32–36 mpg | Roomy compact, efficient, fun to drive | City dwellers, small families |
| Accord / Camry Hybrid | Hybrid | 2017–2022 | 45–52 mpg | Big car comfort, tiny fuel bills | High-mileage commuters and sales reps |
| Tesla Model 3 | Electric | 2018–2023 | ~120–130 MPGe | Strong range, huge fast-charging network | Drivers ready to commit to EV life |
| Hyundai Ioniq 6 | Electric | 2023–2024 | ~120–140 MPGe | Superb efficiency, smooth ride | Commuters who rack up highway miles |
All fuel economy figures are approximate and will vary with driving style, climate, and vehicle condition.
Checklist: how to shop for the best used sedan
Smart used-sedan shopping in 8 steps
1. Start with your real daily use
Write down how you actually drive: daily miles, typical passengers, parking situation, and weather. This will quickly steer you toward gas, hybrid, or EV, and how much car you really need.
2. Set an all‑in budget
Include taxes, registration, insurance, and (for EVs) potential home charging installation. A car payment that ignores those extras will feel bigger than it looks on paper.
3. Decide on fuel type early
If you live in an apartment with no reliable outlet, a hybrid may beat an EV. If you own your home and can charge overnight, an electric sedan can slash your long-term costs.
4. Target specific years and trims
For each model, focus on the generations with the best reliability and safety records. Trims packed with features can be a bargain used, but exotic options can be expensive to repair.
5. Pull a full vehicle history report
Look for accident records, flood damage, airbag deployments, odometer discrepancies, and repeated ownership changes. Walk away from anything that smells like a problem child.
6. Get a pre-purchase inspection
Have an independent mechanic, ideally one who knows the brand, inspect the car. For EVs, that includes checking for uneven tire wear, suspension issues, and brake condition.
7. For EVs, demand a battery health report
Battery capacity, DC fast-charging habits, and age matter more than mileage alone. A good report shows you remaining capacity and any worrying patterns in the pack’s life.
8. Compare financing and trade-in options
Shop rates with your bank or credit union, but also compare dealer or marketplace offers. A strong trade‑in value, especially on an older gas car, can make a used EV sedan surprisingly attainable.
Financing, trade-ins, and buying an EV sedan with Recharged
If one of your finalists is an electric sedan, this is where Recharged steps in. Recharged is built from the ground up around used EVs, with tools and data designed to answer the questions shoppers usually have to figure out alone.
How Recharged makes shopping for a used EV sedan easier
Especially if you’re stepping out of a gas sedan for the first time
Recharged Score battery diagnostics
Fair pricing & expert support
Financing, trade-ins & delivery
Pre-qualify before you fall in love
Before you test-drive that used Model 3 or Ioniq 6, take five minutes to pre-qualify for financing. Knowing your real budget makes it much easier to decide whether a higher-trim hybrid or an EV sedan fits your life.
FAQ: best used sedans
Your questions about the best used sedans, answered
Bottom line: the best used sedan is the one that fits your life
The “best” used sedan isn’t the one with the flashiest ad or the biggest touchscreen, it’s the one that quietly matches your real life. For many drivers, that’s a Camry or Accord in gas or hybrid form. For others, it might be a value-packed Sonata or a fun-to-drive Mazda6. And if you’re ready to cut gas stations mostly out of your routine, a used electric sedan like a Tesla Model 3 or Hyundai Ioniq 6 can be the smartest upgrade you make this decade.
Take your time, be honest about how you drive, and insist on transparency, especially around history reports and battery health for EVs. When you’re ready to explore used electric sedans with verified battery data, fair pricing, and expert guidance, Recharged is built to make that next step simple.
