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Cheapest Full-Size Sedans in 2024

2023 Dodge Charger
Dodge Charger / Credit: Dodge

The Best Affordable Large Sedans Available New

Full-size sedans – large cars from mainstream brands – have all but vanished. Chevrolet, Kia, and Buick pulled out of the full-size car segment several years ago, and Toyota discontinued the Avalon in 2022. This year, Stellantis is pulling the Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 from the market, and Nissan is cutting the Maxima. That leaves only one affordable large sedan: the Toyota Crown.

Most buyers prefer the alternatives, which vary depending on priorities. If size is important, SUVs offer much more for the same price. If power is key, most brands offer performance versions of their midsize sedans, such as the Toyota Camry V6. If prestige is important, many buyers will nab a sedan from a luxury brand – most offer cars at or below the cost of the full-size sedans on this list.

Still, full-size sedans have benefits. SUVs don’t perform as well as sedans, midsize sedans can’t match the trunk space and legroom of full-size sedans, and most luxury cars in this price range are either smaller or significantly more expensive.

If you’re looking for a large sedan with plenty of power and priced between $30-40K, these vehicles are worth a look. (If you’re looking for the Best Full-Size Luxury Cars, we rank those separately.)

Some vehicles on this list may be from a previous model year, but they are still available as new models. Sometimes automakers are slow to update specs and pricing. Other times they may be redesigning a model or have excess inventory.

How We Ranked These Full-Size Sedans


1. 2023 Dodge Charger • $32,645

2021 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye
2023 Dodge Charger / Credit: Stellantis
  • What We Like: Low starting price; fun to drive; up to 797 horsepower
  • What We Don’t: Most powerful models are extravagantly expensive, don’t match the build quality of rivals, and have poor fuel economy

From its sinister styling to its rear-wheel-drive architecture and optional V8 engines offering four performance increments, ranging from a mighty 370 horsepower to a tire-melting 797 horsepower – the Dodge Charger is clearly not about quiet comfort.

Its sporty styling leaves it with less rear headroom than its rivals, and its cabin isn’t especially fancy. Still, the base V6-powered Charger is agreeably comfortable, fuel-efficient, and agile at a reasonable price. And its optional AWD system is helpful in the winter.

Shopping for a Used Charger?

2011-2023 Charger models share most of the same strengths and weaknesses. However, the largest engines have arrived recently, and the current front-end styling only dates back to 2015. The 2023 model year was the Charger’s last.


2. 2023 Chrysler 300 • $35,545

2022 Chrysler 300S
2023 Chrysler 300 / Credit: Chrysler
  • What We Like: Classic styling; powerful V8 option
  • What We Don’t: Poor mpg; not as upscale as rivals

The Chrysler 300 can be considered a luxury version of the Dodge Charger. The two sedans look nothing alike but share the same mechanical underpinnings and entry-level engines. The Chrysler has its own flavor of assertive styling, but it’s blocky rather than sleek. Its interior is both cushier and more upscale than the Dodge’s, too, and it has more rear headroom.

Alas, you can’t get the Charger’s wildly powerful engines, though the V8-powered 300 still outguns every other full-size competitor.

Shopping for a Used 300?

2011-2023 300 models have similar styling and features. You can save by considering older model years or a certified pre-owned Chrysler. The 2023 model year was the 300’s last.


3. 2023 Nissan Maxima • $38,140

2020 Nissan Maxima
2023 Nissan Maxima / Credit: Nissan
  • What We Like: Nice mix of fun and comfort
  • What We Don’t: FWD can’t match the performance of RWD

The Maxima is the nicest sedan Nissan sells (apart from the models in the Infiniti lineup). It is one of the original front-wheel drive (FWD) Japanese sports sedans and has been offering bargain performance since the early 1980s. The current version doesn’t quite have the edge of the earlier models. Blame a performance-sapping continuously variable transmission and the limits of FWD (most other models on this list are rear-wheel drive).

Still, the Maxima is fun to drive, comfortable, and nicely equipped, making it a solid choice, especially compared with a fully-loaded Nissan Altima.

Shopping for a Used Maxima?

The Maxima is in its 8th generation; it was last redesigned in 2015. Any older 8th-generation model (2015-2022) will be broadly similar to the 2023 model in terms of design and features, so you could save money by purchasing one of these used Maxima sedans. 2023 was the Maxima’s final model year.


4. 2024 Toyota Crown • $40,050

2023 Toyota Crown
2024 Toyota Crown / Credit: Toyota
  • Price: $40,050
  • Fuel Economy: 41 mpg*
  • What We Like: Great fuel economy; high ride height; powerful Hybrid Max trim
  • What We Don’t: Not as fun to drive as rivals

You can’t say the new Toyota Crown plays it safe with its looks. A cross between a large sedan and a high-riding SUV, the Crown is a 4-door hybrid that defies categorization. As a replacement for the Avalon, the quirky Crown serves up a hybrid-only range of powertrains, starting with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder with 3 electric motors that produce 235 horsepower. Fuel economy is an impressive 42 mpg city and 41 mpg highway.

Fitted to the top-of-the-line Platinum trim is the Hybrid Max. It consists of a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder with a single electric motor mounted at the rear axle. Output is a substantial 340 horsepower, but fuel economy is lower than with the base powertrain.

The interior includes a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, synthetic leather seating surfaces, 5 USB ports, and heated front seats. 

Shopping for a Used Crown?

The Toyota Crown is all-new for 2023, so there aren’t many used models available yet.


5. Used Toyota Avalon

2021 Toyota Avalon
2022 Toyota Avalon / Credit: Toyota
  • What We Like: Roomy; reliable; powerful standard V6; 44 mpg hybrid option
  • What We Don’t: Not the sportiest option here

The Avalon’s aggressive front-end styling sets the tone for the vehicle, and the driving experience lives up to the expectation. At the same time, Toyota doesn’t sacrifice comfort and spaciousness in favor of performance. Buyers who don’t care about maximum acceleration can choose a fuel-sipping hybrid powertrain that gets 44 mpg in combined city and highway driving. Shoppers who want a more upscale interior should turn to the Avalon’s corporate cousin: the Lexus ES.

Shopping for a Used Avalon?

The 2019-2022 Avalon models have similar styling and features. Toyota has been making the Avalon since 1995, so there are plenty of options on the used market, all offering a similar combination of comfort, space, and quality.


Other Used Large Cars

These large sedans have been discontinued in the past 5 years but are still available on the used market. Click on the model to explore used car listings.


How We Ranked These Large Sedans

We ranked these full-size sedans from least expensive to most expensive based on their base MSRP when new. We limited our choices to vehicles from non-luxury brands.

The line between midsize and full-size sedans is blurry. We defined full-size sedans as having around 100 cubic feet of passenger space, starting MSRPs in the $30,000 to $40,000 range, and at least 230 horsepower standard.


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