You Can’t Buy a Full-Size American Sedan Under $52,000 in 2026
The average new car transaction price is hovering at $50,000. Every vehicle segment has skyrocketed in price, and the full-size sedan is no exception. If you want a traditional, four-door, full-size sedan built by one of the Detroit Three, your cheapest option in 2026 is the $51,995 Dodge Charger. In fact, it is your only option.
Cadillac offered its full-size CT6 for the North American market until 2020, though it still sells the sedan in China. General Motors has cancelled all Chevrolet sedans. It defines the Cadillac CT5 as a “midsize luxury sedan” and the CT4 as a compact. The 2026 CT5 starts at $49,200.
Lincoln cancelled its MKZ and Continental after the 2020 model year—alongside the Ford Fusion.
Stellantis cancelled its V8-powered Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 after the 2023 model year. But now the new Dodge Charger is back, and for 2026, the I6-powered car is available as a proper full-size sedan with four doors.
The other full-size sedans available in the North American market are imported luxury cars. They include the Genesis G90, BMW 7 Series, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, and Audi A8/S8. They all have MSRPs tickling six figures. The “Crown” is a luxury full-size sedan with a Toyota badge that starts at $41,440.
It seems that just a few years ago, a full-sized sedan was the default budget car. Need room for a family of five? Full-size sedan. Need to tow a small boat or trailer? Full-size sedan. Today, the crossover has replaced the sedan as our default budget car. The full-size sedans that do exist are upsells if you want something a bit more stylish—and a bit quicker—than a crossover. And they’re priced accordingly.
