There was a time when the sedan was ubiquitous. An aerodynamic vehicle with a roomy trunk, four doors, and room for four adults just made sense. They were efficient, stable, and affordable. For decades, one sedan or another was the cheapest car American drivers could buy. But no longer.
The crossover takes over
Crossover sales have skyrocketed in the past two decades. The compact crossover is now the default “people mover.” They have a bit more cargo room than the sedan and they offer great visibility.
Sure, crossovers don’t corner as nimbly as cars. But with advances in suspension technology, they also aren’t terrifying to drive. And a short, compact crossover is as easy to park as a sedan.
It’s no wonder that Mitsubishi canceled the Mirage ($16,695) after the 2024 model year. Now Nissan’s canceling the Versa ($17,190) after the 2025 model year. The next cheapest vehicle? It’s not a sedan, it’s a compact crossover. Here’s the lineup (with 2025 MSRPs).
- Hyundai Venue ($20,200)
- Kia Soul ($20,490)
- Chevrolet Trax ($20,500)
The sedan is dead, long-live the sedan!
There are still sedans available. From the BMW 3 Series to the Dodge Charger, U.S. buyers can’t get enough of a good sedan.
Over the past decade, automakers have moved sedans from their budget-friendly default vehicle to a stylish and sporty upsell. Changes have included swooping fastback designs, stiffer suspension, sport exhausts, and aggressive styling. Even for previously budget-friendly options such as the Corolla and Accord.While the budget-friendly sedan is dead, the sedan lives on as a stylish and sporty upsell of the new default people-mover—the crossover.
We’ll have to wait and see if the drive for improved aerodynamics (and thus range) in the electric era fuels a sedan renaissance.
