14 Cars More Affordable Than A Toyota Camry

The Toyota Camry is one of the most popular sedans in the United States. Kelley Blue Book reports this vehicle as the ninth best-selling vehicle overall for 2025, with 316,185 units sold. Data from GoodCarBadCar indicates these impressive sales figures aren't confined to the previous year. Since 2005, American consumers have purchased hundreds of thousands of Camrys each year. Even the year with the lowest demand, in 2023, saw more than 290,000 units drive off lots across the country. This stellar track record is backed up by the sedan's cost-saving fuel economy and world-class safety features. Car and Driver reports that the 2026 Camry can get up to 52 miles per gallon (mpg) combined.

For further context, CarEdge places the Toyota Camry's 10-year maintenance costs at $4,581. This is lower than the upkeep expenses of comparable models by $1,165. Additionally, drivers of the Camry face a 12.28% likelihood of needing to cover a considerable repair within the first 10 years of driving. These odds fall 4.41% under the average for similar models. Furthermore, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety placed the new Camry into its Top Safety Pick+ category, which is the highest designation reserved for vehicles that exhibit superior crashworthiness and safety standards. It is worth noting that this sedan comes with two recalls, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 

Regardless, the Camry represents one of the most reliable vehicles on the market. However, some people second-guess the Toyota Camry when hearing the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $30,495. While remaining far below the average new price of a vehicle, this price tag is enough to elicit sticker shock. Fortunately, there are several dependable cars more affordable than the Toyota Camry. If you're struggling to decide between buying new or used, we've included used vehicle prices for each model to make it easier to compare costs. 

The 2026 Toyota Prius clocks in just below the Camry with an MSRP of $29,745, according to Car and Driver. Yet, this popular hybrid far outpaces its Toyota counterpart in fuel economy. The new Prius can reach up to 57 mpg combined, helping drivers save big on energy costs. The 2026 model is recognized for its sleek design, zippy performance, and longevity. It's worth noting that Consumer Reports has identified the Prius as one of the most reliable Toyota cars on the market. Drivers will be giving up some headroom, especially in the rear seats, compared to the Camry.

If the 2026 Prius' price is a little too close to that of the Camry's, you can snag a 2016 model for $14,422 or a 2006 model for $5,796, according to CarGurus. CarEdge reports that the 10-year maintenance costs of a Prius amount to $4,360. This falls about $515 under the average for similar hatchback vehicles. Furthermore, the Prius has a 3.06% lower risk of experiencing a serious issue in the same time frame when measured against comparable models. The overall odds are placed at 11.58%.

Both Kelley Blue Book and Consumer Reports have dubbed the 2026 Honda Accord as one of the most reliable cars to hit the market. This proves you can drive with the peace of mind offered by the Camry without actually buying it. Car and Driver reports that the new Accord runs about $29,590. Owners are taking a slight hit on the fuel economy, with the non-hybrid version getting 32 mpg combined and the hybrid model earning 48 mpg combined. Still, the Accord is celebrated for its aesthetic design, responsive handling, spacious interior, and solid performance.

If you're willing to buy used, you can save dramatically, with a 2016 Accord going for an average of $14,495. A 2006 costs just $6,160, per CarGurus. The Honda Accord comes with a manageable maintenance bill of $5,807 within the first decade of ownership. This falls right in line with the norm for similar sedans, only standing above the competition by $61 across this 10-year period. Similarly, the Accord faces a similar probability of needing a serious repair, with the odds sitting at 16.08%, according to CarEdge.

The Nissan Altima has a reputation for punching far above its weight class. MoneyDigest has even recognized this sedan as one of the cars that are more reliable than a Toyota Highlander, a model known for its capability. The 2026 Nissan Altima comes with an MSRP of $28,825, according to Car and Driver, already meaningfully lower than that of the Camry. The Altima may not be the flashiest sedan out there, but it excels at the basics. For a relatively low price, drivers get a comfortable and straightforward driving experience, solid fuel economy up to 32 mpg combined, and available all-wheel drive.

Buyers looking for a little more savings can scoop up a 2016 Altima for about $9,778. That price drops to $5,121 for a 2008 version, which is the earliest model for which CarGurus has data. In the first 10 years of ownership, the Nissan Altima requires around $6,013 in general upkeep, per CarEdge. This figure is roughly $267 more than the maintenance costs of comparable sedans. However, the Altima's 16.97% likelihood of demanding a considerable fix during the same period is average for its class, only 0.28% higher than the average.

The Kia brand is well-represented on Consumer Reports' list of the best cheap cars that are still reliable. This marque delivers on affordability and dependability again with the Kia K5, with an MSRP of $28,735, per Car and Driver. This aesthetic sedan, with a premier interior and sharp exterior, packages a luxury-brand design into an affordable nameplate. Drivers enjoy the large touch screen, roomy interior, and slew of standard features. Some people complain about the height of the driver's position, though. The Kia5 is a newer model, first unveiled in 2021, so there aren't a ton of used options.

The earliest models from the release year cost about $19,078, according to CarGurus, limiting the savings options. Owners of the Kia K5 typically spend $635 more on maintenance and repairs within the first decade compared to similar sedans. Overall, these upkeep expenses reach $6,381. CarEdge further reports that drivers of the K5 experience an 18.11% risk of needing to cover a major fix in this initial decade. That's about 1.42% higher than the norm.

Car and Driver indicates that the 2026 Hyundai Sonata's MSRP is $28,695, making it more affordable than the Toyota Camry, while still delivering on this competitor's favored offers. Consumer Reports has identified the Honda Sonata as one of the best hybrid cars for gas mileage, with a remarkable fuel economy up to 47 mpg combined. Similar to the K5, the Sonata is a head-turner on the outside and a driver's paradise on the inside. This premium design is paired with a solid ride. The handling isn't race-level quality, but still plenty responsive. Owners benefit from a range of standard features, with even more available through the various trim upgrades.

Scaling back a decade can secure a serious deal on the Sonata, with 2016 models going for $9,300. The earliest 2011 versions run about $6,442, per CarGurus. CarEdge puts the Hyundai Sonata's prolonged maintenance expenses at $6,444. That means owners tend to pay roughly $698 more than the class average over the first decade of driving. Additionally, the Altima comes with a 1.62% higher risk of requiring a considerable fix within the same period. In total, this sedan's odds are 18.31%.

Despite being one of the less-popular vehicles of 2026, Consumer Reports highlights the Subaru Impreza as one of the most reliable cars of the year. The price point doesn't disappoint either, coming in below the more widely sold Toyota Camry. The MSRP on this capable sedan is $27,790, per Car and Driver. Drivers who prioritize handling and safety love the standard all-wheel drive available on all trims. The hatchback design makes for easy access and boosts cargo space. Plus, the ride is comfortable, responsive, and smooth. Although prices have risen in the past couple of years, drivers are still saving compared to more popular yet similar models.

If you're looking to cut back on expenses, the 2016 version is sold for an average of $11,083, according to CarGurus. The earliest 2008 model is nearly half that, selling for about $5,504. Subaru recently overtook Toyota and Lexus as the most reliable car brand, but this marque is known for its slightly elevated upkeep costs. Within the first 10 years of ownership, drivers can expect to spend around $6,344 to keep the Impreza running smoothly, which is about $598 above the norm for comparable sedans. Also, Impreza owners see an 18.31% risk of needing to pay for a significant repair across a decade. This risk is around 1.62% above the likelihood faced by similar models, per CarEdge.

Running with an MSRP of $26,675, as reported by Car and Driver, the Mini Cooper is another car that's more affordable than the Toyota Camry. This niche vehicle is praised for its customization, allowing owners to choose from a wide range of designs. Whether you go with the convertible or hardtop version, you'll get responsive handling, zippy performance, and plenty of control. Of course, the smaller design means you're giving up some space in the backseat and trunk. A 32 mpg combined fuel economy helps save on gas, too.

Looking for an even better deal? Going back to the 2016 version can land you a purchase price of about $11,096. CarGurus also highlights that the earliest 2008 model can be yours for $6,505. Make sure you really want the Mini Cooper before buying it, though. This is one of the best-selling cars that is quickest to be resold. Unfortunately, CarEdge doesn't provide long-term maintenance costs specifically for the Mini Cooper model. However, the brand-level upkeep costs are estimated to be $6,706, undercutting the market average by $1,550. Owners also benefit from a 6.04% lower chance of needing to pay for a major repair within the first 10 years of driving. The typical Mini model sees an 18.59% risk of experiencing a considerable issue over a decade.

Money Digest has pinpointed the Honda Civic as one of the best cars for retirees, due to its balance between capability and affordability. At a price point below the Toyota Camry, this recommendation extends to all drivers, not just seniors. This Honda Sedan comes in standard and hybrid trims, with fuel economy ranging from 36 to 47 mpg combined. Owners like the no-nonsense performance with solid handling and agile turning, although drivers looking for something sporty may be slightly disappointed. Car and Driver reports that the newest Civic clocks in with an MSRP of $25,890, saving drivers thousands when stacked against the Toyota Camry.

CarGurus pricing trends indicate a 2016 Civic runs about $13,741, with a 2006 version selling for about $6,011. The earliest hybrid engine released in 2025 is $29,016, per CarGurus. CarEdge estimates that the 10-year upkeep expenses of the Civic reach $5,634, beating out the class standard by $112. This model's risks of needing a serious fix in the same time frame are put at 16.08%, which is around 0.61% lower than the norm for comparable models.

Unfortunately, Mazda is one of the customers' least favorite car brands, according to Consumer Reports. However, the Mazda 3 stands out above this subpar reputation as a strong option for drivers looking to save money without sacrificing dependability. This nameplate comes in several sedan versions and even a hatchback model, giving drivers plenty of possibilities. All trims are recognized for their stylish interior, smooth driving experience, and decent fuel economy. These models get between 34 and 35 mpg combined. The sedan offers much more rear visibility than its hatchback counterpart, though. Car and Driver mentions that the Mazda 3 starts with an MSRP of $25,785.

If you're willing to buy used, a 2016 model can be yours for $11,438. The 2010 version, which is the earliest release, sells for $6,096, according to CarGurus. Mazda 3 owners should budget about $5,928 within the first decade of purchasing this model for general maintenance, per CarEdge. This upkeep bill is slightly above the average for similar sedans, outpacing the class norm by about $182. Within the same time frame, the Mazda 3 comes with a 16.75% likelihood of demanding a hefty repair, hovering around the average.

The Volkswagen Jetta marries the reliability of German manufacturing and the functionality of Toyota and Honda sedans. The spacious interior makes it perfect for small families or any driver who wants plenty of room without spending on an SUV. The combined fuel economy of the Jetta is 33 mpg. Some common criticisms revolve around the unintuitive electronics and modest interior, although many drivers can look past these small oversights. Car and Driver puts the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta's MSRP at $25,270, more than $5,000 cheaper than the Toyota Camry.

If you're thinking twice about buying a new car, there are plenty of modestly priced Jettas on the used market. CarGurus estimates that the typical 2016 model costs around $8,936. A 2011 version, which is the initial release year, runs about $6,188. CarEdge reports that the Jetta's maintenance costs about $6,053 in the initial decade of ownership, sitting above the class standard by $307. On top of that, the Jetta sees a slightly elevated chance of needing a considerable fix within a decade. This model's odds are set at 17.42%, roughly 0.73% higher than for similar models.

Consumer Reports has labeled the Toyota Corolla as a top-selling vehicle that's also among the most reliable. This high praise is coupled with a modest MSRP of $24,320, according to Car and Driver, which falls far below that of the Toyota Camry. The Corolla features robust fuel efficiency, straightforward handling, and a slew of standard features across trim types. Drivers can choose between the standard sedan and a hatchback model, which offers more flexible trunk space but less overall room. The standard Corolla's combined fuel economy is 35 mpg, while the hybrid version reaches 50 mpg combined.

CarGurus suggests that the price for a 2016 Corolla hovers around $12,411. For even more savings, drivers should be able to get a 2006 model for $5,735. The Toyota Corolla offers owners a $1,312 discount on 10-year upkeep expenses compared to similar sedans. CarEdge estimates this nameplate costs about $4,434 in maintenance within the first decade of ownership. It also experiences a 12.28% risk of needing a serious fix in the same period, 4.41% lower than the class average.

Car and Driver puts the 2026 Hyundai Elantra's MSRP at a reasonable $23,870. The sharp lines on the exterior are reminiscent of pricier sedans, and drivers can enjoy plenty of space in both the seating and cargo areas. The most affordable, entry level trim still offers a decent 35 mpg combined for fuel savings. MoneyDigest actually highlights the Hyundai Elantra as one of the most reliable used cars to buy.

For context, a 10-year-old 2016 model usually sells for $8,004, per CarGurus. The earliest release is a 2009 version, which costs about $5,101. The first decade of owning the Elantra comes with a maintenance bill of $6,339, which outpaces the average of comparable models by $593. CarEdge further indicates that Elantra owners experience an 18.31% chance of having to cover a considerable issue in the same time frame. This risk is about 1.62% higher than the class average.

Car and Driver puts the Nissan Sentra's MSRP at $23,845, far below that of the Toyota Corolla. This sedan boasts a premium interior that would rival that of a pricier model. The handling is recognized for its responsiveness and agility. Despite the lower price point, you're not giving up space in the interior or trunk, compared to models higher on this list. The Sentra's baseline trim offers 33 mpg combined, although some trims bump this fuel efficiency up to 34 mpg combined. Consumer Reports has even pinpointed this cheap Nissan as one of the best money can buy.

Don't worry if the relatively low price tag still falls out of your budget. This long-running sedan has plentiful used choices at even more reasonable prices. CarGurus indicates that the 2016 release usually costs $8,165, while going back to the earliest 2010 model will only set you back $5,052. CarEdge projects the decade-long upkeep bill of the Sentra to be around $5,852, stretching slightly above the maintenance costs of similar models by $106. Over the same period, owners see 16.97% odds of needing to pay for a serious issue, which is only 0.28% worse than the class norm.

The Kia K4 is a smaller, more affordable iteration of the K5 model. Car and Driver puts this compact sedan's MSRP at an accessible $23,535, making it the cheapest option on this list of cars, more affordable than a Toyota Camry. The Kia K4 shares the same stylish exterior contours of its larger counterpart, but gives up some interior spaciousness to achieve its lower price point. The driving experience is responsive, smooth, and not too noisy, but lacks some of the power of more expensive sedans. The middle-of-the-road combined fuel economy of 28 mpg isn't going to break or make the gas budget.

Released in late 2024, the Kia K4 doesn't have many used options, however. CarGurus indicates that the 2025 model, the earliest on the used car market, runs about $20,601. Owning the Kia K4 for 10 years comes with a maintenance bill of $6,256, according to CarEdge, which is $510 more expensive than the competition. Additionally, this model faces an 18.11% probability of experiencing a serious issue, 1.42% above the norm for comparable models.