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10 Most Popular Under $38K Sedans for Retirees in 2025

One of these models might fit perfectly with the retirement of your dreams.

By Cassandra Yorgey

Edited by Chris Kissell

Updated Jan. 3, 2025

If you are planning an active retirement, chances are good that you will need a car. One of the smartest car owner moves you can make is to find a vehicle that is a great fit for your golden years.

Fortunately, there are many great sedans available for retirees. Whether you are looking for practicality, fun, or something that can simply handle the weather, options abound.

Here are some of the most popular sedans for retirees as you enter the new year, along with the starting manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) for each vehicle.

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2025 Toyota Camry

MSRP: $28,400

Nobody knows what gas prices will look like next year or into the future, so finding a fuel-efficient vehicle can be a smart move.

All Camry models have a rating of at least 48/47 mpg. The renowned reliability of Toyota vehicles also means retirees can expect to keep maintenance and repair costs down throughout the life of the car.

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2025 Toyota Corolla Hybrid

MSRP: $23,625

The Corolla Hybrid has everything that has made the model a longtime favorite while also boosting gas mileage to 53/46 mpg.

The Corolla also offers a high line of sight, which is perfect for retirees who prefer increased visibility.

2025 Mazda Miata

MSRP: $29,330

Cruising the open road with the top down in a sweet little convertible is a common retirement dream, and the MX-5 Miata is an affordable way to make that vision reality.

The Miata offers a powerful ride with sharp steering and includes kinematic posture control that keeps body roll to a minimum when you corner.

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2025 Honda Civic Sedan Sport Hybrid

MSRP: $28,750

Honda has a goal of making the fuel-efficient hybrid account for 40% of all Civic sales, so this is likely to be a popular choice for retirees and drivers of all ages.

The hybrid version offers gas mileage of 50/47, which means retirees on tight budgets will be able to squeeze more from the dollars they spend on gas.

2025 Volkswagen Jetta

MSRP: $21,995

VW fans are eyeing up the new Jettas, which offer a redesign and upgraded features.

The Jetta gets an estimated 29/39 mpg. Jetta drivers who activate Car-Net can access features such as remote start and last parked location.

2025 Hyundai Elantra

MSRP: $21,875

The newest Elantra boasts gas mileage of 32/41 mpg and includes a slew of technology-forward improvements that make it perfect for tech-savvy retirees looking for a reliable ride.

Tech features include a high-resolution 10.25-inch touchscreen display and both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You can even use your phone to open the doors.

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2025 Subaru Legacy

MSRP: $24,895

The Legacy is about to live up to its name, as this is the final year of production for the model.

This vehicle is great for anybody seeking a cold-weather retirement because the Legacy handles well in the snow with its all-wheel-drive traction. Drivers can expect gas mileage of 35/27 mpg.

2025 Hyundai IONIQ 6

MSRP: $37,750

Retirees looking to make the leap to a fully electric vehicle will want to consider the IONIQ 6, which offers an estimated range up to 342 miles.

It also has a rapid charge rate of 18 minutes, giving you peace of mind when you travel and need to recharge quickly. The price is higher than some of the other vehicles on this list, but you will also save a lot of money on gas if you purchase this car.

2025 Kia K5

MSRP: $26,990

The K5 handles like a sports car and features wide-track suspension. The D-shaped steering wheel and 24-inch panoramic display create a top-of-the-line driving experience.

Remote start and climate control are standard on this car, which jumps from zero to 60 mph in just 5.4 seconds.

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2025 Honda Accord

MSRP: $28,295

The Accord is a practical, jack-of-all-trades vehicle for retirees who want something affordable that gets them around town. There is a reason this vehicle is a staple on most roads.

The car gets gas mileage of 29/37 mpg and comes with safety features such as the Collision Mitigation Braking System that assists you when you are in danger of crashing into a pedestrian or another vehicle.

Bottom line

Many retirees want to live in a walkable community that allows them to live their day-to-day lives on foot. But even if that’s true for you, chances are good that you will still need a vehicle to get around during your golden years.

Having a vehicle that fits with your planned retirement lifestyle can make a huge impact on your quality of life. So, it’s worth taking the time to consider which car will meet your driving needs.

The cars on this list offer many perks that might suit a retiree lifestyle, and many of them are affordable. If money is tight, another way to reduce your costs is to shop around and compare quotes so you can save on car insurance.

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