Sedan vs SUV: Which is Better? We Compared These Popular Sedans and Their SUV Counterparts and the Results are Surprising!
Sedans have fallen out of favor in recent years, but they can still offer a good deal. But are they cheaper than SUVs?
SUVs are head turners. Tall, lean and muscular; who doesn’t love a strong truck-like SUV with power, capability and muscle?
And then you take a look at the price tag and think again: Do I really need all that height and space? And rumors that sedans are always cheaper than SUVs is enticing. Certainly sedans are more fuel efficient thanks to the added aerodynamics and lower overall weight, right? Weighing the pros and cons of a sedan vs SUV might convince you think that going back to a sedan is the way to go. But is it?
We looked at 7 of the most popular SUVs and their sedan counterpart to find which is the better deal: Sedan vs SUV?
This story is 100% human-researched and written based on actual first-person knowledge, extensive experience and expertise on the subject of cars and trucks.
Toyota Camry vs Toyota RAV4
Both the Toyota Camry and Toyota RAV 4 have been redesigned in the last couple of years. Both are now hybrid only and deliver fuel economy performance that is at the top of the industry. They both also have new multimedia systems and lots of luxuries. Both can be had in AWD for about $1,400 more.
The Toyota Camry starts at $29,300 and is powered by a 4-cylinder hybrid powertrain that delivers 225 HP and about 50 MPG; standard features include an 8” touchscreen multimedia system, a wireless phone charge pad, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 with blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert
The Toyota RAV4 starts at $31,900 and is also hybrid, powered by a 4-cylinder engine that generates 226 HP and gets about 44 MPG, and features a 10.5” multimedia touchscreen, LED headlights, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and Toyota Safety Sense 4.0
Our Sedan vs SUV Best Pick? The Toyota Camry is really fun to drive, and in addition to saving $2,600 on the purchase you’ll save significantly at the pump, too.
Kia K5 vs Kia Sportage
The Kia K5 hit the market a few years ago and wowed everyone with its slick tech, comfort and fun to drive powertrain. It’s ready for a makeover so you might find better deals on the K5 than on the Kia Sportage which was just updated for the 2026 model year and is among the brand’s most modern models.
The Kia K5 starts at $27,450 and is powered by a 4-cylinder engine that delivers 191 HP; it’s estimated to get 37 MPG and features LED headlights, a 12” touch screen, a smart key, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and driver assist features like front and rear sensors, blind spot monitors and auto emergency braking with pedestrian detection.
The Kia Sportage starts at $28,790 and is powered by a 4-cylinder engine that delivers 187 HP, gets an estimated 33 MPG and features 17” wheels, a smart key, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and driver assist features like front and rear sensors, blind spot monitors and auto emergency braking with pedestrian detection; hybrid power is an option for an additional $1,700 but it delivers 42 MPG.
Our sedan vs SUV pick? If more luxe, less bucks is your mantra, the K5’s sharp, modern exterior will make you smile every day. It’s loaded with lots of great tech and the base powertrain delivers ample power and good fuel economy.
Dodge Charger vs. Dodge Durango
In some ways this is a tough comparison, but it’s one we wanted to make because the shocker here is that the Dodge Charger is such a good family car; it’s large and has a very roomy rear seat. And, all wheel drive is standard.
The Durango is due for a makeover soon (this year, we hear) and it needs it; while some love its V8 engine, it delivers a lot less power than the Charger.
The 4-door Charger starts at $51,995 and is powered by a 6-cylinder engine that delivers 420 HP and 20 MPG, and features a large touch screen, seating for 5 and standard all wheel drive; for $5,000 more add navigation, leatherette seating
Dodge Durango GT AWD V8 starts at $43,675 and is powered by a V8 HEMI engine that delivers 360 HP, averages 16 MPG and seats up to seven passengers in 3 rows; it features LED headlights, a power liftgate, integrated navigation and front heated seats.
Which do we recommend, sedan vs SUV? We’d go for the Durango. Yes, you’ll pay more at the pump but you’ll get a lot inside this full-size 3-row SUV; go up a trim from the GT AWD V8 to the GT Premium ($50,275) and add leather seating and even more luxuries.
Nissan Altima vs Nissan Rogue
Nissan is in the midst of redesigning its lineup and in both the Rogue and the Altima offers some really good deals. The mid-size Altima, which was updated in 2023 and Rogue, last updated in 2024, both offer seating for 5 and lots of nice features inside.
The Nissan Altima starts at $27,580 and is powered by a 4-cylinder engine that delivers 188 HP and about 31 MPG; standard features include a 7” multimedia tonic screen, adaptive cruise control
The Nissan Rogue starts at $30,490 and is powered by a 4-cylinder engine that generates 201 HP and an average 32 MPG; it features Nissan ProPilot Assist driver assist features, an 8” touchscreen multimedia system and LED headlights; all wheel drive adds $1,400.
Our sedan vs SUV pick? The Nissan Altima represents a significant value over the Rogue; the difference in price, the fuel economy and the fact that the Rogue should really be ordered with all wheel drive are factors that tip the scale for us.
Hyundai Sonata vs Hyundai Tucson
Hyundai has really scaled up its offerings in the last decade and the Sonata has long been at the forefront of that mission. As a result it’s stylish, nicely outfitted even at the entry level and delivers really nice fuel economy. The Tucson though, thanks to a 2025 redesign, makes this a tough choice.
The Hyundai Sonata starts at $29,200 (a $1,750 premium over the gas-only model that gets 32 MPG) and is powered by a hybrid 4-cylinder engine that generates 192 HP and averages 51 MPG; it features a 12” multimedia touchscreen, a hands-free smart trunk and a full suite of driver assist and safety features
The Hyundai Tucson starts at $29,450 and is powered by a 4-cylinder engine that generates 187 HP and 28 MPG; it features a 12” center display, LED headlights and a full suite of driver assist and safety systems; all wheel drive can be added for $1,500.
Which do we recommend, sedan vs SUV? With pricing for non-hybrid non-AWD nearly identical, we’d go for the Tucson; we love the higher ground clearance, the interior design and the future-forward look of the front end.
Honda Civic vs Honda HR-V
Both the Honda Civic and Honda HR-V have been redesigned in the last few years and they show it; both are sharp and modern inside and out, and both are equipped with Honda Sensing suite of driver assist and safety features.
The Honda Civic starts at $24,695 and delivers 150 HP from a 4-cylinder engine that gets an estimated 37 MPG; it features all the goodies like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 16″ wheels, LED headlights and a 7″ touchscreen multimedia system.
The Honda HR-V starts at $26,600 and is powered by 4-cylinder engine that generates 158 HP that achieves about 29 MPG; all wheel drive is standard, as are all the other goodies like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 17″ wheels, LED headlights and a 9″ touchscreen multimedia system.
Which is our choice, sedan vs SUV? We just love the look and feel of the Honda HR-V; it’s sleek and modern and has set the tone for the rest of the modern Honda lineup. And the added features, from the larger touch screen and larger wheels seem almost free compared to the Civic.
Audi A5 vs Audi Q5
Audi is another brand that’s on a march to redesign its entire lineup, and both the A5 and Q5 have been made over. Those makeovers include new front and rear lights, advanced technology and more tech features at the entry level.
The Audi A5 starts at $50,200 and is powered by a 4-cylinder turbo engine that delivers 268 HP and gets about 26 MPG; and features a 14” multimedia display, digital drivers display, a 360 degree camera and navigation; all wheel drive can be added for $2,500
Audi Q5 SUV starts at $52,800 and is powered by a 4-cylinder turbo that delivers 268 HP and gets about 25 MPG; it features a 14” multimedia display, digital drivers display, all wheel drive, a panoramic sunroof, 18” wheels, LED headlights and leather seating and navigation.
Which would we pick, sedan vs SUV? This one is a true tossup; with AWD they are basically the same price, though the A5 offers a few more luxuries. If you don’t need AWD, the A5 might make more sense since the Q5 comes with AWD standard. After driving both, I think I’d choose the A5 for its roomy cabin and luxe feel, plus it’s very fun to drive.
BMW 3 Series vs BMW X3
BMW recently redesigned the 3 series sedans and SUVs, updating them with the brand’s signature screens, interior accents and new more cubist front and rear end designs. Both deliver a very nice level of luxury and driving fun from a shared turbo engine.
The BMW 330i starts at $48,000 and is powered by a 4-cylinder twin turbo engine that delivers 255 HP and gets about 31 MPG; it features 18” wheels a sport steering wheel, driver assist systems, leatherette seating, a flat screen multimedia system and wood or aluminum trim; all wheel drive can be added for $2,000
The BMW X3 has standard AWS and starts at $51,300 and is powered by a 4-cylinder twin turbo engine that delivers 255 HP and averages about 28 MPG; it features 19” wheels, aluminum roof rails, a sport steering wheel, a flat-screen multimedia system and leatherette seating.
Which wins the sedan vs. SUV battle? We’d go with the X3 SUV. While some may find the sedan more fun to drive, the SUV is plenty fun, too, and the addition of AWD makes it even more fun.
Though really, the two are pretty much at price and power parity, which seems to be a trend. It used to be that sedans represented a significant price discount from SUVs but that’s no longer true. Now the advantage is in finding the right car for you at the right price, sedan or SUV.
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