5 Best Four-Door Cars That Are Family-Friendly and Affordable

Cars are expensive, so buying a new one can be tricky. You can’t put a price on your family’s safety, but you probably do know how much you can afford to spend on a car payment.

The average price of a new car is $48,389, according to Kelly Blue Book. Don’t panic, as there are plenty of reliable four-door options much more affordable than that.

These cars are spacious enough to fit a family and all the inevitable gear that comes with both younger and older kids. They’re also safe and have respectable gas mileage — or none at all for the hybrid models.

Whether you’re ready to buy a new car tomorrow or just starting to get a feel for what’s on the market, there are plenty of impressive options to choose from. Here’s a look at five of the best affordable, family midsize sedans for 2024, according to Car and Driver.

• Starting price: $27,510

Affordable, spacious and comfortable, the 2024 Nissan Altima offers a combined 29 to 32 EPA miles per gallon — and up to 39 miles per gallon on the highway. This classic sedan scored a Car and Driver rating of eight out of 10.

Featuring a 188-horsepower base engine and optional all-wheel drive, this car has a respectable-sized infotainment screen and plenty of room for cargo. Plus, it is equipped with an adequate number of standard safety features.

According to Consumer Reports, the Nissan Altima “delivers a roomy cabin, good fuel economy, user-friendly controls and a large trunk.”

Described by Car and Driver as a “bread-and-butter” model, the Nissan Altima has been a popular family sedan for three decades — and for good reason.

• Starting price: $28,650

The 2024 Hyundai Sonata has a sleek new look this year. Featuring a spacious interior and standard inside features, this car offers a combined 27 to 47 EPA miles per gallon.

Defined by Car and Driver as providing “a lot of value for the money,” the new and improved Sonata includes updated front and rear bumpers, new headlights and taillights, and a fresh interior.

Additionally, cars with a base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine now have the option for all-wheel drive.

“The Hyundai Sonata looks sharp and comes with plenty of features,” according to Edmunds. Overall, this stylish new model offers a refreshed take on a standard family sedan.

• Starting price: $28,145

Sporting an updated design, the 2025 Kia K5 offers an undeniably chic look for a family sedan. Most K5s are front-wheel drive, but some trim levels also come with the option for all-wheel drive.

Offering a combined 27 to 30 EPA miles per gallon, this midsize sedan provides a lot of leg room — even in the back seat — and a copious amount of trunk space. The car also has a host of useful standard features, including LED headlights, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and rear cross-traffic alert.

According to MotorTrend, “With its updated and even more edgy styling, the Kia K5 is perhaps the most exciting looking sedan in the midsize segment.”

• Starting price: $29,495

A modern take on the classic, the Toyota Camry has gone completely hybrid. The 2025 model has received a sleek makeover inside and out.

It offers an estimated 44 to 51 miles per gallon, and you can choose from front-wheel and all-wheel drive options. Its roomy interior and dual-zone automatic climate control offer comfort from every seat, and the infotainment display is equipped with Toyota’s latest software interface.

All models come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a variety of safety features. Some of these include automated emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic high-beam headlamps and adaptive cruise control.

Edmunds calls it “a great pick for a midsize sedan.”

• Starting price: $28,990

A classic for a reason, the 2024 Honda Accord and Accord Hybrid topped the list. Offering a combined 32 to 48 EPA miles per gallon, this sedan has an expansive interior, roomy trunk and pleasing infotainment options.

Redesigned last year, the Accord is available only in front-wheel drive. However, it consistently offers a smooth ride and scored a perfect five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Some of the Accord’s most impressive safety features include standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, standard lane-departure warning with land-keeping assist and standard adaptive cruise control. The warranty coverage also includes complimentary scheduled maintenance.

“The redesigned Accord is a sensible midsized sedan that’s roomy, fuel-efficient, and blessed with super-easy controls and decent outward visibility,” per Consumer Reports.