How much is insurance for a coupe vs. a sedan?
Sedans and coupes are often grouped together as "compact" vehicles. But depending on the make and model, you could see considerable differences in the up-front list price and the annual cost of insurance. We analyzed insurance rates for coupes and sedans — see the data below and choose the best option for you.
Which is cheaper: sedan or coupe?
- Is it cheaper to buy a coupe or sedan?
- Is it cheaper to insure a coupe or sedan?
- Final thoughts: which is the best option for you?
Is car insurance cheaper for a coupe or sedan?
Car insurance is generally more affordable for drivers of the most popular sedans versus the top coupes. High-dollar cars such as the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and the Audi A5 sit well above the median cost-to-insure, while even higher-end sedans such as the Chrysler 300 are relatively cheap to insure.
Average insurance rates: coupes and sedans
| Sedan - monthly insurance rate | Coupe - monthly insurance rate |
|---|---|
| Chevrolet Sonic - $137 | Mazda MX-5 Miata - $136 |
| Honda Civic - $143 | Honda Civic Coupe - $143 |
| Chevrolet Impala - $144 | Chevy Camaro - $157 |
| Toyota Camry - $144 | Ford Mustang - $168 |
| Mazda Mazda6 - $149 | Nissan 370Z - $191 |
| Ford Fusion - $156 | Mercedes-Benz C-Class - $191 |
| Chrysler 300 - $157 | Audi A5 - $204 |
| Dodge Charger - $190 | Dodge Challenger - $209 |
If an affordable sedan is what you're seeking, consider the Chevrolet Sonic. It's among the cheapest cars to insure and carries a reasonable sub-$17,000 MSRP. While the Dodge Challenger sat near the middle of the pack in terms of cost-to-own, it's fairly expensive to insure, with an average monthly insurance rate of $209.
Is it cheaper to buy a coupe or sedan?
On average, it is cheaper to buy a sedan than to purchase a coupe. An expensive coupe such as the Audi A5 will set you back more than $44,000, while sedans like the Toyota Camry or Chevy Sonic cost less than $25,000. The average purchase price of coupes is pulled upward by the luxury sports cars that comprise the higher-end of the two-door spectrum: vehicles like the Mercedes-Benz C-Class come at premium prices.
Coupe vs. sedan cost comparison — most popular models
| Sedan - MSRP | Coupe - MSRP |
|---|---|
| Chevrolet Sonic - $16,720 | Honda Civic Coupe - $20,250 |
| Honda Civic - $21,250 | Chevy Camaro - $25,000 |
| Ford Fusion - $23,750 | Mazda MX-5 Miata - $26,850 |
| Mazda Mazda6 - $24,475 | Ford Mustang - $27,155 |
| Toyota Camry - $24,970 | Dodge Challenger - $28,095 |
| Dodge Charger - $29,995 | Nissan 370Z - $30,090 |
| Chrysler 300 - $30,750 | Mercedes-Benz C-Class - $41,600 |
| Chevrolet Impala - $31,620 | Audi A5 - $44,200 |
*Popularity ratings and pricing details via Kelley Blue Book.
Many factors contribute to these differences in list value. If you're strongly considering a coupe, but want to save money, consider the Honda Civic Coupe. This vehicle — over $9,000 less than the group average — will set you back just more than $20,000 to own. The Civic Coupe is also relatively cheap to insure.
The differences between coupes and sedans
It’s important to consider not only the list price for your desired vehicle but also the ongoing cost of ownership. While the cost of ownership calculations include maintenance and inspections, it also includes your cost-to-insure. Unless you live in New Hampshire, you’re required by law to insure your vehicle. If you're getting close to purchasing a new coupe or sedan, enter your ZIP code below to view insurance rates for your favorite model.
