Each year, we wave goodbye to a few models from various brands, but recently, we’ve seen some models announce they are on their way out that we didn’t expect to say goodbye to any time soon.
With some recent departures, like the Nissan Titan, the writing had been on the wall for a while, with a distinct lack of sales. But for some others, the reasons have less to do with the model itself and more to do with manufacturing costs, rebranding, or just changing market tastes.
Today, we’re going to look at the top five models we think will be most missed going forward. Right now is very likely your last chance to get them before you will need to turn to used car lots to locate one.
#1 – Chevy Malibu
The Chevy Malibu is neither the fastest nor most luxurious sedan out there, but it was never supposed to be. It’s a family-friendly sedan that folks on a tight budget can buy, so the fact that the days of new Malibu models are now behind us is a sad note. This is a reliable sedan, one with solid fuel efficiency and a respectable exterior that allows you to pull up just about anywhere without feeling like you’re in a low-rent ride.
What makes that last fact even more impressive is the sheer affordability of this Chevy. One reason you might want to jump at it while it’s still on the market is that it has a very economical starting price; better yet, with higher trims, it doesn’t jump up in cost nearly as much as you’d expect.
Reintroduced to the market in 1997, when the internet was still a novelty, and there were only three Star Wars movies, the Malibu is the victim of a narrowing sedan market. We’ve seen the shift away from sedans for years (and some of us have not been happy about it), and now Chevy will be left with the Corvette as its only traditional car since the Camaro is also wishing us a fond farewell.
The Malibu will be much missed by those who appreciate its affordability and sharp looks. Plus, it comes with one of the coolest car names of all time.
#2 – Ford Escape
Ford has a lot of SUV models, so it isn’t surprising that the manufacturer is choosing to consolidate in a time of rising costs. The Ford Escape, in both its gas and hybrid versions, is coming to an end after the 2026 model year. This SUV has consistently been a commuter-friendly option; not too pricey, and with good efficiency, even with its gas engine.
Nimble when turning and featuring responsive steering, the Escape can be a driver’s best friend. It’s also great for a new driver, especially someone going off to college, as it has ample safety features and great cargo room. Many a parent has sent their teenager off to a dorm at university in a Ford Escape. We suspect it’ll be missed by those looking for a safe and reliable SUV.
The Escape has been a mainstay since the start of the millennium, making its end a bit tragic as it feels like an era closing. It will be odd to go to your Ford dealership and not see the latest version of this driver-friendly SUV on offer. Its departure will be a loss to commuters and those who want an SUV that still has a sedan feel.
#3 – Nissan Versa
There’s no two ways about it: if you want a low-cost and low-maintenance sedan, you go for the Nissan Versa. Famed for its basement-level starting price, it’s easy to write off the Versa as a vehicle for young drivers just starting out, ones who don’t have much cash to spare but need something to get around in. It would, however, be dead wrong to do so.
The Versa is well-made, perfect if you want a vehicle for the morning commute where you don’t have to worry about costly maintenance. It’s the right vehicle for someone who does not want to constantly be thinking about upkeep or recalls. Without it, the market will have lost yet another sedan mainstay, further winnowing down the options.
The Versa’s price point and reliability have made it popular with drivers from all sorts of economic backgrounds; the fact that it will be off the market after the 2025 model year is a tragedy. It also means you will want to get yours ASAP if you’re still interested in one. And we bet it’ll turn out a lot of drivers still are. Expect some serious complaints soon when folks head to their Nissan dealer and don’t see a Versa on offer.
#4 – Subaru Legacy
Wait, is this another sedan being discontinued? Yes indeed. But unlike the Malibu and Versa, the Subaru Legacy is a little pricier, aiming to have a few more luxury touches and a bit of an edge to it. The Legacy has had a solid fanbase, one that’s no doubt let down by Subaru’s decision to wave goodbye to the model after the 2025 model year.
The Legacy has a peppy engine with solid acceleration, but it is the model’s attention to safety that has gained it fans. For a long time, it was one of the only midsize sedans that you could find that came with an all-wheel drive system for tackling bad weather, and Subaru’s solid construction is renowned for keeping passengers protected. This is a ride favored by families and drivers who have to deal with ice and snow.
While not as affordable as the other sedans on our list, the Legacy is still relatively economical if you want a more fashionable sedan. You’ll want to head down to your local Subaru dealer soon, though, because there won’t be many left before long; it’ll be a shame if you miss it.
#5 – Kia Soul
The Kia Soul is simply unmissable on the road. Its boxy nature and small stature have earned it both acclaim and insults. However, fans of it are very passionate. And why wouldn’t they be? Even if you don’t like its boxy appearance, the design allows for a very spacious interior so that your passengers are relaxed, and loading cargo isn’t an issue.
Its peppy engine and nimble nature make it ideal for city driving, and many commuters have found this SUV to be a loyal pal. It also has a low starting price, making it perfect for anyone heading off to school in their first vehicle.
Sadly, the Soul will not be making it to the 2026 model year. It is being discontinued, and dealerships are already running out. If you want one of these iconic SUVs, you’ll need to pop over to your local Kia dealer ASAP.
We find it a shame this SUV is leaving because its appearance is so memorable. Even if you’re not personally a fan, we should all appreciate a diversity of appearances for automobiles. Plus, the end of the Soul marks yet another blow to automotive affordability.
More Shifts to Come
It’s an interesting time to be an automobile aficionado. With electric vehicles and hybrids now here to stay, there’s never been a time when you’ve had such diversity in terms of how to power your vehicle. Yet, at the same time, we’re seeing a decline in sedans, with SUVs now ruling the roost and pickup trucks becoming popular even with people who just commute to the office.
This year, we bid farewell to some vehicles that seemed like they’d last well into the 2030s. Instead, they depart halfway through this decade. The cars we’ve highlighted today are ones we believe will be sorely missed; ones you should probably snatch up now if you have interest in them, especially if you want an economical ride.
Consolidation appears to be on the menu for most manufacturers, with many brands reducing their offerings and cutting some of the more budget-friendly options. But the winds can change direction quickly. It’s more than possible that in a few years we’ll be talking about how sedans have made a resurgence.
In the meantime, however, we’d suggest buying that Versa or Malibu ASAP.
