What is the best midsize sedan?
Buying a car is a huge decision and the fact that there are so many to choose from does not make it any easier. Midsize sedans are a popular choice for people of all ages. They are great for teens that have just earned their license, families with a couple of kids, and retired couples. Mid-size sedans make up the bulk of the automotive market in the US and Canada, and there are a string of excellent options available for those interested in buying one. The following ten cars are all great options and were chosen based on industry consensus, safety and reliability data, plus the views of Autosaur’s own automobile experts. However, they are not listed in any particular order, as your final choice must be based on your individual needs. Check them out and see which one appeals most to you.
10. Nissan Altima
The Nissan Altima, one of the best midsize sedans around
Nissan offers several versions of the Altima, including a 2.5-liter, 4 cylinder engine and a 3.5 liter, 6 cylinder engine. Prices vary from $22,010 for a basic model to $30,760 for the highly upgraded version. They tend to get around 22 to 27 mpg in the city 31 to 30 mpg on the highway, making the Altima a good fuel-efficient option. The 2014 model features NASA inspired front “zero gravity” seats — which simulate weightlessness to decrease stress and fatigue while driving. Altimas also feature numerous options including lane departure warning to make the driver aware if they veer out of their lane, object detection, blind spot warning, and easy-fill tire alert to alert the driver to low tire pressure.
9. Chevy Malibu
The Chevrolet Malibu, which is priced from $22,140
Equipped with a 2.5-liter engine, the Malibu is known for its fuel efficiency and Chevy for its commitment to excellent customer service. The Malibu typically gets 32 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. An Eco “mild hybrid” version does up to 37mpg on the highway. The 2014 Chevy Malibu starts at $22,140 for a basic model, but there are upgrade options available. The 2014 model comes with Chevrolet Complete Care for 24 months or the first 24,000 miles. This includes routine oil and filter changes, a 27-point vehicle inspection, and a 4-wheel tire rotation. The Malibu has a smooth ride and handling experience that goes unmatched by its competition.
8. Ford Fusion
The popular Ford Fusion, which is also available as a hybrid
The Ford Fusion comes in an array of engine sizes including 1.5-liter, 1.6-liter and 2.0-liter turbocharged 4 cylinder versions and a 2.5-liter non-turbocharged, 4 cylinder version. Prices vary from $21,780 to $31,702. The fusion typically gets 22 to 25 mpg in the city and 26 to 31 mpg on the highway. There are several upgrades to choose from including all-wheel drive, making it very easy to handle. While the Fusion does have a roomy interior and trunk, the inside is rather bland in appearance when compared to other mid-sized sedans. There are Hybrid and Fusion Energi (plug-in hybrid) options as well.
7. Honda Accord
The Honda Accord can do up to 36mpg on the highway
Honda has several versions of the Accord. The LX is the basic model with a 2.4-liter, 4 cylinder engine that starts at $21,955 and the EX-L with a 3.5-liter, 6 cylinder engine that starts at $30,345 is the higher-end option. There are several variations of the EX to choose from, including one with a satellite-linked navigation system with voice recognition, HomeLink Remote System, and more. The Accord does around 24 and 27 mpg in the city and 34 to 36 mpg on the highway. Honda Accords are known for lasting decades without any significant mechanical issues. It is an ideal option for a parent that has a child reaching the driving age in the next several years because they can pass it down and get themselves a new car. Like with the Ford Fusion, a hybrid and plug-in hybrid version are also available.
6. Mazda 6
The Mazda 6, which is considered more fun to drive than most midsize sedans
The Mazda 6 was ranked the #1 in affordable mid-size cars by the U.S. News and World Report and has a complete new design in 2014. Currently all variations feature a 2.5-liter, 4 cylinder engine. They range from $21, 030 for a basic model to $29,432 to a model stocked with options. They tend to get about 26 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway, making them one of the most fuel-efficient options. They are a great purchase for someone that wants a car that stands out among the boring family sedans. The Mazda 6 is considered a more fun, and athletic car to drive that is perfect for curvy roads.
5. Hyundai Sonata
The Hyundai Sonata has a string of new upgrade options
The most recent Hyundai Sonata underwent a few minor cosmetic changes from the previous model, but it is packed with a new list of possible upgrades, making it a more attractive option. There are several to choose from ranging from the GLS with a 2.0-liter, 4 cylinder engine to the Limited PZEV with a 2.4-liter, 4 cylinder option. Prices range from $21,240 to $27,490, making it an affordable contender. It averages up to24 mpg in the city to 37 mpg on the highway. New upgrade options include a ventilated driver’s seat, xenon headlights, new touchscreen, and a blind spot monitoring system.
4. Toyota Prius
The Toyota Prius, the best midsize sedan in terms of fuel efficiency
There are several versions of the Prius to choose from. All have a 1.8-liter, 4 cylinder engine. Depending upon the upgrades, they range in price from $24,200 to $30,005. All average an estimated 51 mpg in the city and 48 mpg on the highway, and they are the most fuel-efficient gas-powered cars on the road. They are perfect for environmentally conscious individuals who also want the benefits of a fuel-efficient car. The Prius has not been redesigned since 2010, so it is due for changes in the next year or two. It is rather small making it easy to maneuver into small spaces, but it only accommodates four people comfortably.
3. Volkswagen Passat
The Volkswagen Passat, which is known for having a very roomy interior
The 2014 Passat was named the Motor Trend Car of the Year. There are several engine sizes to choose from including a 1.8-liter, 4 cylinder to a 2.5-liter, 4 cylinder engine. Prices range from a low $20,995 to a version packed with tons of features listed at $33,995. They average 24 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. The Passat is known for having tons of room, including a massive trunk, providing a quiet and smooth ride, and a very functional interior design.
2. Kia Optima
The stylish Kia Optima, a popular midsize sedan
The Optima offers the option of a 2.0-liter, 4 cylinder engine, as well as a 2.4-liter, 4 cylinder engine. Prices start $21,500 and go all the way up to $35,300 for the top-of-the-line model. They average 20 to 24 mpg in the city and 31 to 34 mpg on the highway. One big advantage of owning an Optima is the fact that Kia sells a touch-up paint pen that perfectly matches the color of your car. This is perfect for the teen driver who is constantly scratching the exterior because there is nothing worse than searching for the right paint color when your parents notice every little thing.
1. Toyota Camry
The 2014 Toyota Camry, the most popular car in the USA
The Camry has been the best-selling car in the United States for the past 11 years, so it should come as no surprise that this car has a lot to offer. The Camry comes with a 2.5-liter, 4 cylinder engine or a 3.5-liter V6 on the two more expensive models. They range in starting price from $22,425 to $25,810, though these are just for the basic model and if you choose to add extras, the prices do go up. The Toyota Camry average 25 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. It is known for being quiet, providing a smooth ride, and lasting for years without any problems. Additionally, it has plenty of safety features. A hybrid version is also available, ranging in price from $26,330 to $28,625, which can do around 40-43mpg in the city and 39mpg on the highway.