What is a mid-size sedan?

The EPA defines a mid-size car as a vehicle with a maximum of 120 cubic feet of combined passenger and cargo volume, and a maximum length of 196.8 inches. Just because the EPA defines a car as mid-size, however, does not mean it's necessarily a mid-size car by our standards. For instance, the EPA considered the flagship Jaguar XJ sedan of the late ’90s a compact car, even though it was marketed and competed against full-size luxury sedans.

Are mid-size sedans good for families?

Mid-size sedans can work well for small families, as they cost less to own versus a similarly classed SUV and fit into more places. We suggest upgrading to something bigger if you're regularly transporting more than four people at a time, however.

What is the difference between a mid-size and full-size sedan?

Full-size sedans are typically larger than mid-size models. They also tend to serve as an automaker's flagship sedan option.

Best Mid-Size Family Sedans for 2020

Car and Driver's rankings are arrived at from the results of our extensive instrumented testing of several hundred vehicles each year and from our expert editors' subjective impressions gained in real-world driving. We've ranked the best mid-size family sedans based on roughly 200 data points encompassing acceleration, handling, comfort, cargo space, fuel efficiency, value, and how enjoyable they are to drive. We take rankings seriously because we want you to know everything about the vehicles that you're interested in.

Read about how we test and evaluate vehicles here.

Top Ranked Mid-Size Family Sedans for 2020 at a glance

C/D Rating: 10/10

2020

Honda Accord

$25,265 - $37,395

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C/D Rating: 9.5/10

2020

Mazda Mazda 6

$25,045 - $36,345

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C/D Rating: 9/10

2020

Hyundai Sonata

$24,595 - $36,295

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Shop the Top 3 Mid-Size Family Sedans for 2020

See full list

2020 Honda Accord

/10

C/D RATING

Starting at

$25,265

SHOP USED Accord

EPA MPG

26–48 combined

C/D SAYS: Among family sedans, the Honda Accord is number one because it's efficient, practical, and genuinely fun to drive. Learn More

#1 in Best Hybrid Sedans Under $45,000

#1 in Best Mid-Size Family Sedans

#2 in Best Hybrid Vehicles Built in America

#3 in Best Cars for Families for Under $40,000

2020 Mazda 6

9.5

/10

C/D RATING

Starting at

$25,045

SHOP USED Mazda 6

EPA MPG

26–29 combined

C/D SAYS: The Mazda 6's sharp handling, premium cabin, and handsome exterior styling make it a sports car the whole family can enjoy. Learn More

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2020 Hyundai Sonata

/10

C/D RATING

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Starting at

$24,595

SHOP USED Sonata

EPA MPG

31–52 combined

C/D SAYS: The all-new Sonata is a perfect showcase for Hyundai's characteristic mix of attractive design and high-level features at an affordable price. Learn More

#3 in Best Hybrid Mid-Size Sedans

2020 Toyota Camry

8.5

/10

C/D RATING

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Starting at

$25,420

SHOP USED Camry

EPA MPG

25–52 combined

C/D SAYS: Offering a fuel-efficient four-cylinder and a powerful V-6 option, the current Camry is the best one ever. Learn More

#2 in Best Mid-Size Family Sedans

#2 in Best Hybrid Mid-Size Sedans

#3 in Safest Sedans

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2020 Kia Optima

/10

C/D RATING

Starting at

$24,355

SHOP USED Optima

EPA MPG

24–42 combined

C/D SAYS: Despite a handsome exterior and interior, the Kia Optima is a family-friendly sedan with multiple powertrains that doesn't really stand out. Learn More

➡️ Skip the lot. Let Car and Driver help you find your next car.

Shop the Top 5 Mid-Size Family Sedans for 2020

2020 Nissan Altima

/10

C/D RATING

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Starting at

$25,250

SHOP USED Altima

EPA MPG

29–32 combined

C/D SAYS: The 2020 Altima is a stylish mid-size sedan with the comfort and features that families want as well as exclusive content they can't get elsewhere. Learn More

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2020 Subaru Legacy

7.5

/10

C/D RATING

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Starting at

$23,645

SHOP USED Legacy

EPA MPG

27–30 combined

C/D SAYS: While the 2020 Legacy’s styling doesn’t scream “active lifestyle,” this sedan stays true to the Subaru ethos of no-nonsense all-wheel-drive transportation. Learn More

2020 Volkswagen Passat

/10

C/D RATING

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Starting at

$23,915

SHOP USED Passat

EPA MPG

27 combined

C/D SAYS: The Passat is a German-engineered sedan that delivers exactly what families need—a low price, huge back seat space, and a comfortable ride—and nothing more. Learn More

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2020 Chevrolet Malibu

/10

C/D RATING

Starting at

$23,065

SHOP USED Malibu

EPA MPG

26–32 combined

C/D SAYS: The Malibu is a handsome mid-size sedan that meets the needs of a modern family, with lots of tech and great ride and handling. Learn More

2020 Honda Clarity

6.5

/10

C/D RATING

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Starting at

$34,395

SHOP USED Clarity

EPA MPGe

68 combined

C/D SAYS: It doesn't quite drive like a regular Honda, but the Clarity offers two high-tech powertrains, a high-quality interior, and an easygoing cruising demeanor. Learn More