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 most reliable mid-size sedan?

The most reliable mid-size sedan is the Honda Accord, according to an iSeeCars.com reliability study.

What mid-size sedan has the best gas mileage?

The Hyundai Sonata is the most efficient mid-size sedan, with the hybrid version rated at up to 50 mpg city and 54 mpg highway in Blue guise, according to the EPA.

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.

What's the cheapest mid-size sedan?

The Subaru Legacy is the cheapest mid-size sedan, with a starting price of $25,985.

Best Mid-Size Family Sedans for 2022

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 2022 at a glance

C/D Rating: 10/10

2022

Honda Accord

$27,615 - $39,545

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C/D Rating: 9/10

2022

Kia K5

$24,885 - $32,285

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C/D Rating: 8.5/10

2022

Hyundai Sonata

$25,245 - $36,795

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Shop the Top 3 Mid-Size Family Sedans for 2022

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2022 Honda Accord

/10

C/D RATING

VIEW PHOTOS

Starting at

$27,615

SHOP USED Accord

EPA MPG

26–47 combined

C/D SAYS: Among the family sedans still offered for sale today, the 2022 Accord stands above the rest for its impeccable driving dynamics, practical interior, and value. 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

2022 Kia K5

/10

C/D RATING

VIEW PHOTOS

Starting at

$24,885

SHOP USED K5

EPA MPG

27–32 combined

C/D SAYS: The Kia K5 is one of the most extroverted family sedans and one of the most compelling, with lots of desirable features and a 290-hp engine option. Learn More

#3 in Best Mid-Size Family Sedans

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2022 Hyundai Sonata

8.5

/10

C/D RATING

VIEW PHOTOS

Starting at

$25,245

SHOP USED Sonata

EPA MPG

27–52 combined

C/D SAYS: The Hyundai Sonata sedan offers a flashy façade, an attractive cabin with contemporary features, and fuel-friendly powertrains—all for accessible prices. Learn More

#3 in Best Hybrid Mid-Size Sedans

2022 Toyota Camry

8.5

/10

C/D RATING

VIEW PHOTOS

Starting at

$26,940

SHOP USED Camry

EPA MPG

25–52 combined

C/D SAYS: The Toyota Camry has standard driver assists galore and multiple fuel-friendly powertrains, plus a reputation for reliability that makes it a compelling family sedan. Learn More

#2 in Best Mid-Size Family Sedans

#2 in Best Hybrid Mid-Size Sedans

#3 in Safest Sedans

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2022 Nissan Altima

/10

C/D RATING

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Starting at

$25,995

SHOP USED Altima

EPA MPG

29–32 combined

C/D SAYS: The Nissan Altima is a mid-size sedan that easily shuttles passengers in an attractively styled, comfortably appointed, inoffensive package. Learn More

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Shop the Top 5 Mid-Size Family Sedans for 2022

2022 Subaru Legacy

7.5

/10

C/D RATING

VIEW PHOTOS

Starting at

$24,490

SHOP USED Legacy

EPA MPG

27–30 combined

C/D SAYS: If Subaru's lifted and ruggedized Outback station wagon doesn't appeal to you, the brand's mechanically similar 2022 Legacy family sedan might do the trick. Learn More

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2022 Volkswagen Passat

/10

C/D RATING

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Starting at

$28,570

SHOP USED Passat

EPA MPG

28 combined

C/D SAYS: Apart from its notable refinement and popular features, the Volkswagen Passat mostly fails to stand out compared with other family sedans. Learn More

2022 Chevrolet Malibu

/10

C/D RATING

VIEW PHOTOS

Starting at

$24,495

SHOP USED Malibu

EPA MPG

26–32 combined

C/D SAYS: While other automakers have been busy improving and reimagining what a mid-size car can be, Chevy has left the Malibu family sedan to languish. Learn More