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 2023

Car and Driver's rankings are arrived at from the results of our extensive instrumented testing of more than 400 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 2023 at a glance

C/D Rating: 10/10

2023

Honda Accord

$28,390 - $38,985

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C/D Rating: 9/10

2023

Kia K5

$26,415 - $32,815

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C/D Rating: 8.5/10

2023

Hyundai Sonata

$26,215 - $37,715

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Shop the Top 3 Mid-Size Family Sedans for 2023

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2023 Honda Accord / Accord Hybrid

/10

C/D RATING

VIEW PHOTOS

Starting at

$28,390

SHOP USED Accord

EPA MPG

32–48 combined

C/D SAYS: An all-new generation of the Honda Accord bows for the 2023 model year wearing a sleeker exterior design and boasting a new powertrain lineup. 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

2023 Kia K5

/10

C/D RATING

VIEW PHOTOS

Starting at

$26,415

SHOP USED K5

EPA MPG

27–31 combined

C/D SAYS: Bold styling and an exciting 290-hp engine option make the 2023 Kia K5 a distractingly good choice. Learn More

#3 in Best Mid-Size Family Sedans

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2023 Hyundai Sonata

8.5

/10

C/D RATING

VIEW PHOTOS

Starting at

$26,215

SHOP USED Sonata

EPA MPG

27–52 combined

C/D SAYS: Packing an assortment of goal-oriented powertrains, the 2023 Hyundai Sonata can be affordable, efficient, or fun, depending on which engine you choose. Learn More

#3 in Best Hybrid Mid-Size Sedans

2023 Toyota Camry

8.5

/10

C/D RATING

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Starting at

$27,415

SHOP USED Camry

EPA MPG

25–52 combined

C/D SAYS: With fuel efficient engines and plenty of standard driver-assistance tech, the Camry continues to be a dependable, if unexciting, daily driver. Learn More

#2 in Best Mid-Size Family Sedans

#2 in Best Hybrid Mid-Size Sedans

#3 in Safest Sedans

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2023 Nissan Altima

/10

C/D RATING

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Starting at

$26,770

SHOP USED Altima

EPA MPG

29–32 combined

C/D SAYS: It’s not easy competing against the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, but the Altima manages to with a fuel-efficient base engine and optional all-wheel drive. Learn More

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Shop the Top 5 Mid-Size Family Sedans for 2023

2023 Subaru Legacy

7.5

/10

C/D RATING

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Starting at

$25,415

SHOP USED Legacy

EPA MPG

26–30 combined

C/D SAYS: Save for all-wheel drive, the standard 2023 Legacy sedan omits much of what makes a Subaru a Subaru, namely a lifted suspension and rugged-looking bodyside cladding. Learn More

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2023 Chevrolet Malibu

/10

C/D RATING

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Starting at

$26,095

SHOP USED Malibu

EPA MPG

30 combined

C/D SAYS: The 2023 Chevy Malibu is the brand’s lone remaining sedan, and it’s far from our favorite in a segment full of more desirable alternatives. Learn More