Despite the rise in popularity of small SUVs in the United States owing to their urban-friendly design and functionality, mid-size vehicles maintain strong sales among individuals requiring extra space for their families and belongings. In 2022, the global market for mid-size SUVs hit $401.9 billion. In 2023, it rose to $430 billion. Predictions point to further growth, maybe reaching $738.8 billion by 2032. Over the years, the market could expand at a rate of about 7% each year between 2024 and 2032.
These cars typically offer more power, advanced vehicle maintenance systems, and amenities compared to smaller counterparts, and they come in sedan and hatchback variants. While comparing these vehicles can pose a challenge, personal preferences and requirements ultimately dictate the choice. Below are some of the best midsize car models from the past decade. We considered several factors when picking this list of best mid-size cars including reviews & rewards, sales figures, brand reputation, and a variety of choices to cater to different priorities.
What is a mid-size car?
A mid-size car sits between the full-size and compact size car categories and all of them differ in their interior volume. For a midsize car it is intentional stuff to keep its volume between 110 and 120 cubic feet. EPA sets a length limit of maximum 196.8 inches. These vehicles usually seat four to five adults and offer 15 to 16 cubic feet of cargo volume.
16 Best Midsize Cars Rated for Comfort & Features
The top midsize cars are pretty well-liked by reviewers. Why? Because they are comfortable to drive every day, packed with tech that’s easy to use, and are fuel-friendly. By 2029, market sales for these cars are set to hit a big number—about 15,360k units. There’s more to pick from now too, with hybrids, electric options, and even diesel engines creeping in. It might save on fuel, but check your budget; sometimes, the cost isn’t worth it. Now, not all midsize cars are top-rated across the board; sporty sedans still draw fans. It all comes down to your own checklist of priorities.
1. Hyundai Sonata
You see the 2025 Sonata coming down the road, and yeah—it does look futuristic, no lie. But don’t be fooled. Underneath that bold, modern design, it’s still what you’d expect: a comfortable, family-friendly sedan. And honestly, that’s just fine by me. There’s a solid lineup of engines too; while the base four-cylinder and hybrid are pretty good, it’s that 290-hp turbo in the N Line that really gets my attention. Not into speed? The non-N versions cruise just as smooth, no rush.
Every Sonata’s got a bunch of features baked in—safety tech, driver aids, all the stuff new buyers now want. Starting with a 192-hp four-cylinder, you’ve also got a hybrid and, yep, the 290-hp turbo. Most trims stay front-wheel drive, but there’s an all-wheel drive option on the 2.5-liter if that’s your style.
Inside? It’s nice—looks more expensive than it actually is. Rear seats offer plenty of legroom, and the 16-cubic-foot trunk can swallow a decent amount of luggage. Price-wise, you’re looking at around $27,800 at the low end, reaching about $38,600 if you’re going all out.
2. Nissan Altima
The 2025 Altima isn’t flashy, but it gets the basics down. Affordable, with some style and comfort, it’s made for folks who just want a solid drive. There’s a four-cylinder engine, fuel-efficient enough to hit 39 mpg on highways. The CVT transmission is not perfect, but it’s fine, cutting back on noise for the most part. If you’re big on all-wheel drive, it’s available. Inside, space is decent for five people, comfy seats, and a tech setup that works, plus there’s trunk space for everyday stuff. New this year, the Special Edition trim looks sportier, but Honda’s Accord still feels livelier.
Power-wise, every Altima’s running a 2.5-liter engine with 188 horsepower—or 182 if you choose AWD. The CVT does hold back some excitement, and the engine gets loud if you push it, though this car’s not really meant for racing. Steering is sharp enough; brakes, too. On the 16- or 17-inch wheels, it handles bumps okay, keeping things smooth on most roads.
As for fuel efficiency, it hits good numbers: the base model gets 27 mpg city and 39 highway. AWD drops these numbers slightly. Inside, the vibe is a bit mixed. The flat-bottomed steering wheel and faux carbon fiber? Maybe overkill for a car that’s not chasing sports credentials. Even so, the cabin is functional, well-built, and comfortable. Storage up front’s limited, but rear seats offer legroom, though they don’t fold completely flat—minor hassle if you haul big items often. Price-wise, it starts around $28,140, climbing to $34,470 depending on the trim.
3. Honda Accord
Even amidst the top SUVs era, there’s a notable demand for a reliable and economical mid-size family sedan, and the 2024 Honda Accord stands out as the top choice. While the base models of Honda’s long-standing four-door utilize a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, the majority come equipped with a fuel-efficient hybrid setup. Regardless of the variant, front-wheel drive remains the sole option.
The Accord underwent a redesign recently, sporting a fresh exterior that’s arguably the most appealing it has been in generations. Inside, it offers spacious seating across two rows, a generously sized trunk, and all the expected infotainment tech of a modern vehicle. Yet, what truly earns our accolades is its refined road performance, noticeable right from the first mile. For those who appreciate cool cars, the Accord’s sleek new look, coupled with its excellent handling, is a major win. With precise steering, a well-tuned suspension, and predictable handling, it inspires confidence and driving pleasure. To put it simply, the Accord delivers a comprehensive package, explaining its favoritism among journalists across various automotive platforms.
4. Toyota Camry
While it may not offer the flashiest ride, the Toyota Camry Hybrid remains a top choice due to its affordability, spaciousness, and fuel efficiency. In 2025, this family sedan undergoes a facelift and strengthens its reputation for thriftiness by slimming down its powertrain options to just two hybrids. Available in both front- and all-wheel drive, the new hybrid-only Camry boasts up to 232 horsepower.
While Toyota hasn’t confirmed it yet, there’s potential for a more robust plug-in-hybrid Camry Prime this time around. Inside, expect a refreshed cabin featuring modern infotainment and styling cues borrowed from the larger Crown sedan. Nevertheless, the Camry Hybrid stays true to its mid-size roots, aiming to outdo rivals like the Honda Accord and Hyundai Sonata.
5. Kia K5
Formerly known as the Optima, Kia’s midsize sedan underwent a rebranding to become the K5. Competing against the K5 are the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, and Hyundai Sonata.
For 2024, the sole alteration is the inclusion of standard heated seats on the GT-Line FWD trim, aligning with Kia’s tradition of gradually integrating most demanded car features into the K5 each year. The 2023 update introduced enhancements like laminated windows, a heated steering wheel, and a panoramic moonroof, varying by trim level.
With its distinctive Z-shaped running lights and stylish full-width taillight, the K5 stands out effortlessly. Its striking front end and sleek roofline exude a premium aura beyond Kia’s humble origins. This aesthetic extends inside, where appealing trim options complement a spacious, stylish, and practical cabin.
However, among the K5 lineup, only the GT model truly lives up to its sporty appearance. While the top-tier version boasts ample tire-spinning power, the standard engine feels somewhat lacking. Moreover, the steering, handling, and braking fail to deliver particularly exhilarating experiences.
Despite its merits, the K5 remains grounded in practicality, offering a plethora of features for its price point, coupled with Kia’s generous warranty coverage. Nevertheless, it may not be the optimal choice in the midsize sedan segment. The mechanically similar Hyundai Sonata offers a more refined driving experience, while the Honda Accord stays competitive in its latest iteration. Both alternatives feature hybrid variants, unlike the K5 (though it stands alone in offering AWD).
6. 2016 Kia Optima
The new Kia Optima definitely tops the 2016 midsize car list. Debuted 15 years ago, the Kia Optima 2016 has greatly evolved over the years offering tons of new and advanced luxury amenities. It is available in three engine options; a new 1.6-liter Turbo Four-cylinder engine with 178 horsepower, a 2.0-liter Turbo Four-cylinder with 247 horsepower and a 2.4-liter Four-cylinder unit with 185 horsepower. Some of the key technological features include Kia’s UVO2 connectivity system, 8 inch touch screen with Android and iOS support. The base trim starts at around $21,840, which is very reasonable considering the facilities the Optima offers.
7. 2016 Ford Fiesta
The Ford Fiesta 2016 is an ideal city car that renders a super smooth drive, thanks to its base 1.6L 4 cylinder engine that pumps out 120 horsepower. The standard interior amenities include keyless entry, Sync AppLink that enables you to sync your smartphone and MyKey system to set driving conditions. Starting at a price of $15,455, the 2016 Fiesta is very affordable for middle class families
8. 2016 Mazda 6
The Mazda6 2016 owes its success to its stunning exterior design and phenomenal performance. Under the hood it carries a 2.5-liter Skyactiv 4-cylinder engine with a 13:1 compression ratio that delivers maximum power (185 horsepower) while taking care of the fuel economy. The automatic variant gives a combined fuel economy of 40 MPG. The price starts from $21,495.
9. 2016 Hyundai Sonata
Priced lower than the new Honda Accord and the Toyota Camry, the Hyundai Sonata 2016 boasts some terrific interior features such as a 17 inch touch screen, Bluetooth technology, smartphone integration and the Hyundai’s Blue Link system. The base model is powered by a 2.4-liter inline-4 cylinder power plant which yields 185 horsepower and has a combined fuel economy of 42 MPG. The base model is valued at $21,750.
10. 2016 Ford Fusion
The aggressive persona of the Ford Fusion 2016 makes it very popular among the young age group segment. The Ford’s SYNC wireless communication system with voice recognition is standard along with a 4 speaker audio system. It is powered by a 2.5L 4 cylinder engine with 175 horsepower and a combined 25-42 mpg fuel economy. When considering wheels, buyers often face a choice between alloy vs steel wheels. While steel wheels offer durability at a lower price point, many opt for alloy wheels due to their lighter weight and enhanced aesthetics, which complement the Fusion’s sporty design. The price of Ford Fusion 2016 starts from $22,110.
11. 2016 Chevrolet Malibu
The Chevrolet Malibu 2016 employs a sleek luxurious design with 4 inch longer wheelbase than the outgoing model, which means it extends more interior space. It also features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The base engine, 1.5L turbocharged 4 cylinder unit, churns out 160 horsepower and offers a combined 32 MPG fuel efficiency. Having a starting price of $21,625, it is cheaper than the Fusion, Accord and Sonata.
12. 2016 Volkswagen Passat
The Volkswagen Passat 2016 base model houses a 1.8-liter TSI four-cylinder engine that gives off 170 horsepower and has a combined EPA rating of 31.5 MPG. It boasts a sporty design which is in fact its top selling point, featuring an elongated front grille with LED headlamps. The base model of Passat 2016 is priced at $22,440.
13. 2016 Nissan Maxima
Although classified as a luxury sedan carrying a hefty price tag of around $33,200, the Nissan Maxima 2016 sports a unique exterior design. It is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that supplies a mighty 300 horsepower. On the inside, you’ll find some amazing safety features including the forward-collision warning system, six airbags, stability control and traction control.
14. 2016 Nissan Altima
At $22,500, the Nissan Altima 2016 has all the bells and whistles to compete with the big names. We are talking about a 2.5 liter inline-four that comes standard with the base model. However, the best option is the range-topping 3.5 liter V6 that gives the Altima an 88 horsepower bump over the standard version. Despite the stellar specs, Altima has reported issues with a sluggish CVT transmission. However, it is still one of the safest cars around, thanks to Nissan’s dedication to safety and quality.
15. 2016 Chrysler 200
Chrysler has surpassed all the expectations with the next-generation 200. Bold looks, a well-done interior and a very impressive nine-speed automatic transmission have made it all the rage in the midsize sedan market. But, there are some performance issues. With that said, it remains one of the most powerful cars in its class with 295-horsepower 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine that delivers 262 lb-ft of torque. With a starting price of $21,995, the Chrysler 200 is a good choice.
16. 2016 Subaru Legacy
Subaru’s comeback streak has been impressive to say the least. The Legacy sedan has helped the company surpass Volkswagen in sales. At the starting price of $21,745, the car offers class-leading interior along with the standard all-wheel drive setup. The 3.6R Limited version offers 256 horsepower boxer-six that drives well enough to keep the drivers excited for their daily commute.
These are all reasonably safe, available at less than $25,000, and most importantly have all the features and facilities to keep an average new car buyer happy.
