Though not as popular or prevalent as they once were, sedans continue to sell well for a variety of reasons. The midsize sedan proves that the body style isn’t about to go out of fashion without a fight. While smaller and more manageable than an SUV, it’s still large enough to be comfortable and practical. A good midsize sedan will also be quite affordable and boast competitive fuel economy. However, the classification comprises vehicles from luxury, economy, hybrid, and other segments, so there are a lot of options. To help you find the right one to fit your needs, our in-depth reviews have broken down the best midsize sedans of 2022 and given them each a ranking out of 10.
Naturally, every new midsize sedan has four doors, but aside from this, there is loads of room for individuality. This makes it difficult to point out specific traits shared between the top midsize sedan models. Nevertheless, there are definitely certain things buyers in this market want from their car, which is what we pay special attention to:
Size: The key classifier in this segment is the word midsize. These vehicles aim to be the Goldilocks of cars. Many popular luxury liners populate the class, and it’s hard to make an impression driving a subcompact, no matter how good it looks. However, they need to remain maneuverable around town or on the highway, which directly impacts their appeal as sports cars.
Performance: Nobody wants to drive a dud. But, because they are well-balanced and have a reasonable weight, good midsize sedans don’t need high-displacement V8s to feel lively. A good turbocharged four-cylinder engine provides loads of kick and also helps to give these 4-door cars some of the best mpg figures around.
Versatility: Depending on how they are built, there really isn’t much a midsize sedan can’t do. They might be built for speed, with comfort taking a back seat, or they may focus on supplying a good balance between passenger and cargo space. However, the most reliable midsize sedan is often the one that strikes a middle ground between these factors. This is something that crossovers and pickup trucks sometimes struggle to do because of the inherent strengths and weaknesses of each body type.
Price: Now, we’re not saying there aren’t some ridiculously expensive cars in this classification, but you normally won’t struggle to find a cheap midsize sedan that also ticks all the essential boxes. You can usually get a decent level of performance and comfort, as well as respectable practicality, and it shouldn’t cost you more than $30k.
What to Consider When Buying a Midsize Sedan
A sedan might not be the right choice for everyone, especially since there are more options than ever before when it comes time to buy a new car. However, a quick look at the top sellers in the USA shows that there is still demand for these cars. So, before you dismiss them in favor of a more imposing SUV, consider the pros and cons of owning a midsize sedan:
Pros
Good amount of space for both passengers and their stuff
Sedans are generally more fun to drive than bigger, bulkier vehicles
Not particularly heavy on fuel
Lots of hybrid options and even a few EVs
Automakers have had decades of experience building sedans, so they are quite reliable
Cons
You won’t find SUV-levels of practicality no matter how hard you look
If you have a family of six or seven, a sedan just won’t do
Luxury and high-performance models are expensive
They are not really designed for towing a lot
FAQs
What is the best medium-size sedan?
There are so many good options to choose from in our midsize sedan rankings, but it will still come down to finding the right one for you. If you simply want a good deal on an all-rounder, then the Kia K5 is a great choice. If you want something more luxurious, the Genesis G80 is easily one of the best cars in the segment. The Toyota Mirai is your only option if you want to be among the few hydrogen-power pioneers, but there are quite a few EVs on the cards, including the acclaimed Lucid Air.
What is the most affordable midsize sedan?
There are quite a few cars in the $20-$30k bracket, which is what we consider affordable for a midsize. Examples include the Kia K5, Hyundai Sonata, Mazda 6, and Subaru Insight. These are all quite capable and reliable cars. If you want to spend less than $20l, perhaps consider a used model from this list. Even one from 2021 will see a decent drop in price.
Are there midsize sedans with AWD?
All-wheel drive is not particularly common on non-performance sedans, but a few models do offer it, which is nice if you live in a cold-weather state. Luxury models generally give you the option, so the Genesis G80, Audi A7, and Lexus ES have you covered. Most electric cars also come standard with AWD, including the Lucid Air and Tesla Model S. Among the somewhat cheaper models, there is the Kia K5, Toyota Camry, and Volkswagen Arteon, though you may have to opt for a higher trim level to unlock AWD.