Car Rankings: Affordable Midsize Cars
Ranking of midsize cars, generally priced under $25,000. Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Ford Fusion and more. Rankings based on an in-depth analysis by U.S. News editors of all published auto ratings, reviews and test drives.
- MSRP: $27,270 - $27,270
- Invoice: $24,993 - $24,993
- MPG: 41 (Est) City / 36 (Est) Hwy
#1
2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid has taken the automotive press by surprise. Many reviewers are calling it the best hybrid sedan yet. It holds its own against ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 9.5 |
| Performance: | 9.4 |
| Exterior: | 9.2 |
| Interior: | 9.4 |
| Safety: | 9.9 |
| Reliability: | 10.0 |
- MSRP: $21,605 - $26,880
- Invoice: $20,417 - $25,402
- MPG: 22 City / 30 Hwy
#2
2009 Chevrolet Malibu
The latest Chevy Malibu has come as a suprise to many who thought the imports owned the midsize car segment. With sophisticated good looks, an upscale cabin ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 9.1 |
| Performance: | 7.9 |
| Exterior: | 9.0 |
| Interior: | 8.4 |
| Safety: | 8.7 |
| Reliability: | 10.0 |
- MSRP: $19,270 - $27,675
- Invoice: $17,986 - $25,357
- MPG: 22 (Est) City / 31 (Est) Hwy
#3
2010 Ford Fusion
The Ford Fusion is no longer just viable competition for the imports. It's now one of the best cars in its class. Substantially improved for 2010, it ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 9.0 |
| Performance: | 8.7 |
| Exterior: | 9.2 |
| Interior: | 8.7 |
| Safety: | 9.9 |
| Reliability: | NA |
- MSRP: $19,145 - $28,695
- Invoice: $17,707 - $25,823
- MPG: 21 City / 31 Hwy
#4
2009 Toyota Camry
The 2009 Toyota Camry won U.S. News' 2009 Best Car for the Money award in the midsize car class with its combination of a reasonable entry price ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.9 |
| Performance: | 7.6 |
| Exterior: | 8.0 |
| Interior: | 8.6 |
| Safety: | 8.7 |
| Reliability: | 10.0 |
- MSRP: $26,150 - $26,150
- Invoice: $23,796 - $23,796
- MPG: 33 City / 34 Hwy
#4
2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
The 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid has all the comfort, reliability and style usually associated with the Camry, with better fuel economy. Its combination of fuel-efficiency, and low ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.9 |
| Performance: | 7.9 |
| Exterior: | 8.0 |
| Interior: | 8.4 |
| Safety: | 8.7 |
| Reliability: | 10.0 |
- MSRP: $20,905 - $31,155
- Invoice: $18,965 - $28,228
- MPG: 22 City / 31 Hwy
#6
2009 Honda Accord
The Honda Accord has been one of the best-selling and most well-reviewed midsize cars in America for many years, and the latest Accord does nothing to change ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.8 |
| Performance: | 8.2 |
| Exterior: | 7.7 |
| Interior: | 8.7 |
| Safety: | 9.9 |
| Reliability: | 7.0 |
- MSRP: $22,000 - $27,270
- Invoice: $20,900 - $25,384
- MPG: 51 (Est) City / 48 (Est) Hwy
#6
2010 Toyota Prius
The third-generation of the Toyota Prius is the most fuel-efficient car offered by a major manufacturer in the U.S. this year. With more space, more power and ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.8 |
| Performance: | 8.6 |
| Exterior: | 8.4 |
| Interior: | 8.0 |
| Safety: | NA |
| Reliability: | NA |
- MSRP: $18,550 - $28,260
- Invoice: $17,601 - $26,099
- MPG: 20 City / 29 Hwy
#8
2009 Mazda Mazda6
The Mazda6 is entirely new for 2009, and the automotive press is impressed. The new 6 is one of the top cars in its class. It is ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.7 |
| Performance: | 8.7 |
| Exterior: | 9.2 |
| Interior: | 8.4 |
| Safety: | 8.8 |
| Reliability: | 7.0 |
- MSRP: $20,320 - $26,720
- Invoice: $18,703 - $24,463
- MPG: 20 City / 29 Hwy
#9
2009 Mercury Milan
There is a 2010 Mercury Milan on dealer lots now, but the 2009 Mercury Milan is still a car worth considering for many midsize car shoppers. It offers engaging handling, ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.5 |
| Performance: | 7.4 |
| Exterior: | 8.1 |
| Interior: | 7.7 |
| Safety: | 9.9 |
| Reliability: | 10.0 |
- MSRP: $22,655 - $27,250
- Invoice: $21,182 - $25,479
- MPG: 22 City / 33 Hwy
#10
2009 Saturn Aura
Shoppers considering the 2009 Saturn Aura will find a competent domestic alternative to the import sedans that have dominated the class. They'll also find disappointing cabin materials ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.4 |
| Performance: | 8.2 |
| Exterior: | 8.3 |
| Interior: | 7.9 |
| Safety: | 8.7 |
| Reliability: | 7.0 |
- MSRP: $20,795 - $34,595
- Invoice: $19,666 - $32,106
- MPG: 20 City / 26 Hwy
#10
2009 Subaru Legacy
Subaru has sold the Legacy for years on the virtues of its good safety scores, the assuredness of its all-wheel-drive system and fairly engaging driving experience for ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.4 |
| Performance: | 8.7 |
| Exterior: | 8.1 |
| Interior: | 7.4 |
| Safety: | 9.9 |
| Reliability: | 6.0 |
- MSRP: $28,300 - $28,300
- Invoice: $26,436 - $26,436
- MPG: 19 City / 29 Hwy
#10
2009 Volkswagen Passat
The 2009 Volkswagen Passat is a competitive midsize car with excellent safety features and spirited performance -- but it's also one of the most expensive cars in ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.4 |
| Performance: | 8.0 |
| Exterior: | 7.7 |
| Interior: | 8.2 |
| Safety: | 9.3 |
| Reliability: | 9.0 |
- MSRP: $18,700 - $26,550
- Invoice: $17,922 - $24,809
- MPG: 21 City / 32 Hwy
#13
2009 Hyundai Sonata
The Hyundai Sonata has been refreshed for 2009, with a redesigned interior that out-classes previous editions of this car, improved fuel economy and a horsepower bump. The ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.3 |
| Performance: | 7.7 |
| Exterior: | 7.3 |
| Interior: | 8.3 |
| Safety: | 9.7 |
| Reliability: | 6.0 |
- MSRP: $19,900 - $29,380
- Invoice: $19,078 - $27,221
- MPG: 23 City / 32 Hwy
#13
2009 Nissan Altima
The Nissan Altima is a easy to overlook in a segment filled with Accords, Camrys and Fusions, but it shouldn't be. The Altima isn't just a functional ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.3 |
| Performance: | 8.4 |
| Exterior: | 8.6 |
| Interior: | 7.3 |
| Safety: | 8.3 |
| Reliability: | 7.0 |
- MSRP: $26,650 - $26,650
- Invoice: $24,976 - $24,976
- MPG: 35 City / 33 Hwy
#13
2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid
The Nissan Altima is one of the best sedans available in the midsize class, but, few people seem to be aware of the Nissan Altima Hybrid. With hybrid powertrain ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.3 |
| Performance: | 7.9 |
| Exterior: | 8.6 |
| Interior: | 8.5 |
| Safety: | 9.9 |
| Reliability: | 7.0 |
- MSRP: $17,495 - $22,145
- Invoice: $16,510 - $20,600
- MPG: 22 (Est) City / 32 (Est) Hwy
#16
2009 Kia Optima
The Kia Optima has been improved for the 2009 model year, with updated exterior styling, more power and improved fuel economy. Its low price and long warranty ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.1 |
| Performance: | 8.2 |
| Exterior: | 7.0 |
| Interior: | 7.7 |
| Safety: | 9.7 |
| Reliability: | 6.0 |
- MSRP: $19,800 - $23,100
- Invoice: $18,688 - $21,790
- MPG: 40 City / 43 Hwy
#17
2010 Honda Insight
The Honda Insight is an all-new, hybrid-only sedan resembling the Toyota Prius, but starting from a lower price. The Insight's futuristic good looks, cool graphics and affordable ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.0 |
| Performance: | 8.0 |
| Exterior: | 8.9 |
| Interior: | 7.6 |
| Safety: | NA |
| Reliability: | NA |
- MSRP: $21,249 - $27,449
- Invoice: $20,049 - $25,898
- MPG: 20 City / 27 Hwy
#17
2009 Mitsubishi Galant
The Galant is a midpack choice in the midsize car segment. It is notable for its spacious rear seat and strong performance from its sporty Ralliart trim, but ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.0 |
| Performance: | 8.3 |
| Exterior: | 7.5 |
| Interior: | 8.3 |
| Safety: | 7.8 |
| Reliability: | 10.0 |
- MSRP: $26,325 - $26,325
- Invoice: $24,614 - $24,614
- MPG: 26 City / 34 Hwy
#19
2009 Saturn Aura Hybrid
The 2009 Saturn Aura Hybrid carries a slightly lower base price than some other hybrids, but is otherwise not competitive with rival hybrid-electric cars. It boasts only a ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.8 |
| Performance: | 6.2 |
| Exterior: | 8.3 |
| Interior: | 8.3 |
| Safety: | 8.7 |
| Reliability: | 7.0 |
- MSRP: $25,640 - $33,805
- Invoice: $24,486 - $32,284
- MPG: 17 City / 28 Hwy
#20
2009 Buick LaCrosse
The LaCrosse is a comfortable but unexciting car in its last year of production. There are many efficient cars that are more entertaining and safer to drive than ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.4 |
| Performance: | 7.4 |
| Exterior: | 7.3 |
| Interior: | 7.2 |
| Safety: | 7.2 |
| Reliability: | 10.0 |
- MSRP: $20,490 - $32,300
- Invoice: $19,363 - $30,524
- MPG: 22 City / 33 Hwy
#21
2009 Pontiac G6
The Pontiac brand is due to disappear from American roads this year, and the 2009 Pontiac G6 with it. The automotive press was neither impressed nor offended with ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.2 |
| Performance: | 6.8 |
| Exterior: | 8.1 |
| Interior: | 7.6 |
| Safety: | 8.2 |
| Reliability: | 8.0 |
- MSRP: $20,515 - $35,125
- Invoice: $19,009 - $32,589
- MPG: 21 City / 30 Hwy
#22
2009 Chrysler Sebring
The Chrysler Sebring rides in the bottom tier of the midsize car class thanks to a low quality interior, wonky steering and meager gas mileage.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.0 |
| Performance: | 6.7 |
| Exterior: | 7.7 |
| Interior: | 7.5 |
| Safety: | 9.2 |
| Reliability: | 4.0 |
- MSRP: $20,515 - $25,415
- Invoice: $18,994 - $23,404
- MPG: 21 City / 30 Hwy
#23
2009 Dodge Avenger
In previous years, the Dodge Avenger has trailed other affordable midsize cars, and little has changed for 2009. Add in Dodge's stumbling sales, and there's little reason ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 6.6 |
| Performance: | 6.2 |
| Exterior: | 7.9 |
| Interior: | 7.0 |
| Safety: | 9.3 |
| Reliability: | 6.0 |
Unranked: Affordable Midsize Cars
Our rankings are based on analysis of third party reviews. Sometimes, we are unable to find enough reviews to publish a definitive ranking. Please check back later, as we are constantly updating our reviews.
2009 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid
MSRP: $25,555 - $25,555 | Invoice: $24,149 - $24,149 | MPG: 26 City / 34 Hwy
2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid
MSRP: $27,500 - $27,500 | Invoice: $25,235 - $25,235 | MPG: 41 City / 36 Hwy
