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: $27,855 - $27,855
- Invoice: $25,555 - $25,555
- Avg. Paid: $27,575 - $27,575
- MPG: 41 (Est) City / 36 (Est) Hwy
#1
2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid
The 2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid is a very close cousin to the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid - and many reviewers call the pair the best hybrid sedans ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 9.3 |
| Performance: | 9.1 |
| Exterior: | 8.1 |
| Interior: | 8.8 |
| Safety: | 9.9 |
| Reliability: | 9.0 |
- MSRP: $27,625 - $27,625
- Invoice: $25,313 - $25,313
- Avg. Paid: $27,387 - $27,387
- MPG: 41 City / 36 Hwy
#2
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: | 9.2 |
| Performance: | 9.1 |
| Exterior: | 8.9 |
| Interior: | 8.9 |
| Safety: | 9.9 |
| Reliability: | 9.0 |
- MSRP: $19,620 - $28,030
- Invoice: $18,305 - $25,677
- Avg. Paid: $19,711 - $27,944
- MPG: 22 City / 31 Hwy
#3
2010 Ford Fusion
The Ford Fusion is no longer just viable competition for the imports. It's now one of the best midsize family cars. Substantially improved for 2010, it now ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 9.0 |
| Performance: | 8.8 |
| Exterior: | 8.9 |
| Interior: | 8.8 |
| Safety: | 9.9 |
| Reliability: | 9.0 |
- MSRP: $21,825 - $26,605
- Invoice: $20,734 - $25,275
- Avg. Paid: $21,824 - $26,403
- MPG: 22 City / 30 Hwy
#4
2010 Chevrolet Malibu
The Chevy Malibu has enjoyed a ranking near the top of the midsize car class since a 2008 redesign. With a distinctive, two-tone cabin more stylish than ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.9 |
| Performance: | 7.9 |
| Exterior: | 9.0 |
| Interior: | 8.4 |
| Safety: | 9.9 |
| Reliability: | 8.0 |
- MSRP: $26,150 - $26,150
- Invoice: $23,796 - $23,796
- Avg. Paid: $25,881 - $25,881
- MPG: 33 (Est) City / 34 (Est) Hwy
#4
2010 Toyota Camry Hybrid
The 2010 Toyota Camry Hybrid offers all of the virtues of the Toyota Camry - rock-solid dependability, exceptional comfort and low long-term cost of ownership - with ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.9 |
| Performance: | 8.0 |
| Exterior: | 8.0 |
| Interior: | 8.4 |
| Safety: | 9.9 |
| Reliability: | 10.0 |
- MSRP: $22,400 - $27,670
- Invoice: $21,056 - $25,757
- Avg. Paid: $22,550 - $27,724
- MPG: 51 (Est) City / 48 (Est) Hwy
#4
2010 Toyota Prius
All new for 2010, the third-generation of the Toyota Prius is the most fuel-efficient car offered by a major manufacturer in the U.S. this year. It can also ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.9 |
| Performance: | 8.5 |
| Exterior: | 8.4 |
| Interior: | 8.0 |
| Safety: | 9.3 |
| Reliability: | 10.0 |
- MSRP: $21,055 - $31,305
- Invoice: $19,101 - $28,363
- Avg. Paid: $20,569 - $30,580
- MPG: 21 City / 31 Hwy
#7
2010 Honda Accord
The Honda Accord has been an excellent choice for most family sedan buyers for more than a generation. The 2010 Accord does nothing to change that, with ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.8 |
| Performance: | 8.2 |
| Exterior: | 7.7 |
| Interior: | 8.6 |
| Safety: | 9.4 |
| Reliability: | 9.0 |
- MSRP: $27,085 - $33,015
- Invoice: $26,002 - $31,694
- Avg. Paid: $27,521 - $33,317
- MPG: 18 (est) City / 27 (est) Hwy
#8
2010 Buick LaCrosse
When the 2010 Buick LaCrosse first appeared, the automotive press collectively gasped, "That thing's a Buick?!" With a Lexus-like interior, and elegant exterior and better road manners ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.7 |
| Performance: | 8.5 |
| Exterior: | 9.3 |
| Interior: | 9.0 |
| Safety: | NA |
| Reliability: | 8.0 |
- MSRP: $19,395 - $29,045
- Invoice: $17,938 - $26,138
- Avg. Paid: $18,856 - $27,945
- MPG: 21 City / 31 Hwy
#8
2010 Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry remains one of the best values in the automotive world. The 2009 edition won U.S. News' 2009 Best Car for the Money award in ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.7 |
| Performance: | 7.7 |
| Exterior: | 8.0 |
| Interior: | 8.6 |
| Safety: | 8.7 |
| Reliability: | 10.0 |
- MSRP: $18,450 - $28,390
- Invoice: $17,507 - $26,219
- Avg. Paid: $17,811 - $27,250
- MPG: 20 City / 29 Hwy
#10
2010 Mazda Mazda6
Entirely redesigned last year, the Mazda6 is one of the sportiest and sexiest cars available in the midsize sedan segment. It gets expensive, however, once you start ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.4 |
| Performance: | 8.7 |
| Exterior: | 9.2 |
| Interior: | 8.4 |
| Safety: | NA |
| Reliability: | 5.0 |
- MSRP: $21,535 - $28,155
- Invoice: $19,866 - $25,825
- Avg. Paid: $21,527 - $28,032
- MPG: 22 (Est) City / 31 (Est) Hwy
#11
2010 Mercury Milan
The Mercury Milan is an attractive and well-balanced family car. Fun to drive for a front-wheel-drive, midpriced, midsize sedan, it offers an upscale cabin and an impressive ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.3 |
| Performance: | 7.7 |
| Exterior: | 8.3 |
| Interior: | 7.7 |
| Safety: | 9.9 |
| Reliability: | 9.0 |
- MSRP: $19,900 - $29,380
- Invoice: $19,078 - $27,221
- Avg. Paid: $19,706 - $28,759
- MPG: 23 City / 32 Hwy
#11
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: | 7.4 |
| Safety: | 8.3 |
| Reliability: | 7.0 |
- MSRP: $26,650 - $26,650
- Invoice: $24,976 - $24,976
- Avg. Paid: $26,093 - $26,093
- MPG: 35 City / 33 Hwy
#11
2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid
The Nissan Altima is one of the better sedans available in the midsize class. Its hybrid counterpart is every bit as attractive, fairly fun to drive, and ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.3 |
| Performance: | 7.9 |
| Exterior: | 8.6 |
| Interior: | 8.5 |
| Safety: | 9.9 |
| Reliability: | 7.0 |
- MSRP: $22,655 - $27,250
- Invoice: $21,182 - $25,479
- Avg. Paid: $20,710 - $25,160
- MPG: 22 City / 33 Hwy
#11
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: | 8.3 |
| Performance: | 8.2 |
| Exterior: | 8.3 |
| Interior: | 7.9 |
| Safety: | 8.7 |
| Reliability: | 6.0 |
- MSRP: $19,995 - $29,995
- Invoice: $18,926 - $28,061
- Avg. Paid: $19,152 - $28,305
- MPG: 19 City / 27 Hwy
#11
2010 Subaru Legacy
No longer just a quirky option with all-wheel drive, the redesigned Subaru Legacy now one of the most spacious cars in its class. It's a fun-to-drive sedan ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.3 |
| Performance: | 8.5 |
| Exterior: | 7.9 |
| Interior: | 7.6 |
| Safety: | 10.0 |
| Reliability: | 6.0 |
- MSRP: $18,700 - $26,550
- Invoice: $17,922 - $24,809
- Avg. Paid: $18,634 - $26,221
- MPG: 21 (2009) City / 32 (2009) Hwy
#16
2010 Hyundai Sonata
Once a budget option, the Hyundai Sonata is now a legitimate competitor for the best midsize sedans. It is not notable for any one trait, but does ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.2 |
| Performance: | 7.6 |
| Exterior: | 7.2 |
| Interior: | 8.3 |
| Safety: | NA |
| Reliability: | 7.0 |
- MSRP: $17,495 - $22,145
- Invoice: $16,510 - $20,600
- Avg. Paid: $17,443 - $21,934
- MPG: 22 (Est) City / 32 (Est) Hwy
#17
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: | 8.0 |
| Performance: | 8.2 |
| Exterior: | 7.0 |
| Interior: | 7.7 |
| Safety: | 9.7 |
| Reliability: | 5.0 |
- MSRP: $26,995 - $26,995
- Invoice: $25,226 - $25,277
- Avg. Paid: $25,990 - $26,067
- MPG: 22 City / 31 Hwy
#18
2010 Volkswagen Passat
The 2010 Volkswagen Passat is an affordable midsize car with an interior that almost belongs in a more expensive class, combined with with suspension tuning that makes ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.9 |
| Performance: | 8.0 |
| Exterior: | 7.7 |
| Interior: | 8.2 |
| Safety: | 8.3 |
| Reliability: | 6.0 |
- MSRP: $19,800 - $23,100
- Invoice: $18,688 - $21,790
- Avg. Paid: $20,601 - $23,884
- MPG: 40 City / 43 Hwy
#19
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 easy-to-drive nature and affordable price make it ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.6 |
| Performance: | 7.7 |
| Exterior: | 8.7 |
| Interior: | 7.3 |
| Safety: | 9.0 |
| Reliability: | 8.0 |
- MSRP: $21,599 - $23,999
- Invoice: $20,379 - $22,643
- Avg. Paid: $21,750 - $23,864
- MPG: 20 City / 27 Hwy
#19
2010 Mitsubishi Galant
The Mitsubishi Galant has never been as refined as the top sedans in its class. Reviewers consistently cite its cheap interior materials and build quality as reasons ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.6 |
| Performance: | 8.0 |
| Exterior: | 7.5 |
| Interior: | 7.8 |
| Safety: | 9.3 |
| Reliability: | 7.0 |
- MSRP: $26,325 - $26,325
- Invoice: $24,614 - $24,614
- Avg. Paid: $23,417 - $23,417
- 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: | 7.6 |
| Performance: | 6.2 |
| Exterior: | 8.3 |
| Interior: | 8.3 |
| Safety: | 8.7 |
| Reliability: | 6.0 |
- MSRP: $22,115 - $34,705
- Invoice: $21,240 - $33,087
- Avg. Paid: $21,321 - $34,417
- MPG: 21 City / 21 Hwy
#22
2010 Chrysler Sebring
The Chrysler Sebring has languished near the bottom of the midsize car class for years. With parent company Chrysler cutting costs in recent years, it hasn't received ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.1 |
| Performance: | 6.5 |
| Exterior: | 7.2 |
| Interior: | 7.3 |
| Safety: | 9.8 |
| Reliability: | 6.0 |
- MSRP: $20,490 - $32,300
- Invoice: $19,363 - $30,524
- Avg. Paid: $20,621 - $31,203
- MPG: 22 City / 33 Hwy
#22
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: | 7.1 |
| Performance: | 6.8 |
| Exterior: | 8.1 |
| Interior: | 7.6 |
| Safety: | 8.2 |
| Reliability: | 7.0 |
- MSRP: $20,230 - $21,730
- Invoice: $19,524 - $20,889
- Avg. Paid: $19,786 - $21,180
- MPG: 21 City / 30 Hwy
#24
2010 Dodge Avenger
The aging Dodge Avenger has always sat at the back of a very large, very competitive group of midsize family cars. It comes into 2010 unchanged, and ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 6.5 |
| Performance: | 6.1 |
| Exterior: | 7.9 |
| Interior: | 6.9 |
| Safety: | 9.9 |
| Reliability: | 5.0 |
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
