Car Rankings: Upscale Midsize Cars
Ranking of near-luxury midsize cars, including sedans and coupes, generally priced $25,000 to $40,000. BMW 3-Series, Lexus ES, Audi A4 and more. Rankings based on an in-depth analysis by U.S. News editors of all published auto ratings, reviews and test drives.
- MSRP: $32,700 - $41,200
- Invoice: $30,085 - $37,905
- MPG: 18 City / 28 Hwy
#1
2008 BMW 3-Series
The 3-Series' combination of world-class performance and luxury in a midsize sedan is unparalleled in the class.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 9.6 |
| Performance: | 9.1 |
| Exterior: | 8.8 |
| Interior: | 7.9 |
| Safety: | 9.2 |
| Reliability: | 8.0 |
- MSRP: $34,120 - $34,120
- Invoice: $30,253 - $30,253
- MPG: 19 City / 27 Hwy
#2
2008 Lexus ES
The 2008 Lexus ES 350 delivers a powerful, smooth ride, luxurious comfort and overall good looks.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 9.4 |
| Performance: | 8.2 |
| Exterior: | 8.0 |
| Interior: | 8.7 |
| Safety: | 9.2 |
| Reliability: | 10.0 |
- MSRP: $34,900 - $36,200
- Invoice: $32,093 - $33,284
- MPG: 18 City / 24 Hwy
#3
2008 Infiniti G37 Coupe
The G37 has fluid, dynamic styling and excellent performance, but its interior refinement or backseat comfort doesn't compare well to others in the class.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 9.3 |
| Performance: | 9.2 |
| Exterior: | 9.1 |
| Interior: | 8.2 |
| Safety: | NA |
| Reliability: | 9.0 |
- MSRP: $33,675 - $35,975
- Invoice: $31,486 - $33,637
- MPG: 16 City / 25 Hwy
#4
2008 Cadillac CTS
The CTS delivers good performance, handsome styling and a luxurious interior, but its manual transmission suffers from stiffness and long throws, its front seats could provide better ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 9.0 |
| Performance: | 8.3 |
| Exterior: | 8.4 |
| Interior: | 8.1 |
| Safety: | 9.7 |
| Reliability: | 8.0 |
- MSRP: $33,725 - $38,425
- Invoice: $31,008 - $35,318
- MPG: 18 City / 26 Hwy
#5
2008 Acura TL
The TL is a luxury sedan with a solid combination of comfort and safety on the road. Few cars that are similarly priced offer the same performance.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.9 |
| Performance: | 8.4 |
| Exterior: | 8.3 |
| Interior: | 7.9 |
| Safety: | 9.2 |
| Reliability: | 8.0 |
- MSRP: $32,250 - $34,750
- Invoice: $29,663 - $31,954
- MPG: 17 City / 24 Hwy
#5
2008 Infiniti G35 Sedan
The G35 sedan offers a pleasing blend of sporty performance, luxury and value.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.9 |
| Performance: | 8.5 |
| Exterior: | 8.0 |
| Interior: | 7.2 |
| Safety: | 9.1 |
| Reliability: | 9.0 |
- MSRP: $30,855 - $36,305
- Invoice: $27,151 - $31,948
- MPG: 18 City / 26 Hwy
#7
2008 Lexus IS
The IS sedan is sporty with Lexus luxury. While the IS 250 is described as a respectable sport sedan, the IS 350 is known as a hot ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.8 |
| Performance: | 8.0 |
| Exterior: | 7.9 |
| Interior: | 7.4 |
| Safety: | 9.1 |
| Reliability: | 9.0 |
- MSRP: $31,600 - $36,900
- Invoice: $29,388 - $34,317
- MPG: 18 City / 26 Hwy
#7
2008 Mercedes-Benz C Class
The redesigned Mercedes Benz C-Class offers superior handling, updated style and good safety features, but it still trails competitors like the BMW 3-Series in performance and overall ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.8 |
| Performance: | 8.4 |
| Exterior: | 8.9 |
| Interior: | 7.6 |
| Safety: | 8.8 |
| Reliability: | 9.0 |
- MSRP: $28,900 - $38,400
- Invoice: $26,878 - $35,713
- MPG: 20 City / 31 Hwy
#9
2008 Audi A4
The A4 is an impressive performance vehicle, particularly when equipped with the available quattro all-wheel-drive system, and it offers a luxurious interior with superior build quality and ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.7 |
| Performance: | 8.1 |
| Exterior: | 8.2 |
| Interior: | 8.2 |
| Safety: | 9.6 |
| Reliability: | 5.0 |
- MSRP: $39,240 - $39,240
- Invoice: $36,886 - $36,886
- MPG: 18 City / 27 Hwy
#10
2008 Volvo C70
The C70 is a safe, attractive and fun convertible. With a hard-top and the Volvo name, the C70 also offers premium safety features that are competitive for ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.4 |
| Performance: | 7.3 |
| Exterior: | 7.9 |
| Interior: | 7.9 |
| Safety: | 9.8 |
| Reliability: | 8.0 |
- MSRP: $46,450 - $55,150
- Invoice: $43,198 - $51,290
- MPG: 17 City / 25 Hwy
#11
2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK Coupe
Although the CLK Coupe is beautifully designed and offers a roomy and refined interior cabin, it can't match the performance and handling dynamics of others in its ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.2 |
| Performance: | 8.1 |
| Exterior: | 9.2 |
| Interior: | 8.0 |
| Safety: | NA |
| Reliability: | 8.0 |
- MSRP: $28,630 - $30,880
- Invoice: $26,229 - $28,286
- MPG: 19 City / 25 Hwy
#11
2008 Nissan Maxima
The 2008 Nissan Maxima delivers a nice combination of performance and luxury in a sport sedan.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.2 |
| Performance: | 8.0 |
| Exterior: | 7.8 |
| Interior: | 7.4 |
| Safety: | 8.2 |
| Reliability: | 7.0 |
- MSRP: $37,685 - $38,705
- Invoice: $35,612 - $36,576
- MPG: 17 City / 26 Hwy
#13
2008 Saab 9-5
The 9-5 delivers sporty handling and great safety ratings, but can't match the ride quality of others in its class.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.0 |
| Performance: | 7.3 |
| Exterior: | 7.3 |
| Interior: | 7.8 |
| Safety: | 9.4 |
| Reliability: | 4.0 |
- MSRP: $30,980 - $32,850
- Invoice: $28,562 - $30,245
- MPG: 18 City / 28 Hwy
#14
2008 Lincoln MKZ
The 2008 Lincoln MKZ delivers an elegant, luxurious interior with many standard features but can't match the overall performance of others in its class.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.9 |
| Performance: | 7.1 |
| Exterior: | 7.2 |
| Interior: | 7.6 |
| Safety: | 8.9 |
| Reliability: | 8.0 |
- MSRP: $28,990 - $38,100
- Invoice: $27,003 - $35,517
- MPG: 21 City / 29 Hwy
#14
2008 Volkswagen Eos
The 2008 Volkswagen Eos is a solid all-around performer that doesn't excel at anything. It offers one of the least expensive retractable hardtops available, and good fuel ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.9 |
| Performance: | 7.7 |
| Exterior: | 7.5 |
| Interior: | 7.6 |
| Safety: | 9.4 |
| Reliability: | 5.0 |
- MSRP: $30,975 - $33,985
- Invoice: $29,117 - $31,946
- MPG: 19 City / 27 Hwy
#14
2008 Volvo S60
The 2008 Volvo S60 provides acceptable performance and attractive exterior styling, but it does not have the reputation for sporty performance like other upscale midsize cars.
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.9 |
| Performance: | 6.7 |
| Exterior: | 7.9 |
| Interior: | 7.0 |
| Safety: | 9.5 |
| Reliability: | 6.0 |
- MSRP: $35,060 - $35,060
- Invoice: $31,905 - $31,905
- MPG: 16 City / 22 Hwy
#17
2008 Jaguar X-Type
The 2008 Jaguar X-Type offers status-conferring brand name, a comfortable ride and respectable handling. The styling is generally well liked, but the interior is seen as below ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 5.1 |
| Performance: | 6.0 |
| Exterior: | NA |
| Interior: | 5.6 |
| Safety: | 7.8 |
| Reliability: | 4.0 |
Unranked: Upscale 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 Nissan Maxima
MSRP: $29,290 - $31,990 | Invoice: $26,832 - $29,301 | MPG: 19 (2008) City / 25 (2008) Hwy
Check car prices and ratings to find a more fuel efficient car.