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: $33,600 - $50,700
- Invoice: $30,910 - $46,645
- MPG: 18 City / 28 Hwy
#1
2009 BMW 3-Series
To most of the automotive press, the BMW 3-Series has been the entry-level luxury car that all others are measured against for many years. The 2009 edition carries that title well, ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 9.3 |
| Performance: | 9.3 |
| Exterior: | 9.0 |
| Interior: | 8.1 |
| Safety: | 9.4 |
| Reliability: | 8.0 |
- MSRP: $34,470 - $34,470
- Invoice: $31,253 - $31,253
- MPG: 19 City / 27 Hwy
#2
2009 Lexus ES
The 2009 Lexus ES 350 is a sharp-looking entry-level luxury sedan with one of the smoothest rides in the upscale midsize class and the kind of sumptuous ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 9.2 |
| Performance: | 8.6 |
| Exterior: | 8.3 |
| Interior: | 9.0 |
| Safety: | 8.6 |
| Reliability: | 10.0 |
- MSRP: $33,250 - $38,700
- Invoice: $30,727 - $35,747
- MPG: 18 City / 26 Hwy
#3
2009 Infiniti G37
The 2009 Infiniti G37 has pulled alongside the traditional favorite in the Upscale Midsize Car class - the BMW 3-Series. The Coupe version of the G37 hit showrooms ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 9.1 |
| Performance: | 9.1 |
| Exterior: | 9.3 |
| Interior: | 8.3 |
| Safety: | 8.5 |
| Reliability: | 9.0 |
- MSRP: $32,900 - $56,300
- Invoice: $30,597 - $52,359
- MPG: 18 (2008) City / 26 (2008) Hwy
#3
2009 Mercedes-Benz C Class
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class doesn't excel in any one category, but the sum of all the parts is a well-balanced entry-level luxury car. Critics say it falls a bit ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 9.1 |
| Performance: | 8.7 |
| Exterior: | 9.2 |
| Interior: | 7.7 |
| Safety: | 9.4 |
| Reliability: | 9.0 |
- MSRP: $36,560 - $40,760
- Invoice: $34,366 - $38,314
- MPG: 16 City / 25 Hwy
#5
2009 Cadillac CTS
The automotive press has reached a consensus: the CTS is the best sedan Cadillac has produced in a long time, and deserves consideration alongside the best German sport ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.9 |
| Performance: | 8.8 |
| Exterior: | 8.6 |
| Interior: | 8.3 |
| Safety: | 9.4 |
| Reliability: | 8.0 |
- MSRP: $34,955 - $43,235
- Invoice: $32,136 - $39,729
- MPG: 18 (Est) City / 26 (Est) Hwy
#6
2009 Acura TL
The TL has been completely redesigned for 2009. The consensus of the automotive press is that Acura's newest upscale midsize sedan is a technophile's dream, with cabin ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.7 |
| Performance: | 9.0 |
| Exterior: | 6.2 |
| Interior: | 8.7 |
| Safety: | 10.0 |
| Reliability: | 8.0 |
- MSRP: $32,250 - $37,250
- Invoice: $30,243 - $34,521
- MPG: 18 City / 27 Hwy
#6
2009 Hyundai Genesis
The 2009 Genesis is changing the collective perception of Hyundai in the automotive press. Once known only for budget cars with long warranties, the company has now produced this -- the ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.7 |
| Performance: | 9.0 |
| Exterior: | 8.4 |
| Interior: | 9.2 |
| Safety: | 10.0 |
| Reliability: | 4.0 |
- MSRP: $33,050 - $48,800
- Invoice: $30,737 - $45,385
- MPG: 21 City / 27 Hwy
#8
2009 Audi A4
Of the three German entry-level luxury sedans, the Audi A4 may be the least well-known in the United States. It’s always held outsider status when stacked up ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.6 |
| Performance: | 8.5 |
| Exterior: | 8.4 |
| Interior: | 8.7 |
| Safety: | 10.0 |
| Reliability: | 5.0 |
- MSRP: $31,305 - $36,755
- Invoice: $28,174 - $33,078
- MPG: 18 City / 26 Hwy
#9
2009 Lexus IS
While most luxury automakers produce one midsize car, Lexus makes two. The ES is its sedate, comfortable cruiser. The IS, however, is the athlete, and the sexy ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.5 |
| Performance: | 8.1 |
| Exterior: | 8.2 |
| Interior: | 7.4 |
| Safety: | 8.8 |
| Reliability: | 9.0 |
- MSRP: $48,100 - $64,800
- Invoice: $44,733 - $60,264
- MPG: 17 City / 25 Hwy
#9
2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK
The automotive press considers the 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK Coupe a beautiful car, but one that can't measure up to the performance many buyers expect from an entry-level ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.5 |
| Performance: | 8.3 |
| Exterior: | NA |
| Interior: | 8.6 |
| Safety: | NA |
| Reliability: | 8.0 |
- MSRP: $39,800 - $39,800
- Invoice: $37,412 - $37,412
- MPG: 18 City / 27 Hwy
#11
2009 Volvo C70
The Volvo C70 is an attractive hardtop convertible with outstanding safety scores. Its driving dynamics don't match the excitement of a BMW 3-Series hardtop, but that's mostly ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.3 |
| Performance: | 7.5 |
| Exterior: | 7.8 |
| Interior: | 7.4 |
| Safety: | 10.0 |
| Reliability: | 8.0 |
- MSRP: $30,160 - $32,860
- Invoice: $27,628 - $30,097
- MPG: 19 City / 26 Hwy
#12
2009 Nissan Maxima
The redesigned 2009 Nissan Maxima is a mixed bag that splits the automotive press. Some love its sleek styling and find the interior upgrades impressive. Others see some cheap ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.1 |
| Performance: | 8.0 |
| Exterior: | 9.0 |
| Interior: | 7.9 |
| Safety: | 8.8 |
| Reliability: | 7.0 |
- MSRP: $31,615 - $35,200
- Invoice: $29,433 - $32,832
- MPG: 21 City / 31 Hwy
#13
2009 Volkswagen Eos
For those looking for a convertible that can function well as a daily driver, the Volkswagen Eos is worth a look. The automotive press says that it's ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.0 |
| Performance: | 8.1 |
| Exterior: | 7.7 |
| Interior: | 7.6 |
| Safety: | 10.0 |
| Reliability: | 5.0 |
- MSRP: $32,695 - $34,585
- Invoice: $30,021 - $31,722
- MPG: 18 City / 28 Hwy
#14
2009 Lincoln MKZ
The 2009 MKZ is a luxury car built on the same platform as the Ford Fusion. Auto writers agree that its performance is too close to that ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.9 |
| Performance: | 7.3 |
| Exterior: | 7.4 |
| Interior: | 7.8 |
| Safety: | 9.6 |
| Reliability: | 8.0 |
- MSRP: $27,100 - $39,800
- Invoice: $25,252 - $37,277
- MPG: 21 City / 31 Hwy
#15
2009 Volkswagen CC
Brand new this year, the Volkswagen CC is a midsize sedan that sacrifices some practicality on the altar of style. On the outside, the CC is a ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.8 |
| Performance: | 8.8 |
| Exterior: | 8.4 |
| Interior: | 8.1 |
| Safety: | 8.3 |
| Reliability: | 4.0 |
- MSRP: $40,405 - $42,000
- Invoice: $38,183 - $39,690
- MPG: 17 City / 27 Hwy
#16
2009 Saab 9-5
The Saab 9-5 offers sporty handling and great safety scores, but otherwise trails the competition in overall refinement and value. The car is aging and will soon ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.7 |
| Performance: | 7.5 |
| Exterior: | 7.7 |
| Interior: | 8.4 |
| Safety: | 8.9 |
| Reliability: | 4.0 |
- MSRP: $32,800 - $36,400
- Invoice: $30,832 - $34,216
- MPG: 19 City / 28 Hwy
#17
2009 Volvo S60
The Volvo S60 has been discontinued, but some dealerships still have unsold models on their lots. Like most Volvos, it boasts a long list of safety equipment, seating that is particularly ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.3 |
| Performance: | 6.8 |
| Exterior: | 8.2 |
| Interior: | 7.9 |
| Safety: | 9.2 |
| Reliability: | 6.0 |
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.
2010 Lincoln MKZ
MSRP: $34,115 - $36,005 | Invoice: $31,418 - $33,119 | MPG: 18 (Est) City / 27 (Est) Hwy