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: $33,000 - $39,500
- Invoice: $30,940 - $36,590
- Avg. Paid: $32,116 - $38,307
- MPG: 18 City / 27 Hwy
#1
2010 Hyundai Genesis
The Hyundai Genesis is an exceptional value. A rear-wheel-drive sedan with luxuries befitting a $50,000 price tag, it’s offered in a $30,000 price bracket. It has the ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 9.3 |
| Performance: | 9.0 |
| Exterior: | 8.4 |
| Interior: | 9.1 |
| Safety: | 10.0 |
| Reliability: | NA |
- MSRP: $32,850 - $50,700
- Invoice: $30,220 - $46,645
- Avg. Paid: $32,660 - $50,177
- MPG: 18 City / 28 Hwy
#2
2010 BMW 3-Series
Many in the automotive press consider the BMW 3-Series the best sport sedan built today. If you're interested in an entry-level luxury sedan that will serve as ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 9.2 |
| Performance: | 9.3 |
| Exterior: | 9.0 |
| Interior: | 8.2 |
| Safety: | 9.4 |
| Reliability: | 7.0 |
- MSRP: NA
- Invoice: NA
- MPG: NA
#2
2010 Infiniti G37
The 2010 Infiniti G37 is an extremely well-rounded car, balancing the comfort of a commuter and the athleticism of a performance car. It’s available as a refined ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 9.2 |
| Performance: | 9.1 |
| Exterior: | 9.3 |
| Interior: | 8.5 |
| Safety: | 9.3 |
| Reliability: | NA |
- MSRP: $36,730 - $51,820
- Invoice: $34,710 - $48,970
- Avg. Paid: $34,069 - $47,074
- MPG: - TBD - City / - TBD - Hwy
#4
2010 Cadillac CTS
The Cadillac CTS is widely considered to be one of the best cars GM has built in years. Competitive with the best entry-level luxury cars in the ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 9.0 |
| Performance: | 8.8 |
| Exterior: | 8.6 |
| Interior: | 8.4 |
| Safety: | 9.9 |
| Reliability: | 8.0 |
- MSRP: $34,120 - $34,120
- Invoice: $30,594 - $30,594
- MPG: 19 City / 27 Hwy
#4
2010 Lexus ES
If you’re looking for comfort, smoothness and isolation from the road in an upscale midsize car, the 2010 Lexus ES may be the best choice the automotive ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 9.0 |
| Performance: | 8.4 |
| Exterior: | 8.5 |
| Interior: | 9.0 |
| Safety: | 8.6 |
| Reliability: | 9.0 |
- MSRP: $33,600 - $39,750
- Invoice: $31,248 - $36,968
- Avg. Paid: $32,250 - $38,011
- MPG: 18 City / 26 Hwy
#6
2010 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class competes with the world's best entry-level luxury sedans in every category, but doesn't clearly win any of them. An optional Dynamic Handling Package, new for ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.9 |
| Performance: | 8.8 |
| Exterior: | 9.2 |
| Interior: | 7.8 |
| Safety: | 9.9 |
| Reliability: | 7.0 |
- MSRP: $31,450 - $33,550
- Invoice: $29,249 - $31,201
- Avg. Paid: $30,633 - $32,728
- MPG: 23 City / 30 Hwy
#7
2010 Audi A4
Redesigned just last year, the Audi A4 is a viable alternative to the BMW 3-Series. Buyers looking for a sporty entry-level luxury sedan should test drive an ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.8 |
| Performance: | 8.6 |
| Exterior: | 8.4 |
| Interior: | 8.6 |
| Safety: | 10.0 |
| Reliability: | 7.0 |
- MSRP: $35,105 - $43,385
- Invoice: $32,273 - $39,866
- Avg. Paid: $33,422 - $41,206
- MPG: 18 City / 26 Hwy
#8
2010 Acura TL
For those who can get past its polarizing exterior style, the Acura TL is a well-rounded entry-level luxury sedan. In base trim, it’s a comfortable commuter and ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.7 |
| Performance: | 9.0 |
| Exterior: | 6.1 |
| Interior: | 8.6 |
| Safety: | 10.0 |
| Reliability: | 8.0 |
- MSRP: $31,990 - $35,490
- Invoice: $29,781 - $33,100
- Avg. Paid: $31,525 - $34,950
- MPG: 21 City / 31 Hwy
#9
2010 Volkswagen Eos
The Volkswagen Eos is both a fun convertible and a practical daily driver for those who don't have to haul much in the way of cargo or ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.4 |
| Performance: | 8.1 |
| Exterior: | 7.7 |
| Interior: | 7.6 |
| Safety: | NA |
| Reliability: | NA |
- MSRP: $38,940 - $44,390
- Invoice: $35,045 - $39,949
- Avg. Paid: $38,409 - $44,022
- MPG: 18 City / 26 Hwy
#10
2010 Lexus IS
Lexus produces two midsize luxury cars - the comfort-oriented ES, and this, the more performance-oriented IS. Available as a sedan and a convertible, it's intended to do ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.3 |
| Performance: | 8.1 |
| Exterior: | 8.2 |
| Interior: | 7.5 |
| Safety: | 8.8 |
| Reliability: | 7.0 |
- MSRP: $27,550 - $40,115
- Invoice: $25,669 - $37,565
- Avg. Paid: $26,599 - $38,750
- MPG: 21 City / 31 Hwy
#11
2010 Volkswagen CC
Volkswagen calls the CC a "four-door coupe," designed for those who need some of the practicality of a family sedan, but want something more exciting. Reviewers agree ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.1 |
| Performance: | 8.6 |
| Exterior: | 8.7 |
| Interior: | 8.3 |
| Safety: | 8.3 |
| Reliability: | 6.0 |
- MSRP: $40,000 - $40,000
- Invoice: $37,600 - $37,600
- Avg. Paid: $34,474 - $34,477
- MPG: 20 City / 28 Hwy
#11
2010 Volvo C70
Scheduled for a major redesign next year, the Volvo C70 is an aging but still attractive hardtop convertible that should meet the needs of casual drivers. It ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 8.1 |
| Performance: | 7.3 |
| Exterior: | 8.2 |
| Interior: | 7.8 |
| Safety: | 10.0 |
| Reliability: | 7.0 |
- MSRP: $34,115 - $36,005
- Invoice: $31,423 - $33,124
- Avg. Paid: $33,302 - $35,201
- MPG: 18 City / 27 Hwy
#13
2010 Lincoln MKZ
Refreshed for 2010, the Lincoln MKZ is a solid choice for those looking for a spacious, comfort-oriented entry-level luxury sedan. However, it can’t match the athletic driving ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.8 |
| Performance: | 7.4 |
| Exterior: | 7.5 |
| Interior: | 7.9 |
| Safety: | 9.9 |
| Reliability: | 6.0 |
- MSRP: $30,460 - $33,180
- Invoice: $27,903 - $30,389
- Avg. Paid: $28,898 - $31,411
- MPG: 19 (Est) City / 26 (Est) Hwy
#13
2010 Nissan Maxima
The 2010 Nissan Maxima is a car searching for an identity. Nissan calls it a "four-door sports car," but most in the automotive press say it's more ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.8 |
| Performance: | 8.3 |
| Exterior: | 8.6 |
| Interior: | 8.0 |
| Safety: | 8.8 |
| Reliability: | 6.0 |
- MSRP: $34,200 - $36,970
- Invoice: $31,122 - $33,642
- Avg. Paid: $33,554 - $36,156
- MPG: 35 City / 34 Hwy
#15
2010 Lexus HS
Lexus, the luxury division of Toyota, claims that 60 percent of shoppers who ultimately buy a Prius would be willing to consider a luxury car, if a ...
| U.S.News Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall: | 7.7 |
| Performance: | 7.7 |
| Exterior: | NA |
| Interior: | 8.3 |
| Safety: | 9.9 |
| Reliability: | 9.0 |
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.
It's a confusing time to be shopping for a new car. While there are some incredible deals to be had, many of those incentives are for cars that don't offer a lot of value in the long term.
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