Comfort and practicality in a stylish package.
Whether you're shopping for a daily commuter or you need something comfortable and practical for your family, a midsize sedan has a lot to offer. With many stylish options to choose from, you're sure to find a model to match your personality, along with plenty of high-tech features and modern conveniences to enhance your time on the road.
To help you on your search, we've compiled a list of the best midsize sedans for 2021 shoppers, based on CarMax vehicle and sales data from April 1, 2020, through September 30, 2020.
If you want a luxury midsize sedan with a high-class interior and plenty of power, the Mercedes-Benz C300 is a fine choice. All models use a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder, which makes 241 hp in 2017–2018 models and 255 hp in 2019 C300s. The engine connects to a nine-speed automatic transmission that delivers timely shifts, while standard rear-wheel-drive ensures strong acceleration off the line (2017–2019 models). With room for five passengers, the 2017–2019 C300 sedan boasts comfortable seats with side bolstering, as well as leatherette upholstery, driver seat power adjustments, and opulent wood trim. Standard features on the 2017–2019 C300 4MATIC include:
- All-wheel drive
- Driver seat memory settings
- COMAND® infotainment system
- Bluetooth® connectivity
- Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ capabilities (2019)
Infiniti Q50
Offering quick steering, balanced handling, and a comfortable interior with room for five passengers, the Infiniti Q50 is a sporty four-door midsize sedan with luxury appeal. A 208-hp turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder comes standard on 2017–2019 models or you can upgrade to a 300-hp 3.0L twin-turbo V6 on 3.0t and higher models for more performance. With 13.2 cu-ft of cargo space in 2017–2019 Q50 models, you'll have room for luggage on weekend getaways. All 2017–2019 models also include Infiniti InTouch™ dual-screen displays, which provide touchscreen controls for vehicle functions, like the available navigation system. Other standard features on the 2017–2019 Q50 3.0t Sport include:
- 19-inch sport wheels
- Available intelligent all-wheel drive
- Leather upholstery
- Driver's seat power lumbar and torso adjustment
- Kacchu® aluminum trim
Ford Fusion
The Ford Fusion is a five-passenger midsize sedan with good performance, sharp steering, and agile handling for a satisfying driving experience. Whether commuting or running errands, you'll love the Fusion's supple suspension, which remains stable around turns and comfortable over bumpy roads. 2017–2019 models start with a 175-hp 2.5L four-cylinder but opting for the Sport gets you a 325-hp 2.7L twin-turbo V6 and standard all-wheel drive. With 16 cu-ft of cargo room, you'll have space for groceries or golf clubs. The Fusion Titanium adds these enticing features on 2017–2019 models:
- Rear spoiler
- LED fog lamps
- Sport front seats
- 12-speaker Sony® sound system
- Eight-inch touchscreen display
Whether driving across town or the country, the Chevrolet Malibu is a spacious midsize sedan with great rear-seat legroom for added passenger comfort. Paired to a six-speed automatic transmission, 2017–2019 Malibus come standard with a 163-hp turbocharged 1.5L four-cylinder that returns an EPA-estimated 36 mpg on the highway.1 Inside the cabin, there's 35.6 inches of back-seat legroom and 15 cu-ft of storage space for luggage (2017–2019 models). The standard 60/40 split-folding rear seatback also lets you carry longer items, like skis or DIY supplies. Base 2017–2019 Malibus come well-equipped with these standard features:
- 16-inch steel wheels with painted wheel covers
- Power-adjustable sideview mirrors
- Daytime running lights
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Six-speaker sound system
Kia Optima
If you're shopping for a sedan with user-friendly tech, you'll love how intuitive the Kia Optima's UVO infotainment system is. Standard on base 2018–2019 models and optional on the 2017 Optima, the touchscreen display provides quick access to your favorite apps with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities. All 2017–2019 Optimas come standard with a rearview monitor, as well as rear parking sensors and blind-spot monitoring with rear-cross traffic alert on 2018 and newer models. The Optima matches its great tech with three engine options, including a 178-hp turbocharged 1.6L four-cylinder on 2018–2019 EX trims. The EX also boasts these standard features on 2017–2019 models:
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- Leather upholstery
- Dual-zone automatic temperature control with rear vents
- Heated front seats
- Six-speaker sound system
With its classy cabin and gentle ride, the Hyundai Sonata is a comfortable midsize sedan for nights on the town. 2017–2019 base models start with a 2.4L four-cylinder with 185 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque, or you can choose an available 178-hp turbo 1.6L four-cylinder or a 245-hp turbo 2.0L four-cylinder for stronger performance. In the city, the Sonata is easy to maneuver with well-weighted steering and a suspension system that smooths over rough roads. The sedan also has 16.3 cu-ft of cargo volume to hold luggage and shopping bags (2017–2019 models). Opting for the Limited trim adds these standard features on the 2017–2019 Sonata:
- Six-way power passenger seat
- Leather upholstery
- Driver memory settings (optional on 2017)
- Ventilated front seats (optional on 2017)
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
Toyota Camry
If you need a fuel-sipping commuter with a carpool-friendly cabin, the Toyota Camry is an ideal daily driver. 2018–2019 Camrys start with a 2.5L four-cylinder engine with 203 hp that provides peppy acceleration while returning an EPA-estimated 41 mpg on the highway.1 Your back-seat passengers will be quick to find comfort with 38 inches of legroom (2017–2019 models), plus there is 15 cu-ft of cargo space for belongings. 2018–2019 Camry XLE and higher trims also include a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert to help you drive with confidence. Standard features on the 2017–2019 Camry SE include:
- 18-inch black alloy wheels (2018-2019 only)
- Front grille with sport mesh insert
- Sport SofTex® upholstery
- Eight-way power-adjustable driver seat
- Leather-trimmed tilt/telescopic steering wheel with paddle shifters
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a midsize sedan with sporty handling and a roomy cabin that is well-suited to a range of lifestyles. Whether you're a young professional, a parent, or an empty-nester, you'll enjoy the Accord's balanced ride and sharp acceleration from the standard 192-hp turbocharged 1.5L four-cylinder on 2018–2019 models. Touring models also include adaptive suspension dampers for more responsive handling around corners (2018–2019 models). With space for five passengers and 16.7 cu-ft of cargo room in 2018–2019 Accords, this sedan is practical with a modern cabin to match. Standard features on the 2017–2019 Accord Sport include:
- 19-inch alloy wheels
- LED fog lights
- Dual chrome exhaust finishers
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration (2018-2019 only)
If you want a midsize sedan that handles well in slick conditions, the Nissan Altima has the enhanced traction you need. Freshly redesigned for its sixth generation, the Altima now offers available Intelligent All-Wheel Drive on all 2019 trims, which constantly monitors road conditions to send power to the wheels that need it most. A 2.5L four-cylinder comes standard on 2017–2019 models or you can upgrade to a 3.5L V6 (standard on 2017–2018 SR and SL trims) or an available turbo 2.0L four-cylinder on 2019 Altima SR and Platinum trims. Regardless of the powertrain, the Altima's cabin has Nissan's exceptionally comfortable Zero Gravity seats and nearly 36 inches of rear-seat legroom, making it a great option for long road trips. Standard features on the 2017–2019 Altima SR include:
- Sport-tuned suspension
- Push-button start
- Paddle shifters with manual shift mode
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert (2019 only)
Topping our list is another fuel-sipping sedan that's a smart option if you log many miles on your commute. The 2017–2019 Hyundai Elantra Eco returns an EPA-estimated 40 mpg on the highway with its 128-hp turbocharged 1.4L four-cylinder to help you go longer between fills.1 If you want something livelier, the Elantra Sport uses a 201-hp turbocharged 1.6L four-cylinder with 195 lb-ft of torque on 2019 models. All Elantras also feature 14.4 cu-ft of cargo volume (2017–2019 models) for storing goods as you run errands. For a nice mix of standard features, check out the 2017–2019 Elantra Limited with:
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- LED taillights
- Leather upholstery
- Power driver seat with power lumbar support
- Blue Link® Connected Car System
No matter where your travels take you, a midsize sedan is a comfortable and practical way to get around. From the sporty Q50 and the classy Sonata to the capable Altima, there is something for every driver on this list.
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1Fuel economy figures are based on EPA estimates for when vehicle sold as new. Fuel economy may vary for reasons like driving conditions and vehicle history. Unless specified, figures are for vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission. See fueleconomy.gov.
Unless otherwise noted, information related to these featured vehicles comes from third-party sources, including manufacturer information. Product and company names may be trademarks™ or registered® trademarks of third-party entities. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by these entities.