Best used midsize sedans
Check out the top-rated midsize sedans from CarMax and how we rate them.


1. Honda Accord
CarMax owner rating

2. Toyota Camry
CarMax owner rating

3. Hyundai Sonata
CarMax owner rating

4. Chevrolet Malibu
CarMax owner rating
Pros
Roomy cabin with plenty of headroom at the front
No surprises for 2025; the Malibu is unchanged
User-friendly touchscreen interface
Cons
Unexciting acceleration
The interior cabin design is dated
Obstructed outward visibility

5. Nissan Altima
CarMax owner rating
Pros
Available AWD
Ample storage
Comfortable interior and ride
Cons
Limited rear visibility
Loose steering and handling
Uninspired interior

6. Kia Optima
CarMax owner rating
Pros
Great looking sedan design
Easy-to-use infotainment tech
Solid cargo and small-item space
Cons
Rear roofline limits headroom for adults
Standard engine isn't that powerful
Largest engine only available in top trim

7. Subaru Legacy
CarMax owner rating
Pros
Standard AWD
Plenty of power from the optional turbo engine
Comfortable cabin
Cons
Sluggish base engine
Distracting touchscreen interface
The stop-start system can be annoying

8. Mazda Mazda6
CarMax owner rating
Pros
Stylish interior and exterior design
Comfortable and supportive front seats
Impressive handling
Strong acceleration from available turbocharged engine
Cons
Slightly stiff ride
All-wheel drive is not available

9. Volkswagen Passat
CarMax owner rating
Pros
Comfortable ride quality
Plenty of rear passenger and cargo space
Powerful Fender® audio system
Cons
Small infotainment touchscreen
Slow transmission response
Lacks some tech features

10. Ford Fusion
CarMax owner rating
Pros
Composed ride and elegant interior
Good selection of standard driver aids
All-wheel drive availability
Great trunk and storage cubbies
Cons
Rear visibility isn't the best
Lackluster base engine performance
Base trim infotainment is frustrating to get to grips with
Ready to find your midsize sedan?
How we rated these vehicles
CarMax creates our ‘top-rated’ used car lists based upon make-models' rating in five criteria:
RepairPal Reliability Rating
Relative pricing against competitors
CarMax owner rating
EPA-estimated fuel economy (for 2021 or last available year sold)
NHTSA Overall safety rating (for 2021 or last available year sold)
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2006-2020 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features. RepairPal Reliability Ratings are provided by RepairPal and CarMax is not responsible for their accuracy. Learn more about RepairPal reliability ratings.
Pricing details are based on available CarMax retail inventory as of October 16, 2024.
Fuel 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.
Learn more about the NHTSA Overall Safety score and how NHTSA’s 5-Star Safety Ratings program evaluates the crash protection and rollover safety of new vehicles. Keep in mind that certain vehicles may have unrepaired safety recalls. Click here to look up a specific vehicle.
We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
Unless otherwise noted, information related to 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. By clicking on any video links, you will be taken to a third-party site maintained by YouTube, Inc.
We make every effort to provide accurate information, but please verify before purchasing.










