The Best Mid-Size Family Sedans of 2023

The Chevrolet Malibu enters the new year largely unchanged since its last update, in 2016. The current model’s age is beginning to show. The Malibu is available in five trim levels, with the basic LS model starting at $24,295. The LT, however, comes in at $27,745 and is powered by a 163-hp 1.5-liter engine, and it strikes us as the best value of the bunch. Those looking for more power or convenience may opt for the top Premier trim, which gets a 250-hp 2.0-liter engine. In our 200-mile highway fuel economy test we squeezed 34 mpg out of a 1.5-liter Malibu. As with other Chevrolets, the Malibu comes standard with an above-average infotainment system that includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.

• Base price: $24,395
• Trunk space: 16 cubic feet
• EPA combined fuel economy: 32/29/36 mpg (1.5L) 26/22/33 (2.0L turbo)

Following Ford’s plan to kill off cars, Volkswagen announced last fall that it plans to eliminate its venerable Passat sedan sometime this year. While that may be a reflection of the broader market, the Passat still represents solid value in the mid-size sedan space. Available in three trims, S, SE, and R-Line, the Passat rolls into 2022 with minimal changes. Although its highway fuel economy can't match that of the Toyota Camry and Hyundai Sonata, the Passat still returned a strong 36 mpg when we tested it. Moreover, we were impressed with the Passat's interior quality and its large, class-leading rear-seat space—however, the latter comes at the expense of trunk capacity. We like the $28,000 SE model, which includes touchscreen infotainment, 17-inch wheels, heated seats, and several safety-minded features.

• Base price: $28,570
• Trunk space: 16 cubic feet
• EPA combined fuel economy: 27/23/34 mpg

For those who become trepidacious at the thought of braving snow and ice, the Subaru Legacy with standard all-wheel drive might be the perfect balm. Subaru’s modest sedan is available with either a naturally aspirated or turbocharged 2.5-liter engine, depending on trim level. Our vote goes to the mid-range Sport model, which starts at $28,020 and includes 18-inch wheels, better exterior lighting, push-button start, and a handful of other interior upgrades. While navigation is only available with the two turbocharged trim levels, Limited XT and Touring XT, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across the lineup. The Legacy receives the highest ratings from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

• Base price: $23,990
• Trunk space: 15 cubic feet
• EPA combined fuel economy: 30/27/35 mpg (2.5L) 27/24/32 mpg (2.4L)

The Nissan Altima has a lot to offer. For those interested in a little more pep, we recommend the uniquely turbocharged SR model. More frugal buyers may be impressed by the 41 mpg the all-wheel drive Altima returned in our real-world fuel-economy testing. We certainly were. The cheapest member of the lineup is the S trim level, which starts at $25,225. At the top of the range sits the Platinum model which has a larger infotainment screen, bigger wheels, and a leather interior. It's no longer available with the VC-Turbo engine and still starts around the $35,000 mark. Every Altima model, save for the S, comes with an 8.0-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and optional navigation.

• Base price: $25,675
• Trunk space: 15 cubic feet
• EPA combined fuel economy: 32/28/39 mpg (FWD) 30/26/36 (AWD)

Although the Toyota Camry is available as a hybrid, the time-tested Camry SE, sporting a gas-powered four-banger, is the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid to ever roll through our test. Not only did we enjoy its sharp driving dynamics, but we were blown away by the 45 mpg it returned in testing. Despite that, our favorite model in the lineup is still the TRD V-6 with its 301-hp V-6 engine, stiffer suspension, and sporty bodywork. Pricing for the 2022 Camry starts at $26,420 for the base car and tops out around the $33,000 mark for the TRD. Touchscreen infotainment is standard on every model and features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

• Base price: $26,420
• Trunk space: 15 cubic feet
• EPA combined fuel economy: 52/5153 mpg (Hybrid) 32/28/39 (2.5L)

Pour one out for the Kia Optima and remember it fondly. But do not weep, for its legacy continues with the new Kia K5. Our time with the K5 left us impressed by its exterior and interior styling and assortment of upscale features. We did find the standard car’s 180-hp 1.6-liter engine somewhat lackluster. Luckily, there's an available 290-hp turbocharged GT model that sprints to 60 mph in just 5.2 seconds. All-wheel drive is an option for the K5, as is a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment display.

1. Base price: $24,815
2. Trunk space: 16 cubic feet
3. EPA combined fuel economy: 32/29/38 mpg (FWD 1.6L) 27/24/32 mpg (2.5L)

Like its cousin, the Kia K5, Hyundai’s Sonata punches a class above its weight with attractive design cues inside and out. Hyundai offers the Sonata in a whopping eight different trim levels, three of them hybrids, as well as an N Line variant equipped with a 290-hp turbo four-cylinder. Of the Sonatas we’ve driven, our current pick is the mid-range SEL Plus, which comes with a 180-hp engine, 19-inch wheels, and several interior upgrades. Those with long commutes may opt for one of the hybrid models with the Blue hybrid receiving the highest EPA-estimated fuel economy of the bunch at 50 mpg city and 54 highway. Curious what it's like to live with one? We've entered a 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line into our 40,000-mile long-term test cycle.

• Base price: $25,195
• Trunk space: 16 cubic feet
• EPA combined fuel economy: 32/28/28 mpg (2.5L) 52/50/54 mpg (Hybrid Blue)

All good things must come to an end. Sadly, the Mazda 6, which has been the best Honda Accord alternative for years, is leaving us for 2022. But rumor and optimism tell us it's likely it will return. The company’s stylish mid-size offering impresses with its sporty driving dynamics. For those looking to truly experience the 6’s fantastic chassis, Grand Touring and higher trims come equipped with a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine that puts out a respectable 250 horsepower and, more importantly, 320 pound-feet of torque. In our most recent testing, we saw 36 mpg in a model equipped with the standard engine, and a zero-to-60 mph time of 6.4 seconds with the more powerful powertrain. For our money, the mid-pack Grand Touring, which starts at $31,170, offers the best value as it's the lowest trim level available with the bigger engine.

• Base price: $25,470
• Trunk space: 14 cubic feet
• EPA combined fuel economy: 29/26/35 mpg

45-plus years, 10 generations, and 35 10Best wins later, the Honda Accord embodies a classic proverb: if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. While the sedan has evolved over the years, the 2022 Accord is just as playful, and useful, as ever. Changes for the new year include a minor facelift, and a standard touchscreen infotainment display. In line with changing times, however, Honda no longer offers the Accord with a manual transmission. Available in six different trims, ranging in price from $25,725 for the LX to $37,655 for the Touring, our personal favorite is the Sport equipped with the optional 252-hp 2.0-liter turbo-four linked to Honda’s excellent 10-speed automatic transmission.

• Base price: $27,135
• Trunk space: 17 cubic feet
• EPA combined fuel economy: 33/30/38 mpg (1.5L) 48/48/48 mpg (Hybrid)