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2024 Kia Soul Review
The best mid-size cars of 2023 prove the sedan is still a great option for most car buyers.
Yes, Sedans Can Still Impress You
The SUV has been long ascendant but the humble sedan, as judged from the cars on this list, still has a lot to offer the average buyer. Their drivability, affordability, efficiency, sterling ride quality, gobs of new tech, and provocative styling all adding up to vehicles capable of putting most SUVs and crossovers to shame. While there is a fair amount of metaphorical distance between top and bottom of the segment, most of the cars on this list are good cars worth your consideration, and perhaps even a test drive.
8. Chevrolet Malibu
The Breakdown
Decent fuel efficiency
Spacious interior
Economical pricing
A few trims to choose from
Flat acceleration
Interior could be better
Look at higher trim levels for the best options
CARSFORSALE.COM SCORE
7.5/10
How Do We Score?
CarsForSale.com takes into account key metrics to compile an aggregate score. Click to learn more.
MSRP
$26,095 - $32,595
BEST FUEL ECONOMY
27 City / 35 Hwy (MPG)
The 2023 Chevrolet Malibu is a decent car at an affordable price, but competition is fierce in a segment of impressive rivals. A bare bones entry-level model lacks features taken for granted in other cars on this list. The only powertrain is an economical and underpowered 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder with 160 horsepower. The Malibu’s interior is functional but looks a bit dated and material quality suffers from a liberal use of hard plastics. The infotainment system offers good response times and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard. Standard safety technology is sparce compared to the rest of the segment, encouraging a look up the trim ladder. That ladder starts at $26,095 with the LS trim which, again, a spartan offering. The top trim 2LT, at $32,595, is well-equipped deal, but other strong options in the segment are equally or more enticing.
7. Nissan Altima
The Breakdown
Excellent fuel economy
Lots of standard safety features
Spacious cabin
Slow acceleration
Poor image quality on cameras and touchscreen
Underwhelming interior
Needs to catch up to rivals in tech
CARSFORSALE.COM SCORE
7.8/10
How Do We Score?
CarsForSale.com takes into account key metrics to compile an aggregate score. Click to learn more.
MSRP
$25,290 - $34,990
BEST FUEL ECONOMY
28 City / 39 Hwy (MPG)
The 2023 Nissan Altima is a good car that comes with a few flaws. A generously equipped base model and good fuel economy are its upsides while a ho-hum interior and lackluster infotainment hardware hold it back. Most versions of the Altima will come with a 2.5L four-cylinder making 188 horsepower. All-wheel drive is optional. The top SR VC-Turbo trim grants access to a turbocharged 2.0L with 236 horsepower. Though the interior is an improvement over the prior generation, it remains merely okay by segment standards. The Altima could use an update to its infotainment screen due to its poor resolution and lack of standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability. Standard safety tech, on the other hand, is generously doled out and includes items like blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and more. The base S trim starts at $25,290, a good deal considering the above-mentioned standard safety suite. The Top trim SR VC-Turbo has a turbocharged 2.0L, leather upholstery, and a sunroof among its many features. The Nissan Altima is a serviceable option among mid-size cars.
6. Subaru Legacy
The Breakdown
Ample rear legroom
Punchy turbo option
Standard AWD
Competitors offer more style
Base engine could use more power
Infotainment system is dated
Well-rounded, higher trim levels offer more style
CARSFORSALE.COM SCORE
8/10
How Do We Score?
CarsForSale.com takes into account key metrics to compile an aggregate score. Click to learn more.
MSRP
$25,415 - $38,715
BEST FUEL ECONOMY
27 City / 35 Hwy (MPG)
The 2023 Subaru Legacy is a sedan from a company best known for their crossovers and sports cars. Its main selling point is standard all-wheel drive. If you don’t live in snowy environs and prioritize that level of traction, the Legacy becomes just one among many good sedans. The Legacy’s base engine is a naturally-aspirated 2.5L four-cylinder making 188 horsepower and feels more than a little sluggish. The Sport and Touring XY trims get a much more powerful turbocharged 2.4L four-cylinder that makes 260 horsepower. All-wheel drive is, of course, standard. The Legacy’s cabin starts with a sparsely appointed base model. Upper trims improve considerably in quality. Overall things are roomy, functional, and comfortable. All but the base model gets an 11.6-inch infotainment touchscreen, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard. Subaru’s EyeSight suite of advanced safety features offers a good assortment of standard features. The Subaru Legacy starts at $25,415, but the base version is spartan, and we’d recommend a higher trim. The top-of-the-line Touring XT, at $38,715, gets niceties like Nappa leather, a 180-degree front-view camera, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Overall, the Subaru Legacy compares well with the competition without standing out.
5. Kia K5
The Breakdown
Above-average interior
Comfortable space
Quick GT model
AWD limited to GT-Line trim
Front seats don’t go low enough
Trim shows fingerprints easily
We’d love a hardcore sporty K5
CARSFORSALE.COM SCORE
8.1/10
How Do We Score?
CarsForSale.com takes into account key metrics to compile an aggregate score. Click to learn more.
MSRP
$26,185 - $32,585
BEST FUEL ECONOMY
27 City / 37 Hwy (MPG)
The 2023 Kia K5 is a well-rounded offering sure to satisfy most shoppers. A peppy GT trim, well-equipped base model, and impressive interior quality make the K5 a good buy. The K5’s base engine is a 1.6L turbo four-cylinder making 180 horsepower. The top trim GT grants access to a more robust 2.5L turbo with 290 horsepower. Unfortunately, it’s the GT-Line and not the GT that is the only trim with available all-wheel drive. The front-wheel drive layout cuts into the GT’s playfulness as it can struggle for grip under hard throttle application. Fuel economy is middling and the K5 could benefit from a hybrid powertrain option. The K5’s interior is one of the best in the segment with a mix of high-quality materials and a chic design. The oddly high front seats are the only mark against it here. The K5 is decently appointed for infotainment features, and the same goes for standard advanced safety equipment like forward collision warning and lane keep assist. The Kia K5 starts at $26,185 and comes with dual-zone climate control and remote start among its numerous amenities. The GT, at $32, 585, tops the trim list with its 2.5L turbocharged engine, 19-inch wheels, and sport-tuned suspension. The Kia K5 makes a persuasive case for itself and might top this list if not for the exceptionally strong offerings to come.
4. Kia Stinger
The Breakdown
Potent powertrain
Uniquely good looks
Tons of technology
Requires 91 octane
Begging for a manual
Big price gap between models
The bargain BMW
CARSFORSALE.COM SCORE
8.2/10
How Do We Score?
CarsForSale.com takes into account key metrics to compile an aggregate score. Click to learn more.
MSRP
$37,695 - $52,895
BEST FUEL ECONOMY
22 City / 32 Hwy (MPG)
The 2023 Kia Stinger will be the final model year for the brand’s version of the classic European sports sedan. And the Stinger pulls off this imitation flawlessly with a roomy, high-end cabin, killer good looks, and nearly 400 horsepower. The Stinger’s base engine is a zesty 2.5L turbocharged four-cylinder making 300 horsepower. The GT2 gets a showstopping twin-turbo 3.3L V6 with 368 horsepower and 376 lb-ft of torque. The GT2 also gets optional AWD, electronically controlled dampers, Brembo brakes, and Michelin Pilot Sport tires. Fuel economy unsurprisingly suffers. With all that output, the 3.3L musters an average of 22 mpg. The Stinger’s interior likewise impresses. Leather upholstery, numerous cubbies for storage, and tons of cargo and passenger space make the Stinger easy to live with. Infotainment is housed in a 10.25-inch touchscreen. An intuitive and responsive operating system gets high marks as does the optional 15-speaker Harmon Kardon premium stereo. The Stinger offers a wide range of standard safety features including adaptive cruise control. The Stinger only offers two trim levels, limiting your options, and the base GT-Line starts at $37,695 which vies with the very top of the rest of the segment. Thankfully, the GT-Line is generously appointed with its leather seats, navigation, and dual-zone climate control among its many features. The other option is the GT2, starting at $52,985 and offers the potent 3.3L V6, a sunroof, 16-way power driver’s seat, and blind spot monitor gauge display. Though the Kia Stinger might price itself out of competition, it’s still a steal when compared to comparably sporty semi-luxury sedans.
3. Hyundai Sonata
The Breakdown
Sharp cabin
Stand-out looks
So much value
Hard to find negatives here
N Line wants a manual
AWD would be nice
Where do I sign?
CARSFORSALE.COM SCORE
8.3/10
How Do We Score?
CarsForSale.com takes into account key metrics to compile an aggregate score. Click to learn more.
MSRP
$26,045 - $36,795
BEST FUEL ECONOMY
28 City / 38 Hwy (MPG)
The 2023 Hyundai Sonata combines multiple powertrain options, a functional and comfortable cabin, loads of the latest tech, and love-it-or-hate-it styling. It does all this while remaining competitively priced versus the rest of the segment. The Sonata spoils us with four powertrain options. First is the base 2.5L four-cylinder making 191 horsepower. Next is a turbocharged 1.6L four-cylinder with 180 horsepower. The N-Line Sonata kicks things up several notches with its 2.5L turbo-four putting up 290 horsepower. The Sonata even offers a hybrid powertrain, a 2.0L four-cylinder paired with an electric motor for 192 horsepower and an excellent 50/54 mpg. The Sonata offers a lovely interior as well with good material quality and laudable fit and finish. The only knock is the Sonata is less roomy than some of the competition (like the Accord for instance). The Sonata comes with either an 8-in or 10.25-in touchscreen, the latter paired with an even larger 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. Hyundai offers their BlueLink app which allows owners to lock/unlock doors, operate climate controls, or start the vehicle via their smartphone. The Sonata comes with a lengthy list of standard safety features including adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist. The base SE starts at $26,045 and comes with heated side mirrors and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration among many other features. The top of the gas-powered models is the Limited trim at $36,070. There you get items like a color heads-up display and genuine leather upholstery. The most expensive Sonata is the Limited Hybrid ($36,795) which gets all the Limited’s amenities along with a hyper-efficient powertrain. The Hyundai Sonata is a great car and definitely needs to be on your short list among mid-size cars.
2. Toyota Camry
The Breakdown
Toyota SafetySense 2.5+
Spacious interior
Fuel efficient four-cylinder
No AWD on V6
Loud cabin
Outdated infotainment
We’d love the GR-Four AWD system
CARSFORSALE.COM SCORE
8.5/10
How Do We Score?
CarsForSale.com takes into account key metrics to compile an aggregate score. Click to learn more.
MSRP
$27,040 - $34,105
BEST FUEL ECONOMY
28 City / 39 Hwy (MPG)
The 2023 Toyota Camry does what the Camry has long done, been one of the best cars in its segment by doing everything well, and a few things very well. With an extensive list of trims (13 in total) and three powertrain options, there’s certainly a Camry out there to suit your taste. The base engine for the Camry is a 2.5L four-cylinder making 203 horsepower, more than adequate for most driving and offering optional all-wheel drive. But for those seeking more power there’s a 3.5L V6 with 301 horsepower (sadly no AWD option here). For more efficiency, Toyota includes a hybrid that pairs a 2.5L four-cylinder with an electric motor for 208 horsepower and 51/53 mpg. The Camry’s interior is distinguished by its spaciousness and cosseting, cozy seats. Build quality is high, though some applications of hard plastics are difficult to ignore. Toyota offers either a 7- or 9-inch infotainment touchscreen. The oddly configured infotainment software could use an update. Luckily, standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are here to save the day. Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ comes standard on all Camry and offers a lengthy list of advanced safety features like adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and road sign recognition. The exhaustive (exhausting?) list of trim options starts with the LE at $27,040 with its LED head- and taillights and keyless entry among its features. At the top of the heap is the XSE V6 at $37,465. The most well-appointed Camry gets items like a panoramic sunroof, a JBL premium stereo, and that V6 engine. If you’re prioritizing reliability or high style, you should consider the Camry.
1. Honda Accord
The Breakdown
Elegant exterior
Impressive fuel economy
Strong standard tech roster
Potent 2.0 turbo gone
Good stuff requires top models
Cabin wants contrasting colors
Keeping the midsize sedan game alive
CARSFORSALE.COM SCORE
8.8/10
How Do We Score?
CarsForSale.com takes into account key metrics to compile an aggregate score. Click to learn more.
MSRP
$28,390 - $38,985
BEST FUEL ECONOMY
29 City / 37 Hwy (MPG)
The 2023 Honda Accord is an excellent car in nearly every facet. Sterling build quality, a stunning interior, impeccably executed tech, and plentiful driver assistance features all set the Accord above the rest of an already impressive list of cars. The Accord offers two powertrains: a base 1.5L four-cylinder with 192 horsepower and a new hybrid that combines a 2.0L four-cylinder with two electric motors for 204 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque. Though not as punchy as the Camry or Sonata, the Accord handles superbly for the segment, perfectly balanced with a smooth and forgiving ride quality. The best fuel economy comes from the EX-L trim at 51/44 mpg. The other three hybrid trims get a slightly lower 46/41 mpg. The Accord’s interior features great material choices, solid fit and finish, and fetching designs. Honda’s new “Body Stabilizing Seats” are a wonder at eliminating fatigue on long drives. For the hybrid versions, there’s a massive 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, plus options for a heads-up display and a Bose stereo. HondaSensing, their advanced driver assist features, offers most of what you expect plus a few extras like collision mitigation and automatic high beams. The Accord starts with the LX trim at $28,390 offering remote start, a seven-inch touchscreen, and a Wi-Fi hotspot among its features. The top end Touring model comes in at $38,985 with items like a wireless phone charging pad, heated and ventilated front seats, and a six-inch heads-up display. If you’re considering a mid-size car, do not pass go, do not collect $200, and do not skip test-driving the Honda Accord. It’s the best mid-size car of 2023.
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