Best used midsize sedans
Check out the top-rated midsize sedans from CarMax and how we rate them.
1. Honda Accord
CarMax owner rating
4.6
Pros
Fuel economy with hybrid engine Steering agility Cabin space
Cons
Higher base price than many competitors Hybrid variants are even more expensive No available all-wheel drive
2. Toyota Camry
CarMax owner rating
4.6
Pros
Good fuel economy Easy to drive Lots of driver aids come standard
Cons
So-so cargo space Road and engine noise can be irritating
3. Hyundai Sonata
CarMax owner rating
4.5
Pros
Roomy interior Many standard features Available all-wheel drive
Cons
Uncomfortable driving position Stiff ride on sports trim Lackluster handling
4. Chevrolet Malibu
CarMax owner rating
4.3
Pros
Spacious interior with ample front-seat headroom Hybrid trim offers high fuel efficiency and brisk acceleration Easy-to-use touchscreen interface
Cons
Lackluster acceleration from base 1.5-liter engine Limited outward visibility The Interior looks dated compared to its rivals
5. Nissan Altima
CarMax owner rating
4.5
Pros
Easy to drive Impressive driver-assist tech Appealing sedan design
Cons
Steering often feels slow to respond Disappointing interior feel No hybrid powertrain option
6. Kia Optima
CarMax owner rating
4.4
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
4.5
Pros
Exemplary ride and cabin comfort Standard all-wheel drive Fun turbocharged engine option
Cons
Disappointing base engine Touchscreen interface isn’t straightforward
8. Mazda Mazda6
CarMax owner rating
4.5
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
4.3
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
4.4
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.