There’s a 4-Way Tie for Best Midsize Car
The midsize new cars market just got more exciting with the announcement of a four-way tie that earned an above-average in overall rating by J.D. Power. While it is great news that there are so many quality options, choosing the best one for your needs can be a bit overwhelming. To help you make an informed decision, let’s look at the four cars tied for the best midsize cars.
1. 2023 Chevrolet Malibu
In a segment that is constantly being redefined, the Chevrolet Malibu stands out with its effortless performance, captivating design, and modern technology. Although its outdated interior may be a turnoff for some, the Malibu’s ability to provide a thrilling driving experience with its turbocharged engine and impressive handling make up for it.
The discontinuation of the 2.0-liter turbo engine option in 2022 may be a bit of a bummer. However, the 2023 Malibu features more standard safety features and a 163-hp 1.5-liter turbocharged engine, which is now the only powertrain option.
After 90 days of ownership, people who bought the Malibu gave it an overall consumer rating of 82 out of 100. According to J.D. Power, the main areas the owners liked most were tech features like voice assistance, a quiet engine when accelerating, and a larger entry that made it easy to access the second-row seats.
2. 2023 Nissan Altima
The Nissan Altima is an all-wheel-drive midsize sedan that impresses with its fuel economy, power, and spacious interior, enough for a family-oriented vehicle. Its sleek design features a bold grille and super-low 0.26 coefficient of drag, which adds to the Altima’s overall dynamic looks and performance.
It has two different engine options: A base 188-hp 2.5-liter inline-four and a 248 hp turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four. Both engines come with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), while the latter can be had with an optional all-wheel drive system.
An overall consumer rating of 82/100 made the Altima one of the top-rated midsize cars on J.D. Power. Owners praised its great quality, reliability, excellent driving experience, handling, and vehicle safety systems.
3. 2023 Kia K5
Style and substance come together in the 2023 Kia K5, a midsize sedan that stands out in the segment with its coupe-like profile, distinctive headlights, and sporty styling. Its GT spec is arguably the most impressive, passing tons of power and torque to the ground through its automatic 8-speed dual-clutch transmission.
Inside the K5, you’ll find a modern interior design with plenty of infotainment and connectivity features, including an 8.0-inch touchscreen, voice recognition, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto integration. Under the hood, the K5 features a standard 1.6-liter turbocharged engine rated at 180 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque.
The performance-oriented GT model bumps the power with a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine that churns out 290 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque. An overall consumer rating of 82 out of 100 made the K5 one of the highest-rated midsize cars in J.D. Power’s survey. Most respondents praised the vehicle’s driver assistance systems, attractive vehicle screens and displays, and easier getting in/out of the front seats.
4. 2023 Toyota Camry
According to Car and Driver, for the last twenty years, the Toyota Camry has been America’s best-selling car. Not only is it reliable, but the Camry also features a roomy cabin, comfortable seats, and tons of technology features. Its hybrid powertrain variant returns about 51 mpg in the city and 53 mpg on the highway.
The Camry’s impressive performance and dependability can be attributed to its four-cylinder, 2.5-liter engine that produces 203 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. In addition to the standard model, buyers can opt for a more powerful V6 engine with 301 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque.
J.D. Power awarded the Camry an overall consumer rating of 82 out of 100, which placed it in a 4-way tie for the best midsize cars. Some of the main areas owners praised the Camry for were its exterior design, quality of interior materials, and reliable performance.
Overall, it’s clear that all four vehicles have the potential to set a new standard in the midsize car segment. With such a close call between these vehicles, the best way to decide which is right for you is to take them all for a test drive. After all, the only way to determine which car is better for you is to sit behind the wheel and experience it yourself.