Midsize cars enjoy a loyal following because they offer excellent fuel economy, comfortable interiors, and cutting-edge technology. Tightening competition among class rivals resulted in a four-way tie for first place on at least one organization’s list. So, if you’re shopping for a new car, you’ll want to check them out. 

2022 Chevrolet Malibu

The 2022 Chevrolet Malibu MSRP ranges from $23,400 to $33,500, according to J.D.Power. Additionally, the 2022 Malibu offers four trim choices: LS, RS, LT, and Premier. Depending on the trim level, the available driver-assist safety features work together to prevent accidents. 

Chevrolet offers two drivetrain choices for the 2022 Malibu. The base drivetrain features a continuously variable transmission powered by a turbocharged 160-horsepower 1.5-liter four-cylinder that gets up to 36 mpg on the highway and 29 mpg in the city. The other option includes a nine-speed automatic transmission and a turbocharged 250-horsepower four-cylinder that returns a combined 28 mpg. Both drivetrains are exclusively front-wheel-drive.

J.D. Power reports that Malibu owners enjoy using their car’s voice assistant, the engine’s sound, and the ease of entering and exiting the second-row seats. On the other hand, owners reported they don’t feel like the Malibu will protect them in an accident, that the engine needs more power, and that fuel economy and driving range on a full tank is lower than other midsize cars. 

2022 Nissan Altima

The 2022 Nissan Altima MSRP ranges from $24,550 to $34,250, about $1,000 more than the Malibu. The 2022 Altima comes in five trim levels with the base engine and an additional trim option featuring a more potent powerplant. In addition, every Altima trim includes Nissan’s Safety Shield 360, which features several advanced driver-assist safety features. 

The base powertrain features a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 188 horsepower, while transmission duties fall on a CVT with overdrive. This combination gets a combined 34 mpg, according to the EPA estimate. The optional turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder has 236 horsepower, gets 30 mpg combined, and comes in the Altima 2.0 SR trim starting at $31,250. Front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options exist depending on which Altima you prefer. 

J.D. Power says that owner reports indicate a pleasant experience using the midsize car’s voice assistant, a high degree of confidence in the vehicle’s safety systems and that they enjoy the sound of the Altima’s engine. However, some owners don’t like the sounds the doors make when they close, the level at which the heating and air conditioning systems work, and the appearance of the screens and displays inside the car. 

2022 Kia K5

The 2022 Kia K5 MSRP ranges from $23,690 to $31,090 and comes in five trim levels, including the LX, LXS, GT-Line, EX, and GT. In addition, every K5 trim level includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Kia Drive Wise driver-assistance technology to help prevent accidents. 

Powertrain options in this midsize car include the base 180-horsepower turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder that gets a combined 34 mpg in front-wheel drive models. The GT model comes with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder that makes 290 horsepower and gets 28 mpg combined. In addition, there is the option for all-wheel drive in some configurations. 

Kia K5 owners appreciate the ease of entering and exiting the front seats, the attractive display screens, and using the car’s driver assistance systems. But some owners find the braking system and fuel economy inferior to similar vehicles, and others report dissatisfaction with the onboard navigation system.

2022 Toyota Camry 

The 2022 Toyota Camry MSRP starts at $25,295 and climbs to $35,720, spread across 13 trim levels. The various trim levels include five hybrid models and two with V6 engines. In addition, all Camry models include Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, which features many advanced driver-assist safety features. 

Engine options in this midsize car include the base 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 202 horsepower. The same 2.5-liter produces differing amounts of power depending on trim level and tuning, but for the most power, choose the 301-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 available in TRD, XLE V6, and XSE V6 trims. The hybrid powertrain uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder to make 208 horsepower. EPA-estimated fuel economy ranges from 25 mpg combined for the Camry TRD, 32 mpg combined for the LE, SE, and SE Nightshade Edition trims, and the LE Hybrid’s 52 mpg combined. 

Camry owners enjoy exceptional fuel economy, using the hands-free phone system to make and receive calls and the vehicle’s heating and air conditioning system. However, entering and exiting the rear seats caused some concern, as did the car’s lack of cargo and storage space. In addition, some owners reported that starting their Camry left them uninspired compared to other vehicles. 

How to choose the right midsize car

The only way to choose the right midsize car for you is to drive the top contenders. Unfortunately, while the Malibu is the least expensive on our list, it also requires upgrading from the base model to get driver assistance safety features found on the other models, which will negate any savings. So get out there and go for a drive.