The best family sedans in 2026, according to Consumer Reports

A family sedan has to balance a lot at once, since a comfortable ride and roomy back seat don't count for much if the car drinks gas or handles poorly on the highway. Some models manage that balance well, while others fall short in ways that only show up after months behind the wheel.

Consumer Reports tested midsized and large sedans for ride, handling, fuel economy and interior comfort, so buyers can find a match for daily driving.

Credit: Toyota

The 2026 Toyota $TM Camry starts at $29,600 and runs $37,525 fully loaded, and Consumer Reports ranked it 2nd out of 10 midsized cars tested. CR measured 48 mpg overall on a front-wheel-drive SE model equipped with the standard four-cylinder hybrid, and found the cabin quiet at low speeds though engine noise grows noticeable under harder acceleration, with a ride that felt firm yet composed and handling that stayed responsive and secure even when pushed hard on CR's track. CR noted the rear seat runs a bit tighter than some rivals in this class, and getting in and out takes extra care given how low the car sits, though the infotainment system proved easy to use and higher XLE and XSE trims add extra sound insulation. Toyota earned very good marks for both predicted reliability and owner satisfaction in CR member surveys.

Credit: Honda

The 2026 Honda $HMC Accord Hybrid starts at $33,795 and runs $39,495 fully loaded, and Consumer Reports ranked it 3rd out of 10 midsized cars tested. CR measured 40 mpg overall, 8 mpg better than the conventional Accord, from a 2.0-liter four-cylinder hybrid system producing 204 horsepower that can run on electric power alone at low speeds. Testers found the ride and handling fluid through turns, with a spacious, comfortable rear seat, though the front seats lose support faster than testers would like on longer drives. CR highlighted the 12.3-inch touchscreen on hybrid trims as easy to use, and Honda earned very good marks for both predicted reliability and owner satisfaction in CR member surveys.

Credit: Toyota

The 2026 Toyota $TM Crown starts at $41,440 and runs $54,990 fully loaded, and Consumer Reports ranked it 1st out of 1 large car tested. CR measured 42 mpg overall from the standard all-wheel-drive hybrid setup, which pairs a 236-horsepower four-cylinder with electric drive, while the top Platinum trim swaps in a 340-horsepower turbocharged hybrid for a more engaging drive, and rated the ride and handling decent but unremarkable, with some controls, including the electronic gear selector, confusing to operate. CR noted both rows of seating are comfortable overall, though rear headroom runs tight for taller passengers, and despite its sleek hatchback-like styling, the trunk opens and functions like a conventional one. Toyota earned very good marks for both predicted reliability and owner satisfaction in CR member surveys.

Credit: Honda

The 2026 Honda $HMC Accord starts at $28,395 and runs $30,695 fully loaded, and Consumer Reports ranked it 5th out of 10 midsized cars tested. CR measured 32 mpg overall from the standard 1.5-liter turbo-four paired with a continuously variable transmission that delivers smooth, adequate power, and rated the ride comfortable with handling that's responsive without feeling sporty, praising the generous rear-seat room and large trunk with a wide opening that makes loading easy. CR noted the well-equipped second-tier SE trim adds heated front seats and a sunroof, though blind spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning aren't available on the base LX trim. Honda earned very good marks for predicted reliability and midrange marks for owner satisfaction in CR member surveys.

Credit: Hyundai

The 2026 Hyundai Sonata starts at $27,450 and runs $36,050 fully loaded, and Consumer Reports ranked it 6th out of 10 midsized cars tested. CR measured 30 mpg overall on a front-wheel-drive version powered by the standard 191-horsepower, 2.5-liter engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with all-wheel drive available separately, and rated handling responsive and secure with comparatively short stopping distances, finding the front seats reasonably comfortable and the rear seat roomy for the class, though the car's low stance makes getting in and out a bit difficult. CR noted a recent refresh brought a smoother ride and a twist-action gear selector mounted on the steering column that's simpler to operate, and pointed to the N Line's 290-horsepower turbo four-cylinder for buyers wanting more power. Hyundai earned midrange marks for both predicted reliability and owner satisfaction in CR member surveys.

Credit: Nissan

The 2026 Nissan Altima starts at $27,580 and runs $30,480 fully loaded, and Consumer Reports ranked it 7th out of 10 midsized cars tested. CR measured 31 mpg overall from the standard 2.5-liter engine, which delivers decent acceleration, and noted all-wheel drive is available as an option, though testers found the driving experience lacking in agility and the ride not fully absorbent of every bump. The cabin proved roomy with a very generous rear seat and a large trunk, but CR rated the front seats fairly basic with limited thigh support and flagged the low ride height as making entry and exit a challenge despite a recent mild refresh. Nissan earned very good marks for predicted reliability and midrange marks for owner satisfaction in CR member surveys.

Credit: Kia

The 2026 Kia K5 starts at $27,490 and runs $34,990 fully loaded, and Consumer Reports ranked it 8th out of 10 midsized cars tested. CR measured 31 mpg overall from the responsive though not particularly powerful 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, and rated the K5 well in braking and track-handling tests, finding the ride firm yet comfortable with a nicely furnished cabin using higher-quality materials than some rivals in this class. Comfortable front seats and a roomy rear seat rounded out the interior, and CR liked the conventional gear selector but flagged the combined audio and climate control panel as a nuisance to use, pointing to the GT trim's 290-horsepower turbocharged engine for buyers wanting more performance. Kia earned midrange marks for both predicted reliability and owner satisfaction in CR member surveys.