You might want to avoid these popular but often unreliable mid-sized sedans.
Credit: Toyota
Car shopping means sorting through endless choices, reviews, and specs. But not all best-sellers earn their popularity — something Consumer Reports discovered in their latest testing.
A few popular mid-sized sedans aren't worth purchasing, even if you like the way they look, its testers said.
Before you head to the dealership, here’s which mid-sized sedans Consumer Reports says to skip — and what to consider instead.
Credit: Hyundai
The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is a popular choice for shoppers, but it ranks nine out of 10 in CR's rankings of mid-sized cars.
The publication had a few things to praise about the Sonata Hybrid, which starts at $29,200, including its 44 overall mpg, its zippy feel, and its "responsive and secure handing."
But its testers found that car's "ride comfort score lags behind the rest of the class."
"The six-speed automatic has some rough shifts, and the sedan has the longest dry braking distance in the class," CR added. "Finally, the car’s low stance compromises access."
And notably, the car has a low reliability score. "We suggest waiting at least until 2027 if you have your heart set on a Sonata Hybrid," CR said.
Credit: Toyota
It's no surprise that CR instead suggests the Toyota Camry, which ranks first among mid-sized cars.
Toyota no longer sells a standard gas-powered version of the car, and the hybrid model gets a remarkable 48 mpg overall. Plus, it's fast for a sedan, going from 0 to 60 in just 7.7 seconds.
"The ride in the SE model we tested is firm and composed yet still comfortable. Handling is responsive and very secure, even when pushed to its limits around our track," CR said. It found the cabin spacious, but did note that the rear seat isn't the largest among mid-sized sedans. It also said that "the car’s low stance makes it a bit difficult to get in and out."
Still, its infotainment system is intuitive, and it has a strong reliability score.
Credit: Honda
If you don't want to get a Camry, CR suggests checking out the Honda Accord Hybrid.
It's a bit more expensive, starting at $33,795, and lags behind the Camry with 40 mpg overall. But CR found its performance impressive.
"The powertrain has oomph, ride comfort is good, and the car handles with fluidity," CR noted. "All hybrid models come with a 12.3-inch display for the infotainment system, and the mix of manual and touch controls is very easy to use."
It did say the Accord's "bland styling" leaves a little something to be desired.
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If you're in the market for a luxury mid-sized SUV, CR says to skip the Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2026.
It came dead last in the outlet's rankings of luxury cars, with a very poor reliability score and a low owner satisfaction score.
"Though plush, comfortable, and enjoyable to drive, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class’s below-average predicted reliability ultimately prevents us from recommending it," CR noted.
Testers said the E-Class, which starts at $63,900, has good fuel economy at 28 mpg, a quiet cabin, lovely finishes, and impressive stopping.
"If it weren’t for the problematic reliability rating, we’d be recommending the E-Class," CR said. "Wait until 2027 to see if reliability improves."
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Consider the BMW 5 series, instead, Consumer Reports said. It ranks second among luxury midsized cars, gets 29 mpg overall, and starts at $60,500.
CR said the sedan is "luxurious and refined," noting that "handling is taut and agile, while the ride is firm yet compliant and composed."
The publication did have a few complaints: the rear seats could be roomier, the infotainment system is a bit distracting, and the climate controls aren't manual, requiring you to use the touchscreen.
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Don't forget about Cadillac, CR said. It likes the CT5, saying its "firm, taut ride and agile handling make it feel eager to carve corners like a European sports sedan."
It starts at $49,200 and gets 24 mpg overall.
"Most controls are significantly easier to use than in the BMW or Mercedes-Benz," CR said. "The front seats are very comfortable, but the rear seat headroom is tight."
"Even with options, the CT5 comes in at a lower price than the 5 Series, and there are often discounts available," it added.
