The Best Cars For Every Budget – Midsize, Family and Off-Road
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Whether you’re shopping for your first car, a family hauler or something to take on off-road trails, these vehicles offer a mix of practicality, engaging driving dynamics and luxury amenities.
SUVs and crossovers have become the go-to option for many shoppers, but that doesn’t mean sedans are irrelevant. In fact, many cars can deliver SUV-like cargo space and off-road capability at a more manageable price point than their pricier brethren.
Here are some of our favorites that fit the bill.
Hyundai’s Sonata is a top pick among midsize family sedans thanks to its lengthy warranty, roomy interior and high-quality materials. Its available all-wheel drive and a sporty N model for those who want to get behind the wheel of a performance sedan add extra appeal.
The Honda Civic is a small car that feels bigger than it is, with two powerful engine options and crisp handling. It’s a fun and economical commuter that’s also available with a hatchback or all-wheel drive for those who live in areas where snow is common.
Nissan revamped its compact Sentra two years ago, giving it a more distinctive style and a spacious cabin with premium materials. It still has a small footprint, but it seats five comfortably and offers impressive fuel economy. It’s a worthy competitor to rivals like the Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic and Mazda 3.
Subaru’s Legacy is an ideal midsize sedan for those who want the comfort, features and utility of a car with the nimble driving feel of a sports sedan. Its standard engine gets up to highway speeds with ease, while the turbocharged version provides more engaging acceleration. Subaru also offers all-wheel drive, which helps it compete with the competitive Kia K5 and aging Toyota Camry.
The Jeep Wrangler is still the king of the hallowed off-road category, but Ford’s daring new Bronco has some legitimate competition. The Bronco’s modern design and off-road capabilities are as legit as they come, but it’s also surprisingly refined inside the cabin for such an adventure-ready ride.
Brands with fewer models are more susceptible to significant year-to-year shifts in the rankings, and some of them deserve your cautious consideration. For instance, Genesis jumped 12 spots this year because of its solid road test score and exceptional reliability. Meanwhile, Chrysler fell a dozen slots because of the disappointing Pacifica Hybrid minivan and its below-average reliability rating.