2026 Hyundai Sonata

Midsize sedans seem to be going the way of station wagons as go-to family transport, but that doesn't mean the dwindling number of entries aren't worth a look. Far from it. The 2026 Hyundai Sonata boasts sharp styling, tons of passenger space, cutting-edge tech and, in the Sonata Hybrid, excellent fuel economy. There's also the Sonata N Line, which boasts the sort of performance you won't find in any other midsize sedan. In other words, this trusty family sedan still has plenty of life in it.

The Sonata offers something no other midsize family sedan does: a choice of both a hybrid powertrain and a performance-oriented model. The Sonata Hybrid achieves 47 mpg or 51 mpg combined depending on trim level and also boasts a distinctive hybrid design that features a conventional six-speed automatic. Kia and Nissan don't offer hybrids at all, and only the Kia K5 GT comes close to matching the Hyundai Sonata N Line's zesty performance. Not only does the N Line come standard with the 290-hp turbocharged four-cylinder unavailable on other trims, but it also gains sport-tuned suspension and steering, 19-inch wheels, sportier exterior styling and more aggressively bolstered seats. We just wish it came with better tires — those equipped on our test car caused wheelspin while accelerating, long stopping distances and weaker handling than expected.

There are so few midsize sedans left, why not consider them all? The Toyota Camry is the newest of the bunch and now comes standard with a hybrid powertrain. It has different style and chassis tuning depending on trim level, which allows it to be more appealing to more people. The Honda Accord was redesigned two years ago, and its all-around excellence hasn't waned over the years. It's better as a hybrid. The Kia K5 has similar engines, mechanical underpinnings and technology offerings as the Sonata but, again, isn't available as a hybrid. Neither is the Nissan Altima, which hasn't been redesigned since 2019 and wasn't that competitive when new. OK, so maybe skip that last one.