Does Consumer Reports’ claim hold up?
2026 Toyota RAV4 SUV Review
Toyota has made some changes to the 2026 model of its SUV “RAV4.” The entire lineup is now hybrid.
- Consumer Reports named the Toyota Camry the Best Midsize Car of 2026.
- Modern midsize cars are often required to balance fuel efficiency, practicality, and engaging performance.
Small SUVs may be the most popular vehicles in America, but there are still plenty of sedans that account for thousands of new car sales. The mid-size car segment is competitive with strong manufacturers from brands such as Honda, Toyota, Hyundai, and Kia.
Consumer Reports has released its 2026 Best Car of the Year list, ranking the Toyota Camry the best midsize car of the year. USA TODAY Cars tested the latest Camry to see if it’s as good on the road as it looks on paper.
Here’s what a week of testing revealed about this midsize car’s value, quality, and performance.
Why the Toyota Camry is the best midsize car for 2026
According to a recent sales report, Toyota sold 316,185 Camrys in 2025. It’s popular among consumers because of its affordable starting price, efficient hybrid powertrain, and great standard features for the price.
The standard hybrid midsize car uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors to produce a good 225 horsepower for its size. It handles well and offers quick acceleration that will keep drivers interested. The Hybrid gets 53 miles per gallon in the city and 50 miles per gallon on the highway. With a 13.0-gallon gas tank, this sedan can travel over 1,069 miles on a single tank (in its most efficient configuration).
In addition to engaging driving dynamics and excellent fuel economy, the new Camry also offers sharp, modern exterior styling. Although it looks sporty, it has enough cabin and cargo space (15.1 cubic feet) to be considered practical for a small family.
The 2026 Toyota Camry ticks all the boxes for thousands of American drivers, but it’s not the only popular model in this segment.
What is Toyota Camry’s biggest rival?
One of the 2026 Camry’s biggest competitors is the Honda Accord Hybrid. Korean automaker Hyundai’s Sonata Hybrid also boasts specs that make it a viable and attractive Camry alternative.
| toyota camry | honda accord hybrid | hyundai sonata hybrid | |
| starting price | $29,100 | $33,795 | $29,200 |
| horsepower | 225 | 204 | 192 |
| MPG (miles per gallon) | 51 | 48 | 51 |
Toyota’s midsize hybrid is the most affordable and most powerful of the three models listed above. The Accord Hybrid and Sonata Hybrid are both attractive, but the Camry outperforms both models.
What should you look for in a mid-size car?
The mid-size car segment has evolved in recent years. Many of today’s most popular midsize cars have standard hybrids like the Camry or hybrid trims like the Honda Accord and Hyundai Sonata. Competitive modern midsize cars have good fuel economy, enough power to provide driving fun, and a cabin suitable for passenger comfort.
The main reason for choosing a mid-size car over a compact model is practicality. Automakers have realized that by adding hybrid powertrains, midsize models can also be efficient and fun to drive.
If you’re looking for a midsize car, look for models with competitive prices, enough back seat and trunk space to suit your lifestyle, and standard features that make driving safer and more convenient.
