Car and Driver's rankings are arrived at from the results of our extensive instrumented testing of several hundred vehicles each year and from our expert editors' subjective impressions gained in real-world driving. We've ranked the Best Sedans based on roughly 200 data points encompassing acceleration, handling, comfort, cargo space, fuel efficiency, value, and how enjoyable they are to drive. We take rankings seriously because we want you to know everything about the vehicles that you're interested in.
C/D SAYS: The 2026 Honda Accord continues to offer loads of passenger space, superb ride-and-handling, and impressive fuel economy, making it a standout among mid-size sedans. Learn More
C/D SAYS: The Toyota Camry has the family-sedan bases covered, offering solid efficiency, a spacious interior, and adequate performance at an attainable price.Learn More
C/D SAYS: The 2026 Honda Accord continues to offer loads of passenger space, superb ride-and-handling, and impressive fuel economy, making it a standout among mid-size sedans. Learn More
Before buying a car you'll want to determine how much you can afford and decide what type of vehicle best fits your lifestyle.
In most states you will need a driver's license, proof of auto insurance, and financing documents. If you plan to finance your vehicle you should get pre-approved for a car loan before heading to the dealership.
Setting the right budget is different for everybody. In general, experts say you shouldn't spend more than 10%-15% of your net monthly income on car payments.
C/D SAYS: As Cadillac's least-expensive offering, the CT4 attempts to distill Caddy’s premium ethos into a compact luxury sedan with mixed results.Learn More
C/D SAYS: The Genesis G70 has the poise and premium accommodations to challenge costlier luxury sport sedans from more established European marques.Learn More
C/D SAYS: For BMW buyers wanting a little more style in their compact sports sedan, the 2026 4-series Gran Coupe delivers athletic handling with a side of rakish good looks. Learn More
C/D SAYS: The redesigned 2026 Audi A6 follows the brand’s tried-and-true formula for luxury-sedan success—and adds plenty of tech features. Learn More
C/D SAYS: The 2026 Honda Civic Type R combines the versatility of the Civic hatchback with sports-car performance. Commence grocery runs and track-day adventures alike. Learn More
C/D SAYS: Other sport compacts pack more punch but few can match the Honda Civic Si's blend of performance, practicality, and affordability. Learn More
C/D SAYS: Even without a manual transmission, the Golf GTI is a blast to drive and lives up to its reputation as the quintessential hot hatchback.Learn More
C/D SAYS: With a honed chassis, a potent twin-turbo V-6, and an available manual transmission, the 2026 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing remains a sports-sedan high mark for the modern age.Learn More
C/D SAYS: If you love the upscale hustle of the legendary M3 sedan but prefer a two-door aesthetic, the 2026 BMW M4 coupe is here to save the day.Learn More
C/D SAYS: A perennial C/D favorite, the 2026 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing blends track-annihilating skills with sedan practicality in a way few others can. Learn More
C/D SAYS: Few sedans can master the opposing tasks of luxury cruising and high-performance driving as well as the 2026 Porsche Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid. Learn More
C/D SAYS: Like a prizefighter in a tuxedo, the 2026 Audi RS7 packs a burly 621-hp turbocharged V-8 in stylish tailor-fit, four-door fastback duds. Learn More
C/D SAYS: The 2026 Honda Accord continues to offer loads of passenger space, superb ride-and-handling, and impressive fuel economy, making it a standout among mid-size sedans. Learn More
C/D SAYS: The 2026 Honda Accord continues to offer loads of passenger space, superb ride-and-handling, and impressive fuel economy, making it a standout among mid-size sedans. Learn More
C/D SAYS: Other sport compacts pack more punch but few can match the Honda Civic Si's blend of performance, practicality, and affordability. Learn More
C/D SAYS: The 2026 Kia K4 isn’t as sporty its aggressive styling suggests but it is a satisfying choice thanks to its affordability, good looks, and roominess. Learn More
C/D SAYS: The 2026 Nisan Sentra returns with fresh styling inside and out but carries on with the previous model's ho-hum four-cylinder and CVT powertrain under hood. Learn More
C/D SAYS: The Toyota Camry has the family-sedan bases covered, offering solid efficiency, a spacious interior, and adequate performance at an attainable price.Learn More
C/D SAYS: The 2026 Lucid Air's big battery pack and lengthy real-world driving range capabilities help EV drivers say goodbye to range anxiety. Learn More
C/D SAYS: The 2026 BMW 7-series is comfortable, quick, and serene, with a tranquil cabin and three peppy powertrains that move the lavish cruise ship with ease. Learn More
C/D SAYS: The Phantom is Rolls-Royce's ultimate expression of its super-luxury ethos, and it wears a half-million-dollar price tag that matches its legendary status. Learn More
C/D SAYS: The 2026 Lucid Air's big battery pack and lengthy real-world driving range capabilities help EV drivers say goodbye to range anxiety. Learn More
C/D SAYS: A perennial C/D favorite, the 2026 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing blends track-annihilating skills with sedan practicality in a way few others can. Learn More
C/D SAYS: Few sedans can master the opposing tasks of luxury cruising and high-performance driving as well as the 2026 Porsche Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid. Learn More
For more than 60 years we've been answering the objective questions—How fast? How quick? How much grip?—comprehensively, and with an authority based in experience that our readers have come to rely on. Read on for the full details on how we collect more than 200 data points on the roughly 400 vehicles that we test every year.
Dave VanderWerp has spent more than 20 years in the automotive industry, in varied roles from engineering to product consulting, and now leading Car and Driver's vehicle-testing efforts.