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Despite the SUV craze still going strong, a substantial market share still belongs to mid-size sedans. Between Toyota's near-stellar reliability record and the ability of its models to retain value, the Toyota Camry will continue to be one of the most popular sedans in North America. The 2024 Toyota Camry offers more of the same and while the price is reasonable, there are still alternatives on the slightly used car market that offer similar qualities for a lot less.
I chose the below-listed vehicles because they are from Japanese and Korean carmakers, come in a variety of different trims, and have good long-term reliability like Toyota's popular sedan model. Moreover, the brunt of depreciation was already taken by the first owner, meaning you won't lose much by going with one of these models.
2018-2022 Honda Accord
For me, the tenth-generation Honda Accord is a solid choice for several reasons. Honda's reputation for reliable and well-built engines is just as good as Toyota's. The base, 1.5-liter turbo-four indeed had some issues in the early model years, and Honda's hybrids aren't as popular as Toyota's, but for me, the K20 engine does it.
The 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four is legendary, and the Accord basically, comes with a de-tuned version of the Honda Civic Type-R and Acura Type-S engine. The smaller turbocharger means better response, but also less power – 252 horsepower and 273 pound-feet. Up to 2020, you could also get a six-speed manual. Overall, the Accord is a slightly sportier alternative to the Camry that's just as usable as an everyday car.
2018-2022 Honda Accord scores high in terms of reliability: 4.9/ 5 (Cars.com), 82/100 (J.D. Power), 4.8/ 5 (Kelley Blue Book).
2018-2022 Honda Accord average used price: $18,245.
2018-2023 Kia Stinger
Kia Stinger proved Korean carmakers can also make exciting vehicles, despite the stigma of cheap, mass-produced products. This is the only car on the list that isn't a sedan. What you lose in rear headroom (which isn't a problem unless you are at my height), you gain in design, performance, and generous cargo space.
After the facelift, the Stinger's base engine grew to 2.5 liters and a hefty, 300 horsepower and 309 pound-feet. The range-topping, twin-turbo V-6 still provides 365 horsepower and 376 pound-feet. With the optional all-wheel drive, the V-6 Stinger can reach 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. Kia went for a fastback roofline with a rear hatch, significantly improving practicality.
2018-2023 Kia Stinger reliability rating: 4.7/ 5 (Cars.com), 83/100 (J.D. Power), 96/100 (Kelley Blue Book).
2018-2023 Kia Stinger average used price: $22,579.
2021- Lexus ES
The Lexus ES shares the dependable mechanicals of the Toyota Camry, but adds a flavor of luxury and style. Looking at the starting MSRP for the 2024 models, the price difference is substantial. The 2024 Toyota Camry starts at $27,515 while the 2024 Lexus ES starts at $43,190. So far, things don't sound in favor of the Lexus model, but the Lexus mid-size sedan truly offers superior comfort, materials, and more generous equipment.
The only real downside to me is the lackluster performance even with a V-6 engine and 302 horsepower. It's also among the most affordable and reliable luxury cars you can buy, but it is with slightly used examples, the Lexus ES starts looking like a true bargain.
In true tradition, the 2021 Lexus ES scores high in reliability: 5/ 5 (Cars.com), 87/ 100 (J.D. Power), 5/ 5 (Kelley Blue Book).
What's the average price for a 2021 Lexus ES on the used market? The average used price for the 2021 Lexus ES is $31,713.
2020- Hyundai Sonata
The eighth generation of Hyundai's mid-size sedan is still in production having debuted for the 2020 model year. For 2023, the Korean sedan received a much-needed facelift, which greatly improved the aesthetic. Hyundai prides itself on great value for money and the Sonata is no exception.
With a starting price of $28,650, the 2024 Hyundai Sonata is barely more expensive than the Camry, but brings a fresh redesign with plenty of new tech on board.
Not to mention the new, 2.5-liter turbo-four engine, which features, both, multi-port and direct fuel injection. It makes 290 horsepower and 309 pound-feet.
There is also an eight-speed, dual-clutch automatic, which is quicker than Toyota's traditional automatic. The Sonata's hybrid variant, however, falls short in terms of performance and fuel economy compared to the Camry's hybrid powertrains.
The 2020 Hyundai Sonata also comes with a high reliability score: 4.9/ 5 (Cars.com), 83/100 (J.D. Power), 4.6/ 5 (Kelley Blue Book).
What is the average price for a 2020 Hyundai Sonata? Currently, the average price for an eighth-generation Hyundai Sonata on the used market is $19,674.
2021- Acura TLX
Acura may be occupying a much smaller market share compared to Lexus and other luxury carmakers, but the TLX provides excellent value for money. Honda's proven K20 engine is combined with sleek styling and generous standard equipment. For this article, I am excluding the highly limited Acura TLX Type-S.
There is only one engine and it's the turbocharged, K20, inline-four, with 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet. Unlike the Honda Accord, which up to 2020, could be had with a six-speed manual, you only get a 10-speed automatic with the Acura TLX.
The only choice you have to make regarding the drivetrain is front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. With Acura's SH-AWD system, the TLX sprints to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds, which is 0.5 seconds quicker than the front-wheel-drive TLX.
The second-generation Acura TLX has a high reliability rating: 4.8/ 5 (Cars.com), 79/100 (J.D. Power), 4.5 /5 (Kelley Blue Book).
What's the average price for a used 2021 Acura TLX? The average price for a 2021 Acura TLX is $30,204.
Dimitar Angelov's automotive interests made him an expert in a wide variety of vehicles. Japanese brands like Toyota are closest to his heart, although performance cars in general are his favorite segment, which is why he is constantly on the lookout for the best deals on the market. Dimitar Angelov's car passion and knack for the written word led him to complete a Master of Arts in Media and Communications, and classic car restoration. Dim is happy to get behind the wheel of any car and share his impressions. You can follow Dimitar on X, Linked-in, Instagram, and Facebook.
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