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Best Sedans For 2022

Editor
Updated: Sep 8, 2022
Forbes Wheels independently tests and reviews cars and automotive accessories. We may earn an affiliate commission from links on our site. The analysis and opinions are our own.

Crossovers may be king these days but cars still make up just under a quarter of the new car market, and have actually gained market share in 2022 as the prices of popular SUVs have soared. Buyers who sample sedans will be pleasantly surprised to find that while there are fewer conventional cars on sale these days, many of the surviving models are better than ever. 

The winnowing of the sedan and hatchback universe means the remaining options must stand out in terms of performance, safety, efficiency and style. Manufacturers who’ve stood by sedans have worked hard to roll out impressive new machines or make big updates to older ones. Although we also produce separate lists for segments like midsize and compact cars, here we’re showcasing the best of the best from across the sedan spectrum.

These models represent price points from around $23,000 all the way up to six-figure luxury cars, but they represent the best of their various segments and often present good value propositions. We’ve evaluated them primarily on their overall ratings, but we’ve also included a couple of models that are noteworthy for offering features and capabilities buyers can’t get from competing models.

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Show Summary

Price Starting From

$87,400

via CarsDirect

Why We Picked It

Pros & Cons

Price Starting From

$26,520

via CarsDirect

Why We Picked It

Pros & Cons

Price Starting From

$22,550

via CarsDirect

Why We Picked It

Pros & Cons

Price Starting From

$20,200

via CarsDirect

Why We Picked It

Pros & Cons

Price Starting From

$46,990

Why We Picked It

Pros & Cons

Price Starting From

$43,550

via CarsDirect

Why We Picked It

Pros & Cons

Price Starting From

$48,250

via CarsDirect

Why We Picked It

Pros & Cons

Also Featured In

Price Starting From

$24,150

via CarsDirect

Why We Picked It

Pros & Cons

Price Starting From

$99,990

Why We Picked It

Pros & Cons

Price Starting From

$147,500

via CarsDirect

Why We Picked It

Pros & Cons

Price Starting From

$23,790

via CarsDirect

Why We Picked It

Pros & Cons

Also Featured In

Price Starting From

$34,800

via CarsDirect

Why We Picked It

Pros & Cons

Price Starting From

$55,400

via CarsDirect

Why We Picked It

Pros & Cons

Also Featured In

Price Starting From

$31,500

via CarsDirect

Why We Picked It

Pros & Cons

Price Starting From

$41,450

via CarsDirect

Why We Picked It

Pros & Cons

Also Featured In

Price Starting From

$16,450

via CarsDirect

Why We Picked It

Pros & Cons

Also Featured In

Price Starting From

$21,150

via CarsDirect

Why We Picked It

Pros & Cons

Price Starting From

$32,500

via CarsDirect

Why We Picked It

Pros & Cons

At a Glance
2022 Lucid Air
Price
$87,400
Mileage
N/A City / N/A Hwy
Rating
90 /100
2022 Honda Accord
Price
$26,520
Mileage
30 City / 38 Hwy
Rating
92 /100
2022 Honda Civic
Price
$22,550
Mileage
31 City / 40 Hwy
Rating
91 /100
2022 Hyundai Elantra
Price
$20,200
Mileage
33 City / 43 Hwy
Rating
90 /100
2022 Tesla Model 3
Price
$46,990
Mileage
138 City / 126 Hwy
Rating
87 /100
2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Price
$43,550
Mileage
25 City / 35 Hwy
Rating
83 /100
2022 Genesis G80
Price
$48,250
Mileage
23 City / 32 Hwy
Rating
88 /100
2022 Hyundai Sonata
Price
$24,150
Mileage
28 City / 38 Hwy
Rating
88 /100
2022 Tesla Model S
Price
$99,990
Mileage
124 City / 115 Hwy
Rating
87 /100
2022 Mercedes-AMG EQS
Price
$147,500
Mileage
76 City / 78 Hwy
Rating
88 /100
2022 Kia K5
Price
$23,790
Mileage
29 City / 38 Hwy
Rating
87 /100
2022 Audi A3 & S3
Price
$34,800
Mileage
29 City / 38 Hwy
Rating
87 /100
2022 BMW i4
Price
$55,400
Mileage
109 City / 108 Hwy
Rating
84 /100
2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV
Price
$31,500
Mileage
131 City / 109 Hwy
Rating
85 /100
2022 BMW 3 Series
Price
$41,450
Mileage
26 City / 36 Hwy
Rating
83 /100
2022 Kia Rio
Price
$16,450
Mileage
33 City / 41 Hwy
Rating
78 /100
2022 Mazda3
Price
$21,150
Mileage
26 City / 34 Hwy
Rating
78 /100
2022 Dodge Charger
Price
$32,500
Mileage
19 City / 30 Hwy
Rating
76 /100

METHODOLOGY

We sorted our sedans by their overall rating as assigned by Forbes Wheels team of experts, but we also included some lower-ranked models that we though have merit beyond their formulaic scores. Our rating methodology has been expanded from five to seven categories for 2022. As such, ratings of the same vehicle between these two model years may differ slightly.

For 2022, our ratings categories are:

  1. Performance
  2. Fuel Economy
  3. Safety
  4. Infotainment
  5. Comfort & Room
  6. Cargo Space & Storage
  7. Style & Design

Overall: 100 points

  • Performance (15 points) The Performance score is a subjective assessment of a vehicle’s handling, braking, acceleration, ride quality and other qualitative performance measures such as horsepower, torque, zero-to-60 time and top speed. Towing capability for trucks and SUVs also is considered. Performance of the vehicles is compared against the identified competitive set. While driving, reviewers look for attributes relative to the expectations set by the manufacturer and by consumer expectations.
  • Fuel Economy (15 points) The Fuel Economy score is based on the combined mpg estimate for the entire model lineup and how that figure measures against the identified competitive set. The mpg estimates are based on EPA data or the manufacturer if no EPA data is available. Hybrid and plug-in electric variants within a lineup that significantly lower their overall average will not be included in the comparison unless the competitive set also have hybrid or PHEV variants. Scoring for pure electric vehicles will be based on kilowatts consumed per 100 miles and the comparative mile per gallon equivalent, or MPGe.
  • Safety (15 points) The Safety score is based on crash test results from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Vehicles not yet rated by either agency receive zero points. Also included in the safety rating are points awarded for certain advanced driver-assistance safety features offered as standard equipment on the base trim. There are nine safety features Forbes Wheels considers mandatory for the standard offering: forward emergency automatic braking, forward collision warning, automatic high beams, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic warning, adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning or one its higher-level variants, lane keeping assistance or lane centering. Vehicles must have at least four of these in their standard offering to receive points. Vehicles that offer a Level 2 self-driving system, (a combination of adaptive cruise control and lane centering) are eligible for a bonus point.
  • Infotainment (15 points) The Infotainment score is based on points awarded for certain features offered as standard equipment on the base trim. Forbes Wheels identifies certain features that are growing in popularity and therefore have been adopted by both premium and mainstream automakers. Some of these features include a minimum 7-inch touchscreen (or premium vehicles that use a rotary knob, touchpad or other mechanism to control a non-touchscreen display), wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a customizable, digital driver information display or instrument panel and at least 2 USB ports. Additional points are awarded for popular features that haven’t been widely adopted in mainstream vehicles such as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and wireless charging capabilities.
  • Comfort & Room (15 points) The Comfort & Room score is based on points awarded for the reviewer’s assessment of the vehicle’s comfort, ergonomics and overall interior feel as well as effective use of space. Points also are awarded for the measurement of rear-seat legroom and how it compares with the identified competitive set. Vehicles that offer a segment-best legroom in either rear seat or optional third row are eligible for a bonus point.
  • Cargo Space & Storage (15 points) The Cargo Space & Storage score is based on points awarded for the reviewer’s assessment of the vehicle’s large and small cargo spaces (as well as small-item storage) and how well they serve their purpose and effective use of space. Reviewers also consider innovative storage solutions and flexible loading features. Points also are awarded for the cargo space measurements for rear cargo hold or trunk and how it compares with the identified competitive set. Vehicles that offer a segment-best cargo or trunk space are eligible for a bonus point.
  • Styling (10 points) The Performance score is a subjective assessment of a vehicle’s overall styling and design, inside and out. Reviewers also consider the configuration of the interior and how well the design plays into the function. Build quality also is a consideration.

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