Each year, Consumer Guide Automotive editors test drive and evaluate nearly every vehicle sold in the United States. Together, the editors rate each vehicle 1–10 in the following categories: Acceleration, Fuel Economy, Ride Quality, Steering/Handling/Braking, Quietness, Controls, Details, Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front), Room/Comfort (rear), Cargo Room, and Value Within Class.

The editors add those numbers to produce a total rating score for each vehicle. Below are the total rating scores for 2012 midsize cars. Click the name of the car for a detailed review of that vehicle. Or simply check out The Consumer Guide to 2012 Midsize Cars.

1. Mazda 5

Base MSRP: $19,195; Consumer Guide Rating: 74

2. Hyundai Sonata

Base MSRP: $19,795; Consumer Guide Rating: 73

2. Subaru Outback

Base MSRP: $23,295; Consumer Guide Rating: 73

4. Kia Optima

Base MSRP: $19,500; Consumer Guide Rating: 72

5. Nissan Altima    Base MSRP: $20,410; Consumer Guide Rating: 71

5. Toyota Camry    Base MSRP: $21,955; Consumer Guide Rating: 71

5. Toyota Prius v    Base MSRP: $26,400; Consumer Guide Rating: 71

5. Volkswagen Passat    Base MSRP: $19,99; Consumer Guide Rating: 71

9. Honda Accord Sedan    Base MSRP: $21,380; Consumer Guide Rating: 70

9. Subaru Legacy    Base MSRP: $19,995; Consumer Guide Rating: 70

11. Toyota Prius    Base MSRP: $23,050; Consumer Guide Rating: 69

12. Chevrolet Malibu    Base MSRP: $21,995; Consumer Guide Rating: 68

12. Ford Fusion    Base MSRP: $19,850; Consumer Guide Rating: 68

12. Honda Accord Crosstour    Base MSRP: $27,655; Consumer Guide Rating: 68

12. Suzuki Kizashi    Base MSRP: $18,999; Consumer Guide Rating: 68

15. Mazda 6    Base MSRP: $20,240; Consumer Guide Rating: 66

16. Honda Accord Coupe    Base MSRP: $22,980; Consumer Guide Rating: 64

16. Nissan Maxima    Base MSRP: $31,750; Consumer Guide Rating: 64

18. Dodge Avenger    Base MSRP: $18,995; Consumer Guide Rating: 63

19. Chevrolet Impala    Base MSRP: $25,645; Consumer Guide Rating: 61 (2011)

19. Chrysler 200    Base MSRP: $18,995; Consumer Guide Rating: 61

21. Mitsubishi Galant    Base MSRP: $21,899; Consumer Guide Rating: 53