The midsize sedan market has been completely remade as carmakers engage in an impressive game of automotive one-upmanship.
Until a few years ago, the typical affordable midsize sedan was uninspiring and anonymous. Today the quality of cars available in what was once dismissed as the “family sedan” segment is stunning.
Styling is no longer bland. Fuel efficiency often tops 25 miles per gallon (mpg) in city driving and 35 on the highway. Electronic features such as backup cameras and “smart” cruise control that can stop the vehicle in traffic are becoming standard equipment. And most important, the build quality is extremely high, even by modern automotive standards—these cars are built to last.
Although they have familiar names, you might not be aware to what degree many of the cars in this category have changed of late. Here’s a look at what’s new with the five midsize sedans that have undergone the most dramatic—and most impressive—redesigns in the 2014 and 2015 model years (and for a look at two that had earlier redesigns, see page eight)…
Hyundai Sonata: Quality, style and the best information and entertainment system. Hyundai completely redesigned its Sonata (shown above) for 2015—just four years after a 2011 redesign that helped kick off the modern midsize sedan era. The result is comfortable, roomy and just as reliable as a Camry or Accord. Style-wise, the 2015 Sonata is not as dramatic-looking as the swoopy previous Sonata, but that may be an advantage—the new version still is distinctive but less showy and perhaps more “grown-up.”
Apple’s new CarPlay information and entertainment system will be available in the 2015 Sonata starting later this year. While many car “infotainment” systems are frustrating to operate, CarPlay is as intuitive as Apple’s iPhone. It’s by far the best system available.
The Sonata’s fuel efficiency is excellent, particularly in the new Eco version with its turbocharged 1.6-liter, 177-horsepower (hp) engine.
Details: Base model with 2.4-liter engine starts at $21,960* and gets 25 mpg city/37 highway. Eco model starts at $24,085 and gets 28 mpg city/38 highway.
Toyota Camry: Famous dependability, now with some personality. There has never been any question that the Toyota Camry is an extremely well-made, reliable midsize sedan with a very comfortable ride. But the Camry also has been a bland, uninteresting car to look at and drive. A 2015 refresh finally addresses those shortcomings. The new exterior styling is significantly more aggressive and interesting than that of Camrys past.
Toyota has taken a few tentative steps toward making the Camry more engaging to drive, too, tweaking the chassis for better handling and improving the responsiveness of the power steering and brakes. This still isn’t the car to buy if you’re looking for something distinctive or fun, but at least now you don’t have to drive a characterless car to get Camry quality and comfort.
Details: Pricing and fuel-efficiency data are not yet available for the 2015 Camry, but they are unlikely to be significantly changed from the 2014. Last year’s base model 2.5-liter, four-cylinder Camry had a starting MSRP of $23,235 and delivered 25 mpg city/35 highway.
Chrysler 200: A powerful new contender emerges. No midsize sedan improved as dramatically as the Chrysler 200. Prior 200s were nondescript and either average or below average in every way. In contrast, the redesigned 200 for 2015 is a very compelling vehicle.
Overall quality is greatly improved. Its interior, previously an area of weakness, now has a decidedly upscale feel. Its exterior styling is distinctive and attractive. The 200’s ride is quiet and comfortable. You even can get the new 200 with all-wheel-drive (AWD) and a 295-hp, 3.6-liter V6-it’s among the most powerful engines available in a midsize sedan. The base 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine delivers a respectable 184 horsepower.
Details: Base model starts at $22,695 and gets 23 mpg city/36 highway. Models with AWD and the six-cylinder engine start at $29,690 and get 18 mpg city/29 highway.
Subaru Legacy: Greater fuel efficiency and comfort from an already excellent AWD sedan. The Legacy’s impressive reliability and AWD has helped Subaru to rate high in customer-satisfaction surveys. At the same time, the Legacy’s shortcomings included forgettable styling and mediocre interior quality, which help explain why it has never been a particularly popular sedan. But now a redesign for the 2015 model year has addressed many of these shortcomings. A larger infotainment touchscreen features intuitive controls, while a standard rear backup camera and available blind-spot detection and precollision system enhance safety. Fuel efficiency of the base model has been boosted by around 10%. The ride has been softened and the cabin quieted—though the Legacy still doesn’t offer the ultra-refined ride of cars such as the Camry and Sonata.
Details: Base model with a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine starts at $22,490 and gets 26 mpg city/36 highway.
Mazda6: The best-driving car is now fuel-efficient, too. The Mazda6 has long been the sportiest and most fun to drive of the midsize sedans, and a 2014 redesign did nothing to change that. The Mazda6’s handling is precise…its body stays flat and on-track through corners…and its steering provides excellent “feel”—meaning that drivers have a sense of really being in control. The base 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine produces a peppy 184 horsepower. The interior feels upscale and sporty, and the new exterior styling is among the most attractive in the segment.
Mazda pulled off an impressive trick with that 2014 redesign—it made the Mazda6 more fuel-efficient without making it any less fun. Mazda managed this in part through advanced efficiency technologies that don’t get in the way of the driving experience. Its i-Eloop regenerative braking system captures and stores energy that would otherwise be lost during braking, for example.
True, there are other midsize sedans that offer fuel economy that’s a hair better, but those cars tend to be a lot less engaging to drive. If you want a midsize sedan that will trim your gas bills without feeling like it’s trimming your enjoyment, the Mazda6 is an excellent choice.
Details: Base model starts at $21,985 and gets 25 mpg city/37 highway.
The Honda Accord and Ford Fusion haven’t undergone any dramatic redesigns since the 2013 model year, but that doesn’t mean they’re out of date. In fact, these are two of the most reliable and engaging midsize sedans available. Neither offers the ultra-soft ride of a Camry or matches the driving feel of the redesigned Mazda6, but both are well-made cars without any major flaws. They are certainly worth considering if you’re in the market for a midsize sedan.
Details: The Fusion base model 2.5-liter, four-cylinder starts at $23,225 and gets 22 mpg city/34 highway. Pricing and mileage for the 2015 Accord have not yet been announced but should be fairly close to 2014 models, which started at $22,745 for the 2.4-liter, four-cylinder base model. It gets 24 mpg city/34 highway.
*Prices are manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) with freight charges included.
