Pros and cons of the most popular family sedans right now
Compact SUVs and crossovers are quickly becoming the hottest vehicles on the market, but luckily, a host of compelling sedans are still out there. These cars, which are perfect for families, offer a blend of power and efficiency, and some even offer the promise of performance, too.
Ahead, check out the pros and cons of 10 of the year’s top-selling sedans, all of which offer something unique for buyers looking for their next family vehicle.
The 2017 Honda Accord.
2017 Honda Accord
Starting price: $28,455
Pros: The Honda Accord is a perennial all-star in this segment, and it’s been completely redesigned for 2018. The new interior design is Audi-level gorgeous. Plus, the vehicle is bigger and more efficient, but has lost the option of a V6 engine. (You can only get a base four-cylinder or a turbocharged four-cylinder as the high-feature engine.)
Cons: Honda’s proprietary shifter design is clumsy.
2018 Toyota Camry LE.
2018 Toyota Camry
Starting price: $24,000 ($23,495 for L trim, late availability)
Pros: The all-new 2018 Toyota Camry takes on a bold, sporty look. SE and XSE trims back it up with taut handling. Even the base four-cylinder engine provides enough power. The Camry now comes with forward collision avoidance and lane departure warning systems. It boasts spacious seating front and rear, and has easy-to-use audio and climate controls.
Cons: The touchscreen infotainment system is intuitive, but lacks support for Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
The 2017 Chevrolet Malibu.
2018 Chevrolet Malibu
Starting price: $21,680
Pros: The Chevy Malibu is available with a 250-horsepower engine, but the base engine provides an impressive 36 miles per gallon on the highway. It has a spacious rear seat and all the latest safety technology, such as an available 360-degree camera and the MyLink touch screen system, which is considered one of the best on the market.
Cons: Trunk space isn’t that generous, and the cabin materials can feel pedestrian at times.
If you buy the 2017 Ford Fusion Hybrid, you also are buying the 2018 model.
2018 Ford Fusion
Starting price: $22,120
Pros: The Ford Fusion delivers a sporty ride, spacious trunk, and the easy-to-use SYNC 3 infotainment system.
Cons: The base engine lacks real power, but you can get an available EcoBoost four-cylinder. It makes an impressive 325 horsepower, but gives up fuel economy: 17/26/20, city/highway/combined versus 23/34/27 in the 1.5L engine.
The 2017 Nissan Altima.
2017 Nissan Altima
Starting price: $22,500
Pros: For its class, the Altima puts up respectable fuel economy numbers (27/39/31, city/highway/combined), and Nissan’s zero-gravity seats are comfortable, especially during long road trips.
Cons: The infotainment screen is relatively small and the CVT features a “rubber band” effect. It puts too high a priority on efficiency while momentarily hindering acceleration.
The 2018 Hyundai Sonata.
2018 Hyundai Sonata
Starting price: $22,050
Pros: The all-new 2018 Sonata boasts an aggressive new look and the latest safety features, and the controls and touchscreen are extremely user-friendly. It also provides as much as 245 horsepower with the Limited 2.0T.
Cons: The newly crafted, sloping roof eats into rear seat headroom.
The 2017 Kia Optima SX 2.0T.
2017 Kia Optima
Starting price: $22,200
Pros: The Kia Optima is a sporty option in the sedan segment. It features a racy exterior design, complemented by dialed-in brakes and steering. The cabin features high-quality materials and a crisp, upscale layout. The touchscreen system is easy to use.
Cons: The mid-level 1.6L engine exhibits turbo lag. Some might find the sporty brakes and steering too sensitive.
The 2017 Volkswagen Passat.
2017 Volkswagen Passat
Starting price: $22,440
Pros: Volkswagen provides impressive standard safety tech in the Passat, including forward collision warning and autonomous emergency braking. It also features a spacious back seat and quiet cabin.
Cons: The base model is short on features, and the touchscreen is quite small.
The 2017 Mazda6.
2017 Mazda6
Starting price: $21,945
Pros: The Mazda6 has great handling and cornering abilities, and has a near-luxury feel to the cabin.
Cons: The MazdaConnect system is easy to use, but can be sluggish at times.
2016 Subaru Legacy
2017 Subaru Legacy
Starting price: $21,995
Pros: The Subaru Legacy is the only midsize sedan to offer standard all-wheel drive. A spacious interior and good fuel economy numbers keep the Legacy attractive, and it has some of the best safety scores among midsize sedans.
Cons: The base four-cylinder engine is underwhelming, and the ride quality is lacking over rough surfaces.
