Cars

Midsize Sedan Comparisons

Midsize sedans such as the Toyota Camry are the traditional family car: five seats, a separate trunk and a low, stable stance that pays off in highway comfort and gas mileage. As many shoppers have moved to SUVs, the sedan now appeals most to drivers who value efficiency, a lower price for the interior space they get and a more planted feel on the road.

The powertrain is the headline. Hybrid sedans can deliver gas mileage well beyond that of SUVs with similar passenger room, while turbocharged or larger gas engines focus on stronger acceleration. Some sedans in this class now offer all-wheel drive, which used to be uncommon, so check availability if you deal with winter weather.

Space works differently than in an SUV. Rear legroom is often generous, but the trunk has a fixed opening and less height than an SUV’s cargo area, so bulky items like bikes or flat-pack furniture are harder to load even when trunk volume looks respectable. Folding rear seats help, and the trunk figure is quoted in cubic feet so you can compare it directly with other sedans.

Ground clearance is lower than in any crossover, which you will notice on rough roads and steep driveways. In exchange you typically get a lower starting MSRP and better gas mileage than an SUV of similar interior size. If you are cross-shopping a sedan against a compact SUV, the real question is whether you need the extra height and cargo flexibility, or whether you would rather keep the savings at the pump and at the dealership.

28 comparisons · 9 products