
Some of the highest-rated vehicles on The Car Connection are family sedans—and for good reason.
They must hit all their marks in terms of fuel economy, interior space, features, safety, even styling.
A few vehicles rise to the top, ready to be challenged by the new Malibu.
Our current favorites include the Subaru Legacy, our Best Car To Buy 2015, with standard all-wheel drive and near-perfect safety scores; the Ford Fusion, our Best Car To Buy 2013, with sleek looks and nimble handling in its corner; the Honda Accord, a perennial favorite that's better than ever in base trim; and the beautiful Mazda 6, which leads in safety and in gas mileage, though it could use more power.
One other very close contender is the new 2016 Kia Optima, a great-looking sedan that feels more smooth and refined than its predecessor in nearly every respect but ends up a bit lacking in charm.
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Quick Specs | |||
The 2016 Chevrolet Malibu lineup skips performance models, plush luxury appointments, and all-wheel drive; yet the driving experience, comfortable cabin, and frugal numbers may convince you to trade in that Camry, Accord, or Fusion. |
The 2016 Ford Fusion Hybrid combines high gas mileage and a quiet ride with one of the best-looking family-sedan bodies. |
The 2016 Kia Optima is better than its game-changing predecessor in nearly every way—except it’s a little less distinct. |
All-wheel drive for the entire lineup, a big back seat, and excellent gas mileage might be enough on their own to woo family-sedan shoppers; the 2016 Subaru Legacy has that, plus top safety, a smooth ride, and a design that fits right in. |
MSRP From | |||
$21,625 | $22,750 | $22,140 | $21,745 |
Gas Mileage | |||
22 MPG City / 46 MPG Hwy | 22 MPG City / 41 MPG Hwy | 22 MPG City / 40 MPG Hwy | 20 MPG City / 36 MPG Hwy |
Engine | |||
Turbocharged Gas I4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded H-4 |
EPA Class | |||
Midsize Cars | Midsize Cars | Large Cars | Mid-Size Cars |
Style Name | |||
4-Door Sedan L w/1VL | 4-Door Sedan S FWD | 4-Door Sedan LX Turbo | 4-Door Sedan 2.5i |
Drivetrain | |||
Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | All Wheel |
Passenger Capacity | |||
5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
Passenger Doors | |||
4 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Body Style | |||
Sedan | Sedan | Sedan | Sedan |
Transmission | |||
Automatic | Automatic w/OD | Auto-Shift Manual w/OD | CVT w/OD |
Detailed Spec Comparison | |||
2016 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2016 Ford Fusion | 2016 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2016 Kia Optima | 2016 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2016 Subaru Legacy |