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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 2016 Chevrolet MalibuBrowse Used Listings |  2016 Ford FusionBrowse Used Listings |  2016 Kia OptimaBrowse Used Listings |  2016 Subaru LegacyBrowse Used Listings |
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| Quick Specs | |||
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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 | Mid-Size 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 | |
