
We're glad we're not in the mid-size sedan business, mostly because we don't know how any automaker makes money on them right now.
Top to bottom, the segment is full of solid picks, representing good value at every stop.
The Subaru Legacy is one such steal, and was a former Best Car To Buy pick for The Car Connection.
We like the Chevy's powertrains a little more, but the standard all-wheel drive there is a compelling pick.
The Ford Fusion can be more fun to drive—especially in Sport trim—but we like the Chevy's 2.0-liter turbo engine a little more.
The Honda is a little more composed on the road, same goes for the Mazda 6, while the Kia is a little bit of a better value.
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Quick Specs | ||||
The 2017 Chevrolet Malibu is a solid mid-sizer in the segment, punctuated by good, efficient powertrains, and a quiet ride. |
The 2017 Ford Fusion blends enduring good looks, a wide variety of powertrains, impressive interior space and comfort along with all the latest electronic safety systems and a few design upgrades. |
The Kia Optima is a distinctively stylish and capable mid-size sedan worth serious consideration. |
Unless you're just power-hungry, the 2017 Mazda 6 remains one of the best family-sedan choices you can make. |
The safety and all-weather performance of the 2017 Subaru Legacy are convincing enough. Consider the roomy sedan's value at any trim and decent gas mileage, and it's no wonder it was our Best Car to Buy for 2015. |
MSRP From | ||||
$21,680 | $22,610 | $22,200 | $21,945 | $21,995 |
Gas Mileage | ||||
22 MPG City / 43 MPG Hwy | 17 MPG City / 41 MPG Hwy | 22 MPG City / 46 MPG Hwy | 24 MPG City / 35 MPG Hwy | 20 MPG City / 34 MPG Hwy |
Engine | ||||
Turbocharged Gas I4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded H-4 |
EPA Class | ||||
Midsize Cars | Midsize Cars | Large Cars | Mid-Size Cars | Mid-Size Cars |
Style Name | ||||
4-Door Sedan L w/1VL | S FWD | LX 1.6T DCT | 2017.5 Sport Manual | 2.5i |
Drivetrain | ||||
Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | All Wheel |
Passenger Capacity | ||||
5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
Passenger Doors | ||||
4 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Body Style | ||||
Sedan | Sedan | Sedan | 2017.5 Sedan | Sedan |
Transmission | ||||
Automatic | Automatic w/OD | Auto-Shift Manual w/OD | Manual w/OD | CVT w/OD |
Detailed Spec Comparison | ||||
2017 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2017 Ford Fusion | 2017 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2017 Kia Optima | 2017 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2017 Mazda MAZDA6 | 2017 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2017 Subaru Legacy |