2013 Hyundai Sonata vs. Its Competition

Bengt Halvorson Senior Editor

We applaud Hyundai for being the first major automaker to go to an all-four-cylinder lineup for its mid-size sedan; the Sonata's excellent gas mileage, no matter which model you choose, is one of several reasons it's been one of our top-rated sedans since its 2011 redesign.

It still competes in a very tough segment with two of the best selling passenger cars, the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord.

The Accord remains very much a Honda in driving feel, even though it's quite a large vehicle now.

The Camry was revamped for last year, with improved fuel economy and marginally better refinement; but it remains surprisingly conservative.

The Mazda6 has excellent road manners, making up some for slightly smaller rear-seat space.

And for 2013, the Ford Fusion is completely redesigned; look for the Fusion to be one of the boldest designs in the mid-size market next to the Sonata.

But the Kia Optima also deserves a look; it's almost identical to the Sonata in powertrain and layout, but its sleeker, Euro-influenced styling aims for a very different crowd; we also like what Kia has done with the Optima's handling, but its infotainment features and options aren't quite at the Sonata's level.