
Our pick among mid-size sedans is the 2018 Honda Accord for its broad lineup, good turbo power, and refined feel.
The 2018 Mazda 6 comes close in most ways, but is let down by its subpar infotainment software—a hard kvetch to overlook.
The latest Toyota Camry brings to the table arresting style, a thrifty hybrid option, and the allure of a 301-hp V-6, but those ingredients don’t add up to a class leader.
The Ford Fusion may still be the prettiest mid-size sedan around and its hybrid version sips fuel, but Ford has said that it will exit the sedan market in the U.S.
Unless it’s a good deal, keep looking.
Speaking of bargains, the VW Passat is often discounted and has a roomy interior paired with a good base turbo-4 engine, although it’s yawn-inducingly dull.
Finally, the Kia Optima pairs good styling with sedate dynamics and is worth a strong look.
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Quick Specs | ||||
The 2018 Mazda 6 is a stylish, good handling sedan that finally has the underhood muscle to match. |
The six-year-old 2018 Ford Fusion Hybrid remains a handsome, comfortable mid-size sedan with good fuel efficiency and a plug-in hybrid option, but competitors now boast higher EPA ratings. |
The 2018 Kia Optima Hybrid is a fuel-efficient pick among mid-sizers that doesn’t wear its eco credentials on its sleeves. |
The 2018 Toyota Camry remains among the most competitive mid-size sedans, with a sleeker design, higher fuel economy, and carefully calibrated features and options for every buyer. |
The 2018 Volkswagen Passat does little wrong, but its stoicism means it isn’t much fun. |
MSRP From | ||||
$21,950 | $22,215 | $22,600 | $23,645 | $22,995 |
Gas Mileage | ||||
23 MPG City / 35 MPG Hwy | 17 MPG City / 41 MPG Hwy | 22 MPG City / 46 MPG Hwy | 22 MPG City / 53 MPG Hwy | 19 MPG City / 36 MPG Hwy |
Engine | ||||
Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-4 |
EPA Class | ||||
Midsize Cars | Midsize Cars | Large Cars | Mid-Size Cars | Mid-Size Cars |
Style Name | ||||
Sport Manual | S FWD | LX Automatic | L Automatic (SE) | 2.0T S Automatic |
Drivetrain | ||||
Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
Passenger Capacity | ||||
5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
Passenger Doors | ||||
N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Body Style | ||||
Sedan | Sedan | Sedan | Sedan | Sedan |
Transmission | ||||
Manual w/OD | Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/OD |
Detailed Spec Comparison | ||||
2018 Mazda MAZDA6 vs. 2018 Ford Fusion | 2018 Mazda MAZDA6 vs. 2018 Kia Optima | 2018 Mazda MAZDA6 vs. 2018 Toyota Camry | 2018 Mazda MAZDA6 vs. 2018 Volkswagen Passat |