2012 Volkswagen CC vs. Its Competition

Bengt Halvorson Senior Editor

The 2012 Volkswagen CC competes more with entry-level sport sedans, such as the Audi A4, Acura TL, or Volvo S60, than it does with conventional mid-sizers like the Camry, Accord, and Sonata.

Most of those luxury models also have tight back-seat space, but in other respects the CC is a bit more comfortable; however compared to conventional mid-size sedans, the interior--compromising practicality for style--isn't as useful.

The Audi A4 is curvaceous and sporty, but its back seat is even smaller.

Another new entry to consider is the Honda Accord Crosstour, a new hatchback version of the Accord that feels like a completely different model, with its own sleek fastback look but the rest of the Accord's predictable goodness intact.

Perhaps the most direct rival with which to compare the CC is the Nissan Maxima, though.

Like the CC, the Maxima is a dressed-up, more fashionable sedan based on a mainstream one (the Altima, in the Maxima's case).

Acura's TL manages a very stylish appearance and stronger performance, without compromising seating in the way that the CC does--but it's more expensive.

The Mercedes-Benz CLS sedan looks quite a bit like the CC from a distance, at least in profile, but the CLS costs tens of thousands more.