The VW Passat is in the thick of the family four-door segment, outpointing most of them on size and almost all of them on fuel economy as a TDI.
The Honda Accord gets a revamp this year with a new plug-in hybrid model, but in overall dimensions it's only marginally different from today's car.
The Camry's a bit smaller, especially in its back seat, but its Hybrid model now has higher fuel economy than ever, with admittedly more complexity and much less driving enthusiasm than the Passat TDI.
Hyundai's Sonata and Kia's Optima bristle with styling confidence and tons of standard features; we don't recommend the hybrid versions for their under-refined powertrains, but the base versions are handy replacements for the base Passat and its graunchy five-cylinder.
The Nissan Altima is a formidable entry here: entry-level models have enviable fuel economy of up to 38 mpg highway, interior space and comfort are excellent, and new features bring it smartly up to date, as does its handsome new look.
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 2013 Volkswagen PassatBrowse Used Listings |  2013 Hyundai SonataBrowse Used Listings |  2013 Kia OptimaBrowse Used Listings |  2013 Nissan AltimaBrowse Used Listings |  2013 Toyota CamryBrowse Used Listings |
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Marginally less refined than the last version, today's VW Passat hits important marks with excellent diesel fuel economy, superior passenger space and top safety scores. |
With a standout design; perky performance; great gas mileage; and exceptional value for the money, the 2013 Hyundai Sonata is one of the best buys among mid-size sedans. |
The 2013 Kia Optima adds generous dashes of style and sophistication to what's otherwise a sensible, frugal, and spacious mid-size sedan. |
Briskly updated in the right ways, the 2013 Nissan Altima sedan promises good looks and great gas mileage for those who don't mind a CVT. |
The 2013 Toyota Camry is no standout for design, but it's more than ever the sensible pick for those who value comfort, value, and frugality above all else. |
| MSRP From | ||||
| $20,845 | $20,895 | $21,350 | $21,760 | $22,235 |
| Gas Mileage | ||||
| 20 MPG City / 43 MPG Hwy | 22 MPG City / 40 MPG Hwy | 22 MPG City / 40 MPG Hwy | 22 MPG City / 38 MPG Hwy | 21 MPG City / 39 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | ||||
| Gas I5 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 |
| EPA Class | ||||
| Mid-Size | Large Cars | Midsize Cars | Midsize | Midsize |
| Style Name | ||||
| 4-Door Sedan 2.5L Manual S | 4-Door Sedan 2.4L Automatic GLS *Ltd Avail* | 4-Door Sedan LX | 4-Door Sedan I4 2.5 | 4-Door Sedan I4 Automatic L (GS) |
| 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 | ||||
| 4 Door Sdn | Sedan | Sedan | Sedan | Sedan |
| Transmission | ||||
| Manual | Automatic w/Manual Shift | Automatic w/manual shift | Continuously Variable Ratio | Automatic w/Manual Shift |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | ||||
| 2013 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2013 Hyundai Sonata | 2013 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2013 Kia Optima | 2013 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2013 Nissan Altima | 2013 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2013 Toyota Camry | |
