
The VW Passat is in the thick of the family four-door segment, besting most of them on size and almost all of them on fuel economy as a TDI.
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, although some won't like the continuously variable transmission's droning to get that efficiency.
The Honda Accord got a revamp last year with an ingenious new plug-in hybrid model, but in overall dimensions it's only marginally different from the previous 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; the Sonata is new this year, and includes an Eco model with a well-sorted dual-clutch auto.
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Quick Specs | ||||
The 2015 Volkswagen Passat provides a refreshing alternative to the usual mid-sizers, offering a huge interior and the segment's only diesel engine option. |
The 2015 Hyundai Sonata blends in better than ever in the top tier of family sedans. |
The 2015 Kia Optima meets all your needs in a sensible four-door sedan, but exceeds expectations for more flair and features. |
If you don't mind a CVT, the 2015 Nissan Altima is a solid choice that checks off all the boxes. |
The 2015 Toyota Camry ups its game with a thorough refresh that, while not daring, makes it more enjoyable for driver and passenger alike. |
MSRP From | ||||
$21,340 | $21,150 | $21,840 | $22,300 | $22,970 |
Gas Mileage | ||||
20 MPG City / 44 MPG Hwy | 21 MPG City / 40 MPG Hwy | 20 MPG City / 40 MPG Hwy | 22 MPG City / 38 MPG Hwy | 21 MPG City / 39 MPG Hwy |
Engine | ||||
Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 |
EPA Class | ||||
Midsize Cars | Large Cars | Midsize Cars | Midsize Cars | Midsize Cars |
Style Name | ||||
4-Door Sedan 1.8T Manual S | 4-Door Sedan 2.4L SE PZEV | 4-Door Sedan EX | 4-Door Sedan I4 2.5 | 4-Door Sedan I4 Automatic LE (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 | ||||
Sedan | Sedan | Sedan | Sedan | Sedan |
Transmission | ||||
Manual w/OD | Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/OD | CVT w/OD | Automatic w/OD |
Detailed Spec Comparison | ||||
2015 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2015 Hyundai Sonata | 2015 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2015 Kia Optima | 2015 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2015 Nissan Altima | 2015 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2015 Toyota Camry |