10 Best Sedans to Buy

The crossover suv segment is all the rage these days, and for good reason. Based on car platforms, crossovers handle nearly as well as low-slung vehicles but offer greater utility. So where does that leave sedans?

Though 4-door sedans may not have the same cargo capacity as their high-riding counterparts, they do offer advantages in fuel economy, driving dynamics, and price. Larger-bodied crossovers weigh more and are less aerodynamic, which leads to greater fuel consumption. Additionally, a higher center of gravity contributes to more body roll in emergency or high-speed maneuvers. Crossovers also tend to be priced as a premium alternative to equal-segment sedans.

For these reasons, sedans continue to sell extremely well in the automotive market, but some have weathered the transition in buyer tastes better than others. These are the 10 best sedans to buy for those who still appreciate the styling, handling, and efficiency of traditional 4-doors.

In order from most expensive to least, we’ll kick things off with the Cadillac CTS. The American luxury automaker took drew a bold line with the introduction of its latest generation CTS sedan. While the high-performance “V” had already upset the German establishment, the standard CTS still struggled with a boring exterior and cheap interior. That all changed in 2014. For the first time, GM’s luxury marque could go toe-to-toe with BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, and Lexus not just in terms of performance, but also in convenience, refinement, and design.

Sharp creases, clean lines, and attractive LED running lights draw the eye. Once inside, supple leather seats greet your behind while the remainder of the cabin is treated to textured wood and metal. Though there’s still some work to be done on the automaker’s CUE infotainment system, it’s vastly improved over years past. Above all, though, the CTS is still the best bargain in town at $45,560.

Though best sedans is a broad category, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class could find its way onto almost any interpretation. The compact luxury sedan (and coupe) invite car shoppers into the premium automotive segment with a world-class interior, supple ride, and striking design.

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class provides a variety of different engine and trim level choices including the 248 hp, 3.5-liter V6 found in the C300 or the 302 hp variant found within the C350. If 2-door luxury is more your fancy, the automaker has just introduced an all-new design for the 2017 model year. While the coupe will require a larger investment, shoppers can enjoy the 4-door C-Class for just $38,950.

Audi has a powerful performance pedigree thanks to its history in rally racing, but these days, the German automaker is famous for its sharp styling. Quattro permanent all-wheel drive takes care of the performance end of the luxury equation while an engaging driving experience, excellent build quality, and attractive pricing put its rivals on their heels.

The A4 has been completely redesigned for the 2017 model year, upgrading interior technology and shedding weight. Audi’s virtual cockpit treats the driver to a 12.3-inch full digital display with navigation, music, vehicle info, and drive mode functions all built into the steering wheel controls. Though it may not look like a big departure from the previous generation, Audi’s new A4 packs some incredible hardware. Prices for the new A4 start at $34,900.

BMW may have coined the “ultimate driving machine” personality, but these days, the German automaker is making a strong push for luxury at all price points. BMW’s 3 Series, the brand’s iconic 4-door, delivers handsome styling, a comfortable cabin, and superb build quality in an extravagant package.

The 320i base spec car uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder to send 180 hp to the rear wheels. In addition to a punchy, efficient engine, BMW’s latest iDrive infotainment unit, Harmon Kardon sound system, and adjustable drive modes are among the latest and greatest convenience features. While packages and options can quickly increase the sticker price, you can get into a new 3 Series for just $33,450.

The new school of luxury has been in session for several years, and Hyundai has been a key player in the movement, especially when it comes to the latest generation Genesis sedan. While the Korean automaker has been producing reliable, technology-laden products for years, its latest products are true vehicular indulgences.

Not only does the new Genesis look spectacular from the outside, its cabin is exquisite. Available with between 311 and 420 hp, the Genesis also has no problem getting up to speed. Every piece of convenience and technology equipment you’d expect to find on the BMW 5 Series or Mercedes E-Class can be found in the Genesis, and all for tens of thousands less. Starting under $40K, the Genesis makes good company on our list of 10 best sedans to buy.

Speaking of luxury car surprises, many shoppers will make the mistake of overlooking the Chrysler 300. Sure, it may have been on sale in its current form for many years, but in the case of the 300, that means a more refined product than ever. Touring, putting your foot to the floor, or just soaking up the all-day comfort, Chrysler’s 300 is traditional sedan luxury at its best.

Where the 300 differentiates itself is in the value. Like the Hyundai Genesis, the 300 offers incredible convenience features and a punchy powertrain for less than $40,000. Whether you’re enjoying its sophisticated Uconnect infotainment system, or stellar handling characteristics (especially for its size), the 300 is an excellent luxury car alternative, and a smart addition to your 10 best sedans to buy shopping list.

Japan may have a firm grasp on the midsize sedan market, but those who are tired of filling their driveways with the same car as every other neighbor will find immediate appeal in the Dodge Charger. Big, brash, and rear-wheel drive, the Charger is more than just a looker these days, it’s a competent rival to the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Kia Optima, and other class leaders.

The standard features of the Dodge Charger SXT include a 3.6-liter V6 292 hp engine, 8-speed automatic transmission with overdrive, 4-wheel anti-lock brakes, side seat mounted airbags, curtain first and second row overhead airbags, airbag occupancy sensor, automatic air conditioning, 18-inch aluminum wheels, cruise control, ABS and driveline traction control, and electronic stability. Prices for the 2016 model start at $27,995.

The long-standing sedan default, Honda’s Accord, packs technology, efficiency, reliability, fun, and affordability in a handsome package. The 2016 model year Accord is easy to distinguish thanks to its revised front and rear fascia, with styling inspired by the 10th generation Civic concept. LED headlights, turn signals, and taillights, optional 19-inch wheels, and a more steeply descending hood freshen the Accord’s appearance.

Standard features of the Honda Accord LX include a 2.4-liter inline 4-cylinder engine making 185 hp, 6-speed manual transmission with overdrive, 4-wheel anti-lock brakes, SmartVent side seat mounted airbags, curtain first and second row overhead airbags, airbag occupancy sensor, automatic air conditioning, 16-inch aluminum wheels, cruise control, ABS and driveline traction control, electronic stability. As always, the Accord is affordable, with prices starting at $22,205, making it an even more attractive member of our list of 10 best sedans to buy.

Chevrolet’s approach to the 2016 Malibu’s redesign was to distance its model as much as possible from the dreary styling of the present car. Longer, lower, and leaner than before, with stubbier, lower front and rear ends, the new generation sits tight to its wheels. The cleaner profile is helped by a roof that comes to a point further towards the rear, similar to a 4-door coupe. Chevy’s new Malibu is also 300 lbs lighter than its predecessor, so it doesn’t just look lean, it is.

The standard features of the Chevrolet Malibu L include an Ecotec 1.5-liter inline 4-cylinder turbo engine making 160 hp, 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive, 4-wheel anti-lock brakes, side seat mounted airbags, curtain first and second row overhead airbags, rear side-impact airbag, driver and passenger knee airbag, airbag occupancy sensor, air conditioning, 16inch steel wheels, cruise control, ABS and driveline traction control, and StabiliTrak electronic stability. Prices start at $22,500.

The final candidate on our roundup of 10 best sedans to buy is the sensually styled Mazda6. The Japanese automaker’s midsize entrant isn’t just one of the best looking sedans in its class, it’s one of the most handsome ever built. Kodo design wrapped around a light, nimble body earns the Mazda6 every enthusiast’s approval.

The standard features of the Mazda Mazda6 i Sport include a SKYACTIV-G 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder engine making 184 hp, 6-speed manual transmission with overdrive, 4-wheel anti-lock brakes, side seat mounted airbags, curtain first and second row overhead airbags, airbag occupancy sensor, air conditioning, 17-inch aluminum wheels, cruise control, ABS and driveline traction control, and electronic stability. Beauty comes cheap, too, as the 2016 Mazda6 costs just $21,495.