10 Most Roomy Sedans

2017 Genesis G90 rear angle ・ Photo by Genesis Motors

In a crowded world, we need the 10 roomiest sedans. Some space for ourselves to find sanity that we can also share with others. We often find the most commodious cars at the higher end of the market, because space is one of the ultimate luxuries. This is where the rear passenger takes precedence over the person behind the steering wheel. So there could be massaging seats that are also heated and ventilated, fine leather upholstery, and dedicated entertainment systems. While it would be easy to list a load of Rolls-Royces and Bentleys, let’s assume that it’s not just the richest one percent who like spacious sedans. Yes, there are some expensive cars here, but most of our choices are more attainable.

2017 BMW 7 Series

Previous generations of the 7 Series brought into the United States had an L designation, like 750iL, to denote a long-wheelbase version. BMW didn’t import the shorter models. It’s the same with the newest generation (which debuted in 2016), but now the L has been left off. As well as being an incredibly roomy sedan, the 7 Series uses lightweight materials where possible, to make it seem smaller whenever the occasion arises to flex that throttle pedal. Something this size is usually a bit of a barge. The 7 is more like a powerboat — that also happens to be sumptuous and well equipped. Anyone in the market for something like the excellent Mercedes-Benz S-Class should absolutely try a 7 Series.

Photo by BMW

2017 Buick LaCrosse

All new for this model year, the LaCrosse is based on the same platform as the latest generation of Chevrolet Impala (which is also receiving critical acclaim). We’re focusing on the LaCrosse, though, because it makes more inroads into luxury. A 310-hp 3.6-liter V6 drives the front wheels (or all four) with a useful amount of zest, the overall design appeals to younger drivers as well as Buick’s stereotypical boomer crowd, the infotainment system offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the spacious cabin deploys good-quality materials. Someone considering a Lexus ES or an Acura TLX might want to do some math and see if the LaCrosse can meet their needs without going into full-on premium territory.

Photo by Buick

2017 Chrysler 300

Sure, the 300 has been around for a long time. Since 2005. And it’s based on a Mercedes-Benz E-Class platform from a couple of generations back. But Chrysler has revamped it and re-equipped it from time to time, and generally kept it going as one of the coolest, old-school large sedans that feels so quintessentially American.  Especially when there’s a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 under that imposing hood. There’s still a sense of occasion and romance when driving the 300, or when being driven in it. The generous rear legroom can make you feel like you’re a big shot. However, the 300 also sports some new-school stuff, like an 8-speed automatic transmission, advanced safety features, and decent handling.

Photo by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles

2017 Genesis G90

One luxury path to go down would be to buy something midsize, like a  BMW 5 Series, and spend a few more thousand on options. That works. But if a roomier premium sedan would be preferable even if the budget is inflexible, take a look at the Genesis G90, Hyundai’s largest luxury car now sold as a separate brand. It’s more of a fullsize sedan and comes with virtually everything as standard, including a large 12.3-inch touchscreen, head-up display and soft-close doors. One of the few decisions would be the twin-turbo V6 with 365 hp or the 420-hp V8. The V6 is certainly punchy enough. Earlier Genesis models were kind of good, but this one really has its act together.

Photo by Genesis

2017 Hyundai Azera

If anyone wants to go bigger than a Sonata midsize sedan, here’s an idea. The Azera (and its sister sedan, the Kia Cadenza) offer generous amounts of room and equipment for the money. Hyundai claims a class-leading total passenger space of 107 cubic feet, along with things like a hands-free trunk lid, navigation, 550-watt/14-speaker Infinity Logic 7 audio system, heated/ventilated front seats, and blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert as standard. Starting price is around $35,000. If any more persuasion is required, the 2016 model took the top score in the J.D. Power Initial Quality Survey for the large car segment.

Photo by Hyundai

2017 Jaguar XJL

Here is the long-wheelbase version of the XJ large flagship sedan. This translates to five more inches of rear legroom. The rear doors provide access to the extreme coddling section of a welcoming interior overall, where there are sunshades, DVD screens and folding trays. The back seats also recline for more of that “first class” treatment. And a long wheelbase usually brings benefits to ride quality — never a bad thing in a luxury car. But don’t think the driver has been ignored. Jaguars have superb chassis tuning that’s undoubtedly comfortable yet subtly sporty once that supercharged V6 or V8 is exercised. Naturally, there are plenty of safety and convenience features too; it’s always good to have parking sensors with a long car.

Photo by Jaguar Land Rover

2017 Kia K900

LeBron James has a K900. Or had one, at least — assuming pro basketball players like to switch their cars around more often than the average Joe or Josephine. But if this sedan is roomy enough for someone four inches away from being seven feet tall, then it’ll probably work for almost everyone else. The K900 is an odd thing, it’s a large luxury sedan from a maker of small, budget-conscious cars. But it comes with a lot of standard equipment, which means a buyer can probably afford to get the V8-powered version even if they’re not on a pro athlete’s salary. Speaking of sport, the K900 doesn’t go there. It’s built strictly for comfort.

Photo by Kia

2017 Toyota Avalon

Spacious, serene and luxurious, the Avalon might tempt buyers away from Lexus. Especially since cabin materials, build quality and reliability are at similarly high levels. A 3.5-liter V6 (as found in the Lexus ES 350) handles the propulsion duties, or there is a hybrid alternative that achieves 40 mpg. Being front-wheel drive, the Avalon doesn’t need a transmission tunnel, so the rear quarters have more than just supremely comfortable seats going for them. On the technology front, lots of advanced safety features are included as standard, and wireless smartphone charging is optional. This generation veers more toward composed driving as opposed to out-and-out comfort, but that shouldn’t deter the Avalon faithful. It will just bring more fans into the fold.

Photo by Toyota

2017 Volkswagen Passat

For a midsize sedan, the Passat enjoys a lot of rear legroom — more than big sellers like the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. Headroom is good, too. It also comes with an optional V6 engine, so a car full of adults has enough energy to keep them all moving along. The Passat doesn’t go in for thrills and spills or radical design statements. But it is a top scorer in crash tests, a sure-footed and smooth-riding road warrior, and can now offer tech features like Apple CarPlay/Andriod Auto, along with proximity sensors for the infotainment controls. This is a mature car — in a good way.

Photo by Volkswagen

2017 Volvo S60 Inscription

The irony here is that the quest for comfort might lead some people out of their usual comfort zones. The Volvo S60 Inscription is made in China, because a Chinese company (Geely) now owns Volvo (although the rest of the Volvo range — including the regular S60 — is still currently made in Sweden). The Inscription is a stretched version of the premium compact sedan (to the tune of three inches), offering more rear legroom. The great thing is that the overall design doesn’t look out of proportion; it’s still elegant. This version starts out better equipped than the un-stretched S60, but that’s reflected in the price, which starts around $38,000. Standard kit includes rear sunshades and 19-inch alloy wheels. All-wheel drive is optional.

Photo by Volvo