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Posted by: Silentwolf Apr 15 2013, 01:55 AM

Another market category, another debate area
2013 mid-size sedans under $25k

In light of my recent experience in the Sonata, figured I'd look thru the competition. There are a few more cars to select here than in the hatches, but much less M/T availability. Family sedans are designed to be people movers, but can they still be "fun"?

So again, if you had 25k in your pocket, what would be your choices?

Chevy Malibu 1LT 197hp 191tq 22/34mpg
Chrysler 200 Tour 173hp 166tq 20/31
Dodge Avenger SXT " " "
Ford Fusion SE 175hp 175tq 22/34
Honda Accord 189hp 182tq 24/34
Hyundai Sonata GLS 198hp 186tq 24/35
Kia Optima EX 200hp " "
Mazda 6 sport 184hp 185tq 22/34
Mitsu Galant SE 160hp 157tq 21/30
Nissan Altima S 182hp 180tq 27/38
Subaru Legacy i pr 173hp 174tq 24/32
Toyota Camry SE 178hp 170tq 25/35
VW Passat SE 170hp 177tq 22/32


My Top picks:
Mazda 6 Sport: 6spd M/T, Best tq rpm unique styling w/fogs @ $22,300
Chevy Malibu 1LT: Most overall power, best looking interior, large trunk, 5yr/100k warranty no fogs @ $24,325
Hyundai Sonta GLS: Best warranty, good 6spd manu-mode, Nice tech, large trunk, w/fogs @ $22,750
Kia Optima EX: Like Sonata, Tan lthr interior, fogs std @24,625



Runner-ups:
Accord EX: M/T selection severly limits options w/ CVT only other choice
Legacy i premium: legendary AWD but must have CVT in order to get decent MPGs that still fall below most the others
Fusion SE: Best looking mid-size hands down but pricey with options like fogs and engine falls short of top picks
Altima S: Lightest midsize with best MPGs but CVT only choice

Forget ums:
200/Avenger: Somehow the Avenger is nearly 200lbs heavier than sibling, aging engines
Galant: Aging engines, only 4spd A/T but does have Hyundai style warranty
Camry: blend in looks, decent engine specs, shortest front leg room
Passat: 5spd M/T opt but 6spd auto, subpar MPGs, best rear seat leg room and large trunk, VW gremlins


Driving the Sonata for the week was nice. Steering leaves a bit to be desired, sound system lack bass, and car feels bigger than it is due to driver viewpoints. However, the power was nice, 6spd manu-mode was crisp on shifts tho conservative on RPM limits (wouldnt rev past 5600 despite 6500 redline), MPGs were marginally better than Elantra despite me "enjoying" the 198hp(but only had one tank to go off of). One thing I personally found that i somewhat crave is the roominess esp the leg room up front with telescoping steering wheel.

If it came down to me skipping the hatch and minimizing my modding on the DD, I'd seriously have to consider the Mazda 6 sport or Sonata GLS. The 6 still allows rowing your own gears and the torque comes in low 185tq @ 3250rpm. Just need to feel the Mazda's handling.


What would you guys go with?