Popular Mechanics Top Six: Which Midsize Sedan Is The Best?

The Midsize sedan is America's bulk automotive commodity. The practical, fuel-efficient, and roomy off-the-rack conveyance is the go-to vehicle for about two million U.S. families every year. That kind of sales volume makes the midsize sedan a reliable profit stream.

Because so much is at stake, manufacturers devote an astonishing level of research and development to new models, fine-tuning formulas in the hope of creating an irresistible recipe for the buyer's palate. Very little is left to chance.

All the cars in the segment are dimensional doppelgängers by nearly every measurement, inside and out. The sameness can seem a bit boring, but not all sedans are snoozers. In fact, the most recent entries deftly fulfill utilitarian requirements while baking in plenty of style and moxie. Has the family sedan finally found the intersection of useful and fun?

To answer that, Popular Mechanics tested a half-dozen of the newest midsize four-doors. When it came to the ideal combination of all-around performance, style, comfort, and utility, a clear pecking order emerged.

6. Nissan Altima 2.5 SL
5. Chevy Malibu 3LT
4. Toyota Camry XLE
3. Ford Fusion SE
2. Honda Accord EX-L NAVI
1. Mazda6 i Grand Touring

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