Hyundai Sonata SE 2.0TPrice: $25,675
Output: 274 hp/269 lb-ft
0-60: 7.2
EPA city/highway: 22/34
The Hyundai Sonata SE 2.0T comes in just ahead of the Kia Optima SX, with which it shares its drivetrain and chassis, for a sixth-place finish because thanks to its price advantage and slight acceleration edge. In a midsize comparison test against the segment sales leader Toyota Camry SE V6 and our 2012 Car of the Year winner Volkswagen Passat VR6 SEL, the Sonata turbo finished in third place due to its lackluster performance and observed fuel mileage. The Sonata turbo was more than one second slower to 60 mph than either competitor.
Volkswagen Passat SE V6Price: $29,235
Output: 280 hp/255 lb-ft
0-60: 5.7
EPA city/highway: 20/28
The 2012 Volkswagen Passat earned the 2012 Motor Trend Car of the Year award for good reason: the midsize sedan excelled in each of our six criteria. With the 280-hp narrow-angle 3.6-liter V-6 and DSG dual-clutch transmission, the Passat not only garners a fifth-place ranking, but it proves to be a solid performer in acceleration, handling, and braking. Back that up with a spacious interior and an entry-level price below $30-large, and the Passat makes a good argument for the horsepower-craving family.
Chrysler 200 LimitedPrice: $25,680
Output: 283-hp/260 lb-ft
0-60: 6.0
EPA city/highway: 19/29
Chrysler updated the midsize 200 sedan for 2012 with the new 283-hp 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6, which ties with its Dodge Avenger platform mate for power. The 200 places fourth because of its nearly-$3000 price premium over its more mainstream sibling. Though we are impressed with the automaker’s new Pentastar V-6, in our 2012 Car of the Year testing, we felt the new engine was too much for the revamped, but outdated, chassis to handle.
Dodge Avenger SE V6Price: $22,690
Output: 283-hp/260 lb-ft
0-60: 6.1
EPA city/highway: 19/29
While the Dodge Avenger ties the Chrysler 200 on the list, it earned the third-place spot because of its lower entry-level price. Not only is it tied for third place, but the Avenger is also the cheapest car on the list. Like the 200, the Pentastar V-6 is too much for the sedan, which suffered from torque steer as well as a “confused transmission” during our performance driving evaluation. If power is what you are after, the two Mopar midsizers are just nine horsepower shy of the most powerful car on the list.
Ford Taurus SE FWD V6Price: $27,395
Output: 288-hp/254 lb-ft
0-60: 6.6
EPA city/highway: 19/29
The Ford Taurus SE is the first of two full-size sedans on the list, with just four horsepower separating the two top finishers. With 288 hp and 243 lb-ft of torque from its 3.5-liter V-6, the front-drive Taurus accelerates to 60 mph in just 6.6 seconds. A six-speed automatic is the sole transmission offering. While the Taurus is available with all-wheel drive, the option bumps the price above our $30,000 cutoff. With the Taurus being large on the outside and comparatively small on the inside, some Blue Oval-faithful may find the midsize Fusion a better value.
Dodge Charger SEPrice: $26,990
Output: 292-hp/260 lb-ft
0-60: 6.6
EPA city/highway: 19/31
It’s fitting that the only rear-drive option on the list is also the most powerful. The Dodge Charger SE is motivated by the same Pentastar V-6 as the Chrysler 200 and Dodge Avenger twins, but makes a full 292 hp mated to an eight-speed automatic that sends power to the proper drive wheels. As the other full-size sedan on the list, the Charger offers interior space befitting its segment thanks to its 120-inch wheelbase.
