Full-Size Sedans Ranked: See Which Large Cars Live Largest

Large sedans have presence, but their position in the market is shrinking-like those of other car segments-in the face of rising truck and SUV popularity. Ford and General Motors are phasing out their large-car offerings, but big sedans still have a lot to offer. Many are stylish, some offer performance, and the best serve up a blend of both. The sedans covered here aren’t luxury cars, but they offer plenty of everyday luxuries like huge trunks and spacious back seats.

The Taurus name stretches back to 1986, but the sedan is on its last legs as Ford's plan to phase out its car models begins. Truth be told, the current Taurus has been neglected for some years now, and it is in need of more than a light refresh to compete with segment leaders. Its performance is lackluster, especially with either the base V-6 or the optional turbocharged four-cylinder engine under the hood.

Driving enthusiasts who have their heart set on a Taurus-if there are any out there-should only consider the SHO model, which gets all-wheel drive, a 365-horsepower twin-turbocharged V-6, a sportier suspension tune, and subtle styling tweaks. At our test track, this model made the run from zero-to-60 mph in just 5.2 seconds.

A family friendly muscle car, if you can believe it, the Dodge Charger offers intimidating style and performance. The well-tuned suspension and accurate steering lend the big brute an agile feel without interfering with the compliant ride quality. It’s the only car in its segment (aside from the mechanically similar Chrysler 300) to pair a V-8 with rear-drive; all-wheel drive is optional with the entry-level V-6.

The Charger can be had in several strengths, from the aforementioned 292-hp V-6 to the 485-hp Hemi V-8. And don’t get us started on the 707-hp Charger SRT Hellcat or the 797-hp Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye-both are members of the same Charger lineup, but due to their much higher prices aren't considered for the mainstream Charger's ranking. Still, there's no denying the SRT models' halo effect; Dodge likely sells a great many V-6 Chargers to customers wooed by those fire-breathers.

Like Ford’s Taurus, Chevrolet’s Impala is on the chopping block as General Motors pivots its business more toward crossovers; 2019 will be the big four-door's last model year. That's a shame: The Impala is a handsomely designed sedan with a roomy, well-trimmed cabin. A four-cylinder engine is standard but we recommend the optional V-6. The ride is well-damped and handling is surprisingly agile for a car of this size.

Likely because it is being phased out, the Impala has been left to languish with few updates, so its driver-assistance features can't match those of the top players in this group. The Chevy’s onboard infotainment technology is still cutting edge though, with an 8.0-inch touchscreen and standard 4G LTE data connection and Wi-Fi hotspot.

In this era of hybrids and crossovers, the Chrysler 300 exudes an old-school cool. And, unlike crosstown rivals Chevrolet and Ford, Chrysler seems perfectly happy keeping its iconic sedan in the lineup-for now (it long ago killed off its only other sedan, the smaller 200). The 300’s design is classy, its cabin is spacious, and its ride is comfortable.

The base 300 gets a 292-hp 3.6-liter V-6-bumped to 300 horsepower in sportier 300S trims-and a 363-hp 5.7-liter V-8 is optional. All models use an eight-speed automatic; all-wheel drive is offered on V-6 cars. A comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features is offered and the 300 is rich with infotainment goodies, such as an 8.4-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.

Buick's heritage rife with big, floaty sedans with graceful styling, and the LaCrosse embodies that legacy better than any modern car wearing the tri-shield badge. Too bad that, like the Impala it shares mechanicals with, it is being discontinued at the end of 2019. Until that happens, every LaCrosse from the base model to the leather-lined Avenir will satisfy Buick loyalists.

The entry-level model is a casual hybrid cruiser, with a four-cylinder engine assisted by an electric providing smooth thrust. The optional V-6 offers more gusto, and an available adaptive suspension transforms the LaCrosse into a taut, competent-handling sedan. Worry not, Buick aficionados seeking a softer, floatier ride-the base suspension has you covered. The LaCrosse is loaded with tech, too, including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and an onboard 4G LTE data connection and Wi-Fi hotspot standard.

The Toyota Avalon is larger than the brand's best-selling Camry and offers far more rear-seat room and takes a stronger luxury stand. Its wild styling-particularly the gaping maw of a front grille-impart a sporty appearance, and the XSE and Touring trims actually deliver some verve. The standard Avalon comes with a 301-hp V-6 engine and front-wheel drive, a combination good enough for a 6.1-second run from zero-to-60 mph at our test track.

There also is a hybrid in the mix that delivered 43 mpg on our highway fuel economy test loop, but that powertrain isn’t as quick as the V-6. Toyota equips the Avalon with many driver-assistance and infotainment goodies as standard, including automated emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and a touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Kia continues to redefine the meaning of “near luxury,” and the Cadenza is another example. The roomy interior is handsomely outfitted with quality materials, and Nappa leather as well as heated rear seats are available. In brief, we’re trying to figure out what’s “near” about this attractive near-luxury sedan.

The Cadenza shades the mechanical layouts of numerous actual luxury sedans, most specifically, Lexus’s ES350. The only engine choice is a 290-hp 3.3-liter V-6, which sends power through an eight-speed automatic transmission to the front wheels. This setup propelled a fully-loaded Cadenza SX-L to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds in our testing. Optional safety technology includes blind-spot and forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, rear-park assist, and automated emergency braking.

Our favorite full-size four-door is the stylish Nissan Maxima. Think of the Maxima as an athlete in a well-tailored suit, with a spacious, luxurious cabin and a competent chassis and powerful V-6 engine. The interior is available with quilted leather and faux-suede accents; even nicer semi-aniline leather is offered on high-end Platinum models. The taut chassis delivers a satisfying ride and handling balance, in keeping with the Maxima’s “4DSC” (four-door sports car) nickname.

An 8.0-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and in-dash navigation is standard and now also includes Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant integration. Driver-assistance features are provided on the SR and Platinum models and includes front and rear automated emergency braking.