Only the strong can survive
Once more, we cannot possibly try each and every car in the segment. This is why we try and put comparo tests together on a semi-regular basis.
The Honda Accord bested all members of this group for good reason, but we can't help but wonder how well the Ford Fusion would have performed. As well, we suspect that the Toyota Camry would have done well, also. In fact, our own Matt St-Pierre quite liked the car when he tested it (2012 same as 2013) a while back. The Hyundai Sonata and Subaru Legacy could have also done some damage. In the Subie's case, our blustery winter day would have proven a massive advantage...
Then there's the new 2014 Mazda6. This car is making serious waves as these lines are being written and we can't wait to put it to the test. We'll have to reconvene sometime next year and do this all over again with pleasure...
Notes:
All of the cars in this test scored high safety marks as they are all equipped with stability and traction control as well as a minimum of six air bags.
All prices are MSRP and exclude all other fees associated with the purchase of a new car and were correct at the time the review was written.
*prices exclude sales taxes, A/C tax as well as freight and delivery charges.
Once more, we cannot possibly try each and every car in the segment. This is why we try and put comparo tests together on a semi-regular basis.
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| Photo: Sébastien D'Amour |
The Honda Accord bested all members of this group for good reason, but we can't help but wonder how well the Ford Fusion would have performed. As well, we suspect that the Toyota Camry would have done well, also. In fact, our own Matt St-Pierre quite liked the car when he tested it (2012 same as 2013) a while back. The Hyundai Sonata and Subaru Legacy could have also done some damage. In the Subie's case, our blustery winter day would have proven a massive advantage...
Then there's the new 2014 Mazda6. This car is making serious waves as these lines are being written and we can't wait to put it to the test. We'll have to reconvene sometime next year and do this all over again with pleasure...
Notes:
All of the cars in this test scored high safety marks as they are all equipped with stability and traction control as well as a minimum of six air bags.
All prices are MSRP and exclude all other fees associated with the purchase of a new car and were correct at the time the review was written.
| 2013 Kia Optima EX+ | 2013 Honda Accord Touring | 2013 Chevrolet Malibu ECO 2LT | 2013 Volkswagen Passat TDI Highline | 2013 Nissan Altima 2.5SV | |
| Base price* | $28,195 | $31,590 | $29,160 | $32,875 | $26,998 |
| Price as tested* | $28,345 | $31,590 | $31,790 | $34,825 | $28,033 |
| 2013 Kia Optima EX+ | 2013 Honda Accord Touring | 2013 Chevrolet Malibu ECO 2LT | 2013 Volkswagen Passat TDI Highline | 2013 Nissan Altima 2.5SV | |
| Engine | 2.4L I4 | 2.4L I4 | 2.4L ECOTEC I4 eAssist | 2.0L I4 | 2.5L I4 |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic | CVT | 6-speed automatic | 6-speed automatic | Xtronic CVT |
| Power (hp @ rpm) | 200 @ 6,300 | 185 @ 6,400 | 182 @ 6,200 | 140 @ 4,000 | 182 @ 6,000 |
| Torque (lb-ft @ rpm) | 186 @ 4,250 | 181 @ 3,900 | 172 @ 4,900 | 236 @ 1,750-2,500 | 180 @ 4,000 |
| Curb weight (lbs/kg) | 3,223 / 1,462 | 3,390 / 1,538 | 3,602 / 1,634 | 3,397 / 1,541 | 3,131 / 1,420 |
| Winter tire make & model | Kumho Ice Power KW21 | Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D | Michelin X-Ice Xi3 | Michelin X-Ice Xi3 | Michelin X-Ice Xi3 |
| Tire size | P215/55R17 | P235/45R18 | P225/55R17 | P215/55R17 | P215/55R17 |
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