The mainstream midsize sedan has been a major part of the American car landscape for decades, and every year they seem to get better and better. Here’s a look at what’s new — and what’s not — with midsize cars for the 2021 model year.
All-New
2021 Kia K5
Starting Price: $24,455 | Rating 4.5
Out with the Optima, in with the K5, a more daringly-styled midsize sedan with impressive turbocharged punch. The K5 offers a good balance between fuel economy and performance from its base 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. Enthusiasts should flock to the genuinely sporty GT, which for around $31,500 delivers proper sports sedan credentials. But for any shopper, the K5 comes well equipped with a full complement of crash-avoidance gear and a high-tech infotainment system. Read More »
Minor Changes
2021 Honda Accord
Starting Price: $25,725 | Rating 4.7
Honda’s midsize sedan has new styling outside highlighted — literally — by new LED headlights. The Accord also has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Additionally, higher-trim versions of the Accord have USB ports in the back seat and redesigned wheels. The Accord continues to be offered with a choice of turbocharged engines or a frugal hybrid. A new Sport Special Edition tosses leather upholstery, heated seats, and a few other niceties in while keeping the price just below $30,000. Read More »
2021 Toyota Camry
Starting Price: $25,965 | Rating 4.6
The evergreen Camry sees a few small changes for 2021, including revisions to the front bumper and wheel designs, plus a tweaked interior with a touchscreen that appears to “float” on the dash. The bigger news is a more advanced version of Toyota’s already comprehensive collision-avoidance technology, which promises to do an even better job of keeping the Camry from bumping other cars or pedestrians. Read More »
2021 Hyundai Sonata
Starting Price: $24,595 | Rating 4.4
After a revamp last year that gave the Hyundai Sonata a newfound sense of style inside and out, the car sees a few minor tweaks. A warning system that alerts passengers to help prevent them from opening doors into oncoming traffic is standard on most trim levels, while higher-end versions have new wheels and a power-adjustable passenger’s seat. Look for two turbocharged engines and front-wheel drive to carry into 2021. Read More »
2021 Mazda6
Starting Price: $25,270 | Rating 4.2
The sporty Mazda6 continues to straddle the line between mainstream and performance. This year, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility is finally standard fare. A new Carbon Edition trim package adds darkened trim outside and includes special wheels. Also, the range-topping Signature trim level adds reverse automatic emergency braking. Read More »
2021 Subaru Legacy
Starting Price: $23,820 | Rating 4.0
The all-wheel-drive Subaru Legacy sees a few small safety additions for 2021, including new adaptive LED high and low-beam headlights as well as seat belt reminders and a system that will alert drivers if they may have left something — or someone — in the back seat. The Legacy remains available in six trim levels with a choice of naturally aspirated and turbocharged flat-4 engines. At around $24,000 to start, the Legacy undercuts many of its rivals even though it comes with all-wheel drive. Read More »
2021 Volkswagen Passat
Starting Price: $24,990 | Rating 3.8
After a rework last year, the Volkswagen Passat adds standard adaptive cruise control to all trim levels, and its lineup is trimmed to just three trims with no optional equipment. If you like the Passat, Volkswagen simply asks that you pick the color and trim level that works for you. Read More »
2021 Chevrolet Malibu
Starting Price: $23,065 | Rating 3.5
For what may very well be the midsize Chevy’s last year on the market, the Malibu adds new wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility as well as a Sport Edition appearance package for the midlevel LT. The turbocharged Malibu is set to be discontinued by 2022, though it’s possible Chevy will do a short 2022 model year. Either way, expect big discounts for the last midsize Detroit sedan standing. Read More »
No Changes
2021 Nissan Altima
Starting Price: $25,225 | Rating 4.1
Nissan’s Altima comes with a choice of three powertrains and five trim levels. For 2021, it is largely carried over. Read More »
