The Sedan is the definition of a car built for functionality and practicality over anything else. Not willing to sacrifice size, Sedans, both mid-size and full-size, provide spacious interiors for carrying passengers and large trunks for carrying cargo.

What’s new for Sedans?

New on the road for 2012 is the 7th generation Camry. While not dramatically new in style it brings with it a much-improved interior, significantly lower curb weight, and new technology like the brand’s Entune telematics system. With a new base 2.5-liter 4-cylidner model it gets a best-in-class (for cars currently on sale) 25/35 mpg rating. Both V6 and Hybrid versions are available, as well as a polished SE trim.

Set to take on the Camry is a new Chevy Malibu, although only the Eco eAssist mild hybrid version is currently available with uncompetitive fuel economy numbers. On the plus side, it delivers a smooth and silent ride.

In the full-size category, the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger gain an 8-speed automatic on the V6, helping improve fuel economy significantly to 31 mpg on the highway.

Ford has also seen the need for added fuel economy, improving its 3.5L V6 option on the 2013 Taurus to deliver a 19/29 mpg rating as well as 25 more hp for a total of 288. In addition, an EcoBoost 2.0-liter 4-cylinder available soon will offer 31 mpg on the highway.

Both those cars have some serious competition from Korea with the new Hyunda Azera. Looking like a larger Sonata, it’s brings plenty of style and lots of standard features, including leather heated front and rear seats and a push-button ignition, all for $32,000.

What’s coming?

The all-new 2013 Ford Fusion is one of the first new sedans that is trying to rid itself of boring styling. Cars like the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry have been criticized in the past for being very plain, and this has sparked a backlash from automakers trying to make their sedans sleeker looking. With new technology like lane keep assist warnings and MyFordTouch, technology is in no shortage in the new Fusion, with consumers constantly expecting the latest and greatest in tech. The Fusion will utilize Ford’s Ecoboost 1.6L turbocharged four cylinder which will get 26 mpg city and 37 mpg highway.

Those in search of greater fuel economy can opt for the Fusion Hybrid, which will get 44 mpg city and 47 mpg highway. The Fusion Energi will be a plug-in hybrid version of the car, which will garner 100 mpge, besting even the Chevrolet Volt.

Nissan offers its newest sedan in the form of the 2013 Altima, which is also pushing out of its old boring styling into a new, more energetic and stylish design. The Altima claims the spot as the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid mid-size sedan, getting 38 mpg highway and 27 mpg city. The Altima has a base MSRP of $21,500, with the range topping out around $30,000.
Beyond those models, look for a new Mazda6 to arrive, though perhaps not until 2014. It will be based off the styling of the stunning Takeri concept and could even come with a diesel engine option.

Another planned arrival is a new Honda Accord, which will be offered with a new 2.4-liter 4-cylinder mated to a CVT transmission or 3.5-liter V6 mated to a 6-speed automatic, both of which Honda claims will get best-in-class fuel economy. The Accord will also be available as a plug-in hybrid, capable of a 10 to 15 mile emissions free driving range.

The 2014 Chevrolet Impala is looking to be a major player in the sedan market as well, and though it is still a year away, it is banking on the same trends that sedans are debuting with now. The Impala was reinvented with an entirely new look which rids the car of the boring rental car stigma that the last generation carried. The Impala also puts General Motors’ eAssist system to work, which combines regenerative braking with a stop start system to squeeze some extra hp out of an engine in a bid to save fuel.