The sedan segment is one of the most competitive in the industry, and automakers have four-door models to suit every need and every budget. From affordable compacts to mid-sized family sedans to full-sized executive sedans, there is no doubt that someone looking for a sedan from the 2014 model year will find something that suits their every need.
Here are three of our picks for each price point: Budget, mid-level and premium.
Visit our New Vehicle Preview
to see all of your options for 2014
Budget: Under $30,000
The Chevrolet Cruze, especially the diesel option, has really shown how far the automaker has come. The compact diesel-powered sedan delivers amazing fuel economy and has a comfortable interior that feels richer than expected in its price point and comes packed with a long list of standard features.
In his review of the Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel, Graeme Fletcher says, “The engine is quiet, composed and a very willing workhorse that delivers exceptional fuel economy.”
The 2014 Chevrolet Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel starts at $24,945. The regular, gas-powered Cruze starts at $15,995. Read more Cruze reviews here.
2014 Chevrolet Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel
Graeme Fletcher, Driving
The Kia Forte continues to impress autojournalists with the quality and long list of standard features it offers at such a low price point. The Forte has established itself as a value-packed compact sedan that has sporty driving characteristics
In his review of the Forte, Kevin Mio says, “The Korean automaker has once again surprised a few people with the Forte, combining good looks and a great package to make a desirable and, more importantly, affordable vehicle.”
The 2014 Kia Forte starts at $15,995. Read more Forte reviews here.
2014 Kia Forte SX.
Kevin Mio, Driving
The Mazda3 is the benchmark for what a compact sedan should be. Combining quality craftsmanship and sporty driving in an affordable and attractive package, the Mazda3 is the compact sedan to beat.
In her review of the Mazda3, Alexandra Straub says, “Design, of course, is one of the Mazda3′s four key values that the company wanted to incorporate. Another is predictable and responsive driving dynamics. Then there’s advanced connectivity with the brand new heads-up display and large size centre display. And finally, sustainability and safety.”
The 2014 Mazda3 starts at $15,995. Read more Mazda3 reviews here.
2014 Mazda3
Graeme Fletcher, Driving
Mid-level: $30,000 to $50,000
The Honda Accord V6 has been the benchmark mid-sized family sedan for a while. Although base models aren’t as sporty as they used to be, the V6 unit does the job, combining a sporty character with efficient driving.
In his review of the Accord, John Le Blanc says, “The Honda’s steering and suspension make a great team. The sedan is agile and crisp in turns without being too soft.”
The topline 2014 Honda Accord Touring V6 starts at $35,400. Read more Accord reviews here.
2014 Honda Accord
Handout, Honda
The Audi A4 is a Teutonic beast that embodies all the things Audis are known for, but in a compact sedan package: Subtle but attractive design, quality interior craftsmanship, all-wheel drive and slick performance.
In his review of the A4, Rod Cleaver says, “The turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces 211 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Engine tuning all but eliminates turbo lag and maximum torque is available at as low as 1,500 rpm. The result is that the A4 pulls strongly off the line and gets to 100 kilometres an hour in a scant 6.9 seconds.”
The 2014 Audi A4 starts at $37,800. Read more A4 reviews here.
2014 Audi A4
Handout, Audi
The Infiniti Q50 takes aim at its German sport sedan competitors, and has pulled out all the stops to make sure it has a foothold in the segment. Now swoopier and more attractive than ever, the Q50 is now also more powerful and packed with new safety technology.
In his review of the Q50, David Booth says, “The new Q50 is a major step in Infiniti’s desire for luxury segment significance.”
The 2014 Infiniti Q50 starts at $37,500. Read more Q50 reviews here.
2014 Infiniti Q50.
Handout photo, Infiniti
Premium: Over $50,000
The Mercedes S-Class has long been the benchmark for full-sized luxury executive sedans. Often first to market with groundbreaking technology, the full-sized S-Class is one of the most technologically advanced cars on the road. All new for 2014, the S-Class continues the tradition of being on top.
In his review of the S550, David Booth says the S-Class “has been a technological sensation, resplendent in the very best technology that the world’s most advanced automaker’s very best engineers could offer. It has been a showcase for every engineering marvel Mercedes could conjure, the harbinger of safety advances to come and, not incidentally, the envy of every other luxury automaker in the world.”
The 2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class starts at $106,600. Read more S-Class reviews here.
2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Handout, Mercedes-Benz
The Hyundai Equus is the Koren’s automaker’s stab at S-Class buyers. Because it has so much to prove and is stacked against some pretty tough competition, Hyundai has packed in as much luxury and technology it possibly could and slapped on a price that’s a fraction of what the S-Class costs.
In his review of the Equus, David Booth says, “If you’re searching for a large, hedonistically luxurious four-door sedan that stresses comfort over comportment — what used to be called a banker’s car — you could do far worse than parking an Equus in your driveway.”
The 2014 Hyundai Equus starts at $66,688. Read more Equus news here.
2014 Hyundai Equus
Handout, Hyundai
The Cadillac CTS also tries taking a stab at its German competition, and the reviews have been extremely positive.
In his review of the CTS, John LeBlanc says “the new 2014 CTS not only continues as GM’s best car, it now has enough of the right stuff to challenge for best in class.”
The 2014 Cadillac CTS V-Sport starts at $64,900. Read more CTS reviews here.
2014 Cadillac CTS V-Sport
Handout, GM
