Topic: Comparison Test: 2017 Mid-Size Sedans

[AutoTrader.ca]

Honda Accord vs Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid vs Mazda6, vs Hyundai Sonata Hybrid vs Volkswagen Passat vs Fusion Energi
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[JohnnyMac]

Definitely shocked that the Accord came in last place out of that group and pretty surprised that the Passat got second place.  It's too bad the new Camry wasn't available or the Legacy for that matter.  I probably would have included the Nissan Altima and Kia Optima, but I totally get how it's difficult to get all these vehicles together at once and in a trim level that is similar.

Of the 6 that were tested I'd probably lean towards the Mazda 6 and VW Passat (only with the 1.8T instead of the V6).  I just think both offer a bit more sporty handling and driver enjoyment.  There's no denying that Koreans can made a good vehicle when they put their minds to it but I just haven't liked Hyundais design language in their mainstream vehicles over the past half decade.

[Sir Osis of Liver]

Were you a consultant of some type, the Passat is the sort of car that might help your clients know you’re successful, without making them think they pay you too much.

 

[mlin32]

I would #VoteJacob . Funny comment there re: steering wheel heating 

The take-rate for the Passat 3,6 is so low though, I think it's 10% tops. But a good car nonetheless. No mention of the LED headlights?

[Jaeger]

Seems an odd mix of hybrid and non-hybrid powertrains.    I always assumed hybrid shoppers were looking for a hybrid and nothing else.

[EV Dan]

Seems an odd mix of hybrid and non-hybrid powertrains.    I always assumed hybrid shoppers were looking for a hybrid and nothing else.

Yep. I hear Honda makes an excellent Hybrid model. But as it stands, I stopped reading after this paragraph:

The Accord has a beautiful, refined V6 engine and its 278 hp output makes it one of the most powerful on the market. Even though it’s mated to a continuously variable transmission, it does a pretty smooth imitation of a traditionally stepped automatic.

Thing is, the V6 doesn't have a CVT... Oops.

Edit: removed some negative things pointed towards a reviewer. Sorry.

[JacobBlack]

Seems an odd mix of hybrid and non-hybrid powertrains.    I always assumed hybrid shoppers were looking for a hybrid and nothing else.

Yep. I hear Honda makes an excellent Hybrid model. But as it stands, I stopped reading after this paragraph:

The Accord has a beautiful, refined V6 engine and its 278 hp output makes it one of the most powerful on the market. Even though it’s mated to a continuously variable transmission, it does a pretty smooth imitation of a traditionally stepped automatic.

Thing is, the V6 doesn't have a CVT... Oops.

The original text said auto, the spec sheet had CVT entered by mistake, your editor, in the middle of the night while second-guessing something else he'd written saw this and changed the text to reflect that it's a CVT, not an auto.

As the paragraph says "it certainly felt like an auto!" This has now been corrected and clarified, and I have ordered one of our writers to punch me in the throat at our next comparo as punishment.

I apologize you were so offended. I hope you'll continue reading in the future.

[JacobBlack]

Seems an odd mix of hybrid and non-hybrid powertrains.    I always assumed hybrid shoppers were looking for a hybrid and nothing else.

Yep. I hear Honda makes an excellent Hybrid model. But as it stands, I stopped reading after this paragraph:

Honda does, it wasn't available to test. We've reviewed it in the recent past, however.
As you guys who are long-time readers know full well, we're hamstrung by the availability of models when we do these tests. Regardless, we thought it was a great opportunity to show how well hybrids now perform in this mainstream segment, and indeed we're seeing a jump in people cross-shopping conventional power and hybrids, and also people coming to hybrid because they didn't previously realize you could get a "normal" car in hybrid form.

[EV Dan]

I apologize you were so offended. I hope you'll continue reading in the future.

I have no choice as you keep posting review links in the forum 

[Niklasky]

The results of the Passat are surprising considering this is still the old gen Passat, not the new gen as it has been sold in Europe for the past year or so.

[Jaeger]

Seems an odd mix of hybrid and non-hybrid powertrains.    I always assumed hybrid shoppers were looking for a hybrid and nothing else.

Yep. I hear Honda makes an excellent Hybrid model. But as it stands, I stopped reading after this paragraph:

Honda does, it wasn't available to test. We've reviewed it in the recent past, however.
As you guys who are long-time readers know full well, we're hamstrung by the availability of models when we do these tests. Regardless, we thought it was a great opportunity to show how well hybrids now perform in this mainstream segment, and indeed we're seeing a jump in people cross-shopping conventional power and hybrids, and also people coming to hybrid because they didn't previously realize you could get a "normal" car in hybrid form.

Fair enough!

[mlin32]

The results of the Passat are surprising considering this is still the old gen Passat, not the new gen as it has been sold in Europe for the past year or so.

They're completely different platforms, and have been completely different cars since 2011, and will remain so going forward.

[Gurgie]

Surprised that the Mazda 6 still finished so high... it's a great car, love the looks & the drive, just figured it would be out-classed by the more up-to-date ones. 

[Cord]

Man you'd have to be quite the zealot to pay $42000 for that Fusion Energi. Considering you can buy a used 2017 Fusion Titanium with 10-15000 km for less than $28,000.

[Niklasky]

The results of the Passat are surprising considering this is still the old gen Passat, not the new gen as it has been sold in Europe for the past year or so.

They're completely different platforms, and have been completely different cars since 2011, and will remain so going forward.

Are you certain ? Because I've been hearing and reading that the Euro Passat is going to be introduced to the North American market in 2018 as the new Passat.

[mlin32]

The results of the Passat are surprising considering this is still the old gen Passat, not the new gen as it has been sold in Europe for the past year or so.

They're completely different platforms, and have been completely different cars since 2011, and will remain so going forward.

Are you certain ? Because I've been hearing and reading that the Euro Passat is going to be introduced to the North American market in 2018 as the new Passat.

I see it going out to 2020......

[EV-Light]

Why mix up cars that are so different with such a wide price range??


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[dirtyjeffer]

i'd like to know why the Dodge Charger Hellcat was missing from this comparison...because Hellcat.   #VoteJacob

[JacobBlack]

IMPORTANT: Jacob has made a colossal error.

Please note:

The Accord pictured was not, as originally depicted in the stat table and after one of my idiotic sub-edits a six-cylinder. It was also not the price we were given.

Honda, in an email, told us this car was a six.  Information I ran with the entire week, even though it was clearly wrong. As a result, the Accord is outside of our price range, and it's also been given the wrong specs in the table. I've corrected all this now.

Had I realized ahead of the test, I'd have corrected myself. I only drove it on test day, and while it felt sluggish I decided I must just be wrong.

I apologize guys. This was a hectic week for me, and the first one back after an unexpected break. I very obviously screwed up in editing and supplying stats for this one and it has made all of us look stupid - when really only I am.

I'm going through the piece now to fix up any other errors.

[dirtyjeffer]

it's ok Jacob...it was a mistake...you're human...humans make mistakes...i'm sure Noah still loves you.