Executive sedan round-up: Which one is for you?

The sedan market is shrinking. I’ve said it so many times and I will say it again. The current face of the automotive industry is all about diesel-powered sport utility vehicles and their pickup-based brethren, MPVs/people carriers, and of course, the small car segment—which are the drivers of our industry, to help it catapult past the magic 300,000++ units for 2015.

But is there still space for a fine-riding executive sedan? The answer: of course! The elderly in particular have difficulty climbing into a tall vehicle, and prefer the smooth ride, refinement, and comfort of a traditional executive sedan.

Then there are keen drivers who look for excitement in their daily drive which a tall-riding SUV or pickup cannot provide, and have the sex appeal that an MPV/people carrier wished it had.

We take a close look at the best executive sedans in the segment.

1.) Toyota Camry. The Camry remains the gold standard, the market leader, in its segment in terms of sales, image and prestige. It is the poster boy of its class, making it a real aspirational purchase for executives graduating from a Honda Civic  or a Toyota Altis.

Power comes from a choice of a 3.5-liter V6 producing 276 horsepower and 334 Newton-meters of torque, or a more modest 2.5-liter, four-cylinder producing 176 HP and 231 Nm of torque, driving the front wheels via six-speed automatic.

Recently refreshed with a new face, and head- and taillights, the Camry is set to dominate even further the best all-around executive sedan for both chauffeur-driven and self-driven.

2.) Honda Accord. The Accord is a close second to the Camry in the market. It is a sharper car to drive, well-suited for enthusiasts who demand precision from a large sedan.

The Earth Dreams engines are a true gem, delivering impressive off-the-line torque with the usual VTEC top-end zing.

It is in many ways, the yin to the Camry’s yang, true archnemesis but ultimately appealing to the same market which demands the finest from their executive express.

The current Accord hides its size well, appearing more compact than its actual dimensions, and is just as roomy and as comfortable as the Camry in the back.

Power is also by choice of a 3.5-liter V6 producing 277 HP and 339 Nm of torque, shading the Camry slightly.

There’s also a more miserly 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine producing 173 HP and 226 Nm of torque, which still offers impressive economy and performance especially out on the open road. This is the keen driver’s choice.

3.) Nissan Altima. The Altima is the monkey wrench thrown into the tightly-fought battle between the Camry and Accord. It possesses a smooth ride comparable to both, a majestic VQ V6 powerplant that is as sonorous and as characterful as the Accord’s, and the easy lounging gait of a Camry. It deserves to be given equal attention as both.

So why isn’t it as popular? The interior lacks the pizzazz of the Accord and Camry, making it feel a tad less special.

But look beyond that and be impressed with the ride, handling and comfort. With a 3.5-liter V6 making 270 HP and 340 Nm of torque or a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder producing 178 HP and 243 Nm of torque, the Altima’s secret weapon is its X-Tronic third-generation CVT transmission which gives it impressive acceleration and equally impressive fuel economy out on the highway.

Throw in the Nasa-developed Zero Gravity seats, which reduce fatigue and improve comfort, and the Altima is the clear-cut choice if you do lots and lots of highway mileage. Manila to Pagudpud and back, anyone?

4.) Hyundai Sonata. If the Camry is the standard, the Accord the driver’s choice, and the Altima the perfect motorway muncher, the Sonata is all about style.

Though it lacks outright grunt to compete against the big boys, lacking a proper V6 engine option, the 2.4-liter Theta MPi engine produces a very decent 176 HP and 228 Nm of torque, driving the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission.

The current seventh-generation Sonata is longer, taller and wider than its predecessor, making it the biggest in its segment.

It may not pack more punch than its predecessor, but refinements to the interior have made it even more comfortable, and it features a flat floor/underbody to improve aerodynamics and fuel efficiency.

It might not be the athlete in this group, but the Sonata is arguably the best-looking, most stylish and distinct choice in this segment.

5.) Chevrolet Malibu. This is perhaps the most left-field choice in the segment. It’s Chevrolet’s answer to the executive sedan party. It is very unique, and has a colorful life.

Designed in North America but built in Korea atop GM’s global midsize platform, the Malibu—like the Sonata (which is also Korean made)—only offers a 2.4-liter EcoTec inline-four cylinder engine  making a modest 165 HP and 228 Nm of torque driving the front wheels via a six-speed automatic.

The interior, thankfully, has far better quality than other Asian-sourced Chevrolet models, and has design cues from Chevrolet’s Camaro muscle car.

Unfortunately, the Malibu lacks the sporting prowess of the Camaro, or even the Accord’s or Altima’s for that matter. Still, it is a composed, confident everyday mile-muncher with a very refined and quiet engine, a comfortable ride, and ultimately, a rarity in a sea of Japanese and Korean sedans.

6.) Kia Optima. The Optima is based on the previous sixth-generation Sonata platform, but brings with it an edgier design, thanks to former head of design and now president Peter Schreyer, formerly of the Audi-Volkswagen (VAG) Group. Herr Schreyer was able to solidify the Kia image, making the Optima stand out proudly from its twin Sonata.

While much of the Optima is mechanically similar to the previous Sonata, a new Optima—based on the seventh-generation Sonata—is scheduled to arrive soon to our shores.

This deserves a serious look as well if you’re looking into the lower-end of the spectrum, as Kia is one brand that is going places, thanks to beautiful designs, great products like the Optima, and vehicles in niche segments with little to no direct competitors.