- Midsize family-sedan shoppers should see a significant boost in fuel economy as new and improved 2013 models begin to reach the market.
- The redesigned 2013 Nissan Altima sedan is rated by the EPA at 38 mpg on the highway ? the highest for a gasoline-engine model in the segment.
- The redesigned 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid, due out this fall, will be rated at 47 mpg in the city and 44 on the highway ? expected to be the highest for a gasoline-electric hybrid model in the segment.
DETROIT ? Shopping for a midsize family sedan? Consumers should see a significant boost in fuel economy as new and improved 2013 models begin to reach the market.
Among the first of the redesigned family cars is the 2013 Nissan Altima, which was rated late last week by the EPA at 27 mpg in city driving and 38 mpg on the highway ? the highest for a gasoline-engine model in the segment. Those numbers are for the 2013 Altima with 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and Xtronic continuously variable automatic transmission.
The 2013 Altima, which begins arriving at U.S. dealers this month, starts at $22,280, including a $780 shipping charge.
The new Altima will square off against the redesigned 2013 Ford Fusion, which goes on sale this fall, in both standard gasoline and hybrid gasoline-electric variants, as well as a new Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid.
The EPA has not officially rated the 2013 Fusion, but Ford said at the car's introduction in January that the Fusion's 1.6-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost engine will deliver 26 mpg in city driving and 37 mpg on the highway, while the Fusion Hybrid, with a new 2.0-liter gasoline engine, will return 47 mpg in the city and 44 mpg on the highway. The latter numbers are expected to make the 2013 Fusion the highest-rated hybrid in the midsize family-sedan segment.
The 2013 Fusion will start at $22,495, including a $795 shipping charge.
Chevrolet has begun selling the redesigned 2013 Malibu Eco, a gasoline-electric hybrid with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and General Motors' eAssist "mild hybrid" system that is rated by the EPA at 25 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway. Prices start at $25,995. A base 2013 Malibu with standard 2.5-liter Ecotec four-cylinder gasoline engine goes on sale later this year.
Hyundai last month priced its 2013 Sonata and Sonata Hybrid, which are essentially carryover models from 2012. The EPA has not released fuel-economy figures yet for the 2013 Sonatas, but the 2012 Sonata with 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine is rated at 24 mpg city and 35 mpg highway, while the 2012 Sonata Hybrid is rated at 35 mpg city and 40 mpg highway. The 2013 Sonata is priced from $21,670, including a $775 shipping charge.
Competing favorably with both the gasoline and hybrid family sedans is the 2012 Volkswagen Passat TDI, which is equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel that is rated by the EPA at 31 mpg city and 43 mpg highway ? the highest numbers in the family-sedan segment for a non-hybrid model. The 2012 Passat TDI SE is priced from $26,765, including $770 shipping; the base Passat S with four-cylinder gasoline engine starts at $20,765. Since the Passat was redesigned for 2012, the 2013 model due out this fall is expected to be largely carried over with few major changes.
A redesigned 2013 Honda Accord sedan is due to reach U.S. dealers this fall, but few details have been released. The current 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine in the 2012 Accord returns 23 mpg in city driving and 34 mpg on the highway, according to the EPA. The 2012 Accord LX is priced from $22,270, including $790 shipping. The 2013 Accord gets a new 2.4 direct-injection engine, and the EPA fuel-economy ratings are expected to rise. An all-new Accord Plug-In Hybrid, with a new two-motor plug-in hybrid system, will reach U.S. dealers next winter. Honda has not provided fuel-economy estimates.
The Toyota Camry was redesigned for model year 2012, so no significant changes are planned for the immediate future. The base 2012 Camry L, which has EPA city/highway ratings of 25/35 mpg, is priced from $22,815, including $760 shipping. The 2012 Camry Hybrid LE, which is rated at 43/city and 39/highway, starts at $26,750.
Inside Line says: Midsize family cars offer relatively decent fuel economy ? and reasonably good values ? whether you're shopping for a standard gas engine, a hybrid or a high-mileage diesel.
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