If you’re looking for a full-size car, you might be frustrated by the over-abundance of options. It seems like every major manufacturer has a family-friendly sedan for you to consider. However, not all affordable sedans are created equal, like the Toyota Avalon and the Nissan Maxima. True Car reports that these are the five best full-size cars you can buy in 2022 for under $40,000.
2022 Toyota Avalon is a capable, smartly equipped sedan that should be putting European rivals on alert
Toyota’s big four-door sedan is a deceptively plush ride. True Car says that the Avalon will seat a driver and five passengers comfortably, all while transporting them in refined quiet. The 2022 Toyota Avalon also incorporates usable cargo volume and upper trim levels that wrap occupants in luxury that will have them double-checking the badge on the steering wheel.
While the Avalon brandishes a sporty exterior, performance doesn’t quite hold up against competitors like the Nissan Maxima. However, the Avalon outperforms the Maxima in just about every other category.
The Toyota Avalon can also be economical. You can expect an admirable 44 mpg combined from the large sedan if you opt for the hybrid. However, most customers opt for the XLE FWD model, featuring a V6 and front-wheel drive. The XLE FWD will net 22 mpg city and 32 mpg highway. As a result, the Avalon is number one on the list of best full-size cars under $40,000.
2021 Volkswagen Arteon is a sleek, contemporary German sedan with a lot to offer
If you’re one of those drivers who doesn’t care if your grille dons Audi’s four rings or a Mercedes-Benz star, the Arteon might be for you. The 2021 Volkswagen Arteon combines handsome exterior styling with a quiet, spacious interior for up to five occupants.
True Car reports that, unfortunately, Arteon doesn’t offer any hybrid options. Considering the Volkswagen Arteon delivers 22 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway, a hybrid option would have been good. Additionally, some of the Volkswagen Arteon’s interior materials are not up to 2022 Toyota Avalon standards.
2022 Nissan Maxima is a unique four-door car billed as a sports sedan
The 2022 Nissan Maxima is quick. The Maxima will reportedly hit 60 mph in just 6.5 seconds with a good start. In addition to the straight-line performance, the Nissan Maxima’s interior design will pleasantly surprise occupants. Diamond quilted leather and ample front legroom make for a comfortable driver’s position.
Although True Car puts the Maxima in the number three position on this list, Consumer Reports refused to recommend it. Both publications agree that the Maxima’s ride is too stiff and lacks tunability. Additionally, True Car reports that the Nissan Maxima has a quiet cabin, whereas Consumer Reports says that the continuously variable transmission (CVT) makes for labored, noisy operation.
2022 Chrysler 300 is a lingering reminder of the plush four-door American family sedan
The 2022 Chrysler 300 has some tenure on North American roads. However, staying relevant in the budding American crossover and SUV market is challenging. As a result, the big Detroit-style throwback sedan days are likely coming to a close. The Chrysler 300 does have a lot to offer, though, namely a typical spacious interior and a party-piece rear-wheel drive (RWD) configuration.
Pair the RWD with an optional Hemi V8, and you’ve got a muscle car formula in your family sedan. Of course, optioning a Chrysler 300 with the V8 will hurt every time you visit the pumps. True Car says most patrons will choose the Touring L RWD model, which delivers a fair 19 mpg city and 30 mpg highway.
2022 Dodge Charger can put the fun back in your family fun, albeit at a cost
The Dodge Charger is no stranger to any car enthusiast. When the Charger came back from a long slumber, it earned itself a die-hard fan base. The Dodge Charger gained even more likeability when Dodge insisted on stuffing bigger, badder powerplants in the car. The 2022 Dodge Charger continues on that same azimuth, namely unapologetic horsepower, and smile-inducing RWD.
However, the 2022 Dodge Charger is showing its age a bit. This latest model is riding on a 15-year-old chassis, and the interior is also aching for an update. Frankly, the interior comfort is not up to 2022 Toyota Avalon standards. However, most customers aren’t buying a Charger for the interior or the sophistication. No, most customers buy a Charger because you can buy anything from a V6 to the supercharged V8 Redeye Widebody and slide the cars full send.
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