Sedans aren’t normally known as go-tos in the all-purpose vehicle department. However, they do certainly serve multiple purposes for the average American who passes on the size and gas-guzzling sensibilities of SUVs, or the typical spartan features that come with hybrid/electric vehicles. For these individuals, the sedan must be versatile and capable of fitting multiple needs on the basis of performance, safety, cargo space, fuel economy, and more. Which is precisely why we took the time to compile our list of the top five most versatile pre-owned sedans on the market.
2014 Chevrolet Impala
- Of the sedan options highlighted on this list, the Chevy Impala may quietly be the vehicle that provides the best overall value across the board. With its base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, the Impala’s fuel economy is EPA-rated at 25 mpg combined (22 city/31 highway) – tops among all of our selections.
- In government crash testing, the Impala earned a perfect five stars for overall crash protection. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) also awarded the Impala its best rating of “Good” in the moderate-overlap frontal-offset and side-impact crash tests.
- “A generous wheelbase gives the Impala serious passenger space front and rear. Four 6-footers could do a cross-country road trip in perfect comfort; that’s what we expect from a large sedan, and the Impala certainly delivers.”
- “If you’re looking for a sizable sedan that offers sizeable value, the 2014 Chevrolet Impala is perfectly capable of capturing your attention.”
2014 Lexus IS 350
- The Lexus IS 350 comes equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 that generates 306 horsepower and accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds. Though that mark is considered average for its class, it only trails competitors BMW and Infiniti by a half-second.
- The IS 350 performed quite well in government crash testing, earning an overall rating of five stars, with four stars in front crash tests and five stars in side crash and rollover tests.
- A redesigned interior gives the IS 350 an added feeling of luxury compared to its predecessor, while an increase in leg room (1.6 inches, to be exact) allows backseat passengers a superior level of comfort.
- Says Edmunds: “If you’ve been wanting a roomier IS sedan with a high-end interior, the revamped 2014 Lexus IS 350 is right up your alley. It’s less convincing as a sport sedan, however, and more demanding drivers will likely prefer its European rivals.”
2013 Kia Optima Hybrid
- Powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine that is paired with an electric motor and six-speed automatic transmission, the Optima Hybrid is the only hybrid that makes an appearance on this list, speaking to its versatile offerings. Averaging an EPA-estimated 38 mpg combined, the Optima is the most fuel-efficient option in this buying guide.
- Manufactured with a “European flair,” the Optima’s interior is quite inviting. Equipped with a spacious cabin and no shortage of “soft-touch materials,” the Optima doesn’t skimp on comfort and legroom.
- In the realm of performance, the Optima Hybrid is more than adequate. Critics say the transition between gas and electric power in traffic is hardly noticeable, and on the open road, there’s plenty of power available to make passing maneuvers.
- Says Cars.com: “The Optima Hybrid has an upgraded hybrid system with a more powerful electric motor and battery, as well as a stronger hybrid starter generator. There’s slightly more trunk space thanks to a repackaged hybrid battery and two trim levels of the hybrid are now offered.”
2014 Cadillac XTS
- With front-wheel drive and a 3.6-liter V6 engine that churns out 304 horsepower, the Cadillac XTS doesn’t have overwhelming punch – accelerating from 0 to 60 in 7.3 seconds – though it does offer a respectable 21 mpg combined in fuel economy for a luxury sedan.
- “The Cadillac XTS gives you the kind of passenger volume you expect from a nearly 17-foot-long luxury sedan,” says Edmunds, as rear-seat passengers will particularly appreciate the generous space available. This is in addition to the 18 cubic feet of trunk space – one of the biggest on the market for its class.
- Sturdily built, the XTS actually handles quite nimbly thanks to the standard adaptive suspension, trusty steering, and responsive engines.
- Says Edmunds: “The 2014 Cadillac XTS’s roomy, up-to-date cabin and newly available turbocharged V6 make it a compelling full-size luxury sedan.”
2013 Infiniti G37 Sedan
- Luxury sport sedans, by their very nature, are versatile vehicles. With the ability to comfortably sit five, the G37 is a standout performer accelerating from 0 to 60 in a pacey 5.4 seconds. This sedan also reaches between an EPA-estimated 20 to 22 mpg combined.
- Handling in the G37 is noteworthy, as it smoothly takes curves with aggression and precision with a responsive steering feel.
- In Edmunds brake testing, the G37 Sedan Sport model came to a stop from 60 mph in an astounding 106 feet.
- Says Motortrend: “The Infiniti G37 is a versatile vehicle that will appeal to those in the market for a sedan, couple, or convertible.
