Our 4 favourite midsize sedans under $40,000

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Midsize sedans may be taking a back seat in sales to more popular crossovers, but that’s not stopping numerous automakers from throwing everything they’ve got at the conventional four-door sedan.

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A recent drive in the 2021 Kia K5 GT-Line had me digging deep through my recent notes on its competitors, so below, I’ll highlight some of my favorite midsize sedan test-drives from the past year or so, with a look each machine’s most compelling attributes, and a few areas that may leave some test-driving shoppers out in the cold.

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Our 4 favourite midsize sedans under $40,000 Back to video

Each of these sedans can be had fully loaded for $40,000 or less, and for more details or to see them in action, be sure to check out the video.

Kia K5 GT-Line

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Why it’s here: The K5 drives well, looks good doing so, and surrounds you with plenty of accessible tech for the voyage. Logical interfaces, selectable drive modes, and plenty of easy-to-use tech encourage drivers to explore K5’s capabilities from the get-go. A small and sporty driving feel rounds out the package.

What’s best: With a convincing blend of styling, feature content, and nicely tuned road manners, the K5 GT-Line is a sporty solution for the enthusiast driver who wants to stand out. Sharp at the controls, K5 GT-Line is keen to respond quickly to its driver’s requests. The handling feel is athletic and eager, though the suspension manages above-average comfort on many rougher surfaces.

All-wheel-drive expands the appeal for many drivers, and the nicely-trimmed cabin creates a casually luxurious and high-tech environment. Infotainment and other interfaces are among the segment’s best, and a killer LED lighting system makes for confident travels after dark. The K5’s bold styling helps set it apart, and the 1.6-litre, 180-horsepower turbo-four is eager and willing.

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Why you’ll want to look elsewhere: The K5’s suspension usually manages a comfortable ride despite its sporty intentions, though certain specific rough-road surfaces can coax above-average levels of noise and harshness from the tires and shocks. Furthermore, some low-RPM situations can make the engine sound gruff, though it smooths out nicely once given some work to do.

Nissan Altima

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Why it’s here: The new-for-2019 Nissan Altima’s approachable safety technology, standard AWD, smooth powertrain, and strong road manners make it a strong contender for the dollars of shoppers after a nicely-rounded package that’s comfortable, reasonably priced, and easy to live with.

What’s best: If you’re finding the sedan models you’re test-driving to feel too stiff and sporty, you’ll probably like the way the Altima rides. On my test drive, it proved more comfortable on more surfaces than I usually expect, thanks mainly to a suspension that’s tuned for a relaxed highway drive and a softer rough-road ride than many competitors.

Advanced safety systems are all relegated to a convenient button on the steering wheel, making it easy for drivers to toggle the systems on and off to taste as they learn them. Clever on-screen infographics make it easy to stay up on what the advanced tech is doing, and a great set of seats and excellent brake pedal feel round out the package. It’s a machine that sets you up with a relaxing and laid-back atmosphere that’s conductive to relaxing and socializing on the move.

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Why you’ll want to look elsewhere: The Altima’s displays and interfaces are easy to use, though some competitors offer sharper graphics and better responses to your touch. The on-screen video quality from Altima’s various camera-based systems could disappoint some test-drivers, too. Finally, sportier motorists may be left wanting for more throttle response and a sharper feel to the Altima’s steering.

Subaru Legacy GT

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Why it’s here: Few affordable sedans pack as much winter-driving swagger as Subaru’s latest Legacy GT. Its turbocharged 260-horsepower flat-four provides plenty of power, while Subaru’s legendary AWD capability keeps that power accessible, even in challenging conditions. In a Legacy GT on quality winter rubber, drivers feel like they’re conquering winter conditions, not just tackling them.

What’s best: The Legacy’s driving feel and character are what sets it apart. Like the Altima , it’s a smoother-riding machine with a bigger-car feel than the sportier K5. With generous power output and a smooth CVT, the Legacy moves through the snow more like a big sturdy hot-rod than a smaller sports sedan. My biggest smiles from this test drive came from experiencing how much power the AWD system could transmit to snow-covered roads, positively chomping in and clawing through even deep powder with plenty of thrust.

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Drivers who enjoy confidently sticking it to Mother Nature’s worst driving conditions with smoothness and power to spare will enjoy the setup, and drivers who frequently travel on poorly-maintained roadways will appreciate the ride quality.

Why you’ll want to look elsewhere: Some drivers will wish for a more spirited feel to Legacy’s steering and braking systems to better match its punchy driveline. Though this generation Legacy flaunts its best-yet interior, some competitor cabins look and feel more modern where switchgear, details, and interfaces are concerned.

Hyundai Sonata Ultimate

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Why it’s here: Fully equipped in Ultimate guise, the new Hyundai Sonata is a tech lover’s dream . With little less than the market’s latest and greatest connectivity, safety, and convenience features, the Sonata also introduces some next-level technologies that’ll surprise and delight you and your family for years to come. If you’re after the most futuristic and high-tech sedan that $40,000 will buy, this is where you should be looking.

What’s best: Outside, the Sonata’s distinctive body uses some rarely seen styling elements and lighting signature effects to ensure it gets noticed — even in total darkness.  The tech-lined cabin also greets drivers with a smooth and modern design, dotted with control pads, display screens, a push-button shifter, a heads-up display, and a fully-digital instrument cluster. Some will feel like they’re slipping behind the wheel of their own roadgoing sci-fi spacecraft.

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Next level tech, including turn-signal camera displays that appear in the instrument set and a remote-controlled parking system, add further appeal for gadget-lovers. The Sonata Ultimate is brimming with the latest goodies, including some high-tech touches you won’t even find on a twice-the-price BMW.

Why you’ll want to look elsewhere: The Sonata Ultimate’s relatively sharp driving manners are let down somewhat by a vague feeling to the brakes in day-to-day traffic, and with no available AWD, some shoppers may be left out in the cold as the popularity of this feature continues to increase. Finally, shoppers who frequently travel on rough roads do have smoother-riding options.