Reworking the sedan isn’t an easy task, but these four vehicles have mastered it. Be it luxury or sportiness or both you seek, there is a sedan for you. So kick back and get into “that sedan life” with these four options. 

Genesis G80

Designed to echo the stylings of classic race cars, the Genesis G80, built on the same platform as the new GV80 SUV, the brand’s first, already wins on looks. But it charms in other ways too. At the 2.5T Advanced trim level and above, 19-inch wheels (20-inch at the highest Prestige trim level), a panoramic sunroof, the Lexicon 21-speaker stereo system and more make the G80 even more attractive. Plus, there is more head and legroom. Under the hood, the 2.5-liter inline-four-cylinder engine reaches 300 horsepower, while the 3.5-liter V-6 hits 375 horsepower. Safety protocols include adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind spot view monitor, high beam assist, among many others. Auto defog, rain sensing wipers, ventilated seats, remote smart parking assist, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are other notable features. MPG hits around 26 combined---23 in the city and 32 on the highway for most models. Base pricing for the G80 starts at around $47,700 and reaches over $66,000 for the Prestige trim level. How good the G80 makes you look, however, is priceless.

The 2021 Genesis G80. Image: courtesy of brand

Acura TLX

Luxurious and sporty have long been Acura trademarks and this latest TLX keeps the streak going. Completely redesigned for 2021, this TLX not only has an eye-catching design but it also has enhanced performance. In fact, “Precision Crafted Performance” is a brand initiative. And it drives extremely well — steady when you need it and fast when you want it, even going from 0 to 60 in less than six seconds. Handling is easy and the ride is smooth. Tech-wise, the touchpad interface allows for effortless managing of music, navigation, podcasts, and other technical musts. In addition to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the TLX also has Wi-Fi and wireless charging. Safety features like the blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert help to further ensure confidence. The windshield deicer is an appreciated feature for those in colder climates. MPG hovers around 21 in the city to as much as 29 to 31 on the highway for 24 to 25 overall. Pricing begins at $37,500 for the TLX 2.OT and tops out at around $48,300 for the Advance Package TLX 2.OT. Tack on a bit more for TLX Type S, which just made its official public debut. Overall, the Acura TLX more than pleases.  

The 2021 Acura TLX Advance. Image: courtesy of brand

Mazda3 2.5 Turbo

Yes, it’s been a minute since Mazda has been in serious conversation, but this Mazda3 is worth the chatter. Sophistication has always been a given with Mazda and the Mazda3 does not disappoint. It’s so sleek and stylish that it can’t help but class up any situation. With 227 to 250 horsepower under the hood, depending on the trim, the Mazda3 taps into its racecar roots to deliver unexpected power. Keyless entry, Bose® 12-speaker premium audio, 8.8-inch center display, are just a few of the features that make the Mazda3 a comfortable ride. Features like traffic jam assist help drivers better navigate traffic, others like keyless entry, the Bose 12-speaker premium audio system, 8.8-inch center display, Apple CarPlay (and Android Auto), among others, make the ride itself more comfortable. “Refined Performance” is Mazda’s theme and the Mazda3 exemplifies it. Mazda Connected Services4 and the MyMazda app keep drivers tapped in and, also, if they choose, allows access to their own in-car Wi-Fi hot spot. Pricing starts at $29,900 for the sedan and $30,900 for the hatchback for the Mazda3 2.5 Turbo and $32,450 and $33,750 with the premium plus package. MPG hits around 23 and 32/31 (hatchback) for city and highway, with a combined 27/26. In this arena, the Mazda3 more than holds its own.

The 2021 Mazda 3 2.5 Turbo. Image: courtesy of brand

Hyundai Sonata N-Line

Hyundai was so confident in the gold they struck with its first-ever N-Line trim for both Sonata and Elantra that it invited journalists to L.A. to “meet them at The London” in the pandemic and challenged car journalists to test it out on the sinewy curves surrounding L.A. and Malibu. The Sonata proved to be a confident vehicle able to remain cool and calm under pressure. A lot sportier than other Sonatas in both looks and performance, the N-Line pumps out 290 horsepower at 5800 rpm and 311 pound-feet of torque at 1650 rpm delivering nearly 100 more horsepower and over 100 more in torque. On top of that, the Sonata can hit 5-to-60 mph in just 5.2 seconds.  Inside, the Sonata is comfy, offering such features as a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen and a Bose premium audio system. Dual Bluetooth allows two devices to be paired simultaneously so no more interrupting your streaming audio every time the phone rings. As with other Hyundai vehicles, the digital key transforms your cell into a car key, even allowing the car to be started remotely. Mpg wins too with 23 in the city and a stellar 33 on the highway for a combined 27 overall. Pricing starts at $33,300. Hyundai has been on the come-up for a minute and this Sonata N-Line proves that they haven’t stopped rising.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N-Line. Image: courtesy of brand