Cars made in Japan have a unique attraction in the United States, despite the substantial disparities in our separate cultures and the physical distance between us. While the Japanese automotive industry is still relatively young in comparison, it has moved swiftly from producing cars that mirrored American and European preferences to confident statements of indigenous engineering talent and, now, design. As opposed to the increasingly homogenized products of American automakers, Japanese automobiles retain a great degree of distinctiveness, particularly performance versions, which demand a high degree of specialized engineering. These are a few of our recent favorites.
2023 Honda Accord
The 2023 Honda Accord has been fully revamped, with a new interior and exterior appearance, additional amenities, and the option of a conventional gas or hybrid powertrain. Both are competitive in terms of power and economy, and Honda now provides a two-year pre-paid maintenance package. However, the Accord has a sufficiently large cabin and enjoyable driving dynamics. The EX, which begins at $30,705 and comes with a 1.5L I4 Turbo engine and front-wheel drive, is the most popular model. This Accord is expected to get 29 MPG in the city and 37 MPG on the highway.
Of course, the Accord isn’t the only sedan to think about. The Kia K5 is a formidable competitor with a sporty appearance and a lot of goodies for the money. It’s also available with all-wheel drive, which should appeal to individuals who live in colder climates. The Hyundai Sonata is only available in front-wheel drive, although it has a high-performance N variant and the same long warranty as the Kia. The Toyota Camry is a popular sedan that is well-liked for its dependability, but its age is showing and its driving characteristics and interior are lackluster when compared to competing cars. We wouldn’t be shocked if this new Accord retained its class-leading status.
2023 Toyota Prius
Toyota’s ugly duckling hybrid was transformed into a real beauty with a thorough makeover for 2023. The five-seat small hatchback lost storage space and headroom in the change, but gained enhanced handling, a more pleasant ride, an upgraded interior, and a 60% increase in power while maintaining best-in-class fuel efficiency. The base model got 1 mpg more than the previous L Eco trim.
Crossovers and SUVs are gradually displacing sedans and sedan-like hatchbacks like the Prius in the hearts of automobile buyers, but the Prius still has a few direct opponents, and the Prius wins in most comparisons.
The competitive set’s crossover, the Kia Niro hybrid, is slightly more expensive but has slightly more cargo space than the upper 2023 Prius trims; the Hyundai Elantra hybrid is roughly the same size, costs less, and comes close to matching the Prius lineup in fuel efficiency; and Toyota’s own Corolla hybrid costs less and is roughly the same size.
Despite its reduced headroom, the Prius boasts a remarkably spacious front cockpit and the largest front legroom among its competitors. It is tied with the Corolla hybrid for the least amount of back legroom and is alone for the least amount of rear headroom. Yet, the 2023 toyota Prius offers greater power and better overall fuel efficiency than any of its competitors, as well as a far finer appearance.
2023 Toyota Crown
The 2023 Crown, now in its 16th generation, has returned to the United States as a three-trim, all-hybrid, all-wheel-drive, tall-roofed, fastback-styled four-door replacement for the classic Toyota Avalon sedan. Inside and out, it is about the same size as the Honda Accord and VW Arteon sedans.
The Crown’s lofty sitting position and steep roofline have sparked considerable discussion. Yet there’s no denying it’s striking, particularly in the optional two-tone color scheme offered with the top Platinum trim.
Toyota is informing customers that the Crown is a distinctive car that should not be mistaken with other midsize sedans by marketing it as a premium model. Toyota believes that by having two hybrid powertrains, one of which is more performance-oriented, the Crown will appeal to people looking for fuel efficiency and creature comforts as well as those looking for some twisting country road fun. Even with the 340-horsepower hybrid powertrain and adaptive suspension that come only with the Platinum level, it falls short on driving exhilaration.
2023 Honda Civic
The Honda Civic, one of the most popular automobiles in the United States, offers economy, dependability, comfort, and safety, among other benefits. Yet, the “secret sauce” that distinguishes it from most other tiny vehicles is that it offers more driving delight than plain low-cost transportation. This year’s Type R model epitomizes the car’s fun-to-drive personality. The good news is that you don’t have to purchase the Type R to enjoy a high degree of amusement.
One of the reasons the Civic is enjoyable to drive is its small size. Both the sedan and hatchback variants have modest footprints but offer plenty of internal room. The current-generation Civic sedan is the same height as the previous model and is just around 2 inches longer. It’s a strategy that its competitors have adopted. The addition of a hot Honda Type R variant to the range has increased its desirability. The Honda Civic is a five-seater with eight trim options. The Sport Sedan CVT, which starts at $26,145 and comes with a 2.0L I4 engine and front-wheel drive, is the most popular type. This Civic is expected to get 30 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway.
2023 Toyota Corolla
The Toyota Corolla is intended to provide dependable transportation at an affordable price. With a more powerful engine choice, additional hybrid trim levels, and Toyota’s most advanced safety systems, the current generation just gets better. The Toyota Corolla is a five-seater with seven trim options. The LE CVT FWD, which begins at $22,645 and comes with a 2.0L I4 engine and front-wheel drive, is the most popular style. This Corolla is expected to get 32 MPG in the city and 41 MPG on the highway.
Toyota is strengthening the Corolla’s reputation for dependability by improving other aspects of the popular vehicle. Toyota is doubling down on hybrid technology, introducing four new hybrid trims, two of which are all-wheel drives. The hybrid system in the Corolla has been updated to boost performance, while the conventionally powered Corolla LE, the model’s most popular trim, now features a more powerful and efficient engine. Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, the latest model, improves safety.
2023 Lexus ES
While most midsize luxury sedans prioritize performance and handling above comfort, the Lexus ES distinguishes itself with its quiet cabin and smooth ride. Its roomy interior is built with attention to detail and high-quality materials. In terms of dependability, the ES is usually near the top of its class. It is available with two conventional engines as well as a fuel-efficient hybrid type. The majority of models are front-wheel drive; however, an all-wheel-drive type is available for enhanced cold-weather grip. A new F Sport handling kit includes adjustable suspension as well as customizable drive modes. A new driver interface for 2023 is also a significant upgrade over existing Lexus systems. It includes a good voice-control system, and most of its controls are on a touchscreen. The update also includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The ES 300h F SPORT Design FWD, which begins at $48,175 and comes with a hybrid 2.5L I4 engine and front-wheel drive, is the most popular style. This ES should get 43 MPG in the city and 44 MPG on the highway.
2023 Acura Integra
The Acura Integra is back with a 200-horsepower turbo engine and a well-balanced, fun-to-drive chassis. It is the only compact premium vehicle available with a flexible liftback body design and an engaging six-speed manual gearbox. The Acura Integra is a five-seater with three trim options. The A-Spec Technology Package CVT, which starts at $37,495 and includes a 1.5L I4 Turbo engine and front-wheel drive, is the most popular type. This Integra is expected to get 29 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway.
The 2023 Acura Integra revives a legendary name from the brand’s early years, based on the same design that underlies the Honda Civic Si. The beautiful design of the all-new Integra matches that of the bigger Acura TLX sedan, and its capacious cabin offers more rear-seat space than the Audi A3 or Mercedes-Benz CLA 250. The Integra is powered by a 200-horsepower 1.5-liter engine and features a snappy, fun-to-drive chassis. It also has two things that the A3 sedan and CLA 250 four-door coupe don’t have: a liftback body with 24.3 cubic feet of luggage capacity and an engaging six-speed manual gearbox.
2023 Subaru Legacy
The Subaru Legacy is a family-friendly midsize vehicle. It comes in a variety of trim levels, with two engine options and a plethora of standard equipment. Its standard all-wheel drive makes it an excellent alternative for folks who live in colder locations but do not want the greater size or price of an SUV. The ride is smooth and well-mannered, but not very athletic. The stock engine is uncomfortably quiet, but the optional turbocharged engine makes it more exciting. The Legacy is a sensible pick with a reasonable cost, useful features, and enough comfort and space to accommodate a busy family life.
Its reasonably priced grades are friendly to family budgets, and its basic all-wheel drive tackles less-than-ideal road conditions. The Subaru Legacy is a 5-seater SUV with five model options. The Premium, which starts at $27,715 and comes with a 2.5L H4 engine and all-wheel drive, is the most popular style. This Legacy is expected to get 27 MPG in the city and 35 MPG on the highway.
2023 Nissan Altima
The 2023 Nissan Altima has an appealing blend of interior comforts and an attractive, modern style. Despite the lack of hybrid models, the Altima is one of the few midsize sedans that features all-wheel drive. Nonetheless, powerful competitors compete with the Altima in other critical areas. The Nissan Altima is a 5-seater sedan with four model options. The 2.5 SR FWD, which begins at $28,785 and comes with a 2.5L I4 engine and front-wheel drive, is the most popular type. This Altima is expected to get 27 MPG in the city and 37 MPG on the highway.
The Altima is recognized for its big five-passenger interior, comfortable ride, and outstanding fuel efficiency, as well as its external style. Moreover, for those who live in snowy climates, it’s one of the only cheap midsize sedans with all-wheel drive on various grades. The Altima leads the group in terms of overall value, thanks to its superior safety technology. Safety Shield 360, Nissan’s famed safety package, is now standard. Several functions that other manufacturers offer as options, such as automatic braking, pedestrian recognition, and lane-departure warning, are included. However, the Altima falls short in terms of overall refinement, performance, and power when compared to two of the most popular sedans in the United States, the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord.
2023 Mazda3
The Mazda Mazda3 is a very enjoyable little vehicle with two strong engine options and responsive handling. It comes in sedan and hatchback body styles, and all-wheel drive is available for people who live in snowy climates. While other compacts emphasize practicality and price, the Mazda3 offers an entertaining driving experience with a luxurious cabin, particularly in top models that border on luxury-car territory. The inside is ornamented with high-quality materials and has a clean, modern design with comfortable seats that are suitable for lengthy rides, however the back seats are cramped. The infotainment system is extensive, but the rotary controller in the center console takes some getting used to, especially for passengers who don’t use it on a regular basis.
It’s a stylish, dynamic vehicle, but the top trims are expensive. The Mazda3 is a 5-seater with seven model variants. The Preferred Hatchback Automatic FWD, which begins at $27,615 and comes with a 2.5L I4 engine and Front Wheel Drive, is the most popular type. This Mazda3 is expected to get 26 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway.
