2021 Sedan of the Year: Meet The Contestants

We are beginning to gather new or updated sedans for 2021 to compete for the next Carz Sedan of the Year award. These twenty cars made it to the list, but this list will only get narrower as time goes on. Only one of these great sedans will be crowned the Sedan of the Year, with an additional three replacing the 2020 model year sedans on their Finalist thrones. But, these vehicles have it easier this year as the sedan segment shrinks more and more each year. Without any further ado, here are the 2021 Carz Sedan of the Year contestants.

Acura TLX

Acura hit it out of the park with the new 2021 TLX sedan. It marks the return of exciting Acura models, just like the 1990's. The new Type S variant brings real performance to the sedan. Also, we can't stop marveling at its sharp, standout styling. The Acura TLX deserves its spot as one of the Carz Sedan of the Year contestants.

Audi A4

The Audi A4 compact sedan was recently facelifted to keep up with its challenging competition. From the RS-inspired light designs and trimmings to its lavish and luxurious interior, this sedan does it all. That is why we chose the A4 to join the other 2021 contestants.

Audi A8

The A8 is Audi's largest sedan in the lineup, so it has to be the best. Well, it is. Its interior is utterly gorgeous, and the exterior styling looks like it wants to rule the road. The Audi A8 really gives BMW and Mercedes a run for their money.

BMW 5 Series

Updated for the 2021 model year, the BMW 5 Series freshens its exterior styling to look relevant next to the 7 Series and 3 Series. It also debuts as the first BMW to receive Apple's unlock-by-phone technology. We fell in love with the sharper lines and updated features, but is that enough to push it to Sedan of the Year?

Cadillac CT4-V

Cadillac would be lucky to have two Carz Sedan of the Year awards, since their CT5 is our current Sedan of the Year. Nobody ever said it was impossible, since the CT4-V's unmistakable styling helps it stand out in its rapidly decreasing segment. We just aren't impressed that Cadillac didn't give much effort to make the V variant feel special next to the standard CT4.

Dodge Charger

Dodge has given the Charger some more trim levels and upgraded performance for 2021, making it one of the coolest American sedans. Its design, although quite old, is ageless. We also love the sound of the SRT versions. That's thanks to the powerful Hemi V8.

Genesis G70

Genesis has given their G70 compact sedan the 'split' design treatment for 2021. That helps to keep it relevant next to BMW, Audi, and Mercedes. That is important, especially for a practically new automaker. Sadly, the G70 still does not offer the faster Sport trim level.

Genesis G80

The Genesis G80 gets fancy for 2021, sporting the brand's stylish, new design. We love the coupe-like profile and lower hood. Also, the interior is much better than last year with a 14.5" touchscreen and brand new color options, including teal. Genesis is definitely getting closer to Mercedes-level luxury.

Honda Civic Si

The Honda Civic, although sporty, is getting old. So, we decided to include the stylish car in a cooler way, which is to nominate the Si performance variant. This also gives the current Civc a final chance to shine before handing it over to the 2022 version. Performance-wise, the Si still keeps up with the newer VW Jetta GLI and Kia Forte GT. Style-wise, it remains stylish as ever.

Hyundai Elantra

The Hyundai Elantra gets sharper for 2021, with a standout design inside and out. We enjoy the racier roofline, longer wheelbase, and updated triangular headlights. Also, the new

Elantra introduces updated technology such as wireless charging pads and an electronic parking brake. For those who want more fuel efficiency, Hyundai finally offers a hybrid version.

Hyundai Sonata N Line

The Sonata ups its game even more for 2021 with a nice N Line performance trim. It has an upgraded turbocharged 2.5 liter four cylinder engine, bumping its horsepower way up to 290. Styling is different for the N Line as well, with red accents throughout the exterior and reshaped lower vents.

Jaguar XF

The Jaguar XF has been refreshed for 2021 with a sharper exterior design and beautiful new interior. Sadly, the XF Sportbrake wagon is no longer offered in the US. Also, the new XF lacks a performance variant as of now. But, we love the seamless integration of the bigger touchscreen with the elegant interior. The headlights and taillights are more refined, making a fancier appearance.

Kia K5

Kia ditches the Optima for 2021 in favor of the all-new K5. The fastback profile and simple, yet sporty lines and details make the K5 Kia's best-looking sedan ever. The 'heartbeat' headlights connect to the extremely wide grille, giving the sedan a fierce look. The interior looks very comfortable, and we like how the touchscreen connects to the digital instrument cluster. The new K5 GT makes Kia's mainstream even faster.

Lexus LS

Lexus has enhanced the LS flagship sedan for 2021 with RC-like headlights and a tweaked interior. At least they didn't increase the grille size. We like the new chrome elements, and the fact that Lexus has made the LS quieter inside with an updated active-noise-cancellation system.

Mazda3 2.5 Turbo

The handsome Mazda3 now has the fun driving experience to go with it. The new 2.5 Turbo gives the small sedan the one thing that it lacks, which was a faster, more fun Mazda3. We enjoy the improved 2.5 liter four cylinder and 6-speed automatic, as well as the knowledge that this is technically the successor to the much-loved MazdaSpeed 3. We think that it's a bit over-priced, though.

Mercedes-Benz CLS

The Mercedes-Benz CLS was always our favorite Mercedes sedan, with its luxurious interior and sleek roofline. The 3.0 liter six cylinder engine is very engaging, and the bountiful AMG variants are even better. The CLS is a worthy contestant for 2021 Carz Sedan of the Year.

Mercedes-Benz E Class

The revised 2021 Mercedes E Class already won the spot as 2021 Motortrend Car of the Year, so will it receive yet another award? Maybe. Its simpler styling for 2021 helps it looks more luxurious, and the interior has received more comfort and technology features.

Nissan Sentra

The Nissan Sentra is way nicer than before. We like the lower proportions and 'floating roof', as well as the big V-Motion grille. The interior is like most other Nissan's, but that's not a bad thing. The 7" touchscreen is ahead of the game, and that materials are decent. It just lacks the awesome Nismo version it had in 2019.

Toyota Mirai

The Toyota Mirai used to literally be the ugliest car ever, but it looks like Toyota has finally realized. The hydrogen fuel-cell sedan is much larger, with a longer hood and sloped roofline. The interior has improved a lot as well with a simple design; at least compared to last year. Toyota might have just created a winner.

Volkswagen Arteon

The Volkswagen Arteon has been refreshed for 2021 with a sleeker front end, sharper taillights, new colors, and an improved interior. We just wish the R and Shooting Brake variants would come to the US. The upgraded touchscreen now blends in with the black gloss trimmings around it, and technology has been tweaked. We still love the Arteon as much as ever.

*Tune in next week for Elimination Round #1!

image Credits: The Car Connection, BMW, Audi, Acura, GM Authority, Dodge, Genesis, Honda, Hyundai, Autoweek, Car and Driver, Kia, Lexus, Motor1, Mazda, Motortrend, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Auto Evolution, Toyota, Volkswagen