Best Family Sedans in UAE 2021-22: Price, Specifications, Mileage, Colors, Images

A family sedan is mostly the car that you and your family would depend upon to meet your daily transportation needs such as going to the office, school, shopping malls, restaurants, etc. Since this is such as an important type of car in this market, Cars24 has endeavored to list down some of the best family sedans in the UAE. Depending on the model involved, several come with top-notch and user-friendly features that are widely touted among buyers in their respective segments. The sedan is probably one of the best cars for small families, especially if the maximum onboard occupancy is going to be 5 people or less.

Sedans are also known for their comfortable daily driving characteristics, which makes them even more usable. At the same time, if you are planning a weekend trip or a long drive with your near and dear ones, a sedan is well-suited for such a role. Across all segments – be it compact, midsize, or large – many modern-day sedans now come with commendable legroom and a capacious boot. The conventional way of identifying a sedan is by its three-box exterior design where the first ‘box’ usually houses the engine, the second ‘box’ is meant for the passengers and the driver and is much bigger than the other two ‘boxes’, and the last one is allotted primarily for the main cargo bay (also known as the trunk).

As you can figure out from the above, the first box is the front part of the sedan, the second box is in the center, and the third box is at the rear. The first known sedan in the world was introduced way back in 1912, which explains how this type of car gained such a reputation in the coming decades. The modern sedan is characterized by a B-shaped structure supporting the roof between the rear and the front windows. The other characteristic features include two rows of seats with the roof designed to offer more headroom to the passengers at the back, though some newer designs imitate the sporty look of a coupe.

As for the number of doors in a sedan, that is restricted to four. The other aspect of the sedan is the wholly enclosed trunk which is usually completely sealed off from access until it is opened – unlike in a standard hatchback. Having said all this, it is now time to look at the top candidates – i.e., the best family sedans in UAE. While there are many good ones, the so-called best come from America, Japan, and South Korea. In the meantime, make sure you check out Cars24 for second-hand cars in Dubai and certified used cars in Abu Dhabi.

Best Sedans Prices in UAE

Hyundai Accent

If you want a cheap yet reliable and decently-built new family sedan in the region, look no further than the Hyundai Accent. Starting from around 51,000 dirhams, the Accent – like every other new Hyundai car – is retailed by Juma Al Majid in the UAE. Even though its price tag is quite low, the new Accent’s cheerful exterior design and metered use of fancy styling details keeps it from being an eyesore on the road.

The Hyundai Accent also scores decently in terms of its overall practicality and user-friendliness, a big plus for a compact family sedan such as this. And while the Accent has been on sale the world-over since the mid-1990s, the latest fifth-generation model was only introduced a few years back. The new Accent promises a fairly hassle-free ownership experience, though it is not exactly a driver’s car by any measure. On another note, Cars24 has a long list of certified used cars in Sharjah for you to scroll through.

Exterior

The exterior styling of the new Hyundai Accent follows the Korean brand’s ‘Fluidic’ design philosophy which makes it look modern and a touch dynamic. You could say that it is a decent looker for such an inexpensive car, with just enough flair to keep it from becoming boring. Obviously, the higher trim levels do look nicer and more expensive – if that is what you want from a small family sedan.

The front of the new Hyundai Accent can be had with large projector headlamps with LED DRLs, while the cascading grille and fog lamp housings get chrome detailing. The dynamic stance of the new Accent is elevated because of its rising beltline, stylish 16-inch alloy wheels, and a slightly-sloped roofline. At the back, the Hyundai Accent sports wraparound tail lamps with some prominent LED elements and a dynamically-sculpted bumper. As I mentioned earlier, this is not at all a bad-looking sedan for the price.

In terms of its exterior dimensions, the Hyundai Accent measures in at 4,440mm in length, 1,720mm in width, and 1,460mm in overall height. It has a wheelbase of 2,600mm, while the sedan’s boot capacity stands at a robust 480 liters. In the UAE, the Accent is available in colors such as Fiery Red, Phantom Black, Polar White, Typhoon Silver, Starry Night, and Titan Gray.

Interior

One thing that you must know before buying the Hyundai Accent is that its cabin is impressively spacious. While it is certainly no Azera at the back, this compact sedan can still seat three adults in the back if needed. On the other hand, though, the overall design and layout of this interior doesn’t feel as modern as some of its contemporaries, while most of the touchpoints lack that quality feel. The materials used do not necessarily evoke any sense of premiumness, but hey, they won’t fall apart either.

Thankfully, the Accent’s seats are quite decent and offer acceptable levels of support. And even though the roofline does dip visually, headroom for rear passengers is far from terrible. Speaking of its features, the Hyundai Accent offers keyless entry with push-button start, a height-adjustable driver’s seat, power-operated & folding wing mirrors, cruise control, a cooled glovebox, a 6-speaker audio system, a power sunroof, split-folding rear seats, automatic climate control, and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Performance and other features

The new Hyundai Accent may not boast the latest and greatest in terms of its safety features, but it does get most of the basics right. Preventing you from crashing easily is tech such as ABS with EBD, Electronic Stability Program and Tire Pressure Monitoring System. There are also rear parking sensors with a reversing camera, ISOFIX child-seat anchors, and dual front airbags. In the UAE, the Hyundai Accent is available with a 1.4-liter four-cylinder petrol engine that puts out a modest 99hp and 132Nm of torque. Then there is the 1.6-liter four-cylinder petrol motor that produces 121hp and 151Nm of maximum torque.

Both engines in the Hyundai Accent come paired to the same 6-speed automatic gearbox, but as expected, it is the 1.6-liter engine that delivers any sort of actual performance (if one could say that). With over 120hp, the Accent 1.6 can touch 100 kmph from a standstill in a little over 11 seconds, whilst top whack is pegged at 190-odd kmph. With just 99hp, the Accent 1.4 needs nearly 13.5 seconds to reach the ton-mark – its top speed is around 180 kmph. Interestingly, both these engines are almost identical when it comes to their fuel economy scores, managing around 15.6 kmpl or 6.4 L/100 km.

Nissan Sunny

Without a shadow of doubt, the Nissan Sunny is one of the best-selling sedans in the UAE. It has successfully maintained this status for quite a while now, besting several other (sometimes better) sedans in the market. Available for purchase from any AW Rostamani or Arabian Automobiles dealership, the Nissan Sunny starts from just 55,000 dirhams in the UAE. This easily makes it one of the most affordable new family sedans around.

The Nissan Sunny was first launched way back in the mid-1960s, but the Japanese auto giant has kept evolving this bread & butter model continuously. In that regard, the fourth iteration (which was revealed at the 2019 Dubai International Motor Show) is undoubtedly the best so far. Built on Nissan’s V platform, the new Sunny boasts several changes over its predecessor. From being one of the least impressive cars in its class to now being one of the best, the Nissan Sunny has come a long way. However, feel free to check out Cars24 if you are searching for used Nissan cars in Dubai.

Exterior

The exterior of the new Nissan Sunny is far more captivating and interesting than its precursor, which was really starting to show its age. Keeping up with other newer Nissan models, the Sunny now comes with the brand’s signature V-motion grille at the front (finished in chrome), flanked by sleek headlamps with sharper-looking LED running lights. These are accompanied by a sportier and more sculpted front bumper with a large central air intake and dedicated housing for the fog lamps.

The sleeker side profile of the new Sunny now features flared fenders that house stylish 16-inch dual-tone alloy wheels, door-mounted wing mirrors with integrated turn indicators, a strong character line that runs along the doors to the rear lights, and the industry’s tried & true ‘floating roof’. Of course, that is more of a visual illusion, but it adds some drama to the sedan’s overall look. The rear of the new Sunny comes with a striking lower-bumper design plus a bootlip spoiler – not entirely necessary but quite welcome.

The new Nissan Sunny also gets fancier-looking wraparound tail lamps with a bold inner design, plus a slightly reprofiled trunk design as well. Speaking of which, the new Sunny’s boot capacity is much lower than what its predecessor had – 422 liters vs 490 liters. As for the rest of car, the Sunny’s overall length comes in at 4,496mm, while it measures 1,740mm in width and 1,455mm in height. Finally, this sedan has a wheelbase of 2,618mm, which is better than that of the Hyundai Accent. In the UAE, the new Nissan Sunny is available in colors like Aspen White TriCoat, Brilliant Silver Metallic, Electric Blue Metallic, Gun Metallic, Super Black, Radiant Red, and Scarlet Ember Tintcoat.

Interior

Just like its exterior, the newer interior design of the Nissan Sunny really makes it feel like a much more expensive car than what it truly is. That is, of course, a good thing. There is stitched leatherette on the dashboard, a leather-wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel with stitching effect, and even some carbon-fiber effect on the instrument pod. The instruments themselves come with a 7-inch part-digital display, while the 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system comes as standard with Android Auto & Apple CarPlay.

The rest of the cabin of the new Nissan Sunny looks just as modern while also maintaining its usability score as before. Unlike the Accent, the new Sunny’s perceived quality is better and more appealing, with soft-touch materials placed in some strategic locations. At the same time, there is more than enough legroom and headroom for the occupants at the front and rear of the new Sunny – most folks will not be complaining about feeling cramped in here. The seats too are accommodating and comfortable, so no complaints there either.

As far as its features are concerned, the new Nissan Sunny can be had with modern facilities such as automatic climate control, GPS navigation, voice recognition, cruise control, a 6-speaker audio system, three USB ports, a wireless charging pad, automatic LED headlamps, and Nissan intelligent Key with push-button ignition. In general, the cabin of the new Nissan Sunny feels far more in-touch with today’s age than the outgoing Accent. Of course, there is more than enough evidence – in terms of hard plastics – to dispel any myth of this sedan being luxurious.

Performance and other features

When Nissan updated the Sunny according to the current market conditions, it obviously gave it features such as dual front airbags, ABS with EBD & Brake Assist, Hill-Start Assist, Vehicle Stability Control & Traction Control, rear parking sensors, and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System. However, the automaker didn’t just stop at that. The new Sunny also comes blessed with equipment that includes Intelligent Forward Collision Warning with Automatic Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Rear Door Alert, and an Around View Monitor. Clearly, the Nissan Sunny is no longer scarping the bottom of the barrel when it comes to its safety tech.

Under the hood of the new Sunny lies a 1.6-liter four-cylinder petrol engine that delivers a not-so-exciting 118hp and 149Nm of twisting force to the front wheels. When coupled to Nissan’s Xtronic CVT gearbox, this naturally-aspirated four-popper sends the sedan from 0 to 100 kmph in under 11 seconds and onto a top speed of 180 kmph. In the meantime, the new Sunny’s average fuel consumption comes to around 14.9 kmpl or 6.7 L/100 km. While that is not segment leading anymore, it isn’t all that bad.

Kia Cerato

Battling it out with an industry heavyweight and crowd-favorite such as the Toyota Corolla, the Kia Cerato never had it easy in the UAE market. Coming in at a smidge under 60,000 dirhams, the current-day Cerato is one of the best compact family sedans – sporting a stylish exterior, a feature-rich & well-built cabin, and a powertrain that wins top trumps against the likes of the Hyundai Accent and Nissan Sunny. Just as with the Accent, the new Kia Cerato is sold by Al Majid Motors in the UAE.

Since its arrival in 2018, the third-generation Kia Cerato has been winning the hearts and minds of buyers in this segment. On top of all that, the Korean carmaker has never really stopped working on the Cerato – making it better with each passing generation. Today, the Kia Cerato is one of those sedans that one actually looks forward to buying, instead of one that one is forced to but due to budget constraints. Anyway, you can easily find a cheap set of wheels on Cars24 – whether it is old cars in Ajman or second-hand cars in Fujairah – Cars24 has it all.

Exterior

Keeping in mind how much modern car design has changed, it is good to see that Kia has not only come a long way but also kept up easily with the rest of the industry. The intriguing design starts up front, with the new Cerato’s “Tiger-nose” main grille and its LED headlamps that feature a unique x-shaped daytime-running element. The aggressive front end of the new Cerato makes it stand out, and its chiseled front bumper with its angular LED fog lamps and intakes really work in its favor, too.

The side of the new Kia Cerato comes along with a pretty straight-forward roofline, but one that accommodates a suave shark-fin antenna on top. Then there is chrome all around the window line, 17-inch alloy wheels that are finished in Dark Metal Gray, and sculpted body contours that add to this sedan’s style. Meanwhile, the rear of the new Cerato gets a long overhang, a deep rear bumper with a pseudo air diffuser and a chrome-tipped exhaust. In general, you can say that the latest Kia Cerato is one of the best-looking family sedans in the UAE.

When it comes to its exterior dimensions, the new Kia Cerato measures in at 4,640mm in length, 1,800mm in width, 1,450mm in height, and has a wheelbase that stretches 2,700mm. Then there is the Cerato’s boot capacity – coming in at a solid 502 liters – far superior to any sedan so far on this list. In the UAE, the new Kia Cerato is offered in colors that include Runway Red, Silky Silver, Steel Gray, Aurora Black Pearl, and Snow White Pearl.

Interior

The cabin of the new Kia Cerato comes across as a space that is not only modern and well-equipped, but one that makes its occupants feel comfortable and well taken care-off. Moreover, the dual-tone interior theme feels soothing and upscale, while the overall quality of materials in this cabin is not too bad at all. It is not like there aren’t any hard plastics in here, but the fact is that most of the common touchpoints feel premium enough. The Cerato’s interior feels roomy enough, especially considering its size. Furthermore, the seats feel equally nice and comfortable – you will not be moaning in agony on these seats.

The interior of the Kia Cerato is not what you will call as small or compromised, though this is a compact family sedan. There is enough space to seat five adults without having to hate the person sat next to you. And considering the fact that the greenhouse area in the Cerato is fairly good, you will not be struggling to sense what is happening on the outside of the car. Of course, if you select the all-black interior, that will drown some of that airiness.

Then there are this sedan’s features that really make it seem like a near-perfect family car of choice. That is because the new Kia Cerato comes with tech such as keyless entry with push-button start, a power sunroof, power-operated front seats with heating & ventilation functions, cruise control, dual-zone automatic climate control with rear vents, split-folding rear seats, a drive mode selector, leather interior upholstery, Kia’s ‘Smart trunk’ feature, paddle shifters, and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment head unit with voice command and GPS navigation. In short, the Kia Cerato is not lacking in the features department.

Performance and other features

The new Kia Cerato comes with safety features such as Hill Start Assist Control, Electronic Stability Control, Rear Cross Traffic Collision Warning, Blind Spot Collision Warning, and up to 6 airbags. Then there are front and rear parking sensors with a rearview camera, ABS with EBD, and ISOFIX anchor points. This is a pretty safe sedan, despite its affordable quotient. Of course, that does not mean that you drive without a care in the world.

In the United Arab Emirates, Kia makes the new Cerato available with two different petrol engine options. There is the 1.6-liter four-cylinder naturally-aspirated unit that musters 128hp and 154Nm of peak torque, and the 2.0-liter four-cylinder unit that is capable of pumping out 152hp and 192Nm of maximum torque. Irrespective, both these powerplants come as standard with a 6-speed automatic gearbox in the UAE. If you really want performance, it is the Cerato 2.0 that you really want.

The Kia Cerato 2.0 can go from naught to 100 kmph in just over 9 seconds, depending on the traction available and driver skill. And when push comes to shove, this family sedan can hit a terminal velocity of 210 kmph, which is pretty respectable. Even when it comes to the Cerato’s fuel consumption, it does not drink petrol as if there is no tomorrow – coming across with an average mileage of 14.9 kmpl or 6.7 L/100 km – pretty decent for a sedan in this segment. Do not push the Cerato 2.0 much, you will not be rewarded with a good fuel economy.

Toyota Corolla

The Toyota Corolla is one of those cars that has no issues introducing itself – in fact, it doesn’t need any introductions at all. As one of the world’s best-selling and famous cars ever, the Corolla has been around longer than most of us millennials. Sold by Al-Futtaim Motors in the UAE, the Toyota Corolla starts from 71,900 dirhams. And yes, that is expensive for a car that has always been promoted as an affordable yet reliable family car. But does that higher-than-average really matter? No, not really.

Of course, if you want to look for more affordable options, there is always Cars24. In this particular instance, you will be pleased to learn that Cars24 has used Toyota cars in Sharjah. There is always a chance that you will want to buy a used Corolla, which is completely understandable. Either way, know that this is a family sedan that has always been in demand in the UAE market, and will continue to be in demand for a long time to come. So, if you want to buy a good compact sedan, you cannot really go wrong with the Toyota Corolla.

Exterior

The latest generation of the Toyota Corolla is one that really puts itself across as a sporty and sleek car, of what is supposed to be, a simple family sedan. Of course, this has not gone unnoticed. Over the years, Toyota has made sure that this everyday car has stood as one of its greatest feats – whether it be on a sales perspective or as an engineering testament. So, when you look at the outgoing iteration of the Toyota Corolla, its modern persona is not something that was the result of a clerical error.

For instance, the front fascia of the new Corolla features sleek headlamps with LED DRLs, a narrow grille with a chrome strip, and a revised yet sporty bumper with carved corners that are highlighted in chrome, and a multi-slatted central air dam. A slightly sloped roofline along the sides of the new Corolla goes hand-in-hand with its door-mounted wing mirrors, flared wheel arches that house dual-tone 17-inch alloy rims, and a strong shoulder line. Compared to its predecessor, though, this side profile is not too different.

The neatly carved-out bumper at the back of the Corolla is accompanied by a chrome-festooned fascia, which includes the bootlid and the wraparound tail lamps. While this may not be the biggest evolution to the Corolla’s line-up, this avatar does make this family sedan even more relevant than ever in the UAE. The Toyota Corolla stretches 4,630mm in length, 1,780mm in width, 1,435mm in overall height, and has a wheelbase that comes in at 2,700mm.

And with a trunk space of around 470 liters, this sedan is not too bad when it comes to hauling some of the family’s big bags. UAE customers of the new Toyota Corolla get to choose between shades such as Black Mica, Celestite Grey Metallic, Beige Metallic, Grey Metallic, Red Mica Metallic, Silver Metallic, Super White, and White Pearl Crystal Shine. Some of these might help you sell your car quicker in the second-hand market than others. Either way, the new Toyota Corolla is still a blazing sales success story.

Interior

The interior of the new Toyota Corolla is well-built and has a perceived level of quality that is decently high, especially for a car in this segment. There are some surfaces that are covered in softer materials than usual, though most of it are plastered with plastics that won’t really invoke any sense of comfort or niceness. Then again, the space for occupants is fairly good, with room at the back being more than acceptable.

The seats in the new Corolla are absolutely fine, even if you want to go on a long journey. Obviously, they are not exactly meant to keep you glued to them if you want to drive in an aggressive manner. Then again, are you going to do that in a Corolla? At the back, there is enough legroom for most people, courtesy of that 2.7-meter-long wheelbase. You could also say that the amount of light coming through the windows is not half as bad as well.

When it comes to this sedan’s equipment list, it can be had with stuff like keyless entry with push-button ignition, automatic climate control with rear vents, automatic LED headlamps, a power sunroof, cruise control, wireless charging, a 6-speaker sound system, a partially-digital driver’s display, a leather-wrapped multifunctional steering wheel, and a power-operated trunk lid. The quality of this interior may not be at the level of the Kia Cerato, most people who choose the Corolla, will not really be complaining.

Performance and other features

In the UAE, the Toyota Corolla comes with two gasoline engines: a 1.6-liter four-cylinder that makes 121hp and 154Nm of maximum torque and a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that outputs 168hp and 200Nm of peak torque. Then there is the petrol-hybrid version that comes with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder unit that pushes out a maximum of 121hp and 142Nm of twisting force. However, keep in mind that all variants of the Corolla in the UAE come as standard with a CVT gearbox.

Depending on the variant involved, the quickest Corolla can scoot from 0 to 100 kmph in a smidge over 9 seconds and hit a top speed of 200 kmph. This particular variant of the Toyota Corolla comes back with a fuel consumption score of 19.8 kmpl or 5 L/100 km, which is far from bad. Then there is the Corolla Hybrid, which returns a fuel economy figure of 27.6 kmpl or 3.62 L/100 km. If you want a reliable and well-built family sedan with a frugal drivetrain, then the Toyota Corolla is not the worst option on the market.

As for its safety features, the new Toyota Corolla ABS with EBD and Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Control, dual front and side airbags, rea parking sensors with a reversing camera, Hill-start Assist Control, ISOFIX anchorages, and a Tire Pressure Warning System.

Nissan Altima

The Nissan Altima has been around since 1992, and in all that while, it has earner its maker a credible reputation. This midsize family sedan goes up against the likes of the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, and manages to stand out on its own. Currently in its sixth generation, the outgoing Altima is based on the brand’s D platform architecture. Available in over 6 trim levels in the UAE, the new Nissan Altima is one of the best family sedans in its segment.

Priced from just under 93,000 dirhams and sold by either AW Rostamani or Arabian Automobiles, the Nissan Altima is one of the Japanese brand’s best-selling cars in the region. On the other hand, you can buy used Nissan cars in Abu Dhabi for far less. Since its debut in the UAE, the Altima has been a well-liked and popular family sedan. Moreover, since it has been priced a little lower than its closest rivals, the Altima has had a little bit of an upper hand in this market. Having said that, this is still a tightly-fought segment where margins of victory can be as narrow as a Victoria Secrets’ model’s waist.

Exterior

The latest avatar of the Nissan Altima is probably one of the best-looking one ever. The sharp styling comes with a design that boasts proportions that not only look good, but come with a stance that make this sedan seem nice and sporty overall. The front fascia of the new Altima features Nissan’s huge V-Motion grille, boasting a mesh air intake in the middle. The long hood plays the part, so do the pulled-back headlamps with their LED DRLs.

This is followed by the well-sculpted front bumper which also hosts the new Altima’s fog lamps and turn indicators. The elongated side profile of this sedan draws a physique that emphasizes on muscular wheel arches, extended side skirts, suave 19-inch alloy wheels, chrome door handles, and a ‘floating roof’. The rear of the new Nissan Altima comes featuring a duck-tail spoiler, a wraparound tail lamp with an LED element, and a deep back bumper.

When it comes to this family sedan’s exterior size, the Nissan Altima comes through with measurements of 4,900mm in length, 1,852mm in width, and 1,440mm in height. Of course, then there is the Altima’s wheelbase of 2,825mm and its minimum boot capacity of 436 liters. In the UAE, the new Nissan Altima is available in 9 exterior colors. This includes shades such as Solid White, Gun Metallic, Pearl Blue, Orange, Scarlet Ember, Dark Blue, Silver etc. When compared to its predecessor, this iteration of the Altima does turn heads sans much effort.

Interior

The interior of the new Nissan Altima looks so much more modern and sophisticated than its precursor. Nissan has also worked on the quality of materials and the overall design – most pieces here look upmarket and well-placed. Furthermore, there is some faux wood trim on the dashboard so as to add some more ‘elegance’. On the same note, the fake carbon-fiber trim does look a bit unnecessary, though it is thankfully not the shiny kind. The Altima’s cabin features a tablet-style an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment head unit that incorporates NFC support, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Wi-Fi.

Moreover, depending on the trim level, you will also get a 9-speaker Bose premium audio system that does sound pretty good. The placement of the push-button starter on the center pedestal, meanwhile, does look cool and fancy – so does the leather-wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel. The gauges are easy to read, while the 7-inch center MID has more than enough information to keep you updated about the car’s condition and happenings.

Of course, the new Altima’s equipment list doesn’t just end there. You can have this sedan with items such as leather interior upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, remote engine start, heated front seats & steering wheel, paddle shifters, an electronic parking brake, an electric sunroof, and radar-guided cruise control among many more. Interior space was never a problem in the previous-gen Altima, and it is not an issue in this new one either. The new Nissan Altima makes for a comfortable highway cruiser, with the cabin NVH levels never getting too intrusive.

Performance and other features

Customers in the UAE can pick the Nissan Altima in one of two avatars. One comes with a 2.5-liter naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine that comes up with 188hp and 244Nm of maximum torque. Then there is the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-pot that delivers a promising 248hp plus 370Nm of peak torque as well. Both these engines are mated to Nissan’s new generation of Xtronic CVT gearbox, this time around, it gets 7 pseudo gear ratios that would make some think that this is a traditional torque-converter unit.

Even the base 2.5 Altima is not slow on its feet – getting from 0 to 100 kmph in 8 seconds flat. This keeps going till the speedometer touches about 220 kmph, which is this variant’s top speed. Meanwhile, the Altima Turbo will get itself to 100 kmph in a little over 6 seconds (all the while spinning its front wheels), which is far better and even more thrilling than its 2.5 sibling. Depending on how you drive, the Altima 2.5 will manage around 8.8 L/100 km, with the Turbo variant returning approximately 9.7 L/100 km.

Over the years, Nissan kept adding more and more advanced safety features to the Altima. Today, this is one of the safest family sedans in the UAE. Some of the Nissan Altima’s safety gadgets include rear ISOFIX anchor points, Predictive Forward Collision Warning with Forward Emergency Break, Blind Spot Warning, Cross Traffic Alert, Driver Attention Alert, and Parking Assist System with a rearview camera. The sedan also comes with 6 airbags, Hill Start Assist, Vehicle Dynamic Control, ABS with EBD, and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System.

Toyota Camry

The Toyota Camry is one of those cars that most people would buy without even putting too much thought into it. Being on sale since the 1980s means that this mid-size family sedan has the kind of cachet that makes many of its rivals a little jealous even to this day. Retailed brand-new by none other than by Al-Futtaim Motors in the UAE, the latest Camry represents the nameplate’s eight avatar since its first introduction all those years ago. The all-new Camry sits on top of Toyota’s TNGA platform, and starts from 95,500 dirhams.

In case you do not wish to spend north of 95,000 on a brand-new Camry, you can check out Cars24 for used Toyota cars in Dubai (which includes used Camrys) that are available for much less cash. Compared to a few of its closest competitors, the Toyota Camry always commanded a premium. Having said that, its presence in this region of the world is simply astonishing – with thousands upon thousands being used by every type of taxi operator out there.

Exterior

Unlike its precursor, the eight generation of the Toyota Camry looks like it is serious about being as good as it can be. It might as well, because competition in the UAE’s mid-size sedan business is fierce, to say the least. Fortunately for the Camry, Toyota has given it a proper facelift – now featuring a sleek set of projector LED headlamps with angular LED DRLs, enlarged lower air intakes, and a sculpted hood at the front.

The shoulder line of the new Camry definitely has a certain elegance factor attached to it. It is no longer there just as a part of the side profile, instead, it adds charm and a sense of sportiness to the Camry – things one wouldn’t have said about the previous model. Higher variants of the sedan now boast 18-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels and a more aggressive look overall. The rear of the new Camry come with its own sporty touches such as quad-exhaust outlets (of which, only two are real), a bootlip spoiler, and LED combination tail lamps.

While you will continue to see taxi operators using the Camry in the UAE, there is no denying the fact that this family sedan’s popularity will not recede anytime soon. Its updated design language has ensured that many buyers in this segment will find the new Toyota Camry a great option. Speaking of options, the Camry is available in exterior colors like Attitude Black Mica, Dark Blue Mica, Emotional Red, Graphite Metallic, Silver Metallic, Platinum White Pearl Mica, and dual-tone offerings such as Emotional Red/Attitude Black Mica and Platinum White Pearl Mica/ Attitude Black Mica.

The new Toyota Camry comes in at 4,885mm in length, 1,840mm in width, and 1,445mm in overall height. It also has a wheelbase that stretches 2,825mm, while the all-important boot capacity of this family sedan is a decent 493 liters. As you may have noticed, the Camry is no longer the longest sedan in its class, but it is far from a small car on the outside.

Interior

The dual-tone cabin of the new Toyota Camry looks pretty familiar and spacious. Toyota has used some soft-touch materials on the dashboard and doors to uplift the feeling of quality in this interior, which works for a bit. However, once you start feeling the rest of the trim, the actual plushness of this cabin may not seem all that great to you. Meanwhile, the swooping center console design works well in this sedan’s favor – same can be said about the stitched-leather effect on many of the surfaces.

It is obvious, with so many Camrys being used as taxis in the region, this family sedan is absolutely not lacking in the ‘interior space’ department. In fact, even taller folks will be absolutely fine in almost any seat of the Toyota Camry. The seats themselves are comfortable and supportive – the latter being true for the rear bench as well. And in case you opt for the model with a panoramic sunroof, this cabin feels even more roomy and airy. As for those at the front, the controls are fairly easy to understand and use, although their intuitiveness is not the best in this segment.

The new Toyota Camry comes equipped with comfort features such as keyless entry with push-button ignition, a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment head unit that integrates Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, plus an impressive a 9-speaker JBL premium sound system. Then there are this sedan’s other features such as automatic headlamps, adaptive cruise control, a wireless smartphone charging pad, power-operated front seats, shift paddles, individual drive modes, dual-zone climate control, a power-operated rear sunshade, an electronic parking brake etc. The Camry is no longer a boring family sedan with barely any technical attractions.

Performance and other features

The new Toyota Camry, much like its rivals, now boasts many more safety features than it has ever done before. It can now be had with the Japanese automaker’s Pre-Collision System, which encompasses tech such as Lane Departure Alert, Lane Change Assist, and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control System. Then there are the usuals such as Hill-Start Assist Control, Vehicle Stability Control, Tire Pressure Warning System, Automatic High Beam, Anti-Lock Braking System with Electronic Brake-Force Distribution & Brake Assist, front & rear parking sensors, and all-around airbags.

In the United Arab Emirates, the new Toyota Camry can be had with several engine options – all petrols, of course. The Camry, in its most basic form, comes powered by a 2.5-liter naturally-aspirated petrol four-cylinder puts out 204hp and 243Nm of peak torque. Then there is the same engine that comes mated to an electric motor, which means now you have 215hp and 221Nm of maximum twisting force. This one comes with a CVT gearbox, while the standard Camry 2.5 gets an 8-speed automatic transmission.

The range-topping model comes with a naturally-aspirated 3.5-liter V6 that sends an encouraging 298hp and 356Nm of torque. With this engine under the hood, the Camry can go from 0 to 100 kmph in 6.3 seconds and hit a top speed of 235 kmph. Meanwhile, the model with the base 2.5-liter four-cylinder motor can do naught to 100 kmph in a smidge under 9.5 seconds and touch a top whack of 195 kmph. Finally, the Toyota Camry Hybrid is available with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder as well, though it comes mated to an electric motor to produce a grand total of 215hp and 221Nm of torque. Even with its CVT gearbox, the Camry Hybrid still manages a top speed of 200 kmph.

Honda Accord

If there is one car that is truly capable of toppling the Toyota Camry in its own game, it is most likely the Honda Accord. The Accord has been in the mid-size family sedan turf for a long time, and in all this while, has gained a pretty robust reputation. And in its spanking-new tenth-generation avatar, the Accord is now one of the best sedans in its segment – sparking interest in plenty more buyers than ever before. Starting from just under 95,000 dirhams, the new Honda Accord is sold by Al-Futtaim in the UAE.

On the other hand, Cars24 has plenty of well-priced second-hand cars for sale in Ajman and certified used cars in Ras Al Khaimah. At the same time, the Honda Accord has always remained out of use by cab operators in the UAE, so if that really matters to you, then this family sedan’s appeal is totally understandable. Having said that, the Accord is slightly pricier than its immediate rivals, so there is that to consider as well.

Exterior

As you can tell from the pictures, the latest-gen Honda Accord has a design that oozes elegance and sophistication. Even when put next to the all-new Altima and Camry, the contemporary coupe-like silhouette of this sedan certainly makes for a great first look. Up front, the gently-sloped hood leads to a thick chrome bar, a deep bumper with horizontal slats, and a pair of sharp-looking LED headlamps. The low-slung appearance of this front fascia definitely looks sporty, especially for a family sedan.

The fastback design of the new Accord means that its sporty stance is portrayed even while standing still. Add to that the chrome detailing along the window line, protruding body contours, extended side sills, and 5-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels finished in piano black, the side profile of the new Accord looks the part. At the rear, the new Accord comes with dual exhausts, a duck-tail spoiler, and funky boomerang-style tail lamps. In short, this is a sedan that can easily punch above its weight in the styling department.

As for its exterior measurements, the new Honda Accord comes in at 4,890mm in length, 1,860mm in width, and ondaHo1,450mm in height. Meanwhile, it has a wheelbase of 2,830mm, while its overall boot volume comes to 473 liters – smaller than the Camry’s. In terms of color options, the new Accord is available in Crystal Black, Obsidian Blue, Lunar Silver Metallic, Modern Steel Metallic, San Marino, Platinum White, and Sonic Grey. Overall, the new Honda Accord looks great, and will stand out even when parked outside one of Dubai’s posh malls.

Interior

Once you sit inside the new Honda Accord, you will be greeted with a minimalistic yet well-designed and function interior. The chunky leather-wrapped steering wheel, along with a part-digital instrument cluster and low seating position, will make you feel like you are sitting inside a sports car. For a standard family sedan, that is a pretty rare praise to hear these days. Just as praiseworthy is the quality of materials that have been used in this cabin, with smart use of different textures and tones and soft-touch leatherette on various surfaces.

Much of the controls fall to easy to hand, while the modern shift-by-wire gear selector adds to the cool factor inside the cabin of the new Accord. There are also enough storage areas in here, while the leather seats are easily one of the best-in-class in terms of their comfort factor.

Passengers sitting in the back should not have much problems, though the middle occupant may lack sufficient headroom if they are on the taller side. In general, the interior of the new Honda Accord remains a stylish, comfortable and well-insulated place.

The equipment list of the new Accord includes niceties such as Active Noise Cancellation, a premium 9-speaker sound system, dual-zone automatic climate control, push-button start, climate-controlled front seats with memory function, a power sunroof, a wireless smartphone charger, an electronic parking brake, paddle shifters, plus an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay connectivity. As expected, the higher variants get all of these features as standard.

Performance and other features

In the UAE, the new Accord can be had with other features such as a head-up display, a multi-angle rearview camera plus Honda’s “LaneWatch” camera system. The sedan’s safety suite also includes multiple airbags (one for the driver’s knee also), ABS with EBD, Hill Start Assist, Vehicle Stability Assist, Traction Control System, Agile Handling Assist, adaptive cruise control with Collision Mitigation Braking System, Road Departure Mitigation System, and a rear seat reminder.

The new Honda Accord is offered with a choice of two turbo-petrol engines in the UAE. The entry-level model comes with a 1.5-liter four-cylinder turbo-petrol mill that makes 198hp and 260Nm of peak torque, while the higher model gets a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine that cranks out 247hp and 370Nm of maximum torque. The latter comes mated to a 10-speed automatic gearbox, whilst the former is paired with a CVT. As far as performance is concerned, the Accord 2.0T hits 100 kmph in less than 6 seconds and has a top speed of 205 kmph. Meanwhile, the Accord 1.5T will do a maximum of 195 kmph, hitting the ton-mark in a respectable 7.5 seconds.

Cadillac CT4

Based on the GM Alpha architecture, the Cadillac CT4 is the latest model in the American marque’s sedan range. The all-new CT4 is a sport luxury sedan that is mainly aimed at young buyers, with prices in the UAE commencing from just over 138,000 dirhams. Sold by Al Ghandi Auto, the Cadillac CT4 is poised to be competitive in a market that has more than its fair share of sporty family sedans. And while it is more expensive than a Camry or an Accord, the CT4 is still the most affordable Cadillac currently on sale in the UAE.

Just because it is the most affordable Cadillac around, doesn’t mean everyone would want to spend nearly 140,000 dirhams on a car. That is totally fine, as Cars24 has an extensive inventory of used cars for sale in Fujairah and second-hand cars for sale in Sharjah. Take a look at those if you want to save some extra money while buying a car in the UAE. As for the all-new Cadillac CT4, it wouldn’t face much trouble attracting customers. Despite its higher price tag, the CT4 does wear the Cadillac badge, making it a premium offering.

Exterior

One of the first things that you will notice about the all-new Cadillac CT4 is its exterior styling. The CT4’s design is blessed with a sleek profile, along with a wide stance, great proportions and taught surfacing. All in all, this sedan definitely looks athletic and sporty. Furthermore, the Cadillac grille at front boasts a unique design and is flanked on both sides by ultra-modern LED headlights with the brand’s signature vertical daytime-running lights. Depending on the trim level, the CT4 will get either bright or darker accents on the outside.

Along the sides, the Cadillac CT4 features extended rocker panels, sporty 18-inch alloy rims that are finished in a unique Satin graphite paint, chrome detailing on the windows and door handles, flared wheel arches, vertically arranged LED rear lights, chrome-tipped dual exhausts, a faux diffuser, and a rear spoiler. Compared to most of the sedans on this list, the chiseled exterior of the Cadillac CT4 will turn more heads. Based on the region, the CT4 comes along with 11 exterior color options.

The all-new Cadillac CT4 measures in at 4,755mm in length, 1,815mm in width, and 1,422mm in height. At 2,776mm, the wheelbase of this Caddy is pretty decent, though its 303-liter boot is far from being cavernous. Having said that, it is not rare for luxury compact sedans to have a small boot – something you will be reminded of when you open the trunk of the CT4. On the plus side, Cadillac’s newer sedans are looking sharper and sportier than ever before. And this entry-level CT4 is no exception to that train of thought.

Interior

The driver-centric cockpit of the all-new Cadillac CT4 comes featuring a fairly contemporary design, with metal accents and soft leather used for a better sense of luxury and comfort. Cadillac also says that it has tried to enhance driver confidence by placing much of the controls intuitively and ergonomically while making sure they feel tactile in their response. The seats offer good support while driving around corners, but they are also comfy enough when you are just driving around in the city.

The quality of materials in the new CT4’s cabin feels good for the most part, though there are some scratchy plastic bits in here too. Meanwhile, the leather-wrapped steering wheel can be heated, and it is backed up by a part-analogue instrument cluster with a central digital driver information center. To up the ambience of this interior, Cadillac has fitted the new CT4 with LED interior lighting with ‘stealth mode’, whatever that means.

As with most cars in this segment, the rear bench of the Cadillac CT4 is best for carrying two adults. While carrying three people in the back is doable, it will be a tight squeeze in this sedan. The CT4 does get quite a bit of tech as standard, with several more being available as options.

Of course, there is keyless entry and push-button ignition, dual-zone automatic climate control with a humidity sensor & particulate filter plus rear vents, heated & ventilated front seats, a 14-speaker Bose surround-sound audio system with Active Noise Cancellation, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment head unit with Android Auto & Apple CarPlay, wireless charging, and magnesium shift paddles.

Performance and other features

Some of the other features of the all-new Cadillac CT4 include Brembo performance brakes, adaptive cruise control with Enhanced Automatic Emergency Braking, plus Following Distance Indicator, Front Pedestrian Alert and Reverse Automatic Braking. The CT4 also gets Lane Change Alert, Side Blind Zone Alert, Performance Traction Management, a head-up display, and a whole raft of airbags as well. Obviously, there is ABS with EBD and Brake Assist, front & rear parking sensors with a reversing camera, and electronic stability and traction control systems.

Buyers in the UAE have two engine options when it comes to the Cadillac CT4 – both turbo-petrol four-cylinder units. The standard model uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-popper that develops 237hp and a maximum of 350Nm of torque. This can spin either the rear wheels only, or all fours in the case of the AWD version. The transmission on offer here is an 8-speed automatic. Equipped with this engine, the CT4 will touch 100 kmph from a standstill in about 6.3 seconds, topping out at 250 kmph.

However, the CT4-V comes with a more potent 2.7-liter turbo-petrol four-popper that makes 325hp and 515Nm of torque. It also gets a 10-speed automatic gearbox, though it is only available with rear-wheel drive. Despite lacking all-wheel drive, the CT4-V will still get to 100 kmph in a whisker over 4.5 seconds. Meanwhile, the top speed is electronically limited to 250 kmph. Enhancing the Cadillac CT4-V’s driving experience further are its quad sports exhaust, Magnetic Ride Control with Performance Suspension, a mechanical limited-slip differential, and V-performance brake linings. Compared to the rest of the sedans here, this Cadillac is by far the best one to drive.

Lexus ES

It is no surprise to see the Lexus ES making its appearance on this list. After all, there are very few luxury family sedans that sell as well and are as well-liked as this one. Since its update in 2018, the seventh-generation ES has been given yet another cosmetic update. However, underneath all that fancy Lexus bodywork, sits a Toyota Avalon. This means that the Lexus ES utilizes Toyota’s TNGA-K platform, though with several tweaks. In the UAE, the ES is priced from AED 205,000 and comes in six variants.

As with all other Toyota/Lexus cars, the ES is also sold by Al-Futtaim Motors in the UAE. While the Lexus ES is relatively affordable when compared to its German rivals, it is surely not cheap. If that is what you are looking for, though, Cars24 has second-hand cars for sale in Dubai and cheap used cars for sale in Umm Al Quwain. Meanwhile, the Lexus ES is one of the most common luxury cars in the region, with many being used by cab-hailing services such as Uber. If you want to show-off your money without actually spending a lot of it, this family sedan should do it for you.

Exterior

The pointy front fascia of the ES is dominated by the huge Lexus spindle grille – it is tall, wide, and unabashedly ‘in your face’! Accompanying that are fancy-looking tri-beam LED headlights with sequential indicators, a chiseled bumper with chrome detailing, and a long hood with smooth & clean lines. The side profile of the new ES is similar to that of the old ES, featuring chrome window surrounds, a chrome strip down below the doors, large door-mounted wing mirrors, flared wheel arch extensions, and chic 19-inch aluminium wheels.

The back of the new Lexus ES is almost the same as the old model. It gets large LED tail lamps with the same sequential indicators as the ones in the headlights, a subtle bootlip spoiler, and two fake exhaust tips that are finished in chrome. The styling of the Lexus ES will fare well with many buyers, though some might not like the fact that this sedan is in abundant use by cab-hailing services – making it an extremely common sight on our roads. Still, the Lexus ES does look expensive and premium.

Some of the exterior colors offered on the Lexus ES in the UAE include White Nova, Heat Blue, Deep Blue Mica, Black, Sonic Quartz, Sonic Titanium, and Platinum Silver Metallic. The ES boasts an overall body length of 4,975mm, width of 1,865mm, and a height of 1,445mm. The sedan features a wheelbase of 2,870mm, while its boot capacity is 454 liters. When all is said and done, the Lexus ES will continue to sell in healthy numbers in the UAE – private and fleet buyers combined.

Interior

The interior of the Lexus ES has been designed with comfort and spaciousness in mind. Therefore, you can expect loads of room for all occupants – the rear can seat three adults without feeling too crowded. Moreover, the seats are lovely and so is the leather. There are barely any cheap materials in this cabin, and the adjustable LED ambient illumination makes this interior feel relaxing to travel in. And with the amount of padding that Lexus has done, you will not be troubled by any excessive road or wind noise once inside the ES.

Adding to the posh appeal of this interior is the 'Optitron' digital gauge cluster that can be switched between Eco, Normal, and Sport modes – each resulting in a different layout and display style. The ES comes with a 12.3-inch infotainment head unit that can be controlled using the Remote Touch pad located on the center pedestal, which is far from being the best system in the industry.

Thankfully, the Lexus ES does come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, while its features list also includes a gesture-activated trunk release, a panoramic moonroof, powered rear sunshades, a power adjustable steering column, and three-zone climate control.

Digging deeper into the Lexus ES brochure, you will find even more convenience tech such as remote engine starter, a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium sound system, a wireless smartphone charger, Active Noise Cancellation, and adaptive cruise control. For most buyers, the ES will come across as a great family sedan – packed with features, a comfortable and quiet cabin, and a striking exterior design. Of course, let us not forget the excellent build quality that Lexus cars are renowned for – that definitely applies to the ES.

Performance and other features

In the Lexus ES, you will be well looked after when it comes to safety. On this front, the ES scores the Japanese brand’s Pre-Crash Safety System. This means you get 10 airbags, Vehicle Stability Control with Traction Control System, Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Tracing Assist, Panoramic View Monitor, plus a head-up display. Of course, you also get ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, and front & rear parking sensors, too.

In the UAE, the Lexus ES350 comes powered by a 3.5-liter naturally-aspirated V6 petrol engine that pushes out 302hp and 362Nm of peak torque. It only spins the front wheels, using an 8-speed automatic gearbox to carry out all transmission duties. From a standstill, the Lexus ES will take around 7 seconds to cross 100 kmph, while hitting a top speed of 230 kmph. When driven sedately, the ES350 will manage a fuel economy of 11.5 kmpl or 8.7 L/100 km, which isn’t all that bad.

Conclusion

While a whole lot of buyers these days are moving on from sedans to SUVs, there are still those who prefer the sedan. Whether it be in its typical three-box shape or one that is styled to look like a four-door coupe, the sedan remains the go-to-choice of vehicle for many. The UAE car market is one that is constantly evolving, and while luxury cars are common, many buyers just want a good family sedan.

Finding the best family sedan out of a whole bunch of promising candidates is far from easy, and even when you think you have found a few, there will still be arguments. However, we can all agree that cars like the Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sunny, Honda Accord, and Toyota Camry are some of the best-selling cars in the market. Of course, then we also have the likes of the Lexus ES, which is a top-selling car, regardless of the segments involved. So, if you want a family sedan in the UAE, you would not go wrong with any option on this list.