Revised Chrysler 300 V6 joins Hyundai Genesis atop Consumer Reports large sedan ratings

In the not too distant past, large sedans had devolved into largely boring highway cruisers destined for lives consisting of annual trips from New York to South Florida. Thankfully, the industry's latest crop of big four-doors actually brings improved quality and a more enjoyable driving experience to the table. This couldn't be any more evident than the new large sedans that Consumer Reports recently tested and rated. While the Hyundai Genesis remained on top in this category, the updated 2012 Chrysler 300 surged ahead of its other competitors thanks primarily to the car's new transmission. Other sedans tested that were new or improved in 2012 include the Hyundai Azera, Buick LaCrosse eAssist and the 2013 Ford Taurus.

With a rating of 87, the Hyundai Genesis is still the institute's top-rated large sedan, but the new Chrysler 300 V6 with the eight-speed automatic transmission put Chrysler's flagship sedan closer to the Genesis with a rating of 83; the V8-powered 300C has a rating of 82. This higher rating is a result of the new ZF-sourced transmission's smoother shifts and improved fuel economy. A five-speed transmission is still offered in the car, but the new gearbox delivers an extra 4 miles per gallon on the highway (and 2 mpg in the combined rating). The new transmission did take a slight hit from CR due to its oddly "fussy" shifter.

Nipping at the heels of the new 300 V6, the redesigned 2012 Hyundai Azera received a favorable score of 81 due to mainly its improved interior and ride quality. The Buick LaCrosse eAssist mild hybrid comes in next with a rating of 78 to go with its best-in-class observed economy of 26 mpg, while the 2013 Ford Taurus is still at the bottom of the list with a rating of 64 primarily due to CR's dislike of the MyFord Touch infotainment system and the car's cramped cabin.

None of the four new sedans received the coveted CR recommendation since all are either brand-new or significantly updated for 2012.

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