A guide to golden age of midsizes.

Byline: Peter Couture and Lyra Solochek

We think this is the golden age for the midsize sedan: Never have there been more stylish, comfortable and dynamic models to choose from, no matter your driving preference. The three sedans here u different models of cars we've reviewed recently only reinforce that belief.

2014 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL

The Altima ($30,625 as tested) was redesigned for the 2013 model year and does budget luxury well. The SL trim is the top level for the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder models, which put out 182 horsepower and come with Nissan's Xtronic Continuously Variable Transmission, or as we like to call it: the dreaded CVT. The CVT can make for a noisy experience, especially when paired with a 4-cylinder, but Lyra thought the Altima's improved sound insulation has helped; Peter still found it excessive. The car's acceleration is strong and the power is there when you punch it to merge in highway traffic. The handling and steering are lively, better than average for this class. The mpg is the best of the three sedans here at 27 city, 38 highway. We liked the Cayenne Red exterior paint. Where the Altima really shines is its attractive interior, which in our SL trim was beige and looks like it belongs to a more expensive car. Peter thinks the leather seats are among the most comfortable and supportive in the midsize class. The SL trim also comes with electronic bells and whistles that include rearview camera, remote engine start, Bluetooth phone and audio, push-button start and a Bose audio system. The optional Technology Package adds a 7-inch color display and navigation system, blind-spot warning, moving object detection and lane-departure warning.

2013 Toyota Camry XLE

Toyota has sold boatloads of Camrys by virtue of a laserlike focus on dependability and practicality. The most exciting thing about our tester's appearance ($29,945 as tested) was its Clearwater Blue Metallic paint. So if the Camry tends toward the bland side, that's OK. It features a quiet, roomy cabin, a ride that's composed even on bumpy roads, and electronics that won't leave you scratching your head. The 6.1-inch touch screen has large, easy-to-use buttons, and the steering wheel controls are ergonomic. The six-speed...