The 1989 Nissan Maxima stuck the phrase "4 Door Sports Car" on its rear windows. It's a trademark Nissan uses on the current Maxima, even if this front-wheel drive family sedan was never an enthusiast machine. These words aptly describe more than a dozen high-performance sedans and hatches that appear to be average but perform like dedicated sports cars. Here are our favorites.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
1
2023 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio
Price: $81,855
The Giulia might be a bit old compared to others on this list, but the high-performance Quadrifoglio version is just as sharp, even years after its introduction. Lightning-quick steering and a characterful twin-turbo V-6 mean fun for days. Just make sure to budget for the lack of reliability.
Here's what makes the Quad so special
2
2023 Acura TLX Type S
Price: $56,445
People tend to sleep on Acura as a performance brand, and we're not sure why. Sure, the NSX might be gone, but cars like the TLX Type S remind us there's still lots of fun to be had in Honda's luxury arm.
The TLX is what a sport sedan should be
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
3
2023 Audi RS3
Price: $61,995
The RS3 was the biggest surprise of our 2023 Performance Car of the Year event. Many judges were caught off guard with just how well the tiny four-door Audi performed, both on track and through our test route. It's truly quick and fun at the limit.
Check out our first drive review here
4
2023 Audi RS5 Sportback
Price: $79,295
The RS5 might not be as nimble as the smaller RS3, but it's still worthy of appearing on this list. There's lots of grunt from the 444-hp 2.9-liter twin-turbo V-6, and plenty of comfort from Audi's world-class interior.
Here are all the details on the RS5 Sportback
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
5
2023 Audi e-tron GT
Price: $106,395
The Audi e-tron GT uses the same architecture as the Porsche Taycan, so you know it's going to be good. Audi's put its own spin on the exterior and interior designs, and even changed some of the driving dynamics to better align with the brand. Still, we adore it.
This is why it's the best grand tourer ever made
6
2024 Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance
Price: $95,000 (est.)
Though the new C63 lacks the beloved fire-breathing V-8, it's still an exceptional machine. The most powerful production four-cylinder ever combined with a trick hybrid AWD system provides for monstrous acceleration and seemingly endless grip.
Here are the full specs
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
7
2023 Hyundai Elantra N
Price: $34,015
The Hyundai Elantra N is a fan favorite around the R&T office. Not only is it one of the most affordable cars on this list, it's also one of the most fun. The rear end is designed to rotate, giving beginners and veterans alike the means to push their skills on track.
This is why the Elantra N is the best performance value
8
2023 Toyota GR Corolla
Price: $36,995
Think the hot hatch is dead? A few minutes behind the wheel of a Toyota GR Corolla will have you convinced otherwise. A firecracker of a three-cylinder engine, an adjustable AWD system, and a true six-speed manual all add up to the best car you can buy right now for under $40,000.
Watch our full video review with Matt Farah
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
9
2023 Porsche Panamera
Price: $93,850
Ballooning SUV sales have led the Panamera to become the slowest-selling car in Porsche's lineup, and we think that's a shame. Two body styles and a range of great drivetrains mean it's one of the most fun big sedans you can buy.
Check out our review of the Turbo S
10
2023 Porsche Taycan
Price: $88,150
Surprising no one, Porsche's first attempt at an electric production car, the Taycan, is a huge hit. Not only does it look good, but it's also the best-driving EV on sale today, hands down.
Here's how it turned me into an EV believer
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
11
2023 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat
Price: $81,040
Like the Giulia, the supercharged V-8-powered Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat isn't expected to stay in production much longer. If big muscle and melting tires are your things, be sure to snag one while you can.
Check out our full review
12
2023 Honda Civic Type R
Price: $44,390
Looking for the best hot hatch experience on sale today? Look no further than the Honda Civic Type R. Expertly tuned inputs, a world-class interior, and real capability result in one of the best Hondas we've ever driven.
Here's why everybody wants one
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
13
2023 Tesla Model 3 Performance
Price: $55,630
Say what you will about Tesla, but there's no disputing the Model 3 Performance's capabilities. It's a true sport sedan, through and through. Just be prepared to deal with reliability issues long-term.
Read our full track test
14
2023 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing
Price: $93,390
We can't say enough good things about the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing. It pairs a perfect chassis to a 668-hp supercharged V-8 and a stout six-speed manual transmission, sending 100 percent of the torque to the rear wheels. It is, without a doubt, the perfect modern sport sedan.
Check out our first drive review
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
15
2023 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing
Price: $62,390
The Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing takes everything about the CT5 and distills it into a smaller, more nimble package. In place of the V-8 sits a more humble twin-turbo V-6, but it's still full of character. Importantly, there's still a stick available.
Here's why it's a serious M3 rival
16
2024 BMW M3
Price: $75,295
The modern BMW M3 may no longer be the exciting, analog sport sedan by which all other cars are judged, but it's still an exceptionally quick machine. Best of all, you can still get it with a real manual transmission.
We're big fans of the Euro-only Touring version
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
17
2023 BMW M5
Price: $111,895
If your goal is straight-line speed and all-out track dominance, you can't do too much better than the BMW M5. With up to 617 hp from a twin-turbo V-8 under the hood paired to a trick M-tuned AWD system, there's no drag strip or race track the M5 can't conquer.
Here's our review of the track-ready M5 CS