Admittedly, in terms of dynamics they probably can’t quite match a sports car. They are not blessed with sleek coupe silhouettes. However, these relatively affordable sedans combine the practicality of four doors with relatively sharp handling for a sedan – plus they have straight-line speed that’s exciting enough to make them suitable all-rounders, for busy owners who need a little fun in their daily grind.
For this compilation of sport-oriented sedans, we focused on models that offer performance-inspired character or impressive power. They are all from Japanese brands or sub-brands and are current models.
To give you the most current and accurate information, the data used to compile this article comes directly from the manufacturers, including current prices at the time of publication. Models are listed from lowest starting MSRP to highest.
2025 Nissan Altima SR
Starting MSRP: $28,830
There are many reasons why the Nissan Altima – the brand’s largest and most expensive sedan – is not a sports car, and the lack of a manual transmission won’t help that. Nor did the discontinuation of the turbocharged SR VC Turbo model, which offered 248 hp. However, the Altima wants to convince customers with its available all-wheel drive and there is an SR version with 19-inch wheels and a sporty suspension.
A 0 to 100 km/h time of 7.5 seconds and the CVT box are negative points in the sports car column, but the Altima is a convincing sedan with a highway fuel economy of nearly 40 MPGa decent trunk, and a pleasant interior. Taking horsepower into account, that’s only 12 hp less than the Civic Si; it’s fair to say the Altima tries hard enough to earn our attention in this category.
2025 Honda Civic Si
Starting MSRP: $30,250
If this were a competition focused on value for money, the Honda Civic Si would certainly be the winner. Enthusiasts will point to the Type R as the more exciting option, with 315 horsepower and a host of improvements to make it fast on the track, but it costs $15,000 more than the Si. For less than $31,000, the Si offers a smart manual transmission, as well as upgraded brakes and stiffer suspension than the regular Civic. Reviews also mention the engaging controls.
Some rivals offer more power, and the Civic doesn’t come with adaptive dampers like the Type R, but there is a standard limited-slip differential, and the car is well balanced between performance and everyday usability. 0-100 km/h is possible in around 6.5 seconds, which is only almost 1.5 seconds slower than the Type R.
2025 Mazda 3 Sedan Turbo
Starting MSRP: $36,740
A manual gearbox is available for this attractive and luxury-oriented model, although the more expensive 3-hatchback offers a manual gearbox with a naturally aspirated engine and front-wheel drive. The sedan doesn’t offer the stick, but it does offer front- or all-wheel drive and a turbo model. This turbo model costs $12,000 more than the entry-level model Mazda3 sedanbut increases power to 64 horsepower with an incredible 320 pound-feet of torque.
This also adds all-wheel drive, resulting in a punchy package that can handle less desirable climates. Reviews highlight the refined and composed ride, while the turbocharged engine gives the Mazda 3 the power it deserves. It’s not quite a true sports sedan like the Subaru WRX, but the available power and class-appropriate interior make it a desirable sedan with some excitement to boot.
2025 Subaru WRX
Starting MSRP: $37,750
The first generation Subaru Impreza achieved cult status and the WRX STi badge stirs the souls of many enthusiasts today, helped by the iconic status the Impreza has achieved through motorsport. The same can’t be said of the WRX, but it’s a fully competent sedan with genuine sporting intentions. This performance-oriented sedan is of course now separate from the Impreza, which is now a hatchback with a maximum of 182 hp.
Enthusiasts looking for an affordable and practical car will appreciate the standard all-wheel drive, an available manual transmission and 271 horsepower. A tS model is expensive at almost $48,000, but adds an STI-tuned suspension, Brembo brakes, Recaro seats and 19-inch wheels. A sedan who believes he was born in the wrong body.
2025 Lexus IS350
Starting MSRP: $45,155
There are three main models in the Lexus IS range: the four-cylinder turbocharged IS 300 with 241 hp, the IS 350 with a naturally aspirated V6 with 311 hp, and the fire-breathing IS 500 F Sport Performance. The first two models have rear-wheel drive with the option of four-wheel drive, something the IS500 does not offer. We like the IS 350 for the extra power and the fact that it’s an old-school six-cylinder, capable of pushing the mid-range model to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds.
$45,000 is premium money, and all-wheel drive adds $2,000 to the bill at checkout, but Lexus’ impressive reliability and luxurious cabin won’t leave you feeling shortchanged. The IS series, one of the last naturally aspirated V6-powered sedans, is also nearing the end of its life and will soon be discontinued. It’s not as sharp as some rivals like the BMW 3 Series, but the IS hasn’t lost its sporting ambitions.
2026 Genesis G70 3.3T
Starting MSRP: $53,600
We have to admit that the Genesis G70 is about as far along as you can get from a sports car, but for some, pure power and torque are the most relevant metrics. Despite not matching something like the BMW M3, this model offers up to 365 horsepower from its 3.3-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine. That’s a lot lower than the M3, but then again it’s only four-tenths behind the BMW to 62mph (the Genesis can reach this speed in 4.5 seconds), which is impressive.
Especially considering the G70 costs $25,000 less. It’s still expensive anyway, at over $50,000, and the 2.5-liter turbo model with 300 horsepower starts at $43,500. The Genesis G70 is surprisingly well-tuned with composure and comfort in equal measure, even in the corners, but falls short when it comes to the kind of dynamics an M3 offers. A well-rounded, fast and capable luxury sedan that punches above its weight.
2025 Toyota Crown (Platinum)
Starting MSRP: $54,990
If the Crown nameplate looks new, it’s worth noting that the Toyota badge first appeared in the 1950s; now it is essentially in its sixteenth generation. The last variant with this nameplate left the US in the 1970s, but has now been thoroughly updated. Introducing in 2023, the new Crown is a luxury-oriented Toyota available in North America in two body styles: the Crown sedan and a crossover wagon called the Crown Signia. The Crown sedan starts from around $41,000 and includes a 236-horsepower hybrid setup.
OK, so that’s not much for a big, heavy machine like the Crown, but the Platinum flagship variant (a whopping $13,000 more at checkout) offers a lot more firepower: 340 horses thanks to the Hybrid MAX powertrain, which is also used in the Toyota Highlander range. It replaces Crown’s regular 2.5-litre hybrid setup with a 2.4-litre hybrid turbo engine, delivering a total of 400Nm of torque. Most won’t buy the Crown just for its 0-62mph acceleration time, but it can reach this speed in an impressive five seconds.
2024 Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400
Starting MSRP: $56,900
2024 was the final model year of the aging Infiniti Q50, and while it was a long time coming, it remained a sleek-looking, premium-feeling and quite fast premium compact sedan. Some criticism was leveled at the dynamics, which fell short of the best in the business (BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz), and at the quirky interior, with some saying it was patchy in serving up luxury. The exterior styling still looks good today. However, the standard twin-turbo engine and smooth transmission make it a good choice as a lightly used option.
Even though the car isn’t as sharp as a BMW M340i, the Infiniti Q50 is fast enough to be a sports car: 0-60 mph in about five seconds for the standard model. Stepping up to the Red Sport version unlocked 400 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque, which is as much as a muscle car. 0-100 km/h was now possible in 4.5 seconds, as fast as a first generation Dodge Viper.
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