Back to GuidesEntertaining the thought of a performance-focused four-door vehicle with enough space for the children or a baby seat in the rear seats once meant significant compromises.
However, times have changed, and sports sedans continue to gain popularity as car buyers don't want to sacrifice performance for the sake of wanting a family car.
There are many top-rated performance sedans available today. We sorted through them all to pick the best of the lot for your shopping list. Check them out:
1. Alfa Romeo Giulia
2. Audi S6
3. BMW 3 Series
4. Cadillac CT4
5. Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing
6. Dodge Charger
7. Genesis G70
8. Honda Civic Si
9. Kia Stinger
10. Lexus ES
11. Mercedes-Benz E-Class
12. Porsche Panamera
13. Subaru WRX
14. Tesla Model S
1. Alfa Romeo Giulia
Italian sport sedans have long promised a fun and engaging driving experience, and the Alfa Romeo Giulia remains true to its lineage. This compact car offers one of the most powerful four-cylinder engines in its segment and some of the crispest, most direct handling of any modern car today.
The luxury sport sedan comes standard with a 280-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a starting MSRP of $42,950.
If you want more power and can afford the almost doubled sticker price, then there is the top-of-the-line Quadrifoglio model, which sports a monstrous Ferrari-derived, 505-horsepower twin-turbo 2.9-liter V6 engine. Both powertrain options pair with a snappy and smooth eight-speed automatic transmission and either rear-wheel or all-wheel drive.
Browse Alfa Romeo Giulia listings here.
2. Audi S6
The Audi S6 is a midsize luxury sport sedan, which features a good balance between ride quality and handling. While the BMW M5 and Mercedes-Benz E-Class are high-ranking rivals that offer more cargo space and an easier-to-use infotainment system, the Audi S6 steps up with its spacious seating for five passengers and its cabin laden with high-end materials and modern features. The Audi S6 features one of the nicest cabins in its class.
The standard powertrain on the more basic A6 is a 261-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine, with a brisk 335-horsepower turbocharged V6 engine offered as an option. But it’s the S6 and its 444-horsepower twin-turbo V6 that we really appreciate (not to mention the 591-horsepower twin-turbo V8 in the RS6).
The Audi S6 comes standard with all-wheel drive, which isn’t a popular standard drivetrain for its class. It also has an excellent fuel economy for its class with EPA-estimated ratings of 23 mpg city and 32 mpg highway.
3. BMW 3 Series
The BMW 3 Series may have had its faults in the previous generation, but the small luxury sport sedan redeems itself in much better form for the current model year. Its stands out with its several powertrain offerings, ensuring there is a BMW 3 Series for just about anyone. It is available with a turbo four-cylinder, a plug-in hybrid four-cylinder, and several variants of the turbocharged straight-six engine.
The base 330i model features a 255-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, which is highly responsive in every way. An eight-speed automatic transmission is standard across the lineup of 3 Series models and is one of the best and smoothest in its class. The M3 models also boast one of the only manual transmissions in its class.
The BMW M3 high-performance models are available with all-wheel drive for the first time in the model's history. The base model increases power to 473-horsepower, and the M3 Competition has an impressive output of 503-horsepower. These models gain braking, suspension, and transmission upgrades to help them compete better against rivals like the Alfa Romeo Giulia.
[Browse BMW 3 Series listings here](https://www.autolist.com/bmw-3+series.
4. Cadillac CT4
The Cadillac has come a long way from floaty barges to world-class luxury sport sedans. The Cadillac CT4 represents one of the last internal combustion Cadillacs and offers impressive refinement, sporty handling, and a lineup of powerful engines.
Its immense communication makes every CT4 highly responsive in its moves and extremely composed, making it one of the most engaging in its class. Better still, it is one of the most affordable and costs less than most class rivals, with a starting MSRP of $34,840.
Powertrain options include a base 237-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, a 325-horsepower turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder, and the show-stopper Blackwing with a 472-horsepower twin-turbo V6 engine.
Only the Blackwing has an available six-speed manual transmission option, a rare find for the high-end compact sports sedan segment. The four-cylinder engine options have an available all-wheel drive.
Browse Cadillac CT4 listings here.
5. Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing
The Cadillac CT5-V is a luxury midsize sport sedan that slots in just above the Cadillac CT4. It offers slightly more cargo space and boasts a more modern and responsive 10-inch touchscreen. The CT5-V Blackwing is a crowd-pleaser with aggressive acceleration and a supercharged V8 engine that competes well against rivals like the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio and Mercedes-AMG C63.
Under the hood of the CT5-V Blackwing is a supercharged 6.2-liter V8, which produces 668-horsepower when paired with the standard six-speed manual transmission or optional ten-speed automatic transmission, making it one of the most potent sport sedans in its class.
Turning heads away from other class competitors are the standard magnetorheological dampers, which sense the road surface and your driving intentions and adjust the vehicle accordingly.
6. Dodge Charger
The Dodge Charger isn’t your conventional sport sedan. However, that is what makes it more appealing because you cannot easily find a large rear-wheel drive muscle car with a big naturally aspirated V8 engine in its class; it is a rare find.
While it offers massive power, a smooth and responsive transmission, sounds breathtaking, and a stylish design, it also features a fast and functional infotainment system.
But back to the Dodge Charger’s power—it is a class leader with up to 797-horsepower available. The base engine is a 292-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 engine, but move up through the many trim levels, and you will reach the SRT Hellcat and SRT Hellcat Redeye variants.
They feature a supercharged 6.2-liter Hemi V8 engine. The SRT Hellcat has an output of 717-horsepower, and the SRT Hellcat Redeye has a class-leading 797-horsepower.
Browse Dodge Charger listings here.
7. Genesis G70
The Genesis G70 is a compact sports sedan that offers the best value in the luxury car segment. For an affordable price of $38,000 for the base four-cylinder engine and $43,000 for the V6 engine, you are basically paying the same price for the luxury of an Alfa or BMW sport sedan.
Still, you get more horsepower and value for the money. Better still, despite being more affordable, there is no sacrifice on quality or driving fun, and the Genesis G70 offers an infotainment system that is easier to use than those systems found in European rivals.
Powering the G70 is either a 252-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine or a 365-horsepower twin-turbo 3.3-liter V6 engine. Both powertrains come standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive, but an optional all-wheel drive system is available.
Browse Genesis G70 listings here.
8. Honda Civic Si
The completely redesigned Honda Civic Si is a practical sports sedan if you want great value, plenty of passenger and cargo space, excellent fuel economy, and loads of technology features with an affordable price tag.
However, while practicality may be its selling point in its segment, it is a bit low on horsepower compared to some other compact sports cars.
Starting at $28,000, the Civic Si’s price tag helps it deliver on value and makes it one of the cheapest in its class. The specially tuned chassis and the punchy 200-horsepower turbo 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine help it compete against rivals like the Volkswagen Golf GTI and Subaru WRX.
Drivers will enjoy the customization of their ride with different drive modes, a variable exhaust system, limited-slip differential stick, and standard manual transmission and front-wheel drive.
The Honda Civic Si has an impressive fuel economy with EPA ratings of 27 mpg city and 37 mph highway, which are class-leading figures.
Browse Honda Civic Si listings here.
9. Kia Stinger
The Kia Stinger is closely related to the Genesis G70; however, the most obvious difference is the body style. While the Kia Stinger is larger than the G70, its fastback roofline cleverly distinguishes a practicality-enhancing hatchback.
The powertrains are also similar, although the base Stinger offers more power. The entry-level model features a 300-horsepower turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. The twin-turbo 3.3-liter V6 engines produce the same 368-horsepower.
Both engines are paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission and either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The performance-oriented Kia Stinger GT models are more authoritative with their raucous tone thanks to the active exhaust system, and there is a lot more muscle on tap.
Separating the Kia Stinger from the class of compact luxury cars and sport sedans is its 23.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats. That is more than some crossovers and subcompact SUVs.
Browse Kia Stinger listings here.
10. Lexus ES
The Lexus ES delivers a comfortable form of luxury with a quiet, relaxing cabin and a creamy ride quality. It forgoes the athleticism of its rivals like Audi A6 and Mercedes
-Benz E-Class and instead focuses on being an effortless cruiser with a well-dressed, high-quality cabin.
The interior is laden with posh upscale materials and finishes, while the driver and passengers enjoy support in both the front and back seats. It may not have all the sporty moves of its rivals, but it delivers as much luxury and costs less as well.
The Lexus ES offers three powertrains, including a 203-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with all-wheel drive, a 302-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine with front-wheel drive, and finally, a hybrid powertrain that produces a combined total of 215-horsepower with standard CVT and front-wheel drive.
Opting for the Lexus ES350h hybrid rewards drivers with a class-competitive fuel economy of 43/44 mpg city/highway.
Browse Lexus ES listings here.
11. Mercedes-Benz E-Class
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is everything a luxury sport sedan should be. Thanks to its premium interior quality, powerful engine lineup, and its lengthy list of technology features, it earns its place on our list of the best sport sedans. There are very few rivals in its class that can match the interior opulence of this Mercedes.
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class sports a starting MSRP of $54,950, which is one of the highest base prices in its class. However, you get a lot of car for what you pay, especially considering the range of turbocharged engines.
The engine options include a base E 350 255-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder, the E 450 362-horsepower turbocharged six-cylinder, and the AMG E 53 492-horsepower turbocharged V6. There is also a beefy 603-horsepower twin-turbo V8 engine in the AMG E 63 S, a luxury sport sedan model most rivals can’t match for power and speed.
Finally, the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) system is in a league of its own among infotainment systems. There are multiple ways to control and access the system, and standard features include a 12.3-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, a FrontBass stereo, a touchpad controller, two USB ports, and Bluetooth connectivity.
Browse Mercedes-Benz E-Class listings here.
12. Porsche Panamera
Another vehicle with hatchback practicality is the Porsche Panamera. It would be difficult to list the best sport sedans without mentioning the Porsche name and its sporty reputation. The Panamera is a super luxury car that does just about everything right with its offering of a world-class cabin, stellar performance, excellent cargo capacity, and vibrant range of potent powertrains.
There are only a handful of sport sedans that can match the driving enjoyment of the Porsche Panamera. It is quick off the line, delivers a relaxing ride, and is agile around the turns.
There is no shortage of powertrain options either, and even the entry-level Panamera is a contender for offering one of the strongest options among base models in its class.
The base Panamera features a 325-horsepower twin-turbocharged V6 engine, while the top-of-the-line option is a 690-horsepower plug-in-hybrid setup with a twin-turbo V8 engine and an electric motor.
The Panamera also offers one of the finest gearboxes in its class, and each model pairs with an eight-speed dual-clutch Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) automatic transmission.
Browse Porsche Panamera listings here.
13. Subaru WRX
Right off the line, the Subaru WRX is one of the best cars in the sport sedan segment because all models come standard with all-wheel drive. Rally-inspired compact sports cars are borderline extinction, but the new Subaru WRX aims to reignite the interest.
Under the hood, you will find a 271-horsepower turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four-cylinder engine. The six-speed manual transmission is standard, but there is the option of a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
Those who opt for the CVT, which can also be controlled via the paddle shifters found on the steering wheel, can choose between three different drive-mode settings. The GT trim is CVT only and comes with adaptive dampers.
The WRX's new 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system is vertically orientated and comes with a long list of standard tech features, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While its new system places the WRX on par with rivals like the Hyundai Elantra N and Honda Civic Si, it is a more budget-oriented sport sedan, with a starting price just below $30,000.
Browse Subaru WRX listings here.
14. Tesla Model S
If affordability isn’t a problem and you are looking for an extremely powerful electric sports sedan, then the Tesla Model S should feature on your shopping list. It offers one of the longest driving ranges for an electric vehicle; in fact, very few rivals approach Tesla's driving range and fuel economy estimates.
Then, there is the Plaid variant of the Model S. It is one of the fastest production cars in the world. The Porsche Taycan is a strong contender against the Tesla Model S and is about $12,000 cheaper (the base Tesla Model S starts at $94,990).
The Taycan may have a more upscale interior, but the Model S has a longer electric driving range, more passenger and cargo space, and its acceleration cannot be beaten.
The base Model S has a 100-kWh lithium-ion battery pack and two electric motors; one motor powers the front axle while the other powers the rear axle.
The Plaid variant features an additional electric motor at the rear axle. The base Model S sprints from zero to 60 mph in 3.1 seconds, but the Plaid is unbeaten in its class with a time of 1.99 seconds.
