10 Best Sport Sedans Under $50k
Even in a market that is dominated by SUVs and crossovers, the demand for four-door sedans still lurks - though these models are getting harder to come across these days. Even more difficult to find are sporty driving four-door sedans that deliver good handling and performance, but at an accessible price point that doesn’t restrict them only to the elite and affluent. Thankfully, there are plenty of sporty sedans on sale today that cost no more than $50,000, including models from BMW, Audi, and Honda.
344-1.png
Honda
Japanese automaker Honda rose from the ashes of WWII and set about its business as a manufacturer of motorcycles initially, only launching its first car, the T360 kei truck, in 1963. Founder Soichiro Honda targeted the American market as the most important nut to crack, leading to generations of iconic nameplates like the Civic and Accord being among America's best-selling passenger cars. Today, Hondas are renowned for their safety, practicality, and reliability, with a sprinkling of performance from models like the Civic Type R.
Featured here on this list are some of the best sports sedans you can buy today within that budget range.
This list ranks all featured sports sedans from the most to least expensive. We have used the latest starting prices for 2025 models according to their respective manufacturers. All information (including changes/updates for the 2025 model year) has been sourced from the manufacturers. In cases where the MSRPs are quoted, note these prices exclude additional fees such as the destination fee, applicable taxes, title, and dealer charges.
BMW M235 xDrive Gran Coupe
Base Price: $49,500
2025 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe
Starting our list of the best performance sedans under $50,000 is an expected option, that being something from Germany in the form of the BMW M235 Gran Coupe. This top-line version of the four-door BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, refreshed for 2025, has standard all-wheel drive like the standard BMW 228 Gran Coupe but has a power bump to the 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine to achieve 312 horsepower and a 0-60 mph time of 4.7 seconds. The M235 Gran Coupe may not have the same rear-wheel-drive setup as its two-door 2 Series Coupe sibling, but as noted in our first drive, we like how this BMW features updated suspension settings and a stiffer chassis to make it more athletic in the corners.
The new M235 feels far more nimble than before with sharper steering, more composed handling, and finally, a bit of feedback to the driver. The outgoing M235i felt like a straight-line car devoid of feel, and we are happy to report that BMW has re-engineered some fun into it.
- Jared Rosenholtz, CarBuzz Editor-at-Large
2025 BMW M235 xDrive Gran Coupe Specs | |
|---|---|
Engine | 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder |
Horsepower | Torque | 312 hp | 295 lb-ft |
0-60 MPH | 4.7 secs |
Drivetrain | All-Wheel Drive |
Transmission | 7-speed dual-clutch automatic |
2025-BMW-2-Series-Gran-Coupe
2025 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe First Drive Review: An Entry-Level Bimmer That Feels Like 'More'
Are the improvements to the new 2 Gran Coupe substantial enough to call the M235 a Baby M car?
Audi S3 Sedan
Base Price: $48,700
2025 Audi S3
Another German sports sedan at the top end of our $50,000 price range, the Audi S3 serves as the entry-level sports sedan model in Audi’s sports-oriented S range. The 2025 Audi S3 Sedan features a slight power boost to its 2.0L turbo four-pot engine, which now produces 328 hp and achieves 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds. Also new to the latest S3 Sedans is a standard torque splitter differential which will send power to the rear wheels when needed for a more engaging driving experience. Readjusted steering settings, updated sports suspension settings, and more powerful front brakes have also been introduced.
For those with more money to spare and yearning for more performance capabilities to work with, we recommend looking into the Audi RS3 sedan with its exciting 401-horsepower five-cylinder powerplant.
2025 Audi S3 Sedan Performance Specs | |
|---|---|
Engine | 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder |
Horsepower | Torque | 328 hp | 295 lb-ft |
0-60 MPH | 4.4 seconds |
Drivetrain | All-Wheel Drive |
Transmission | 7-Speed S-Tronic Dual-Clutch Transmission |
2025 Audi S3 Sedan 3/4 front view
2025 Audi S3 Arrives With 328 HP And RS3's Drift-Inducing Diff
The Audi S3 Sedan touches down for MY2025 with 328 horsepower, blistering performance, and RS3 tech.
Acura TLX
Base Price: $45,400
2025 Acura TLX A-Spec
The first Japanese sports sedan on our list, the Acura TLX comes from Honda’s luxury brand. Sitting above the Acura Integra, the TLX is currently available in its second generation. The flagship sedan in Acura’s lineup has a lot going for it when it when it comes to driving feel, with a front double wishbone suspension setup, aluminum subframe, and lightweight body construction. These all make it an enticing premium sedan to rival the German BMW 3 Series or fellow Japanese offerings from Lexus and Infiniti.
Front-wheel drive is standard, though you can upgrade to Acura’s SH-AWD system to get better handling and grip through the corners, as well as optional adaptive dampers and four-pot Brembo brakes on the top-end TLX Type S, and buyers can get one of the best sports sedans from Acura currently available.
2025 Acura TLX Performance Specs | |
|---|---|
Engine | 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder, 3.0L turbocharged V6 |
Horsepower | Torque | 272 hp | 280 lb-ft (2.0L turbo four-cylinder) |
355 hp | 354 lb-ft (3.0L turbo V6) | |
0-60 MPH | ~5.9 seconds (2.0L turbo four-cylinder, front-wheel drive) |
Drivetrain | FWD or AWD |
Transmission | 10-speed automatic transmission |
/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/gallery-images/original/1065000/200/1065299.jpg
Acura TLX Generations: Everything You Need To Know In One Place
The Acura TLX continues to provide an interesting alternative to premium compacts with sharp looks and strong powertrains.
Genesis G70
Base Price: $42,500
2025 Genesis G70
The first sports sedans from Korea on this list is one from Genesis. The Genesis G70 has proven it can be a serious contender to draw away the usual customers of BMW, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz with an upmarket package for a more attractive price. The base model, the 2.5T with rear-wheel drive, offers good driving dynamics for a car in its class. We previously drove the G70 when it was still available with a six-speed manual back in 2020, and praised the sporty Korean sedan for delivering a rear-wheel-drive experience on par with that normally found in classic BMW M sports sedans. For this price point, the G70 is definitely an option you must check out for yourself with a test drive.
Every poetic word you've read about old-school BMW M cars rings true in the G70. The chassis remains perfectly neutral through the bends and the suspension has been tuned to the perfect mid-point between having enough compliance without too much body lean.
- Jared Rosenholtz, CarBuzz
2025 Genesis G70 Performance Specs | |
|---|---|
Engine | 2.5L turbocharged four-cylinder, 3.3L twin-turbocharged V6 |
Horsepower | Torque | 300 hp | 311 lb-ft (2.5T) |
365 hp | 376 lb-ft (3.3T V6) | |
0-60 MPH | ~4.5 seconds (3.3T V6) |
Drivetrain | Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive |
Transmission | 8-Speed Automatic |
N/A
2020 Genesis G70 First Drive Review: Should You Get The Stick?
The G70 is the last luxury sedan with a manual option.
Subaru WRX
Base Price: $35,750
2025 Subaru WRX tS
The latest Subaru WRX may have launched to lukewarm reception over its decisive exterior appearance (especially over protruding bumpers and elevated ride height), but that has not affected its reputation as a sporty sedan on sale today. The 2025 WRX still brings the brand’s signature all-wheel drive, a flat-four 'BOXER' turbocharged engine, and standard manual transmission, with the option of a CVT automatic and a standard manual. 2025 models also introduce the WRX tS (tuned by STI) model for the first time, which brings upgraded brakes and suspension setup to make it even more athletic through the corners - either on curved roads or through a rally stage.
2025 Subaru WRX Sedan Performance Specs | |
|---|---|
Engine | 2.4-liter turbocharged flat-four |
Horsepower | Torque | 271 hp | 258 lb-ft |
0-60 MPH | ~5.5 seconds (Manual) |
Drivetrain | All-Wheel Drive |
Transmission | 6-speed manual transmission or CVT |
Hyundai Elantra N
Base Price: $34,250
2025 Hyundai Elantra N White Side
Hyundai’s performance N Division continues to break ground going into 2025, with the Elantra N now its only full gasoline model in the range, next to the all-electric IONIQ 5 N. The Hyundai Elantra N easily makes its case as one of the best performance compact sedans on the market. Available either with a six-speed manual or eight-speed N-enhanced dual-clutch transmission, this front-wheel-drive performance sedan has the chassis to back up its multiple aerodynamic features - including an electronic limited slip differential, ‘N Grin Control System’, and ventilated front/rear brake discs.
2025 Hyundai Elantra N Performance Specs | |
|---|---|
Engine | 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder |
Horsepower | Torque | 276 hp | 289 lb-ft |
0-60 MPH | ~4.8-5.5 seconds |
Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
Tranmission | 8-Speed N Dual-Clutch Automatic, 6-Speed Manual |
Hyundai Elantra N rear 3/4
Hyundai Elantra N By The Numbers: 0-60, Horsepower, Lap Times, And More
These are all the headline figures that make the Elantra N such a formidable competitor.
Volkswagen Jetta GLI
Base Price: $33,170
2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI
Making the normally sedate Volkswagen Jetta sedan a lot more exciting, the Jetta GLI applies many of the Golf GTI’s favorable traits, transforming it into one of the best sporty sedans ath the price. This includes the same 2.0L turbocharged four-pot under the hood; here, it pushes out 228 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, all sent to the front wheels via a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Further changes are done to the exterior to bring a sportier character, including GLI exclusive bumpers, front grille design, and alloy wheels.
In a previous test drive of the 2025 Jetta GLI, our team praised the German sport sedan for its perfect blend of both comfort and fun driving feel - alternating between a composed ride, yet responsive inputs to the driver when they command it.
The beauty of the Jetta GLI is in how it balances between its around-town and freeway manners with being straight-up fun to drive on a back road. It's comfortable, the ride is pleasant, it's roomy enough for four adults, and the trunk is generous - but it's also nimble with great body control when roads get tight.
- Ian Wright, CarBuzz
2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Performance Specs | |
|---|---|
Engine | 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder |
Horsepower | Torque | 228 hp | 258 lb-ft |
0-60 MPH | ~5.6-6.1 seconds |
Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
Transmission | 8-Speed Dual-Clutch Automatic; 6-Speed Manual |
2025-Volkswagen-Jetta-GLI
2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI First Drive Review: Keeping Sportiness Alive
The Jetta GLI's value lies in its ability to balance sporty driving fun with daily usability - but it's not perfect.
Acura Integra
Base Price: $33,000
2025 Acura Integra
The nameplate of highly popular compact coupes and sedans in Acura/Honda’s model lineup throughout the 80s-2000s, the Acura Integra returned to much fanfare from the 2023 model year. Though sharing a lot of similarities with the Honda Civic sedan, the Integra aims to be the sportier offering with a more athletic appearance, a coupe-like profile, and better handling. The base Integra, starting from $33,000, is only available with a CVT automatic, but features the same 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder used by the Civic Si - fans of the full analog Integra recipe would need to look into the A-Spec Technology models and up to have the option of the six-speed manual (though it remains within the $50,000 budget). The more powerful Type S costs $52,900, so it's just outside our budget.
2025 Acura Integra Performance Specs | |
|---|---|
Engine | 1.5L turbocharged inline-four |
2.0L turbocharged inline-four (Type S) | |
Horsepower | Torque | 200 hp | 192 lb-ft |
320 hp | 310 lb-ft (Type S) | |
0-60 MPH | ~7.0 seconds (1.5L turbo, CVT) |
Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
Transmission | CVT, 6-speed manual transmission |
Mazda 3 2.5 Turbo Sedan
Base Price: $32,100
2025 Mazda 3 Sedan Carbon Turbo side
The Mazda 3 Sedan might not spring to mind when one thinks of sporty sedans, but look closely at the 2.5 Turbo Sedan, and you’ll find key traits that argue for its case as such - a turbocharged four-pot, available all-wheel drive, and an athletic appearance compared to other compact sedans. Most modern Mazdas, including the 3, exhibit excellent handling characteristics. The 2.5 Carbon Turbo for 2025 starts on the very affordable end of our list at $32,100. This model also has unique Zircon Sand Metallic and Polymetal Grey paint finishes and ‘blacked out’ trim pieces to add to its subtle sporty image.
2025 Mazda 3 2.5 Turbo Sedan Performance Specs | |
|---|---|
Engine | 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder |
Horsepower | Torque | 250 hp | 320 lb-ft |
0-60 MPH | ~6.0 seconds |
Drivetrain | All-Wheel Drive |
Transmission | 6-speed automatic transmission |
/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/gallery-images/original/842000/900/842905.jpg
Mazda 3 Sedan Generations: Everything You Need To Know In One Place
The Mazda 3 started out as a fine-driving small sedan in the early 2000s and morphed into an upscale, refined, and powerful car.
Honda Civic Si Sedan
Base Price: $30,250
2025 Honda Civic Si
This performance-tuned version of the compact Honda Civic has always been a fan among tuners and enthusiasts, with its engaging front-wheel-drive platform and rev-happy four-cylinder engine under the hood. The 2025 Civic Si comes with a 1.5L turbocharged i-VTEC four-cylinder and a six-speed manual as standard - one of the few remaining cars on sale for 2025 available with the desirable enthusiast combination.
It may not have as much power available as other rivals from Europe, but the sports suspension setup and a short-throw manual gearbox make this compact Honda a thrill to push through any number of corners at speed. Those not satisfied have extensive aftermarket support for this platform to fall back upon, if they wish to bring out the potential of this car further.
The tighter chassis and reworked suspension are remarkably composed and are so good that it's almost begging for some old-school automotive journalism cliche. Stick shift that snicks into place with the smoothness of a well-oiled rifle bolt? Check. Controls fall easily to hand? Check. Corners like it's on rails? Check.
- Ian Wright
2025 Honda Civic Si Sedan Performance Specs | |
|---|---|
Engine | 1.5L turbocharged I4 |
Horsepower | Torque | 200 hp | 192 lb-ft |
0-60 MPH | ~6.8 seconds |
Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
Transmission | 6-speed manual transmission |
Which-Sporty-Honda-Civic-Is-Better
Hybrid Vs. Old-School ICE: 2024 Honda Civic Si Vs. 2025 Honda Civic Sport Hybrid
If you're set on a Civic but can't decide between a Sport Hybrid and an Si, the only way to make the call is to compare the differences.
Sources: Acura, Audi, BMW, Genesis, Honda, Hyundai, Mazda, Subaru, Volkswagen
