Sports sedans combine the best in sports car performance and everyday driveability, with enough room for a driver and their luggage or even a small family. Many buyers associate the segment with cars like the BMW M5 or Audi S4 and the sky-high price tags that come along with those machines. But, buying a new sports sedan doesn't have to break the bank.
There's plenty of models that sit around the $35-40,000 mark when they're new, and they offer more than enough performance capability for most drivers. They'll be a lot more fun to drive than a standard passenger sedan, and the best part is just how many options are still out there. No matter whether a buyer prefers FWD or RWD, or a manual or automatic transmission, there's something out there within budget. Let's take a look at ten of the best affordable sports sedans on the market right now.
10 Alfa Romeo Giulia
The Italians have long been associated with making stunning performance cars, and Italy's own Alfa Romeo have proved they've still got it with the Giulia sedan. Not only is it one of the most stunning sedans of recent years, but it's got the performance chops to compete with the best in class too. The entry-level Giulia Sprint boasts a 2.0L turbo 4-cylinder engine, which makes 280 hp.
It's a car built to be driven hard, and it feels best in the higher parts of the engine's rev range. But, around town, it's still a refined and luxurious sedan, with an elegant cabin that's typical of Alfa's current cars. The Giulia starts at $39,450, which makes it very comparably priced with the rest of its class.
9 Kia Stinger
A couple of decades ago, a sports Kia would have only existed as the punchline of a bad joke, but the Stinger proves just how far the brand has come in a short time. The lowest trim, the GT, starts at $39,500, and it's the one to have, as it's a bargain for what buyers get.
It comes with a twin-turbo V6 that makes 365 hp, which makes it one of the most powerful sedans in this price bracket. It also handles very well, being sharp and precise but easy to pick up for the less experienced performance sedan driver. For those wanting to show off a little, the Stinger is also well known for being able to shred its tires at a moment's notice.
8 Subaru WRX
Subaru's sports sedan is well-loved by many, and even after more than 20 years on sale, it's still a solid choice. Starting at $27,495, it's one of the cheapest cars here, but it still handles comparably to many of its more expensive rivals.
It suffers from a mediocre interior and a slightly stiff ride, but it makes up for it with its buzzy boxer engine. It's also available with a manual transmission, which is the preferred choice for many gearheads. It might not be the most refined sports sedan, but its rock bottom prices for the segment continue to win over many buyers.
7 Honda Accord Sport 2.0T
The long-running Honda Accord might be more associated with grocery runs than performance, but the Accord Sport 2.0T is actually a surprisingly exciting drive. It comes with 252 hp and, unusually for a modern family car, a six-speed manual transmission.
That makes it somewhat of a stealthy sports option, and a cheap one too, coming in at $31,360. The Sport also gains chrome exhausts and a subtle spoiler, to differentiate it from lesser models.
6 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus
Tesla's Model 3 is by far the best electric option for an affordable sports sedan, and the Standard Range Plus offers the best compromise between capability and initial price. Starting at $39,690, it's not as quick as the Model 3 Performance, but it still feels fast when it's pushed.
It'll handle 0-60 in 6.1 seconds, which is much faster than most other comparably priced EVs. Range anxiety shouldn't be too much of an issue either, as WhatCar tested the Model 3 and found it to have 181 miles of real-world range, more than enough for most everyday journeys.
5 Audi A4
With just 188 hp, a base-level A4 is one of the least powerful options on this list. But, it shares the same chassis as the excellent S4 and RS4, which means it shares their excellent handling dynamics too. Prices start at $37,400, but a few thousand extra will get buyers an upgraded engine with a much more reasonable 248 hp.
As well as handling brilliantly, the A4 is one of the most comfortable cars in the segment. It levels out imperfections in the road with ease, which makes it one of the best options for long highway stints. And, as soon as it's off the highway, it'll make for an engaging back road cruiser too.
4 Nissan Maxima
It's not going to win any awards as the most exciting sports sedan of recent years, but the Nissan Maxima does offer a solid combination of performance capability and an affordable price. Power comes via a 3.5L V6 that makes 300 hp.
The downsides to the Maxima are the CVT transmission and the fact that the car is only front-wheel drive. But, despite that, it feels fun when it's being thrown around, and it even includes a Sport Mode button which increases throttle response and sharpens the steering. Prices start at $34,250.
3 Dodge Charger R/T
One of the most well-known brands in the American auto industry, there's a reason so many people buy Dodges. The Charger R/T provides both practicality and power, with a 370 hp Hemi V8 and five seats. That V8 pushes the R/T all the way to a top speed of 155 mph, which matches many German import cars.
But, at $36,395, it's cheaper than many foreign rivals. It's one of the only real four-door muscle cars left, and it's the only American option. The perennial popularity of the Charger also means that maintenance and servicing will be a breeze, and resale values should hold well too.
2 Genesis G70
Genesis is very much the new kids on the block, but they've already made a splash in the sports sedan world. The G70 was designed from the ground up as the new brand's smallest sedan offering, and it starts at $37,000.
The base-spec version comes with a 2.0L turbo engine, and even though it's not the fastest option, it still offers plenty of excitement for everyday driving. A 2019 JD Power survey also placed Genesis top of the table for initial quality, ranking ahead of traditional rivals like Lexus and Honda.
1 BMW 330i
The brand that prides itself on making the "ultimate driving machine" has been on a winning streak recently, producing gems like the M2 Competition and the not-a-Supra Z4. Even their base spec models are still worth a look though, and that includes the 330i.
The car comes with a 2.0L turbo which feeds power to the rear wheels, in the traditional sports sedan fashion. It may be the cheapest 3 Series in BMW's lineup, but Car and Driver single it out as the best model, as it offers a solid amount of power and great handling, all for a starting price of $41,250.