Many automakers would probably be happy strictly selling crossovers, but the sedan has still proven itself a lucrative option in the marketplace, and it strikes a balance between practicality and performance that’s aided by its four doors and low center of gravity. Popular sedans, like the Honda Civic, are often seen just as commuters, though.

The inherent brilliance of the sedan is why it’s become the weapon of choice for automakers wanting to introduce a new, sporty vehicle, as it allows just enough practicality to make the bean counter happy while imbuing it with enough performance to make things exciting. However, most models aren’t going to be cheap, or anywhere close to cheap, really, which is why we’ve scoured the industry to find the 10 most affordable performance sedans you can buy new in 2025. It’s somewhat of a subjective list, but we feel these models deliver the right blend of power, handling, looks, and genuine fun to fit the performance sedan criteria.

The 10 performance sedans listed can be purchased new in 2025 and offer at least 200 horsepower. They’ve been compiled from most expensive to cheapest, and the prices do not include taxes, destination, or fees.

10

2025 Genesis G70 2.5T RWD

$42,500

Next to us is another luxury sports sedan, but it’s one that’s gotten even better in the last year. The Genesis G70 has been a remarkably great first entry into the compact luxury sedan segment. It not only has the looks and luxury that buyers are looking for, but it has the poise too, and for 2024, the base engine was upgraded to now make a potent 300 horsepower, 48 horsepower more than in 2023. Coupled with standard adaptive suspension and Brembo brakes, the model is a legitimate threat to the luxury sedan status quo, and should be on your test drive list if you’re in the market.

9

2025 Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint RWD

$41,690

The Giulia Sprint is for those who want their performance with soul. Alfa Romeo has always been known for its Italian style, and the Giulia continues that trend as one of the best-looking vehicles on sale today despite being nearly a decade old. The design just works, and it helps that it also drives exceptionally, too, with a great steering feel and chassis balance that does a great job soaking up bumps. The engine isn’t the smoothest at times, and the brake feel could be better, but it’s no Quadrifoglio model, and much cheaper because of that. It’ll reward you every time you get behind the wheel, and when you finally park it and walk away, you’ll find you’ll look back at it more often than not.

8

2025 Subaru WRX

$35,750

Now we’re finally getting to the more common performance sedans, and the first on this list is the iconic WRX. The newest generation may have ruffled a few feathers, but if you’re looking for something with nearly 300 horsepower and manual transmission in this price bracket, your options just about start and end here, especially if you want four doors. It’s a competitive range because, at this price, you can get a GR Corolla, GTI, or Mustang, but the Corolla is the only one that’s going to compete with the WRX toe-to-toe, and good luck finding one at MSRP. No, the WRX is still a great choice for practicality and performance, and we hate to admit the looks are starting to grow on us.

7

2025 Hyundai Sonata N Line

$35,500

The Sonata N Line is one of two Korean hot-rod sedans that have been flying under the radar, and more people need to know about them. For just $35,500, you can get yourself an N Line, which is the sportiest trim of the brand’s mid-sized sedans, packing a 290-horsepower turbocharged engine. Paired with a genuine 8-speed DCT, the car is remarkably capable, sending about as much power as you’d ever want to the front wheels. AWD would be appreciated here, but it isn’t a full-blown N model. However, you’ll be surprised how this car can hustle, and the refreshed looks finally make it worth looking at. Up and down, this is a great buy.

6

2025 Hyundai Elantra N

$34,350

The Hyundai Elantra N is one of the most interesting cars on the road today, because, out of every automaker we’d think would make a vehicle like this, Hyundai isn’t high on our list. However, it’s been defying conceptions for years, and the Elantra N is evidence of that. 276 horsepower and 289 lb-ft of torque is healthy for a small car, and it can be paired with a 6-speed manual, making it a rare breed.

While it’s not going to be as composed or focused as, say, a Civic Type R, it’s a heck of a lot of fun, with a raucous exhaust that will let the whole neighborhood know you’re coming and the right balance that begs to be pushed in the turns. Plus the refresh has fixed the looks, which gives you another great reason to test one out.

5

2025 Kia K5 GT

$33,290

Looking at the specs, you’ve probably noticed it’s just about the same as the Sonata N Line, and that’s because the Kia K5 GT is. It’s not often a company sells essentially the same model under two different brands (we’re looking at your GM), but we love what these twins have going on here. The K5 is more aggressive looking than the Hyundai, and we really like the looks, as they continue to look fresh even a few year’s on.

Yeah, 290 horsepower is solid, but you’ll probably be surprised to know this car can really handle itself in the turns too, as evidenced by the fact it outperformed a BMW 5 Series in acceleration and handling in a recent test. Are you really going to pick a Kia over a BMW? Probably not, but it’s something to keep in mind.

4

2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

$32,715

Many have wondered over the years why you would ever choose the VW Jetta GLI over a GTI, and we won’t say they aren’t without some decent points. The GLI makes less power than the current GTI, and it lacks the pedigree too, but for 2025, it makes up for both of those thanks to its low starting price and six-speed manual transmission.

If you’re blissfully unaware, VW decided to ditch the manual in the GTI in a move that probably makes a ton of financial sense, but who cares about that? All we care about are our manual transmissions, and the fact the GLI has one is massive in a world that will eventually force you to relinquish that right in the name of quicker acceleration and improved MPGs.

3

2025 Mazda 3 2.5 Carbon Turbo

$32,300

Coming in a smidge less expensive than the GLI is the Mazda 3 Sedan, specifically the 2.5 Turbo model. The model is a masterclass in understated performance because given its size and looks, you’d have no idea it’s packing 250 horsepower. Well, up to 250 horsepower, because when you’re not using Premium fuel you’re stuck with “only” 227 horsepower.

This is good for shooting the model to 60 mph in about 5.6 seconds, thanks in part to the AWD system. Coupled with its upscale looks is a great chassis that feels at home in the curves and soaks up bumps, but it stops just shy of being a genuine sports sedan. That’s fine with us because it just means you’re more than likely to catch your opponent off-guard, especially if they’re driving the next vehicle.

2

2025 Honda Civic Si

$30,250

Coming in as the second most affordable performance sedan in the US is none other than the Honda Civic SI, the champion for affordable performance. Honda knows how to give a model just enough performance to impress, and the SI has been the king of that going back 4 decades now.

Today, this means taking the brand’s handsome sedan, giving it 200 horsepower, excellent handling characteristics, and one of the best manual transmissions in the business. The car is just a joy to drive, but it won’t get away from you, and it returns impressive gas mileage that adds to its 4-door practicality. While you’re not going to win many races, you will have a blast driving this model nearly everywhere, making it the perfect daily.

1

2025 Hyundai Elantra N Line

$28,465

The most affordable performance sedan in the US comes in as the $28,465 Hyundai Elantra N Line, a 200-horsepower sport compact that will impress with its value. This is $1,500 cheaper than the nearest rival, and while the Honda boasts its excellent 6-speed manual and looks that are a tad easier on the eyes, the Elantra N Line is neck-and-neck with it everywhere else.

This is thanks to its 7-speed DCT transmission, multiple drive modes that change the character of the car, and confident handling helped by the multi-link rear suspension. It also benefits from the updates to the entire Elantra lineup in 2024, like an improved front fascia, a new Bose speaker system, and plenty of screen space to handle all of your tasks. There’s a lot to like here, and even if you’re on a budget, it’s hard to call this car settling.

Source: BMW, Genesis, Alfa Romeo, Subaru, Hyundai, Kia, Volkswagen, Honda, Mazda